Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY will assist each church in obtaining the documentation you need. Contact them at (800) 326-7200; (717) 763-5517 (fax) or email: UMCservice.NY@Lightwell.com.

While Brotherhood Mutual policies used by many churches include limited flood water coverage up to $5,000, greater protection can only be obtained through a dedicated flood insurance policy. These policies often carry a 30-day waiting period before they take effect, so timely action is essential. You can also visit www.floodsmart.gov to explore your flood risk and learn more about coverage options. 

Link to new Brotherhood article: Returning to Flood Damaged Areas - Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company

Auto insurance is available with Brotherhood Insurance. Contact Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY for a quote at 800-326-7200.

Brotherhood Insurance partners with three companies to provide background/screening options. Each offers choices for the type of information you are looking for. There are many options and price ranges for different screening needs, based on your ministry. Visit the website to learn more.

• Brotherhood only requires one screening per employee or volunteer for the screening credit, but recommends screening every 3 years. Your committee or group may require more frequent screening.

• Trusted Employees has been used by many for years and is still available for your use. Trusted Employees fees may have increased since we no longer will receive the Church Mutual discount.

Please contact Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY for information and coverage questions at 1 (800) 326-7200. 

Brotherhood Mutual Safety Library: https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/safety-library

A church should obtain a certificate of liability insurance from any third party using its property to verify that the group carries adequate coverage and that their policy is active, accurate, and sufficient for the activities taking place. Having the church named as an additional insured ensures the church is protected if an injury, accident, or damage occurs during the third party’s event, helping prevent financial loss and reducing the likelihood of lawsuits against the church. This simple step helps the church manage risk, contain exposure, and maintain safe and responsible use of its facilities.

How to Request Additional Insured Status

1. Tell the third party up front

   Let the organization know that using the church’s property requires naming the church as an additional insured on their liability insurance policy. This should be part of your facility‑use agreement or rental terms.
   

2. Provide the exact legal name of the church

   The insurance certificate must match the name used in your contract or facility‑use agreement to avoid coverage issues.
   

3. Have the third party contact their insurance agent

   They will request the endorsement directly from their insurer. This is typically a routine process and often costs the organization little or nothing.
   

4. Obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

   Ask the third party’s insurance agent to send the COI directly to the church. The document should:

   • Show the church listed as additional insured

   • Include the correct policy dates

   • Show liability limits that meet or exceed the church’s requirements

   • Match the legal name in your agreement
     

5. Verify and update annually

   Check for expiration dates and request a new certificate whenever the policy expires or the group continues using the property.

Fill out an Injury Report as soon as possible whether or not you file a claim for everyone who witnessed the incident.

For questions about claims:

Brandon Bower, Sales Manager, Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY

Phone: (800) 326-7200

Cell: (646) 565-0193

Email: BBower@Lightwell.com

James Nguyen, Primary Account Executive, Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY

Phone: (315) 414-8631

Email: JNguyen@Lightwell.com

Each church will receive two separate invoices for its portion of the conference-wide insurance program premium. These two bills will cover all costs the church will be responsible for each year. Invoice #1 will be sent directly to each church from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company and will be paid directly to Brotherhood Mutual, covering the majority of each church’s annual insurance cost. This invoice will arrive in December and will initially be billed quarterly. Options to pay annually, set up EFT payments, or move to a monthly 12-pay EFT billing plan are available. If a church intends to pay monthly, the information on the Direct Pay EFT form (included in this packet), along with a voided check, must be returned to the Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY office as soon as possible.

Invoice #2 will be sent directly to each church from Lightwell Insurance Advisors of New York and will be paid directly to them. This invoice will cover each church’s annual Workers’ Compensation cost, Umbrella premium, and any additional package policy premiums or discounts included in the billing. It will be issued quarterly. Quarterly payments by check should be made out to and mailed to Lightwell Insurance Advisors of New York. The invoice will also include information directing the church to a website offering secure EFT and credit card payment options for quarterly payments. Due to the smaller premium size of this invoice, only quarterly or annual payment options will be available.

Questions About Billing or Coverage

For questions about how your church’s individual billing or annual policy cost was determined, please contact:

Brandon Bower, Sales Manager, Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY

Phone: (800) 326-7200

Cell: (646) 565-0193

Email: BBower@Lightwell.com

James Nguyen, Primary Account Executive, Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY

Phone: (315) 414-8631

Email: JNguyen@Lightwell.com

The Book of Discipline requires local church trustees to annually review and report on the adequacy of local church property and liability insurance coverage “to ensure that the church, its properties, and its personnel are properly protected against risks.” Since 1797, the Book of Discipline has provided that the property and assets of local churches are held in trust for the benefit of the denomination. Inadequate insurance puts local church property and assets at risk, including the denomination’s trust interest therein. Therefore, in representing the denomination’s trust interest, the following minimum insurance requirements are adopted for local churches:

Payments to Brotherhood insurance can be done on-line through the Brotherhood website. Set up an account and schedule your payments.  You can also view your payment history.

Letter from Trustees announcing the change

Flood insurance information

Contact Lightwell Insurance Advisors of NY

For more information about Claims:

View Property & Liability Insurance Articles