Workers’ Compensation
Employers with fewer than four employees may not be required by Florida Law to have Workers’ Compensation Insurance. We at Beacon Insurance, strongly urge the churches, nonprofit organizations and private schools we work with to consider the benefits of having Workers’ Compensation Insurance for churches and ministries. In the event that an employee suffers an injury on the job, the question of liability will almost certainly arise. Under such circumstances, these organizations are at great risk for financial responsibilities. Without proper coverage, they might not be able to handle this liability.
Following Exemption Guidelines
Under Florida Law, churches and ministries with fewer than four employees are not required to procure Workers’ Compensation Insurance. However, these organizations will be responsible for all medical bills. These include rehab and all lost wages as long as the employee is unable to work. Also, you must post clear, written notice in a conspicuous location directed to all employees and other individuals performing services of their lack of entitlement to Workers’ Compensation benefits under Florida Statute Chapter 440.
Why Consider Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
If an employee or a worker at your church or ministry gets hurt while at work or suffers a job-related illness, even churches employing fewer than four employees will endure a financial burden. Medical costs, loss of wages and treatment following injury or illness often become the subject of litigation. Workers’ Compensation for churches and ministries is far less expensive than covering an employee’s medical care or lost wages. It will also provide the financial coverage to keep the worst from happening.
In our years of working with churches, nonprofit organizations and private schools, the agents at Beacon have gained a great understanding of the many unique challenges faced by those who serve the community.
Coverage Benefits
Should your church elect to purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance for churches and ministries, the policies we offer through GuideOne provide coverage for:
- Wage replacement for employees disabled by work-related injuries or illness. By law, the amount of the replaced wages should be adequate, equitable, prompt and clear. Injured or ill workers are entitled to wage replacement during the period of time that they are totally or partially disabled. Wage replacement coverage ensures that your church will be financially prepared, and cash benefits are computed as a percentage of wages.
- Restoring disabled workers through the payment of any medical or vocational rehabilitation that is considered necessary in order to enable their return to work. As an employer, you are required to provide medical care to workers at no cost to them. Workers’ Compensation coverage provides your church with the financial means to pay costs including:
- First aid treatment
- Hospital services
- Medical supplies
- Medical/vocational rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Physician services
- Prescription medications
- Surgical care
Many churches pay ministers as independent contractors rather than as actual employees of their church. However, most state Workers’ Compensation bureaus do not consider clergy to be contract workers because of the unique relationship between the employer and employee. Because of this, it is crucial to ensure that your minister –or any other contracted employee – is provided with full workers’ compensation coverage.
Insurance Experience that Matters
At Beacon have nearly twenty years of experience in providing specialized insurance for churches and ministries. We especially recommend policies for Worker’s Compensation Insurance. We have formed strong partnerships with GuideOne Insurance. This partenership has afforded us the ability to offer exclusive access to invaluable safety resources that our clients will certainly need. We help keep your churches and ministries safe in a wide variety of situations. Most importantly, we help you in cases of injured workers. Our greatest mission at Beacon is to illuminate our clients’ path to peace of mind. We strive to empower them with the tools they need to serve the world that needs their light.
Protect your ministry with Worker’s Comp insurance. Call the experienced agents at Beacon Insurance Agency to learn more about the Workers’ Compensation Insurance for churches and ministries we offer today!
