The P&C Market Just Turned in Your Favor — And Your Ministry Could Benefit

After years of steady increases, the property insurance market is finally softening — and for church leaders watching every line of the budget, that’s real news. According to The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers P&C Market Survey*, commercial property premiums fell by an average of 5.8% in the first quarter of 2026.

Why are these property insurance market trends important?

1. It’s the market’s first measurable decrease in cost since 2017. For the first time in nearly a decade, premiums fell across all account sizes — and across all lines of business, signaling a meaningful turn in the market cycle.
2. It’s a clear full trend reversal. Over the past 12 months, the market swung from +4.2% to –1.2% — an overall 5.4% decrease across all account sizes, driven by growing capacity and a softened reinsurance market.

But a softer market rewards the well-prepared.

Improving insurability isn’t about timing the market — it’s about reducing preventable claims through proactive risk management. Ministries that follow risk management best practices put themselves in the strongest position.

What are top risk management best practices for ministries?

1. Develop a risk management program. Form an internal team or committee, keep policies and procedures current, and use external resources to build your plan.
2. Enhance safety and security. Develop protocols for emergency situations, make sure safety teams are trained through clear written procedures and seek local counsel.
3. Improve property maintenance. Curb appeal matters. Conduct routine facility inspections and document repairs. Remember — regular maintenance reduces both the frequency and the severity of losses.
4. Implement best practices for abuse prevention. Background checks, onboarding screening and annual abuse prevention training for staff and volunteers. Follow the 2-Adult Rule and 6-Month Rule, put windows in classrooms, and use check-in/check-out systems.

What does the current insurance market mean for churches and ministries?

A softening market opens a window — but insurers still price risk. The ministries that pair good timing with strong risk management are the ones that see the biggest benefit.

Through GuideStone Agency Services^® (NPN#11466614), our property and casualty solutions are built for ministries, by people who understand ministry. Let’s talk about what this shifting market could mean for your church at GuideStone.org/PCQuote.

For more information, contact us at AgencyServices@GuideStone.org or (214) 720-2868, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

*https://www.ciab.com/resources/q1-2026-p-c-market-survey

GuideStone Agency Services^® is an agency licensed to sell property and casualty products and an affiliate of GuideStone^®. Coverage and eligibility of various products are subject to the insurer’s underwriting guidelines, terms, conditions and exclusions. Products are not available in Hawaii and New York.