Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Insurance Services for Churches and Charities
Established in 1879, we are a dedicated insurance provider wholly owned by the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland. Our primary mission is to serve as a centre of excellence for insurance and risk management advice, specialising in tailored solutions for Church of Scotland congregations, associated bodies, and charitable organisations. With over 140 years of experience, we combine deep sector knowledge with a commitment to affordability and proactive service.Our expertise extends to arranging comprehensive insurance cover, including buildings, contents, liability, and specialised policies for ecclesiastical activities. We also offer Home insurance for Ministers and Congregation members while supporting broader charitable objectives through Gift Aid contributions. Our team of professionals delivers expert guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and partnerships with leading insurers to ensure robust protection for our clients.
Services
Church Insurance
Manse Insurance
Contract Works Insurance
Special Events Insurance
Home Insurance
Liability Cover
Breach of Duty Protection
Personal Accident Insurance
Charity Trustees Indemnity
Glass/Money/Contents Insurance
Highlights and features
- We have over 140 years of specialist experience in church insurance
- Our policies include tailored cover for ecclesiastical activities and special events
- We provide 24/7 emergency claims assistance through Aviva's dedicated line
- All profits support Church of Scotland charitable objectives via Gift Aid
- We offer flexible insurance packages with limits up to 10M for public liability
Services
Church Insurance Scheme
Our dedicated Church Insurance Scheme provides comprehensive protection for Church of Scotland congregations. Covering buildings, contents, and liability with flexible options including 10M public liability limits. Policies support normal ecclesiastical activities like charity shops and fundraising events while profits support church objectives through Gift Aid.
Manse Insurance
Specialist insurance for ministerial residences offering protection against risks like water damage and underinsurance. Includes extended cover developed following winter claims analysis. Designed to protect church-owned properties housing clergy members and their families.
Contract Works Insurance
Insurance for building projects up to 150,000 value providing protection during construction phases. Essential for churches undertaking renovations or extensions. Part of our flexible package allowing tailored coverage for specific project requirements and timelines.
Special Events Insurance
Coverage for temporary activities including fundraising events and community gatherings. Designed to address unique risks associated with temporary setups like bouncy castles and inflatables. Available as standalone cover or integrated with existing church policies.
Home Insurance
Tailored home insurance for Church of Scotland Ministers and Congregation members. Combines standard home protection with specialist understanding of clergy housing needs. Available through our broader insurance brokerage services beyond the core church scheme offerings.
People
Barry Clarkson
Chief Executive
Leading the organisation with extensive insurance expertise, Barry oversees strategic direction and operational excellence. With deep knowledge of ecclesiastical insurance needs, he ensures alignment with Church of Scotland objectives while maintaining commercial viability.
Yvonne Bradley
Underwriting & Administration
Managing policy administration and underwriting processes, Yvonne brings specialist knowledge of church insurance requirements. She ensures accurate risk assessment and efficient policy management while maintaining high service standards for congregations and associated bodies.
Julie McLaren
Accounts
Handling financial operations with precision, Julie manages accounting functions while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Her work supports the organisation's charitable mission through proper financial stewardship and reporting.
Questions
What does the Church Insurance Scheme cover?
Our scheme covers buildings, contents, loss of revenue, glass, money, personal accident, liabilities, charity trustees indemnity, and breach of duty. Optional sections and special event coverage are also available.
How do I make a claim outside office hours?
For emergency claims assistance, call Aviva's 24/7 line on 0800 015 1498. Have your church scheme reference (e.g., M0001) and policy number 100719844BDN ready for verification.
Can non-Church of Scotland organisations get insurance?
While the Church Scheme is exclusive to Church of Scotland congregations, we can arrange alternative covers through partner insurers for other charitable and not-for-profit organisations with different requirements.
How are policy limits determined?
Standard public liability limits are set at £10M from January 2019. Specific requirements like contract works up to £150,000 can be accommodated. We advise regular sum insured reviews to prevent underinsurance.
What additional services are available?
Beyond core church insurance, we offer manse policies, special event coverage, contract works insurance, and Home insurance for Ministers. Our brokerage services access wider market solutions for unique requirements.