Organizations often look for ways to reduce costs and increase their profit margin. Some even compromise on necessities like worker’s compensation insurance. The penalties for not having adequate worker’s compensation insurance may range from jail time to fines, depending on state laws and regulations.
Even non-profit organizations like churches should never skimp on worker’s compensation insurance. They might assume worker’s compensation is an unnecessary expense for them as most of their workers are volunteers, and they have very few full-time employees. However, they must know that worker’s compensation insurance is an essential part of a reliable church insurance plan.
The chance of an employee getting injured or ill while working in a church is as high as when an employee is working for a regular business. Even though churches don’t operate with the motive of increasing profit margins and expanding their business, they do need people to take care of the church and ensure daily activities are completed smoothly. From pastors and board members to volunteers and full-time employees, various people are working in a church.
These people might participate in community events organized by the church or volunteer to organize a church service, getting injured in the process. This is where worker’s compensation comes into play. It covers all the medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, and lost wages, including death benefits in some cases.
This saves churches from extensive costs of reimbursing the workers for the injuries caused on the church premises. The workers may even sue the church in cases when they are not fairly compensated for their loss. This post will discuss why you should have worker’s compensation insurance in more detail. Keep reading to find out.
Reasons You Should Have Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Reason # 1: Required by the State
As mentioned above, the requirements for worker’s compensation insurance might vary from state to state, but it is binding in all states except Texas and Wyoming. You must connect with a reliable church insurance agent in your area to get an adequate coverage plan.
If an organization fails to get the needed insurance for its workers, there is a high chance the employers can face jail time and a fine for violating state laws. If your employee sues you if you fail to provide fair compensation for their injuries and loss of wages, you are in big trouble.
Even if you claim to be a non-profit organization or a religious ministry, there is no easy way to get out of this mess. Hence, it is best to invest in a reliable church insurance plan that includes worker’s compensation.
Reason # 2: Ensures Employees Are Reimbursed
Even the most benign work environments and non-problematic organizations are not immune to risks and threats. The workers are always vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. An injured employee does not only imply the loss of work but can also become a liability for the organization.
For instance, if the employee sues the organization for the reimbursement of the medical expense or loss of income they have incurred due to their injury or illness, they might be in big trouble. Not only will they have to deal with the legal costs, but they could also suffer reputational harm that could potentially damage their organization.
An existing worker’s compensation insurance plan is like a safety net. You can’t prevent accidents and mishaps within the organization, but you can save yourself from its aftermath. The insurance covers costs like:
- Medical expenses, such as medications, hospital visits, and emergency surgeries
- Lost wages while the employee is recovering
- Disability benefits in case the employee is permanently or partially disabled
- Ongoing treatment expenses like therapy
- Death benefits, including the cost of the funeral and compensation to the survivors
Reason # 3: Protect Your Organization
Whether you are a non-profit organization or a regular business, you must protect yourself. An adequate insurance plan can save you from financial losses and reputational harm. Both these things are not beneficial to any organization’s operations and prospects. While a business may suffer from reduced profits, a non-profit organization like a church might experience a loss of donations due to a negative image.
There, the implications of not having worker’s compensation insurance are not only legal proceedings and punishment but financial damage as well.
Work With the Best Insurance Agents in Washington
No organization and its employees are safe from risks during work, which is why spending on a reliable insurance plan is essential. For all churches that want to invest in worker’s compensation insurance, Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is your best bet.
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers works with greatly qualified church insurance agents who possess the experience and knowledge to answer all your queries. You can schedule a consultation by emailing or calling to ask questions and communicate your church’s requirements to ensure the ministry is safe from unforeseen events in the future.
Their experienced church insurance agents also scout out all applicable discounts, helping you develop a comprehensive church insurance policy that includes church property insurance, house of worship insurance, church liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, umbrella insurance policy, and many more.
They guide non-profits and churches in protecting themselves while fostering their mission in several states, including Texas, California, Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Colorado.