Insurance Programs

Programs Overview

Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) was created to provide members with comprehensive and economical liability coverage, such as auto, comprehensive general, police, public officials and errors and omissions. The goal is to reduce the amount and frequency of member losses and decrease claims costs and litigation expenses.

Coverage Document

The Authority creates its own Coverage Document, which each of the four insurance carriers agree to use as their policy. This guarantees the membership a consistent interpretation of insuring language. WCIA provides a combined financial base of self-insurance and industry insurance coverages which collectively offer a broader scope than any single commercial insurance or pool application available in Washington. The self-insurance layer, $4 million per loss, is the largest self-insured retention in the state.

Reinsurance

WCIA uses reinsurance purchased through the commercial industry to provide higher limits above the self-insurance layer to address potential catastrophic losses. Currently the combined self and industry insurance layers provide $20 million limits per loss.

Annual Assessment

Each member's coverage cost, called an annual assessment, largely reflects its own loss experience and mix of exposures. Assessments are developed by a credentialed actuary and openly approved by the Full Board annually.

Specialty Programs

WCIA also offers several specialty insurance programs which include:

• Auto Physical Damage
• Crime and Fidelity
• Cyber
• Equipment Breakdown
• Pollution Premises Liability
• Property, including flood and earthquake

Additional Coverage

Members may also receive assistance in the purchase of coverage for:

• Airport Liability
• Bonds
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Workers' Compensation