A review of the Guild’s Personal Accident (PA) insurance cover undertaken by members of the Executive Committee identified that the level of cover provided by the policy was in reality considerably lower than the Guild had previously understood it to be. In addition, this year’s renewal premium was quoted at £2,879, and the brokers also quoted that a further premium of £8,500pa would be required to provide the cover that we had been led to believe we enjoyed.
The review also identified that ringers, being classed as “authorised volunteers” when ringing in any church in the UK with the permission of the relevant authority, are covered by the church’s own insurance. This principle extends to visiting ringers, quarter and peal bands, service ringing (of course), including weddings and funerals, and casual visitors turning up on practice night. The usual care when welcoming visitors is essential and the less experienced ringers carefully managed. Even in churches where a notice disclaiming liability is in evidence – the rule is that, if permission is granted, the body or individual granting that permission is responsible for the safety of those invited to ring.
Every organisation with 5 employees or more (and in this context, authorised volunteers are classed as employees) is legally required to provide employers’ liability insurance. Most churches also have personal accident insurance. The main differences between the two classes of cover are:
- A claim made under a liability policy MUST be able to prove negligence whereas PA cover is “no fault”;
- Employers’ liability cover provides a benefit of up to £10m, whereas PA typically is limited to £10,000 (the Guild has death cover of £20,000).
Extensive discussions with the specialists in Ecclesiastical (who already provide the Guild’s Liability cover) concluded with a decision to provide our PA cover at an annual premium of £874, approximately £2,000 lower than this year’s quote from the brokers. The cover provided is very similar to that actually provided by our former policy with Chubb. The Insurance page on this site has been updated and describes the cover and benefits the Guild has now purchased. It also confirms who is covered and when, and will be printed in the 2025 Handbook. There is an upper age limit of 80. This limit is kept under review by Ecclesiastical and may be revised upwards as the population ages. It should be stressed that there is no upper age limit on employers’ liability cover.
Members should also note that the Guild’s policy only covers ringing in the Salisbury Diocese and does not cover travelling to Guild events.
In summary:
- Ringers are classed as authorised volunteers of the church in which they are ringing and are covered by that church’s employers’ liability and personal accident policy when ringing with permission;
- Members of the Guild are covered by the Guild’s liability and personal accident policy when acting for or on behalf of the Guild.
