TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to purchase "all risk" property insurance for City buildings, contents, and vehicles through the Alliant Insurance Service's Public Entity Property Insurance Program, for a total premium not to exceed $640,000 for the period from
July 1, 2009 through July 1, 2010. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Human Resources requests City Council authorization to renew and extend "all risk" property insurance coverage for City buildings and contents through July 1,2010.
Through its property insurance broker, Alliant Insurance Services, the City annually purchases "all risk" property insurance to cover perils such as fire, vandalism and wind on all City buildings, contents, and vehicles. The proposed "all risk" property insurance policy provides replacement cost coverage with limits of up to $1 billion, subject to a $50,000 per occurrence deductible for named perils and a limit of $10 million in coverage for flood; it does not include coverage for the peril of earthquake. This is consistent with coverage provided in the current year policies. Based on the City's current insured property valuation, the premium for the "all risk" renewal program will not exceed $640,000, which is an approximate increase of 15 percent when compared to last year's premium. The property insurance for the Queen Mary makes up approximately 35 percent of the total premium. The portion for the Queen Mary is billed directly to the current lessee.
The City has not purchased earthquake coverage since 2002 due to exorbitant pricing. In prior years, the City has purchased $10 million worth of earthquake coverage for specific properties that are financed by bonds, which include City Hall and the Convention Center. Under the terms of the bonds, earthquake insurance is required only if it is obtainable from financially secure markets at a reasonable cost. The City was able to obtain one quote for earthquake coverage; however, the purchase of this policy would cost $442,819 with a deductible of $38 million and $10 million in coverage. The City will continue to monitor insurance markets, and in the meantime rely upon FEMA's public assistance program should the need arise. If the insurance marketplace for earthquake coverage improves, staff will recommend the purchase of earthquake insurance at that time.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Burton and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on June 4, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 23, 2009, to allow the City to officially bind insurance coverage by the renewal date of July 1, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total premium will not exceed $640,000, for the period from July 1, 2009 through July 1, 2010, which is a 15 percent increase over last year due to 2008 being the third largest property loss year in history (Hurricanes Gustav and Ike). Policy terms and limits are the same as current year policies. Funding has been budgeted in the Insurance Fund (IS 390) and in the Department of Human Resources (HR) for all risk property insurance renewals. Premium costs associated with the Queen Mary will be reimbursed in full. The cost of the property insurance is allocated to all funds based upon total insured value of property, with approximately 16 percent of the premium allocated to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZANNE R. MASON
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |