County Administration Offices Insurance Policy Information
County Administration Offices Insurance. Country administration offices serve their communities by performing a range of duties - they are involved in making budgetary and planning decisions, analyze progress, and inform members of the public, among other activities.
County administration buildings provide office and meeting facilities for city or county operations. They often have auditoriums or other facilities for public gatherings or for political assemblies.
A council may run counties, either elected or appointed, and may have a mayor who acts as the head. Wide varieties of services are provided by the council to residents in exchange for tax dollars.
The county may provide services such as planning and zoning, licenses and permits, assessors' and surveyors' offices, courts, disease control, sanitation, road construction and maintenance, snow removal, and public protection such as police or fire departments.
Some counties may contract utility services, such as gas, water, or electricity, for residents within their geographical area.
The fact that county administration offices perform public functions does not prevent them from being, in many ways, similar to small- to mid-sized commercial ventures. As diverse kinds of work unfold within county administration offices, they, too, face a variety of risks just like businesses do.
To protect them from the financial blows that can be dealt by such risks, county administration offices require insurance just like any other public or commercial entity.
What types of county administration offices insurance coverage might they benefit from? That is what we will be exploring in this brief guide.
County administration offices insurance protects local government buildings from lawsuits with rates as low as $97/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked county administration building insurance questions:
- What Is County Administration Offices Insurance?
- How Much Does County Administration Offices Insurance Cost?
- Why Do County Administration Offices Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance County Administration Offices Need?
- What Does County Administration Offices Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is County Administration Offices Insurance?
County administration offices insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for the county government offices, employees, and assets. This insurance is designed to protect the county administration from financial losses due to unexpected events such as natural disasters, theft, and liability claims.
The coverage may include property damage, business interruption, liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The policy may also cover the costs associated with the management of claims, legal fees, and compensation to employees who are injured or become ill while on the job.
How Much County Administration Offices Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small county administration buildings ranges from $97 to $159 per month based on location, building size, services offered, claims history and more.
Why Do County Administration Offices Need Insurance?
The public servants who work within county administration offices may do everything in their power to ensure that all the office's duties are performed flawlessly, as well as taking steps to reduce the likelihood that they will be impacted by major perils.
No risk can be reduced to zero, however, and that is why insurance is so important - unlike proactive preventative measures, insurance is an aspect of your risk management plan that will serve you after disaster has already struck.
No building is free of the risk that it will suffer damage, or even be completely destroyed, by an act of nature, to name one example of a universal threat. Government administration offices can be damaged after an earthquake, wildfire, hurricane, or other natural disaster strikes, but theft and vandalism are also concerns.
Accidents - like a car crashing into the building - have to be considered as well.
Then, there are liability-related risks. Should an employee or a member of the public slip on wet stairs and become injured, for example, a governmental or public body can be held financially responsible. In the event that sensitive data is accessed, or an employee commits theft of public property, the resulting legal costs may be significant.
While each entity faces different risks, the presence of risk itself is universal. With that, so is the need for county administration offices insurance.
What Type Of Insurance Do County Administration Offices Need?
The process of obtaining the insurance coverage that best benefits any particular entity, be it a public body or business, is complex. The insurance needs a county administration office may have depend on a multitude of factors - the age of the building, the location and associated climate and weather, and the number of employees are merely some examples.
A commercial insurance broker who specializes in governmental and public organizations is best situated to advise an individual county administration office. Some examples of forms of county administration offices insurance they would recommend are:
- Commercial Property - This type of insurance covers a county administration office in case their building is struck by an act of nature, or hit by an accident, theft, or act of vandalism. The costs of the resulting damage or losses are (partially) replaced by these policies.
- General Liability - Designed to protect an organization in the event that a third party files a bodily injury or property damage claim, this type of county administration offices insurance would be called if a neighboring property was damaged when a tree on your property fell down, for instance. A member of the public slipping on a wet floor is another example of the kind of scenario covered.
- Workers' Compensation - Workers comp pays for the medical bills and any lost wages of an employee who suffers work-related injuries. Although more common in some other fields of employment, county administration office employees can certainly sustain injuries at work.
- Business Auto - Any organization that uses vehicles over the course of their activities will further require auto insurance, to cover the costs associated with damage or injury after any vehicular accident.
- Employee Dishonesty Coverage - All public and governmental organizations should also have this type of insurance on their radar, as it covers the financial consequences of employee theft or other forms of dishonesty.
Keep in mind that this list of important forms of county administration offices insurance does not necessarily amount to a comprehensive insurance plan.
To find out more about your specific needs, ask a commercial insurance broker.
