NICUM, the Northern Illinois casualty and liability insurance program, is the most economic and secure insurance option for conference churches. It covers a host of concerns. The program will not drop churches from coverage.

NICUM does not pay claims for maintenance-related damages.

Under the terms of the policy, the insurance does not cover damages caused by cosmetic problems (e.g., building settling, cracking, shrinking, etc.) or the church’s failure to maintain the premises (e.g., wear and tear, rust, corrosion, erosion, fungus, decay, deterioration, wet or dry rot, and mold).

It is the church’s duty to maintain their property adequately so that the property’s condition does not invite damage or destruction. The insurance company does promise to make payment to the insured in the event of a loss covered by the policy (i.e., fire; lightning; explosion; windstorm or hail; smoke; aircraft or vehicles; riot or civil commotion; vandalism; leakage from fire extinguishing equipment; “sinkhole collapse;” “volcanic action;” falling objects; weight of snow, ice or sleet; or water damage).

It is a fact of life that a number of NIC church buildings are many decades old. Because of the age of these buildings, they have ongoing maintenance issues that must be addressed regularly. It is incumbent on a church and its board of trustees to continually assess the wellbeing of the church’s physical structure and a wide variety of supporting systems as to their integrity and ability to function. It is the church’s responsibility to address property deficiencies.

In order to have the greatest latitude in addressing building conditions, the church and trustees will benefit from taking a forward-minded approach to exploring funding and alternative planning options.

For instance, churches may be able to more aggressively save for anticipated future maintenance needs. By establishing such a reserve, the church will be in a better position to care for needs as they arise.

Some churches may find they can’t pay for necessary repairs through capital campaigns, general offerings, bequests, grants, or other fundraising activities. In this event congregations should work with their district superintendent to determine the best ways to continue to church’s ministries. This may necessitate considering options for using or finding space or sharing ministry with other congregations.

The NICUM board remains strongly committed to providing the optimum property and casualty insurance program for our member churches. This will be more affordable when churches commit to in controlling risk as much as possible. When we work together to minimize risk, we will have more dollars available for ministry!