Vehicle Repair Ministry: Stress Safety, Offer Protection

A car care ministry involves several risks that are unusual for churches. When implementing this service, it’s important for leaders to consider these risks and establish policies and procedures to minimize potential damage or injury.

Basic Safety

Basic safety procedures are required anytime work is being done on an vehicle. These basic safety procedures include the following:

• Use chock blocks. The blocks are specifically made prevent a vehicle from rolling. While work is being done, ensure that the vehicle is in "Park" at all times.
• Avoid injuries associated with a running engine. Make sure the keys to the vehicle are not in the vehicle when work is being done on the engine.
• Prevent shock. Detach battery cables when performing electrical work.
• Emphasize safety with jacks. Develop appropriate procedures for the use of lifts, jacks, and jack stands.

Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Car care generally includes disposal of materials that are considered hazardous or dangerous to the environment. Develop basic procedures for disposal:

• Secure a disposal site. Waste fluids and batteries need proper disposal. Establish a plan with a local parts store or government agency before beginning your car care ministry.
• Use appropriately marked containers for fluids.
• Create a storage area. Have a secure and clearly marked storage area for all batteries and used fluids that will not be immediately taken to the appropriate disposal location. These storage safety tips can help.
• Establish a procedure for cleaning up spills of hazardous materials in accordance with locally applicable laws and regulations.

Donated Vehicles

Often a car care ministry involves vehicles that are donated to the church, repaired, and provided to a family in need. To ensure that there are no legal title problems with a donated vehicle, churches may consider the following procedures:

• Examine the title to ensure that the person donating the vehicle is legally able to transfer the title to your ministry.
• Investigate the repair history of each donated vehicle.
• Determine if your local jurisdiction limits the number of vehicles that can be processed by your ministry without an auto dealer’s license.

Protect Your Mechanics

Most standard commercial auto, property, and liability policies do not cover vehicle repair ministries. Insurance for this kind of exposure is generally purchased with a garage liability policy, and most churches don't fit the definition of professional repair facility.

We know car care is a vital service, and we support your mission. That's why Brotherhood Mutual developed Car Care Ministry Coverage. This unique coverage provides protection for churches that operate a vehicle repair ministry, or ministries that repair and donate vehicles to individuals in need of personal transportation.

Brotherhood Mutual's Car Care Ministry Coverage benefits and protects your mission with:

• Operations liability. Covers liability while vehicles are in the church's care, custody, and control.
• Completed operations. Covers liability for work on a serviced auto after such work has been completed.
• Damage to auto service facilities. Covers damage to the your car care facility.
• Damage to tools, equipment, and fixtures of others. Pays up to $3,000 for damage to, or loss of, tools, repair, equipment.
• Medical payments to volunteers and bystanders. Pays medical expenses for accidental injury while performing work.
• Loss of use. Pays up to $500 for reasonable and necessary loss of use of a serviced auto if the auto is damaged or lost.

Talk to a Brotherhood Mutual agent today about Car Care Ministry Coverage.