Insurance is one of the most important tools an organization can use to protect its people, property and mission. Yet, many leaders of religious institutions, nonprofits, camps, schools and more still make insurance decisions in isolation—often based on cost, convenience or longstanding relationships. While these factors matter, they shouldn’t be the only considerations.

Establishing an insurance committee is a proactive way to ensure your organization’s coverage is comprehensive, strategic and aligned with your evolving needs. In addition, collaborating with an experienced insurance agent or broker can provide valuable insights and access to competitive options, ensuring decisions are well-informed and market driven.

What is an insurance committee?

An insurance committee is a group of individuals—typically drawn from leadership, staff and subject matter experts—who are responsible for overseeing an organization’s insurance program. Their role includes evaluating risks, selecting insurance providers, reviewing policies, monitoring claims and educating stakeholders.

This committee serves as a bridge between an organization’s operational teams and its leadership body, helping ensure that coverage decisions are informed, intentional and mission aligned.

Why having an insurance committee in place matters

Organizations today face a wide range of risks—from property damage and personal injury to cyber threats and employment-related claims. Without a dedicated team to manage insurance decisions, it’s easy to overlook critical exposures or misunderstand policy limitations.

An insurance committee helps your organization:

• Identify and assess risks more thoroughly.
• Ensure continuity and institutional knowledge.
• Improve transparency and accountability.
• Avoid coverage gaps and costly exclusions.
• Strengthen relationships with insurance providers.

Ultimately, the committee helps your organization make smarter, more strategic decisions that enhance resilience, reduce risk exposure and support long-term sustainability.

Key responsibilities of an insurance committee

1. Conducting risk assessments

The committee should begin by identifying all areas of exposure, including:

• Property risks (e.g., buildings, equipment, specialized assets).
• Liability risks (e.g., events, youth programs, counseling services).
• Employment risks (e.g., harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination).
• Cyber risks (e.g., data breaches, digital communications).
• Transportation risks (e.g., owned and non-owned vehicles).
• Workplace safety risks (e.g., employee injuries, compliance with occupational health and safety standards).

A thorough risk assessment ensures an organization’s insurance coverage reflects the full scope of their operations.

2. Selecting insurance providers

Choosing the right insurance provider is about more than price. The committee should evaluate carriers based on:

• Experience with similar organizations.
• Financial stability.
• Claims handling reputation.
• Breadth of coverage options.
• Flexibility in endorsements and riders.
• Quality and responsiveness of customer service.
• Availability of risk management resources.
• Access to value-added safety materials and training.

Working with a provider that understands an organization’s risks, as well as its unique needs and challenges, can make a significant difference in the quality and relevance of their coverage. Committees should also leverage the expertise of insurance agents or brokers to compare carriers, negotiate favorable terms and interpret complex policy language.

3. Reviewing policies and exclusions

Insurance policies often contain exclusions that can leave organizations vulnerable. Common exclusions include:

• Floods and earthquakes.
• Sexual misconduct.
• Mold and sewer backup.
• Foreign travel.
• Cyber incidents.

The committee should review these exclusions annually and determine whether additional coverage or endorsements are needed to fill gaps.

4. Monitoring claims and utilization

For organizations with employee benefits or health plans, the committee can play a role in reviewing claims data to identify trends, manage costs and adjust plan design. Even for property and liability coverage, tracking claims helps identify areas for operational improvement and risk mitigation.

5. Educating staff and volunteers

Insurance is only effective when everyone understands how it works. The committee should help educate staff and volunteers on:

• Incident reporting procedures.
• Risk prevention and safety protocols.
• Policy conditions and compliance requirements.
• Coverage limitations.

This helps ensure an organization remains in compliance and that coverage is not jeopardized by avoidable missteps.

Who should serve on the insurance committee?

The ideal insurance committee includes individuals with diverse expertise and institutional knowledge, including:

• Board members with financial or legal backgrounds.
• Staff members familiar with day-to-day operations.
• Facility managers or program directors.
• HR or finance professionals.
• External advisors (e.g., insurance brokers or consultants). These professionals, particularly insurance agents or brokers, play a critical role in guiding coverage decisions and ensuring alignment with industry best practices.

The committee should report to the board and make formal recommendations, but final decisions should remain with organizational leadership.

Best practices for insurance committee success

To ensure an insurance committee is effective:

• Establish a clear charter outlining its purpose and responsibilities.
• Schedule regular meetings to review policies and assess risks.
• Document decisions and communicate recommendations to leadership.
• Encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives.
• Track progress and celebrate improvements in risk management. Maintain regular communication with your insurance agent or broker to stay informed about emerging risks, new coverage options and regulatory changes.

Take the lead on insurance strategy

Insurance is not a one-time decision—it’s an ongoing process that requires attention, expertise and collaboration. By forming an insurance committee, your organization can take a proactive step toward greater peace of mind.

Looking for more resources to help your organization manage risk? Explore Church Mutual’s risk management resources, including expert articles, checklists and guides designed to help you protect your people, property and purpose.

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This material may include only a general description of insurance coverages and does not include all terms, conditions, and limitations found in Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (“Church Mutual”) policies. The insurance policy, not any general descriptions of coverage that may be found in this material, will form the contract between the insured and Church Mutual. Neither Church Mutual nor its employees, representatives, or agents shall be liable to any party for the use of any information of statements made or contained herein.

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its affiliates disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.