The short version
- Abuse coverage is the critical decision. Many general liability policies exclude or sharply limit sexual misconduct and abuse claims. Churches with youth programs need it written deliberately.
- Washington clergy are mandatory reporters. RCW 26.44.030 now lists members of the clergy first among those who must report suspected child abuse, and unlike other professionals they get no exemption for privileged communications under that section. How this applies to confession has been the subject of litigation, so get legal advice on that question.
- Idaho requires everyone to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours, with a narrow exemption for confessions made to an ordained minister in a qualifying church (Idaho Code 16-1605).
- Boards need D&O. Volunteer board members can be named personally in disputes over decisions, finances, and employment.
- Washington's discrimination law excludes religious nonprofits from its definition of employer, but courts have limited that exemption for some roles, so EPLI still matters.
Coverage for a church or ministry
| Coverage | What it handles |
|---|
| Commercial property | The building, sanctuary contents, organs and instruments, and lost income from rentals |
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| General liability | Injuries at services, events, and on the property |
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| Sexual misconduct and abuse | Claims involving clergy, staff, or volunteers; check the limit and whether defense is inside it |
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| Directors and officers | Claims against the board and leaders over governance and finances |
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| Employment practices | Claims from staff, often packaged with D&O |
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| Hired and non-owned auto | Volunteers driving their own cars to events and trips |
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| Cyber | Donor, member, and giving data, and fake payment requests |
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| Commercial umbrella | Serious injury and abuse claims above primary limits |
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Child abuse reporting
| Washington | Idaho |
|---|
| Clergy | Members of the clergy are mandatory reporters (RCW 26.44.030, amended 2025) | Anyone with reason to believe a child is abused must report within 24 hours (Idaho Code 16-1605) |
|---|
| Privileged communications | The section's privilege exemption does not apply to clergy; confession has been litigated, so seek legal advice | A duly ordained minister is exempt for a confession or confidential communication made in an ecclesiastical capacity, if the church is a 501(c)(3) and the communication was direct and confidential |
|---|
| Failing to report | Penalties apply | A misdemeanor |
|---|
Training, screening, and two-adult policies for youth programs reduce both the risk and the cost of abuse coverage.
Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws were checked against primary sources in October 2026.