Several church leaders have contacted us recently and told us that some insurance companies have placed limitations on public liability insurance to exclude claims involving abuse. In response to this CCPAS has spoken to several companies.

The Royal Sun Alliance state they have had to pay out a substantial amount in claims against churches. Churches are considered 'high risk' and though they will offer abuse cover, this will only be granted on completion of a questionnaire and risk assessment by the RSA, who will then add an appropriate additional premium to the insurance policy.

ANSVAR (part of the Ecclesiastical family) and Congregational & General both confirm that they do not have such exclusions but have expectations that a church will have a working child protection policy and follow safe recruitment practices etc. Churches need to be aware that most policies say that the insured need to take 'reasonable precautions' (hence the need for effective policies, criminal records checks, training etc). It is therefore possible that if an insurance company consider a church has been 'reckless', then even if a payment is made on behalf of the policy holder to a third party, the insurance company could instigate proceedings to recover these monies from the church in question. We would advise all churches to check their cover, and if unsure, to talk to their insurance broker about possible exclusions to public liability. Brokers have a responsibility to point out any major exclusions to a policy.

This issue also raises concerns in regard to churches who have made significant changes to the CCPAS model policy. Some companies stipulate that churches follow our policy or those of their denomination. If changes have been made that do not carry the support of CCPAS (or the denomination) it is possible this could invalidate insurance cover in relation to child protection issues.

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