If your water or wastewater agency is part of an insurance risk pool, you’re benefiting from a collaborative, specialized approach to managing the unique risks of public utilities. Unlike traditional insurance carriers, risk pools are member-owned and designed to serve agencies just like yours. Here’s what you should know:
- You’re a Member, Not a Customer
Risk pools are governed by their member agencies, which means your voice matters. Policies, programs, and coverages are developed with input from members, not dictated by outside shareholders.
- Premium Stability for Better Budgeting
Risk pools focus on long-term planning and financial sustainability. This often translates to more stable rates and fewer sudden premium hikes compared to commercial insurance carriers. This is a major plus for rural agencies managing tight budgets.
- Sector-Specific Support Services
Beyond coverage, most pools offer valuable resources like safety training, regulatory compliance guidance, and claims assistance, all tailored to water and wastewater operations.
- Cost Savings Over Standard Markets
Rick pools typically offer lower premiums than you would find on the traditional insurance market. By investing heavily in risk prevention, pools tend to have a lower frequency and severity of claims, which equal lower long-term costs for members. They also often operate with less overhead by reducing administrative costs and can pass those savings along.
- Built Specifically for Public Infrastructure Risks
From special property elements and equipment to environmental liability and regulatory enforcement, water systems face unique exposures. Risk pools understand these challenges and structure coverage accordingly.
- A Community Approach to Risk
By joining forces with other public agencies, utilities share risk in a way that protects everyone from catastrophic losses. It’s a more resilient and cooperative alternative to commercial insurance.
Being part of a risk pool means you’re not navigating complex risks and regulatory challenges alone. You’re backed by a network of peer agencies and experts who understand your mission.
But not all pools are created equal! MemberGuard, CRWA’s risk pool, is backed by an experienced organization that has handled thousands of CA water entity claims and grants members access to training and technical assistance. Before you dive into a risk pool, be sure to see what MemberGuard has to offer.
Important: If you’re currently part of another risk pool, be aware that many programs require advance notice for exit and may charge an early exit fee. Be sure to consult with your insurance broker or one of our licensed agents if you’re already in a risk pool program, if you’re considering switching to MemberGuard.
Please contact our office if you wish to speak with a licensed agent that specializes in water utility insurance coverage.
Utility Resource Insurance Services (URIS)
License #0G58189
Dustin Hardwick – Managing Agent
License #0G53300
California Rural Water Risk Management Authority
Call: (760) 920-0842
Email: dhardwick@urisinsurance.com
Erika Canham – Customer Service Representative
License #4129002
California Rural Water Risk Management Authority
Call: (916) 612-8598
Email: ecanham@urisinsurance.com
Thomas Elisher – Project Manager
License #0K85972
California Rural Water Risk Management Authority
Call: (530) 306-7045
Email: telisher@urisinsurance.com