Carrier vs. Carrier Comparisons
The best car insurance for church-owned vehicles includes Erie, AAA, and Farmers, with rates starting at $75 per month.
Erie stands out for its reliable coverage, making it the top choice for affordable church insurance. AAA offers membership perks for pastors using church-owned vehicles, while Farmers provides excellent service and valuable discounts.
| Company | Rank | Bundling Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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#1 | 25% | A+ | Reliable Coverage | Erie |
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#2 | 15% | A | Membership Perks | AAA |
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#3 | 20% | A | Excellent Service | Farmers |
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#4 | 10% | A+ | Innovative Programs | Progressive |
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#5 | 25% | A | Safety Features | Liberty Mutual |
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#6 | 5% | A+ | Senior Benefits | The Hartford |
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#7 | 15% | A | Driver Savings | Safeco |
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#8 | 20% | A+ | Flexible Policies | Nationwide |
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#9 | 16% | A++ | Customized Plans | Auto-Owners |
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#10 | 13% | A++ | Comprehensive Discounts | Travelers |
Compare quotes and coverage options below to find the best companies for commercial car insurance for your church vehicle.
Our free online comparison tool allows you to compare cheap car insurance quotes instantly — just enter your ZIP code to get started.
What You Should Know
- Affordable church auto insurance rates start at $78 a month with Erie
- AAA commercial car insurance for churches is only available with a membership
- Fleet insurance is needed to cover multiple church-owned vehicles
#1 – Erie: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Reliable Protection: Covers church-owned vehicles, pastors, and volunteers for liability and damages. See our Erie insurance review for details.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $78 per month, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Custom Policy Options: Includes fleet insurance, rental reimbursement, and uninsured motorist coverage for church-owned vehicles.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Coverage for church-owned vehicles is only offered in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- No Online Quotes: Church-owned vehicle policies must be purchased through an agent, slowing comparisons.
#2 – AAA: Best for Membership Perks
Pros
- Exclusive Benefits: Includes roadside assistance, travel discounts, and free towing for church-owned vehicles.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $88 per month, providing budget-friendly protection.
- Multi-Vehicle Savings: Discounts for insuring multiple church-owned vehicles under one policy. Read our AAA review to learn more.
Cons
- Membership Required: Church-owned vehicles must be insured through an active AAA membership, adding extra costs.
- Limited Fleet Options: AAA does not offer advanced fleet management or tracking tools for church-owned vehicles.
#3 – Farmers: Best for Excellent Service
Pros
- Top Support: Dedicated agents help churches manage policies and file claims easily for church-owned vehicles.
- Bundling Discounts: Save by combining church-owned vehicle insurance with property or liability policies. You can find more details in our Farmers review.
- Commercial Gap Insurance: Farmers commercial auto add-ons will cover the lease or loan on your church-owned vehicle if it's totaled in a covered event.
Cons
- High Rates for Coverage: Farmers is one of the most expensive car insurance companies for church-owned vehicles.
- Limited Availability: Farmers commercial insurance for church-owned vehicles is not available in every state.
#4 – Progressive: Best for Innovative Programs
Pros
- Smart Discounts: The Snapshot® telematics program rewards churches for safe driving on church-owned vehicles. Our Progressive review goes into more detail.
- Fleet Tools: Offers vehicle tracking, commercial auto add-ons, and digital access for church-owned vehicles.
- Online Management: Progressive's website and mobile app make it easy to manage church insurance policies and file claims.
Cons
- Price Increases: Some churches report higher renewal rates on church-owned vehicles over time.
- Expensive Coverage: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $92 per month, one of the highest on this list.
#5 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Safety Features
Pros
- Safety Rewards: Up to 35% discount for church-owned vehicles with backup cameras, anti-lock brakes, and alarms.
- Safe Driver Savings: Maintain a clean driving record and save 20% on insurance for church-owned vehicles.
- New Vehicle Replacement: Covers full replacement if a church-owned vehicle is totaled. Read our in-depth guide for a review of Liberty Mutual.
Cons
- Higher Base Rates: Liberty Mutual is the most expensive auto insurance company for church-owned vehicles, starting at $95 monthly for minimum coverage.
- Poor Customer Service: It ranks lower than other church car insurance companies in annual J.D. Power satisfaction surveys.
#6 – The Hartford: Best for Seniors Benefits
Pros
- Senior Driver Savings: Discounts for pastors and volunteers over 50 driving church-owned vehicles.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $85 per month, making it an affordable choice.
