news article
Flood Insurance: Is your church protected?
July 29, 2025 / By Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States—impacting 99% of U.S. counties since 1998. Yet many property owners, including churches, remain uninsured against this major risk. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Board of Trustees is urging all congregations to assess their flood risk and consider whether they have adequate coverage.
Many churches are surprised to learn that typical policies do not cover flood damage. Even properties located far from rivers or coastlines are at risk due to changing land use, development, or severe weather. Just one inch of water can cause approximately $25,000 in damage to a church building and its contents.
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.
To help congregations navigate their options, representatives from Lightwell will be reaching out to local churches in the coming weeks. However, church leaders don’t need to wait—feel free to contact either agent directly with questions or to get started:
- James Nguyen – Jnguyen@Lightwell.com | (315) 414-8631
- Brandon Bower – Brandon@BowerIns.com | (484) 973-6111
You can also visit www.floodsmart.gov to explore your flood risk and learn more about coverage options.
Click here to view the full flyer with details so you can protect your church, the mission, and the congregation’s peace of mind.