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The West Des Moines-based company, which specializes in insuring churches and private schools, said its new "FaithGuard" product line is a natural extension of its coverage of 45,000 churches nationwide.

The Iowa Civil Liberties Union on Thursday criticized the line, saying it appears to violate laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religious views. The group predicted a nonreligious customer would challenge the policies in court.

"They are making religious distinctions between their customers, and they are treating some customers better than others based on those distinctions," said Randall Wilson, the group's legal director. "How is that not religious discrimination?"

Under the policies, the faithful would not have to pay a deductible if they are in a car accident on the way to church activities, and they would receive double medical coverage in such accidents. Churchgoers would not have to pay a deductible if they lose personal property while at church. Both home and auto policies would provide up to $750 to cover a policyholder's church donations, or tithing.

The policies will also give discounts to pastors, drivers who do not drink, and homeowners who do not smoke. A nonsmoker, for instance, will get a 5 percent discount on home insurance.