Volunteer Fire Departments Receive Coverage Under State Operated Insurance Program

West Virginia – State volunteer fire departments will receive broad form insurance coverage through the Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) effective September 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, according to a press release from Governor Joe Manchin's office.

“I am grateful BRIM has stepped in to provide insurance coverage, and peace of mind, for our VFDs,” Manchin said in a statement. “In addition, the BRIM coverage will provide the Volunteer Fire Department Workers Compensation Task Force much needed time to further study all aspects of the workers compensation challenge affecting volunteer firefighters.” (WCxKit)

Prior to BRIM's action, 281 volunteer departments in the state were en route to losing broad form coverage, which now is provided by Brickstreet set to expire June 1, 2010, but was extended to September 1, 2010. There are 426 fully volunteer fire departments in the state.

“The 60-day extension from BrickStreet, while generous, did not allow us time to find a permanent solution,” Manchin continued. “BRIM’s action is a temporary solution that will allow VFDs to receive continual broad form coverage while providing ample time for the task force to fully study the issues and find a permanent solution.” (WCxKit)

Earlier in July, Manchin temporarily obtained relief for VFDs from workers compensation premium increases from BrickStreet. The BRIM coverage will give the stakeholders time to find a permanent solution to the problem, he added.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Work Comp Calculator: http://www.LowerWC.com/calculator.php

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.