Take the Confusion out of Borrowing or Leasing Vehicles

From time to time, your church or ministry may need to borrow or lease a vehicle for a special event. Before using a vehicle that you don’t own, you need to consider a number of factors.

Vehicle owners are primarily responsible for damage to their vehicles

State laws mandate that vehicle owners (including owners of rental vehicles) be responsible for damage that their vehicles cause. However, if the owner does not have adequate insurance, the driver’s auto policy may come into play. Consider this:

  • The vehicle owner’s insurance is responsible for any damage done by the vehicle or to the vehicle.
  • If someone other than the owner drives the vehicle, obtain information about the owner’s insurance (company name, policy number, and policy term). The driver will need this information if an accident occurs.
  • The driver’s auto insurance may become involved, especially if an accident is their fault.

Know what coverage is included before signing a lease agreement

If you plan to rent or leased a vehicle, you should be understand several factors before you enter into a lease agreement.

  • What primary liability and physical damage (comprehensive and collision) protection does the rental agency provide with the vehicle? You may need to purchase separate coverage for yourself and the vehicle.
  • Purchase a collision damage waiver as part of your lease agreement if you cannot afford to pay the high deductible rental companies usually offer.
  • Leasing agencies sometimes provide no physical damage coverage. If so, contact your insurance agent before picking up the vehicle to make sure that your own auto policy will adequately covers physical damage.
  • Permit only individuals you registered with the rental agency to drive. Otherwise, you may violate the terms of your lease.

Understand what your auto policy covers

Most churches and ministries purchase non-owned auto liability coverage as part of their insurance program. This coverage works on an excess basis, meaning that it comes into play after the vehicle owner and driver have filed a claim with their insurance company. If the vehicle owner and driver do not have adequate coverage, your excess or "back-up" coverage will protect your ministry. However, be aware that it offers no protection for the vehicle owner or for the driver of a borrowed vehicle.

November 7, 2023
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic

Water and the damage it brings can be one of the most devastating property claims a ministry or organization can experience. Fortunately, there's a solution that identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute. It's called FloLogic.

Tags: prevention, plumbing, leaks, water damage
September 7, 2023
Increasing Donor Trust
Increasing Donor Trust

The ability to inspire others to give is a blessing. Because fundraising can be both exciting and challenging, there are some important details to consider that can help your donors, and organization, have a smooth and successful experience.

Tags: ministry, donor, insurance
July 31, 2023
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle

Has your church or school ever been asked to loan or rent one of your vans or buses to another ministry? Rather than running the risk of loaning or renting your own vehicle, you could consider aiding them financially in renting or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency.

Tags: ministry, car insurance, renting, safety, travel
January 26, 2023
Responding to Mission Issues
Responding to Mission Issues

Having insurance coverage specifically designed for long-term international missions helps protect your people and organization from the financial impact caused by injuries, lawsuits, property damage, and more.

Tags: mission travel, protection, insurance, risk, kidnapping, volunteers
January 26, 2023
Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant
Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant

For the second year, the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation is offering the Kingdom Advancing Grant to innovative Christian church programs that are transforming local communities through ministry.

Tags: ministry, grant, foundation, brotherhood mutual foundation
January 9, 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Tags: ministry, insurance, operations, legal assist
November 10, 2022
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s wise for ministries to evaluate their fire safety plan. Whether your ministry is hosting a holiday party, prepping treats for charity, or running a community kitchen, make sure you’re well-prepared with these tips.

Tags: ministry, insurance, volunteers, emergency, fire safety
September 9, 2022
School is Back in Session
School is Back in Session

As school is back in session, it’s important to make sure your school is equipped with the correct safety procedures. Thinking about your school’s physical security as a series of layers can help you find gaps in your plan. Transportation and volunteers are just two important aspects of your school safety plan to think about.

Tags: ministry, protection, insurance, volunteers, child safety, transportation
July 15, 2022
Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change
Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change

Anyone who turns on the news, flips through a magazine, or browses the web can see that American society and culture are experiencing rapid transitions. Some ministries have valid concerns that issues surrounding societal shifts may expose them to negative publicity, governmental scrutiny, or litigation.

Tags: ministry, protection, religious freedom, insurance
May 12, 2022
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers

Cyber security is increasingly crucial in our technologically advanced world. Scammers use many schemes when attempting to steal your data, but you can outsmart them by understanding their methods.

Tags: ministry, cyber security, technology, data, protection
March 1, 2022
Resolving Conflict in the Church
Resolving Conflict in the Church

When conflict occurs in the church, it can threaten the unity of a congregation. Experts say the only way to heal conflict is to acknowledge and address it. But how?

Tags: ministry, peacemaking, conflict, church, mediation, safety
January 25, 2022
Keep Your Ministry's Money Safe
Keep Your Ministry's Money Safe with Organizational Optional Theft Coverage

Theft isn’t just an issue for banks and large companies. Sometimes the kind and caring nature of your ministry is exactly what makes you a target. Organizational Optional Theft Coverage helps to assure that, if a thief takes advantage of your institution, what’s lost can be restored.

Tags: theft, protection, cyber security, ministry
July 22, 2021
Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit
Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit

Most ministry leaders don’t realize there is funding available to non-profit employers including churches, schools, colleges, and camps. This post includes some highlights about the credit and guidance on where to start to see if your ministry is eligible.

Tags: ERC, payroll, tax credit
June 17, 2021
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and weather experts say this season is likely to produce above-normal activity. Take action to prepare your ministry to withstand a hurricane now, so you’re not scrambling when a watch or warning is posted.

Tags: hurricane, weather, weather emergency, safety, damage, prevent damage, protect
May 26, 2021
Online Tithing: Balance Convenience with Security
Online Tithing: Balance Convenience with Security

As finances move more and more into the digital world, online giving has emerged as a convenient option for accepting donations. Just as ministries protect the tithes they receive in the offering plate on Sunday mornings, they should take care to protect online gifts and donors.

Tags: severe weather, property, property damage, hail
May 10, 2021
Hail Damage: Prepare and Lessen Potential Impact
Hail Damage: Prepare and Lessen Potential Impact

While we can’t change the weather in Texas, there are things your ministry can do to help lessen the damage hail leaves behind. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company offers some things to consider. 

Tags: severe weather, property, property damage, hail
March 16, 2021
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now

When severe storms strike, they can produce high winds and tornadoes. Damaging winds can wreak havoc on your ministry’s property and to buildings. A high wind event can crash debris through your windows, strip your siding, down trees on your parking lot, peel shingles off your roof, and fling back the flashing.

Tags: weather emergency, lightning, storms, safety, protect
February 25, 2021
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles

Thieves are taking advantage of soaring precious metal prices. Take steps to protect your ministry’s vehicles and property.

Tags: protect, theft, vehicle
February 5, 2021
Avoid Frozen Pipes as Temperatures Plummet
Avoid Frozen Pipes as Temperatures Plummet

As temperatures plummet, the risk of freezing pipes soars. Frozen pipes can cause costly messes that could also put your ministry on hold while you clean up.

Tags: frozen, building, pipes, prevent damage
November 23, 2020
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season

Preparing for this Christmas season may require additional creativity, due to the uncertainty of what COVID-19 may bring in our local community.

Tags: COVID-19, health, health safety, protect, coronavirus, Christmas, risk management