Mission

ACCA’s self-insurance funds help county commissions and their entities optimally finance and manage risk through:

  • effective claims management
  • strong risk control services
  • exceptional legal representation
  • sound investment policy

Contact

Henry van Arcken, Director of Insurance Services
334-263-7594

FAQ

What is different about a self-insurance fund?

A self-insurance fund is like a family. No profit motive! Surplus is returned to the members in the form of refunds or dividends, or it is invested to ensure the stability of the funds.

Board members are peers. County officials and employees — not insurance executives — sit on the boards of trustees for both the liability fund and the workers’ compensation fund.

Coverage is designed for the specific needs of counties and related entities. The funds work closely with members to determine specific needs and encourage member input.

How does eligibility work?

Any county commission that is a member of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama is eligible to participate in the funds.

Some boards, commissions and agencies created by participating county commissions may be allowed to participate.

Who administers claims?

The funds contract with a third-party administrator (TPA) to administer all liability and workers’ compensation claims.

For liability participants, claims are administered consistent with an agreement entered into between the TPA and the fund, and consistent with the provisions of the coverage document.

For workers’ compensation participants, claims are administered consistent with the workers’ compensation laws of Alabama and the rules and regulations of the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Alabama Department of Labor.

The current TPA for the funds is County Risk Services, Inc. (CRS) located in Montgomery, Alabama.

What about financial administration?

Each participant is required to make an annual financial contribution to the fund.

Contributions are invested and held until needed to pay claims and necessary operating expenses.

The amount of contribution by each participant is determined by the corresponding board of trustees upon the recommendation of a qualified actuary.

Both funds are audited annually by a certified public accounting firm.

How is money returned to members?

The funds’ boards of trustees frequently approve the refund of contributions and distribution of fund investment earnings.

Refunds and distributions are based on participant claims experience and other actuarial considerations.

What is the Safety Incentive Discount Program?

Participants in one or both funds can opt in to the Safety Incentive Discount Program. It is designed to encourage fund members to improve their safety efforts by establishing basic standards to control risk. Find out more

Are there additional benefits for members?

In addition to the payment and administration of claims, fund members receive other benefits and services as described below.

  • Risk Control: Risk control services are provided through the funds’ third-party administrator (TPA) and include periodic facilities inspection, risk control manuals and instructional material, assistance in establishing local risk control committees, defensive driving courses, flagmen courses and many other related forms of assistance.
  • Specialized claims administration: The employees of the TPA that handle claims for fund members have particular expertise in handling claims for county government.
  • Excellent legal representation: When attorneys are needed, the funds retain only attorneys with extensive experience in such claims.

What about reinsurance?

Reinsurance protects the funds against big losses. The funds get reinsurance from County Reinsurance Limited, which was organized by county associations across the country.