Workers' Compensation in Texas: Optional, But Read This First
Texas is the only state where workers' compensation is generally optional for private employers — including churches. But opting out (“nonsubscribing”) means losing the legal protections that come with coverage: an injured employee can sue the church directly, and the church loses key common-law defenses. For most congregations with paid staff, workers' comp — or a carefully structured alternative — is still the prudent choice. We'll walk your board through both paths, including pay-as-you-go options that fit part-time and seasonal payrolls.
Texas Property Risks
Texas churches sit in one of the country's toughest property markets: hail and tornado exposure across North Texas and the Panhandle, hurricane and windstorm exposure along the Gulf Coast (where TWIA wind coverage may be part of the answer), and severe summer heat that ages roofs fast. Roof age and condition now drive Texas church property pricing more than almost any other factor — a roof inspection before renewal can change your quote meaningfully. We help congregations document replacement cost accurately so a hailstorm doesn't turn into an underinsurance problem.
What Drives Church Insurance Cost in Texas
We do not publish premium figures, because two Texas congregations of the same size can price very differently. What actually moves the number here is hail and windstorm exposure, roof age and condition, and how much of your campus is owned versus rented, along with your loss history and the limits your board chooses — particularly the sexual abuse and molestation limit and whether defense costs sit inside or outside it. The only reliable answer is a side-by-side comparison of what the church carriers will do with your specific building, staff and programs, which we prepare at no cost.
Coverage for Texas Houses of Worship
Most Texas organizations combine property, general liability, workers' comp, abuse & molestation, D&O, and cyber coverage into one package. We compare specialist church carriers side-by-side and deliver quotes within one business day.