County Administration Building's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure is high due to services provided to residents and the public's access to the building. If tours are given, exposures increase significantly as guests may be led through areas generally "off limits" to more casual visitors.
Legislation and judicial decisions have eroded governmental immunity protection in most states. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. To prevent trips, slips, and falls, all premises must be well maintained with flooring in good condition. Adequate lighting, marked exits, and egress are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, be well lit, marked, and in good repair.
An outside service contractor should inspect elevators and escalators annually. Parking lots should be free of ice and snow.
County facilities may be a target for vandals, disgruntled citizens, criminals, or terrorists. Security inside the facility, as well as outside areas including owned parking areas, needs to be carefully implemented and monitored.
An evacuation plan must be in place. Personal injury losses may occur due to an alleged assault, discrimination, invasion of privacy, or unlawful detention.
Public officials' liability exposure can be severe. Today's political climate has seen an increase in lawsuits against public officials for failure to perform the functions of their office, failure to account for tax funds, failure to enforce regulations, failure to follow mandated procedures, such as open bidding on contracts, bad faith, and other errors or omissions. Defense costs can be prohibitively expensive.
Workers compensation exposures are varied, from office workers to volunteers, janitorial staff, building or yard maintenance workers, repair personnel, and drivers. Workers may incur back injuries, hernias, slips, falls, strains, or sprains.
Skin or lung irritations can result from working with cleaning chemicals and paint. Office workers may develop repetitive motion injuries. Workstations should be ergonomically designed. There may be interactions with angry constituents or protestors. Employees should be trained to deal with difficult situations.
Property exposure is generally low. Ignition sources include electrical wiring and heating, and air conditioning systems. There may be a restaurant or cafeteria on premises. Most offices have extensive wiring for lighting, computer, and other electronic equipment. It must be in good repair and adequate for its use.
Valuation may be a concern in older buildings with unique architectural features that may be difficult to rebuild with like construction and quality after a loss. Smoking should be prohibited.
If there is a restaurant or cafeteria on premises, all cooking equipment should be properly protected. Garages for storing, fueling, and maintaining vehicles must be separated from office facilities.
Governmental facilities may be a target for political activists or for terrorists. Adequate security is required. There should be disaster recovery plans in place to continue operations in the event of a large loss.
Crime exposure is from public officials' dishonesty, employee dishonesty, and money and securities. Background checks, including criminal history, must be completed on all employees. Receipts must be provided for all payments of taxes, fees, fines, and penalties, with daily reconciliation between receipts and money received. Regular deposits must be made with adequate security provided.
Money should not be left on premises overnight. There must be regular audits, preferably by an outside firm. All employees must take at least one complete week of vacation each year. If the facilities house offices to collect fees, penalties, or obtain permits and licenses, there may be an exposure to holdup.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable for billings, audio/visual equipment, computers, contractors' equipment, fine arts, and valuable papers and records. Contractors' equipment may be used off-premises to build, maintain, or service municipal streets and roads.
Fine arts such as statuary and paintings, artifacts, historical documents, rare or historical books, or manuscripts may be one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. If insured, valuation should be done by a qualified appraiser.
Valuable papers and records are often delicate and must be protected from fire, water damage, vandalism, theft, or other losses. All records should be duplicated and retained at an off-site storage facility for easy retrieval in the event of a loss.
Commercial automobile exposure can be high if vehicles are used to transport public officials, guests, and visitors. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be maintained on a regular basis with records kept in a central location.
During inclement weather, drivers may be on the road for extended hours in adverse conditions. Supervision is necessary so drivers can be rotated and not become overly fatigued.
There may be a hired and non-owned auto exposure if employees use their own vehicles to run errands or attend meetings on municipal business. Employees should carry personal automobile insurance with adequate liability limits.
What Does County Administration Offices Insurance Cover & Pay For?
County Administration Offices can be sued for various reasons, including but not limited to:
Employment-related lawsuits: Employees may sue for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or violation of labor laws. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help cover legal defense costs, settlement fees, and damages awarded in such cases, protecting the County Administration Office from significant financial loss.
Personal injury or property damage: If someone is injured or their property is damaged due to the negligence of a County Administration Office or its employees, they may file a lawsuit. General Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and damages awarded, ensuring the financial stability of the County Administration Office.
Professional negligence: County Administration Offices may be sued for errors or omissions in their professional services, such as issuing incorrect permits or failing to enforce zoning regulations. Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance) can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and damages awarded in such cases.
Violation of constitutional rights: Individuals may sue County Administration Offices for violating their constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or unlawful search and seizure. Public Officials Liability Insurance can help cover legal defense costs, settlements, and damages awarded in these cases, protecting the County Administration Office from significant financial loss.