- Fast Claims Service: According to The Hartford customer reviews, quick payouts ensure church-owned vehicles return to service faster.
Cons
- AARP Required: The best discounts for church-owned vehicles are only available to AARP members.
- Limited Fleet Policies: Does not provide extensive multi-vehicle options for church-owned vehicles.
#7 – Safeco: Best for Driver Savings
Pros
- Safe Driver Discounts: Up to 20% savings for clean driving records on church-owned vehicles. Learn more savings in our Safeco insurance review.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $87 per month, offering cost-effective protection.
- Flexible Billing: Choose monthly, quarterly, or annual payments for church-owned vehicles.
Cons
- High Deductibles: Lower premiums require higher out-of-pocket costs for church-owned vehicle claims.
- Limited Online Tools: Lacks advanced mobile app or digital claims processing for church-owned vehicles.
#8 – Nationwide: Best for Flexible Policies
Pros
- Custom Coverage: Adjust liability limits and add towing for church-owned vehicles. Explore our Nationwide review to learn more.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $75 per month, making it the cheapest option.
- Fleet Savings: Discounts for insuring three or more church-owned vehicles under one policy.
Cons
- Basic Online Tools: Digital claims and policy management are limited for church-owned vehicles.
- No Online Quotes: You must go through an agent to buy Nationwide business or commercial auto insurance for church-owned vehicles.
#9 – Auto-Owners: Best for Customized Plans
Pros
- Personalized Policies: Tailored coverage for church vans, buses, and staff vehicles. To learn more, check out our detailed Auto-Owners review.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $83 per month, offering a balance of cost and coverage.
- Strong Claims Support: High customer ratings for fast and fair claim resolutions for church-owned vehicles.
Cons
- Agent-Only Service: Church-owned vehicle insurance policies must be purchased and changed through agents, not online.
- Limited Locations: Not available in all states, restricting church-owned vehicle insurance options.
#10 – Travelers: Best for Comprehensive Discounts
Pros
- Multi-Policy Savings: Discounts for combining church-owned vehicle insurance with property and liability coverage.
- Low Rates: Minimum coverage for church-owned vehicles starts at $80 per month, making it a cost-effective choice.
- A++ Financial Rating: Ensures reliable payouts for claims on church-owned vehicles. See our Travelers review for more details.
Cons
- No Fleet Tracking: Lacks advanced tools for managing multiple church-owned vehicles.
- High Renewal Rates: Some churches report increased premiums after the first term on church-owned commercial vehicle insurance.
Comparing Car Insurance Rates for Church-Owned Vehicles
Finding the right insurance for church-owned vehicles means looking at both price and reliability. The table below shows monthly insurance rates from top providers.
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
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$88 | $172 |
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$83 | $168 |
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$78 | $162 |
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$90 | $170 |
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$95 | $180 |
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$75 | $160 |
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$92 | $175 |
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$87 | $175 |
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$85 | $171 |
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$80 | $165 |
The cheapest option for minimum coverage is Nationwide at $75 per month, followed by Erie at $78 monthly and Travelers at $80 a month. For full coverage, Nationwide also has the lowest monthly rate at $160, with Erie and Travelers close behind.
These companies offer budget-friendly options for churches that need to minimize costs while still getting essential protection. Erie offers one of the best balances between cost and quality, with affordable full coverage and a reputation for excellent customer service and hassle-free claims handling.
Churches should also consider things like customer service, claims support, and overall coverage. AAA, while slightly higher in cost, provides extra benefits, such as roadside assistance and strong policyholder support. By comparing these differences, churches can save money when buying car insurance.
Insurance Policy Options for Church-Owned Vehicles
Church-owned vehicles need specialized commercial car insurance coverage to protect against accidents, liability claims, and other risks unique to non-profit and religious organizations. Below are the key types of coverage churches should consider when insuring their vehicles:
- Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance: Covers rented or personal vehicles involved in an accident while being used for church purposes. Essential for churches that rent vehicles or have staff and volunteers using personal cars for church activities.
- Fleet Insurance: Ideal for churches with multiple vehicles, allowing them to insure all vehicles under one policy at a cheaper rate and easy policy management. Compare car insurance companies for fleet vehicles.
- Church Bus Insurance: Specifically designed for churches that operate buses to transport members, youth groups, or community outreach programs. It includes higher liability limits and additional passenger protection.
