Whether you’re considering adding employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) to your church’s coverage or thinking of comparing pricing, the experts agree: There are ways to save money on such a policy as well as lower the risk of claims that might involve it.

“The best way to prevent these claims is to manage employees well,” said GuideOne’s Brian Gleason. “This policy is intended to be a backstop if everything should go wrong.”

Gleason recommends preventive steps starting before hiring, with a thorough application process that includes background screenings. After hiring, he recommends regular performance appraisals that allow communication about an employee’s performance and include expectations for the future.

“Clear lines of supervision are important,” Gleason said. “Sometimes in churches that can be challenging, but it helps to have a defined understanding of expectations of the employee and for the supervisor to make sure those are communicated.”