Place of Worship Security Guard Insurance

Places of worship are generally considered peaceful places where people congregate as a community. Why then are so many places of worship insisting on having security guards present? Unfortunately, incidents of violence at places of worship are more frequent than you may think.

If you’re a security guard for a place of worship, you may be all too familiar with this. Defusing violent situations takes skill. Sometimes force is necessary. However, by using force, you risk facing a lawsuit. Security insurance for religious institutions can help protect you.

Places of Worship May Not Be as Safe as People Think

Churches and other buildings of worship are places where emotions can run high. This situation can cause unpredictable behavior. Churches can also face dangers from the outside. In 2024, 23.5% of hate crimes were religious-focused. Among various religious hate crimes, over 2,000 incidents took place at churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples.

Threats may include:

• Vandalism
• Bomb threats
• Gun-related incidents
• Arson

Acts of hostility against churches are rising. A report from the Family Research Council indicates that churches experienced more than double the number of hostile incidents in 2023 compared to 2022. With so much potential for violence, it’s worthwhile for security guards to take out church security guard insurance.

Guns in Church Are Becoming Commonplace

The number of violent incidents in churches has led to a growing number of people wanting to protect themselves. This situation has led to a rise in people attending their worship sessions while armed. Most individuals simply carry to protect themselves and are not a risk. However, all it takes is for one individual to lose control.

Most states allow concealed carry in places of worship. In recent years, many states have moved to expand the ability to carry firearms. With every extra person that carries, the likelihood of a violent incident rises.

As a security guard, you’re performing a high-risk job. You require the protection that church security guard insurance offers.

The Threats Church Security Guards May Face

While places of worship should be a sanctuary where people can gather, they can turn into dangerous places, whether due to outside threats or incidents involving attendees. Here are a few examples of the types of threats you could face:

• Violent incidents: If a violent attack should occur, you are often the first line of defense. This position means you could unintentionally cause harm in an effort to help.
• False arrest: You may restrain individuals if you suspect that they could pose a threat to other people or the property. This situation could lead to claims like false arrest or unlawful detention.
• Injury: Injuries to congregation members or visitors could occur when breaking up altercations or trying to control crowds.
• Property damage: In doing your job, you could inadvertently damage church property.
• Negligence: A perceived failure to respond appropriately in a threatening situation could lead to claims of negligence.
• Professional liability: Various events could lead to professional liability claims, such as accusations of failure to follow protocols or improper training.

Why Guards Should Seek Specialized Insurance

Synagogues, mosques, churches, and other places of worship can sometimes turn dangerous. As a security guard, you’re responsible for responding to these dangers. You may need to use force or even carry a gun.

Insurance may help protect you from liabilities incurred in the line of duty. However, all types of security guards are considered to be in high-risk occupations. As a result, many insurers refuse to provide liability coverage, or they place heavy limits and exclusions on their policies. The same goes for homeowners insurance. You’ll likely find that the liability coverage on a homeowners policy is inadequate for your needs.

Specialized security guard insurance is tailored to your position and the unique risks that come with it. In the event of a covered claim, it may provide protection.

XINSURANCE: Place of Worship Security Guard Insurance

XINSURANCE has recognized that the lack of coverage for certain higher-risk occupations is a problem. We are the broker of choice for people who carry out high-risk activities and occupations. XINSURANCE is powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC (“EIB”), an excess and surplus lines insurance brokerage. We identify specialty liability solutions, including liability insurance for church security, through our unique “all-in-one” approach.

Even if you have a claims history or have been denied coverage by another insurance company in the past, XINSURANCE will attempt to find coverage solutions that work for you.

Get a Quote From XINSURANCE for Place of Worship Security Guard Insurance

Place of worship security guard insurance solutions can help you do your job with peace of mind and keep places of worship tranquil environments for their devoted faith communities. Get in touch with XINSURANCE to get a quote for insurance solutions for church security guards.

Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE

Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.