HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 17, 1993 (61)OF
CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Renewal of General Liability Claim Administration
. GArvice Agreement with Insurance Consulting Associates (ICA)
MEETING DATE: November 17, 1993
PREPARED BY: Assistant City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council authorize the City to renew the
consulting contract with Insurance Consulting
Associates (ICA) for a three year term.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Insurance Consulting Associates has provided the
City of Lodi with first rate service over the past
three years. ICA's contract enumerates specific
services which it must perform. ICA has delivered
each one with speed and accuracy in a very professional manner. ICA has agreed
to maintain its current rate structure with no increase whatsoever.
FUNDING: Operating budget.
Respectfully Submitted,
rerryGlenn
Assistant City Manager
JLG:KJE:tp
Prepared by Kirk J. Evans
Administrative Assistant to the City Manager
Attachment
CCCOM001/TXTA_TLP/GL
PO I
APPROVED.
THOMAS A. PETERSON ncrclsd papa,
` City Manager
i
CC -1
CORPORATE.
0MCEr
1125 North
McDowell
Boulevard
Petaluma
CA 91964
OW) 77&1118
aRANCIf
0MCE3
4827 Ceary
Boulevard
San Franduo
CA 94118
MS) 751.9901
WALNUT CREEK
RESIDENT
ADJUSTING
SERVICE
OMCE:
39 Quall Court
Suite loo
Walnut Geek
CA 94596
(415) 9353236
IiII111NISURANCE C ONSULTING ASSOCIATES,INC.
P.O. BOX 750849 - PETALUMA. CA 94975-0849
November 9, 1993
Kirk Evans
Assistant to the City Manager
City of Lodi
Call Box 3406
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
PHONE: (707)779 -1119 -FAX (707) 778-8213
Re: Contract for Liability Claims Administration Services
Dear Mr. Evans:
NOV 12'93
City &Yara$er S
Attached are two copies of the new three year contract to provide liability claims
administration services to the City of Lodi. I have already executed the contract on
behalf of Insurance Consulting Associates, Inc. If it is acceptable, please have the
document signed and return one copy to me. For your easy reference, I enclose a
copy of the previous contract.
As you and I discussed, Insurance Consultin& Associates, Inc. is very sensitive to the
City's financial concerns. To that end, I point out that, although entitled to under
the contract, we have not raised our hourly rate to the City in the four years we have
served it. Our hourly fee of $52.00 to include routine secretarial, office overhead
and normal telephone usage is extremely competitive.
We consider it a privilege to serve the City of Lodi and we greatly appreciate your
business. I have every confidence that the City will continue to receive the fine
service it has come to expect from Insurance Consulting Association, Inc.
If I can be of additional assistance, please do not hesitate to call.
Very truly yours,
l
Daniel Blanquie
Executive Vice Pr sident
DAB/kh
enclosures
cc: Ron Blanquie
t
s
a Risk Management
Claims Administration
Licenx No. 0607524
Loss Control
SELF-INSURED CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
AND GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT
CONSULTING CONTRACT
THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into this 20th day of December, 1993, by and
between the CITY OF LODI, hereinafter referred to as the CITY, and INSURANCE
CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC., hereinafter referred to as the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR.
INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. is licensed in California to provide
independent adjusting services. Its State License number is 0607524. It is a California
Corporation with Home Office located at 1125 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA
94954; Telephone number. 707/778-1118. The Corporate Officers are Ronald Blanquie,
President, and Daniel A. Blanqui -, Executive Vice President.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED b, and between the parties signing this Contract, as follows:
1. GENERAL
The CITY desires r,, have unified claims management and general risk management
consulting servir:s. INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. is a
Claims M2nagerrept and Consulting firm experienced in providing the request.d
services and is ready and capable to perform such services for the CITY.
I1. SERVICES
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will assist the CITY in the management of the
CITY's liability claims program. The CITY will transmit promptly to the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR all verified claims which it receives and will notify the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR through Incident Reports of circumstances which it
believes may give rise to future claims. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will
perform no investigation of Incident Reports without the express request of the
CITY. It will initiate prompt investigations and attempt to secure the cooperation
and confidence of claimants and their attorneys. It will provide reports to the CITY
with respect to issues of fact, damages, and liability. It will provide
recommendations with respect to courses of action regarding settlement and/or
defense. Utilizing settlement authority as provided by the CITY, it will negotiate
with claimants and their attorneys with the goal of securing a mutually -acceptable
resolution to any cla:-n. It will attempt to resolve cases without litigation. If
assignment of a case to c.cfense counsel is necessary, it will make the assignment on
behalf of the CITY utilizing counsel specified and approved in advance by the
CITY. It will receive and review all expense billings related to p^nding cases and,
QQ
before approving such billings for payment, will secure any necessary supportive
documentation. Absent direction from the CITY to the contrary, it will attempt to
secure open or limited extensions of time on cases which it believes are likely to be
resolved more quickly, efficiently, and economically in that manner. Releases of All
Claims will be obtained from all claimants receiving settlements from the CITY
through the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will
provide timely and appropriate reporting to the excess insurers of the CITY in a
manner consistent with the reporting guidelines provided to it by the carriers. It will
make itself available to the City Council for discussion of pending cases. Consistent
with the expressed wishes of the CITY, it will make itself available for scheduled
claim reviews with the CITY. It will provide to the CITY a monthly computerized
Loss Run of pending and closed cases sorted in a format to be approved by the
CITY. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will perform loss control analysis and
consulting services for the CITY and will assist the CITY with risk management
services in a manner and to an extent agreed upon. It will encourage cooperative
activity amongst the various other firms providing administration or consulting
services to the CITY.
l�,�1�►`f • _ � • • � ri • fit M11� �!�`T�►1! 1t�I;�iI_�luF';
Settlement authority will be obtained by the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR from
the CITY or, in the event of an exposure piercing the CITY's self-insured retention,
jointly from the CITY and its Excess Insurer. Absent specific instructions to the
contrary from the CITY, the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is authorized to incur
on behalf of the CITY defense costs including, but not limited to attorney fees, court
costs, charges for court reporters, experts, technical analyses and reviews, medical
examinations, and related items as are necessary or appropriate in the judgment of
the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR or defense counsel for the proper defense of any
case.
