Church Mutual Unveils Innovative Program to Protect Places of Worship from Extensive Damage
MERRILL, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Church Mutual Insurance Company has partnered with The Hartford Steam
Boiler (HSB) Inspection and Insurance Company, part of Munich Re, to
provide eligible customers temperature and water sensors connected to a
24/7 monitoring system. This innovative technology solution is designed
to alert customers to take action before damages and disruptions to
their ministries can occur.
Thousands of houses of worship experience frozen pipes each year. No
house of worship wants to be surprised by potential water damage that
could lead to mold or even structural damage. Nevertheless, it is always
a threat when facilities have limited occupancy during the week and no
easy way to monitor temperature loss or water presence.
“We are extremely excited to offer this innovative Internet of Things
technology to our customers to help them prevent potential damages and
avoid disruption to their ministries,” said Cheryl Kryshak, Church
Mutual’s vice president, risk control. “This will be a game changer for
our customers. There are smartphones, smart cars and smart houses – why
not smart houses of worship?”
Church Mutual customers participated in a two-year pilot program testing
the temperature and water sensors in their worship centers with
promising results. More than $250,000 in damages was prevented at 14
houses of worship in areas of the country susceptible to low
temperatures and frozen pipes. Avoiding disruption is very important to
houses of worship, not only on weekends but anytime, as many of these
buildings serve as community gathering and meeting places.
“We are actively exploring innovative ways to use technology to benefit
our customers,” said Richard Poirier, president and chief executive
officer at Church Mutual. “We will continue to partner with leaders in
advancing technology when the partnership results in new and better
solutions for our customers’ operations.”
As the leading insurance provider specializing in the religious market,
Church Mutual understands the unique operations of houses of worship,
many inhabited only one day a week. The temperature and water sensors
are set up in vulnerable areas of a building or in areas where priceless
and often irreplaceable items are stored. The sensors are monitored
remotely, so no one has to be on the premises. Alerts are sent via text
message, email or phone to one or several contacts if a temperature or
water sensor relays a low temperature or presence of water reading.
“This use of sensor technology provides an easy and effective way to
help prevent losses and reduce the damage when a loss does occur,” said
Greg Barats, HSB president and chief executive officer. “We are excited
to partner with Church Mutual so its policyholders can be among the
first to benefit from this powerful sensor and alert system.”
About Church Mutual
Church Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1897, offers specialized
insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, as well as
schools, camps, denominational offices and senior living facilities.
Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial property and liability
insurance, including multi-peril, workers’ compensation and commercial
auto insurance. In addition to insurance, Church Mutual provides a
spectrum of value-added solutions that benefit its customers. Church
Mutual holds the following honors:
- A.M. Best Company “A (Excellent)” rating
- 2016 Ward’s 50 Top Performing Property and Casualty Insurers
- BenchmarkPortal Top 10 National Customer Service Center
About Hartford Steam Boiler
Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) Inspection and Insurance Company, a
member of Munich Re’s Risk Solutions family since 2009, is a leading
specialty insurer providing equipment breakdown, other specialty
coverages, inspection services and engineering-based risk management
that set the standard for excellence worldwide. HSB focuses on clients
and partners with them to craft inventive insurance and service
solutions to cover existing and emerging risks posed by technological
change. Today, as throughout its 150-year history, HSB’s mission is to
use its engineering knowledge and insights to help clients prevent loss,
advance sustainable use of energy resources and build deeper
relationships that benefit business, industry, public institutions and
consumers. HSB holds A.M. Best Company’s highest financial rating, A++
(Superior). For more information, visit www.hsb.com
and connect on LinkedIn,
Twitter
and Facebook.
Contacts
Church Mutual Insurance Company
Amy Kimmes
Title:
Marketing Communication Consultant
Phone: (715) 539-4529
Email:
akimmes@churchmutual.com
