By Chris Munro

March 14 - (The Insurer) - Rockwood Programs has secured capacity support from Fortegra’s E&S carrier to back its newly launched liability product for members of volunteer church security teams.

The newly minted coverage is purchased by a church on behalf of the volunteer security team.

Under the program, the volunteer security team members are provided with legal defense and indemnity coverage for any civil actions brought against them.

“Houses of worship are increasingly becoming the targets of hostile acts,” said Rockwood Programs’ president Glenn Clark.

“More than 430 separate incidents were reported in 2023 – more than double the number from the year before. That's an 800% increase in such acts since 2018.

“As a result, churches are increasingly turning to their congregants to voluntarily provide protection.

“Studies show about four five U.S. Protestant pastors have instituted detailed security plans. Slightly over half – 54% - used armed congregants as part of their overall protective strategies,” said Clark.

“Unfortunately, the display of devotion demonstrated by the volunteers will not be enough to shield them from personal liability in the event they are forced to respond to an incident,” Clark noted.

According to Rockwood Programs, its new offering is designed to fill the protection gap that exists because most traditional insurance policies purchased by churches do not cover the work of nonprofessional security teams.

Under the volunteer church security program, clients can secure liability limits of up to $300,000 per security team member, subject to a $1,000,000 policy aggregate. There is no deductible.

Rockwood Programs said coverage can be broadened to include services held at any satellite location.

Claims administration is provided by law firm Wilson Elser, while policyholders also receive access to a hotline staffed by knowledgeable attorneys.

Rockwood Programs’ new volunteer church security team coverage is written on the AM Best A-minus rated paper of E&S carrier Fortegra Specialty Insurance Company.

The new offering is the latest tie-up between Rockwood Programs and Fortegra.

The pair have previously partnered on a financial institutions-focused management and professional liability $(PL)$ program, along with a PL coverage aimed at off-duty police officers.

A full-service MGA based in Claymont, Delaware, Rockwood Programs was formed in 1996 as a wholly owned subsidiary of E.W. Blanch.

In 2000, the company’s management team undertook a buyout of the business.

Rockwood Programs is fully licensed in all 50 states and has the capacity to handle P&C, life, and accident and health products. Alongside its MGA offering, the company also has a wholesale brokerage arm.