- Volunteer Driver Coverage: Protects the church if a volunteer using their personal vehicle for church-related activities is involved in an accident, covering liability beyond their personal insurance.
- Roadside Assistance: A valuable add-on that provides towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire repairs, and fuel delivery, ensuring church vehicles can quickly get back on the road if they break down.
The right coverage ensures that church vans, buses, and staff vehicles are protected, whether they are used for daily operations, transporting members, or community outreach.
By choosing the right combination of coverage options, churches can protect their vehicles, staff, and members while ensuring smooth operations for their ministries and outreach programs.
Premium Savings for Church-Owned Vehicle Insurance
Churches can significantly lower insurance costs by taking advantage of available discounts tailored for multi-vehicle policies, safety features, and responsible driving habits.
| Insurance Company | Anti-Theft | Bundling | Good Driver | Good Student | UBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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15% | 15% | 30% | 14% | 30% |
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16% | 16% | 25% | 30% | 30% |
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25% | 25% | 23% | 15% | 30% |
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10% | 20% | 30% | 15% | 30% |
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35% | 25% | 20% | 15% | 30% |
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5% | 20% | 40% | 15% | 40% |
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25% | 10% | 30% | 10% | $231/yr |
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15% | 15% | 10% | 10% | 30% |
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5% | 5% | 15% | 13% | 20% |
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15% | 13% | 10% | 8% | 30% |
For churches with multiple vans or buses, Nationwide and Travelers offer fleet vehicle discounts, reducing costs when insuring several church-owned vehicles under one policy.
Safe driving and accident-free records are the top ways customers save money on car insurance rates, and insurers like AAA and The Hartford provide membership and group affiliation discounts, which can be ideal for churches that are part of larger organizations.
Choosing the Best Car Insurance Company for Church-Owned Vehicles
Finding the best car insurance for church-owned vehicles means looking at cost, coverage, and available discounts. Erie offers some of the cheapest commercial coverage options, while Farmers has competitive discounts and quick customer service.
Comparing different insurance companies can help churches find the right coverage at the best price. Enter your ZIP code and see which local provider offers the coverage you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of insurance do church-owned vehicles need?
Church-owned vehicles need commercial policies that often include liability coverage, collision and comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and fleet insurance for multiple vehicles.
What is the cheapest insurance company for church-owned vehicles?
Nationwide and Erie offer the lowest minimum coverage starting at $75 per month, making it the most affordable option for churches looking for basic protection.
Do churches qualify for fleet insurance discounts?
Yes, churches that own multiple vehicles can qualify for fleet insurance discounts from providers like Travelers, The Hartford, and Nationwide. Fleet insurance can help lower costs by bundling multiple church-owned vehicles under one policy.
What discounts can churches get on car insurance?
Churches can save on insurance through multi-vehicle discounts, safe driver discounts, bundling policies, and telematics-based savings. Progressive and Safeco offer discounts for low-mileage driving, while AAA and Auto-Owners provide savings for membership and group affiliations.
What happens if a church-owned vehicle is stolen or damaged by weather?
If a church has comprehensive coverage, the policy will cover theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related damages like hail or flooding. Without comprehensive coverage, the church would be responsible for repair or replacement costs.
Does church insurance cover volunteers driving their own cars?
Churches should consider Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance, which provides liability coverage for volunteers or staff using their own vehicles for church purposes. Enter your ZIP code to see how much you could save.
Is liability coverage enough for church-owned vehicles?
Liability coverage is required in every state, but it only covers damages and injuries to others. Churches that want protection for their own vehicles should consider collision and comprehensive coverage, especially for expensive or frequently used vehicles.
How can churches lower their insurance costs?
Churches can lower costs by choosing higher insurance deductibles, bundling policies, applying for fleet insurance, and taking advantage of safety discounts. Insurers like Liberty Mutual and Farmers offer safety feature discounts for vehicles with anti-lock brakes and backup cameras.
Do churches need special insurance for passenger vans or buses?
Yes, larger church vehicles used to transport members may require commercial auto insurance or higher liability limits due to the increased passenger risk. Fleet insurance can also help cover multiple large vehicles under one policy.
How can churches make sure their insurance policies cover all risks?
Churches should review their policies annually to ensure their coverage keeps up with new vehicle purchases, increased transportation needs, and changing liability risks. Find out what kind of car insurance you really need.