Insurance doesn’t have to sound complicated — but sometimes it feels like a different language. Between deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what really applies to your ministry.
At 1225 United, we believe insurance should empower you, not confuse you. Understanding a few key terms makes policy conversations easier and ensures your coverage truly fits your ministry’s needs.
Let’s break down 10 common terms in simple language — and how each one helps protect your people, property, and programs.
1. Premium
Your premium is what you pay — monthly, quarterly, or yearly — to keep your insurance active. It’s the cost of maintaining peace of mind, knowing your ministry is protected if the unexpected happens.
2. Deductible
This is the amount your ministry pays out of pocket before insurance takes over. A higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means covering more upfront when filing a claim.
3. Liability
Liability coverage protects your ministry if someone is injured or their property is damaged during your activities. It’s what helps when accidents happen — a slip in the hall, a fender bender in the church van, or a youth event gone wrong.
4. Property Coverage
This protects your building, equipment, and supplies. If a storm damages your roof or a burst pipe ruins the carpet, property coverage helps repair or replace what’s lost.
5. Endorsement
An endorsement is an addition or adjustment to your policy — a simple way to customize coverage. You might add an endorsement to include special events or extra protection for musical equipment.
6. Exclusion
Every policy has exclusions — things it doesn’t cover. For example, most property policies exclude flood damage unless you add it separately. Knowing these details helps you avoid gaps.
7. Claim
A claim is your formal request for help after a covered loss. Reporting quickly ensures your insurance partner can guide you through next steps and begin restoring what was affected.
8. Policy Limit
Your policy limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a claim. Reviewing these limits with your advisor helps make sure your coverage keeps pace with your ministry’s growth.
9. Umbrella Coverage
Umbrella insurance adds an extra layer of protection beyond your regular policies. It’s especially useful for ministries that host large gatherings or work closely with the public.
10. Risk Management
This simply means preventing loss before it happens — and it’s the heart of what 1225 United helps ministries do every day. From safety checklists to policy reviews, we guide you in reducing risk and keeping people safe.
Clear Coverage Starts with Understanding
You don’t need to memorize every term — you just need to know what they mean for your ministry. When you understand your coverage, you can ask better questions, spot potential gaps, and make choices that truly fit your mission.
That’s where 1225 United comes in. We take the guesswork out of insurance by explaining what matters, why it matters, and how it protects your people and your programs. Because insurance shouldn’t feel complicated — it should feel like someone’s looking out for you.
If you’d like help reviewing your current policy or understanding these terms in context, our team is ready to walk through it with you — clearly, patiently, and with your ministry’s goals at heart.
