Home
Report a Claim
Find an Agent
Online Payment
About Us
President's Message
History
Board of Directors
Contact Us
Employment Opportunities
Products/Services
Property and Liability
Business Automobile
Workers Compensation
Umbrella Liability
Resources
Church Security
Child and Youth Protection
Missionary Travel Insurance
Helpful Links
Motor Vehicle Reports
Gatekeeper Newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
Register
If you don't have an account yet, just click the link below to get started.
Create Account
Frequently Asked Questions
What methods of payment can we use to pay for our church insurance?
We accept payment by Check or Money Order sent to our home office. You can also pay online with your checking account by clicking on the Online Payment option in the upper-right corner of our website.
What type of pay plans do you offer?
SMC offers Annual, Semi-Annual, and Quarterly payments. There is a service charge when paying other than annually.
What do the policy number abbreviations mean on my invoice?
SMP-Special Multi Peril, WC-Workers Compensation, BA-Business Auto, STD-Standard Fire Policy, UM-Umbrella
Do I need to write a separate check for each policy?
No, one check can include paying for several policies, but please include the invoice for each policy so the money can be applied correctly.
What is Earned Premium?
The premium charged from the initial date the policy begins until the date the policy is cancelled.
What type of protection is recommended for HVAC units?
Either a monitored alarm with a local siren or an approved cage is the recommended protection. An approved cage provides protection on all sides, as well the top of the unit. If a copper theft loss occurs while the unit is hooked up to a monitored alarm or properly caged, the company will waive the deductible.
What is the proper type cage approved by SMCI for securing outside AC units to help prevent copper theft?
There are several different type caging systems that are considered as an approved cage by SMCI.
For more information please call 1-800-922-5332 to speak with a representative from Loss Control for the appropriate types of cages.
Is there a credit given by SMCI if a church has a monitored burglar or fire alarm system installed?
Yes, there is a 3% credit given towards your premium for each.
What is the purpose of doing an updated interior renewal inspection every three years?
SMCI writes a three year policy and several months ahead of your renewal date the Loss Control Department performs an on site renewal inspection. The purpose is to:
- To make sure property is insured to value.
- To confirm property is being maintained.
- To check for hazards and safety issues.
I would like to get a quote for my church. How do I get the process started?
Go to the 'Agents' tab on the home page of the website. Click on your state and your area to contact the agent serving you.
Our church has a van/bus that needs insurance. Does SMCI insure vans only?
We do insure church-owned vehicles, but require the church property to be insured with us in order to cover the vehicle(s).
What type of coverage is available for our church's missions trips?
We have partnered with IMG to provide coverage for individuals going on short term foreign missions trips. The 'Resources' tab on the home page of our website has information for this coverage.
Our church uses '1099 Contract Workers' to take care of landscaping/custodial services. How are these workers covered?
It’s a good idea to require all contract workers to carry their own Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If they don’t carry their own coverage and they are injured while working for the church, coverage under the church’s policy may be triggered.
What type of risk management services does SMCI provide?
SMCI provides on-site risk management training in several areas, including child protection, 15-passenger van safety, and church security. Contact your agent for more information.
When is a church or association required to carry a Workers’ Compensation (WC) policy?
The requirements differ from state to state and some states will levy fines for non-compliance. The requirements for each state are shown below and please remember that there is no distinction between part-time and full-time employees in determining the number of employees.
KY - 1 or more employees
GA - 3 or more employees
NC - 3 or more employees
SC - 4 or more employees
TN - 5 or more employees
What should be reported as payroll on your Workers’ Compensation Audit?
When it’s time for your Workers’ Compensation Audit, you should report normal wages, overtime wages, housing allowances, and the fair rental value of lodging provided to an employee. Certain payment items should not be reported as payroll, including the use of a church vehicle, educational assistance, relocation expenses, and employer contributions to retirement plans and cafeteria plans, to name a few.
Why does my premium change once an audit is performed?
There are two things that will affect your premium. The first is a change in payroll over the course of the year. Since we estimate the payroll at the beginning of the policy term, we must confirm the actual payroll at the end of the policy term. That is the purpose of the audit. We compare your beginning payroll amounts with the ending payroll amounts and adjust the premium accordingly. A change in rates can also cause the premium adjustment at audit. WC rates are developed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and most states require companies to adopt these rates. Typically, there are about 45 days between the processing of the renewal and the actual effective date of the policy. When a rate change is approved during that period, with an effective date prior to the renewal, the actual increase or decrease will not be reflected until the audit is processed at the end of the term.
How do we add a driver for our vehicles?
Please provide your agent with the driver information (name, date of birth and driver’s license number) and they will forward to the company. If Southern Mutual Church Insurance is your agent, you can send us the information via fax (803-776-4260) or by email. If calling is your preference, we can be reached at 800-922-5332. Please be sure you include your church name and policy number on any faxes or emails.
How many church members can be listed as drivers?
Southern Mutual Church Insurance (SMCI) will order motor vehicle reports (MVR) for up to eight drivers per vehicle. Additional drivers may be added, but they must furnish a motor vehicle report to SMCI.
What are age requirements for drivers?
Drivers should be between the ages of 25 and 70. However, drivers from 22 to 24 years of age are eligible as long as they are on staff. Drivers 71 to 75 are eligible with a physician’s statement indicating no impairment to driving.
Will the church’s automobile policy cover a rented vehicle for liability and physical damage?
Hired Auto Liability and Hired Auto Physical Damage are two separate coverage options, so you should consult your policy to determine the coverage provided. If Hired Auto Liability is on the policy, we will respond to a covered loss on an excess basis. Physical damage coverage for covered losses is handled on a primary basis.
How may we report a claim?
In South Carolina, please call us at 800-922-5332 and we will take your claim.
In all other states, please contact your agent. The agent will secure all necessary information and send it to our office.
For a more detailed explanation on how to report a claim, click on 'Report a Claim' at the top of this page.
How do we get a history of past claims?
A request for loss history must be submitted on church letterhead with the policy number referenced. An official of the church must sign the request. The request may be faxed to 803-776-4260 or e-mailed to claims@smcins.com.
How do we report an emergency claim after your office is closed?
To report an emergency claim after hours, please call 800-922-5332 and follow the instructions. If you still need to report the claim after listening to the choices, please choose the correct menu option as instructed and you will be sent to the SMCI Emergency Call Center.