Ramsgate
CHURCHES AND CHRISTIAN CHARITIES
A local, family-owned business, Bridges Insurance Brokers specialises in the charity insurance sector, including churches and Christian charities. With a percentage of management and staff regularly attending church and active in Christian work, Bridges has a good understanding of what it means to be part of this sector. The firm stays up to date with market trends by following other insurance and Christian media and regularly discussing the market with insurer partners. The church and charity team includes ordained pastor Greg Bridges, managing director; Nathan Friend, commercial consultant; and Emma Christian, business development executive. When working with churches and Christian groups, the team inform their clients about “the hazards involved in some of their activities”, Christian says. “Culturally, they wish to provide a warm and inclusive community as a priority, and sometimes health and safety or insurance considerations come lower down that priority list.” In terms of major risks faced, Christian says liability claims, including incidents such as trips and falls at churches or church events, are increasing, as well as other risks that are top of mind. “Theft of metal is very common, and claims can be exacerbated by church buildings being unoccupied during the week or at certain times. However, material damage to property claims are still a larger source of insurance claims,” she says.