Cyber liability: If a County Administration Office experiences a data breach or cyber-attack that results in the compromise of sensitive information, affected individuals may file a lawsuit. Cyber Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and damages awarded in such cases, ensuring the financial stability of the County Administration Office.
By having adequate insurance coverage in place, County Administration Offices can mitigate the financial impact of these lawsuits and ensure they can continue to provide essential services to their communities. It is crucial to work with an experienced insurance broker to evaluate potential risks and select the appropriate insurance policies for the specific needs of each County Administration Office.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 9111 Executive Offices, 9121 Legislative Bodies, 9131 Executive and Legislative, Combined, 9199: General Government, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 921110 Executive Offices, 921120 Legislative Bodies, 921130 Public Finance Activities, 921140 Executive and Legislature, Combined, 921190 Other General Governmental Support
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9015 Building or Property Management - All Other Employees, 8810 Clerical Office Employees NOC
Description for 9111: Executive Offices
Division J: Public Administration | Major Group 91: Executive, Legislative, And General Government, Except Finance | Industry Group 911: Executive Offices
9111 Executive Offices: Offices of chief executives and their advisory and interdepartmental committees and commissions.
- Advisory commissions, executive
- City and town managers'offices
- County supervisors'and executives'offices
- Governors' offices
- Mayors'offices
- President's office
9121 Legislative Bodies: Legislative bodies and their advisory and interdepartmental committees and commissions.
- Advisory commissions, legislative
- Boards of supervisors
- City and town councils
- Congress
- County commissioners
- Legislative assemblies
- Study commissions, legislative
Description for 9131: Executive And Legislative Offices Combined
Division J: Public Administration | Major Group 91: Executive, Legislative, And General Government, Except Finance | Industry Group 913: Executive And Legislative Offices Combined
9131 Executive And Legislative Offices Combined: Councils and boards of commissioners or supervisors and such bodies where the chief executive is a member of the legislative body itself.
- Legislative and executive office combinations
Description for 9199: General Government, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division J: Public Administration | Major Group 91: Executive, Legislative, And General Government, Except Finance | Industry Group 919: General Government, Not Elsewhere Classified
9199 General Government, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in providing tax return preparation services without also providing accounting, auditing, or bookkeeping services. Government establishments primarily engaged in providing general support for government, which include personnel, auditing, procurement services, and building management services, and other general government establishments which cannot be classified in other industries. Public finance is classified in Industry 9311.
- Civil rights commissions-government
- Civil service commissions-government
- General accounting offices-government
- General services departments-government
- Personnel agencies-government
- Purchasing and supply agencies-government
- Supply agencies-government
County Administration Offices Insurance - The Bottom Line
To learn more about county administration offices insurance policies need, and how much and what types of coverage you should carry, consult with a commercial insurance broker that is experienced in business insurance.
Additional Resources For Local, State And Federal Government Insurance
Learn about commercial insurance for local, state and federal government agencies, services, operations and buildings.
- Auditoriums
- County Administration Offices
- Courthouses
- Fire Departments
- Government Buildings
- Jails
- Law Enforcement Entities
- Municipalities
- Public Buildings
- Townships
- Specialty Government
The local, state and federal government agencies, services, operations and buildings industry needs business insurance for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, business insurance helps protect against financial loss. Governments and their agencies often handle large amounts of money, assets and sensitive information, making them a target for theft, fraud and other criminal activities. Insurance can help cover the costs associated with recovering from these types of losses.
In addition, government agencies and buildings are at risk for natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. Commercial insurance can help cover the costs of repairing damage caused by these types of events.
Furthermore, government agencies and services often deal with the public on a daily basis, making them vulnerable to liability claims. For example, if a government building is not properly maintained and a visitor slips and falls, the agency could be held liable for the injuries sustained. Insurance can help cover the costs of legal proceedings and any damages awarded.
Lastly, commercial insurance can help protect against unexpected disruptions in operations. For example, if a government agency's computer systems were to crash, it could disrupt the agency's ability to function effectively. Business insurance can help cover the costs of getting the agency back up and running as quickly as possible.
Overall, the local, state and federal government agencies, services, operations and buildings industry needs insurance to protect against financial loss, natural disasters, liability claims and disruptions in operations. Without it, these agencies could face significant financial and operational challenges.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Audio/Visual Equipment, Computers, Contractors' Equipment, Fine Arts, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Cyberliability, Employee Benefits, Public Officials' Liability, Umbrella, Hired and Non-Oowned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Extra Expense, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and; Stop Gap Liability.
