Underwriting

While it is possible to work directly with PERMA, we strongly recommend working with a broker to further enhance PERMA’s value and to help continually evaluate your coverage needs. The cost to join PERMA does not increase if there is a broker or not named on your contract.

Below are some key reasons:

• Group Self-Insurers, like PERMA, provide exceptional value through tailored risk management programs, personalized claim service and are owned and governed by our members.
• A majority of NYS public entities are self-insured while PERMA currently has over 600 members including Towns, Villages, Counties, Cities, Schools, Fire Districts, Housing Authorities, Bridge Authorities and more.
• Our claims adjusters work only with public entity clients. When these workers are injured, they are subject to a variety of public service contracts that have specialized needs, such as police, fire, DPW, bridge workers, parks, recreation, etc. Our expert claims staff and risk management specialists are more equipped to handle injuries to these classes of business compared to private companies.
• Choosing group self-insurance, safety becomes a priority. When safety and risk management are the key focuses in the workplace, everyone benefits.

PERMA is a public entity group self-insurer, owned by our members and funded by members annual contributions to the group, not by premiums.  Surplus is owned by the membership, not by stockholders. Private commercial insurance companies collect premiums and are not owned by their insureds.

Contact your broker or underwriter to initiate this process. A review of your history with PERMA including loss history and exposure level will be conducted. If this offer is not immediately available, a discussion with your underwriter, broker and risk management team may produce a path to a multi-year option in a short time.

PERMA believes it is best for all of the members to have a payroll audit completed to ensure contributions are being appropriately calculated according to the actual exposures that exist. Members do have the option of the contribution change waived in advance  to provide budget stability. The date received from a payroll audit is valuable and helps determine that no member is subsidizing another’s based on incorrect payroll estimates over the long term.

Yes. PERMA regularly provides VFBL coverage, but also VAWBL (Volunteer Ambulance) coverage. These coverages are typically added as endorsement to the members contract; however, can also be issued as a separate coverage document.

Employer’s Liability coverage is separate coverage from Workers’ Compensation. In New York, it is normally provided along with the traditional Workers’ Compensation contract. It provides coverage for members in the event of a third-party lawsuit that is the result of an employee’s injury. For example, a third-party that may bear some responsibility for an accident who could be sued by the employee and then name the employer in a counter suit. In this instance, Employer’s Liability may be triggered. This coverage also provides for punitive damages. Currently, PERMA includes the coverage on an unlimited basis. Many excess carriers have put sub-limits on this coverage, be sure to carefully review your contract.