UK church insurance claims 'hit £25m'
Charities
18th September 2008
Insurance claims from UK churches have hit the £25 million mark, it has emerged.
The soaring rate of lead theft from church roofs is among the reasons for the huge number of claims.
According to Congregational and General, claims resulting from the theft of metals such as lead increased by 86 per cent. This year has seen a further 57 per cent rise.
Margaret Slater, marketing manager for the firm, said "We believe a significant number of churches across the UK could reduce or in some cases eliminate their claims by taking some relatively simple preventative steps and reduce the burden of premium increases in the future."
She said the careful, defensive planting of thorny bushes in church grounds can help to deter thieves.
Christian Today reports around one in six churches have claimed on their insurance policies in the last year. Other causes of claims include arson and theft from altars.
