History and Operation

The Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) is a municipal organization of Washington public entities that join together for the purpose of providing liability and property financial protection to its members.

WCIA was created in 1981 by Interlocal Agreement as authorized under RCW 48.62 and 39.34, as nine Puget Sound cities. Since then, the organization has prospered through two severe insurance market crises. Membership has grown to over 100 municipal corporations, spanning the entire state of Washington. Originally called Puget Sound Cities Insurance authority, the name was changed in 1986 to reflect statewide membership.

Authority membership focuses specifically on local government entities and their related regional interlocals in order to provide the expertise of anticipating and responding to each member's needs. The Authority utilizes an in-house staff of 17 to execute the Committee's insurance and municipal directives. Staff has no other competing interests to dilute their concentrated effort.

Authority membership now maintains complete control over every pool function, including claims administration, fiscal stability, coverage parameters, and member services. A Delegate from each member, represented on the WCIA Board of Directors, elects Pool Officers and Executive Committee members on a merit basis. The Committee sets the organization's general operational direction and directs staff. A committee system generates detailed Board recommendations. Over the years, this strong membership participation has fostered an enhanced self-insurance philosophy, a significantly reduced reliance upon the insurance industry, and a sophisticated knowledge of pooling operation.