IV. PAYMENT FOR SERVICFS
The annual Computer Services fee for the first yeas of this Contract is $3,000.00.
That fee covers the cost of computer hardware, space on the system, and production
of Loss Run Register, Graphic Summary, and Numeric Summary reports. The Fee
is due in full at the inception of each year of the Contract, though, for the
convenience of the CITY, payments of $250.00 or one -twelfth of the annual fee,
whichever is greater, may be made monthly toward any remaining balance.
There will be no charge for the time and attention necessary to review and respond
by phone to Incident Reports not requiring investigation, adjustment, or contact
with claimants, witnesses, or counsel.
All activities related to the handling of specific claims will be billed on a Time &
Expense basis, as follows, for the first year:
Professional Services
Claims Management: `$ 52.00 per hour
Risk Management and boss Control Consulting: "$ 75.00 per hour
• Based exclusively on time of investigative, supervisory, and management personnel.
No additional charge, except as provided below, for routine secretarial, insurance, or
office overhead or telephone.
'• Although 590.00 per hour is presently the current fee, this amount shall be reduced to
575.00 per hour as long as claims administration is performed by INSURANCE
CONSULTING ASSOCIATES INC.
Local travel (billed from Fairfield) $
Photography $
Color photogimphy (35mm) $
Recording cassettes for statements $
Statement transcription $
Video cassettes
Videotaping $ 75.00 per hour
Long distance telephone calls
(out of the 707 or 209 area codes)
FAX services First page: $
Each additional page:
Initial file set-up as
Posting costs
Necessary expenses
Special computer services and reports
Computer record searches
Travel out of area
40 per mile
.30 per page
2.00 per print
1.75 each
5.00 per page
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
2.50
1.75
25.00
(As incurred
IAs incurred
As incurred
As incurred
As incurred
Applicable for claims management only. No set-up charge on consulting projects.
Subject to agreement by both parties, increases are authorized for the second and
third years of this contract in an amount not to exceed 4% per year, plus a pro -rata
share of any increase in liability insurance cost exceeding 25% of the previous year's
premium. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall submit Statements on a monthly
basis showing an itemized break down by claim or by consulting activity. Billings
are payable upon presentation, with any unpaid item being subject to a late charge
of 1-1/2% per month imposed on the next billing cycle.
V. TERM
The term of this Contract. shall be for a period of three (3) years beginning
December 20, 1993, and terminating at mid^ight, December 20, 1996. This contract
may be terminated by either party for any reason upon sixty (60) days' written
notice. The Contract may be renewed subject to renegotiation of terms and
conditions by the parties hereto.
It is expressly agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall have the status of
an Independent Contractor and shall not be deemed to be an officer, employee, or
agent of the CITY.
VII. OWNERSHIP OF FILES
It is agreed that the claim files maintained in the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR's
offices are the property of the CITY and may be reviewed upon reasonable notice.
Upon termination of this Contract, possession of the files will be transferred to the
CITY which will pay the reasonable costs of any activity associated with the transfer
including, but not limited to, the cost of photocopying in whole or in part any and all
claims files are required for the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to be in compliance
with any law pertaining to the maintenance of records by a licensed adjusting firm.
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is authorized to destroy any claim file without
notice to the CITY after seven years following the date of file closure.
VIII. MUTUAL HOLD HARMLESS AND- INDEMNIFICATION
Each party hereto agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the other, its
officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, demands,
liability, costs and expenses of whatever nature, including court costs and counsel
fees arising out of injury, death, or loss to any person or persons, or loss of, or
physical damage to, any property resulting in any manner from the sole negligence
or willful acts of the responsible party, its agents, employees, licensees, or guests in
the making or arising out of the performance of this agreement.
In the event it is determined by settlement or litigation that there is a joint liability
and/or responsibility of the parties for the settlement or judgment, the parties
hereto agree that the responsibility for payment of such settlement or judgment
shall be borne by the parties in proportion to the share of fault as determined by the
court or jury in case of a judgment, and by agreement, or arbitration in the event
4
that agreement cannot be reached, in the case of a settlement. The parties further
agree hereunder that in those cases described under this paragraph, each party shall
bear its own costs and attorney fees.
IX. iNSURA.NCE
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agrees to procure and maintain during the life
of this contract and to provide evidence to the CITY that it carries General
Liability, Non -Owned Automobile Liability, and Errors & Omissions insurance in
an amount not less than $1,000,000, plus statutory Workers Compensation coverages.
X. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
It is agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will provide services utilizing
good faith efforts based upon its experience in claims management and consulting.
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR provides no warranty, express nor implied, that
its services will result in any specific outcome for any case nor any reduction in the
frequency, severity, or cost of any liability claims(s) nor any incidents giving rise to
claims, no matter how caused.
Xl. ARBITRATION
The CITY and the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agree to submit any claims arising
under this Contract to binding arbitration pursuant to the current provisions of the
California Code of Civil Procedure and any successor statutes.
In the event of any claim between the parties hereto arising out of the terms and
conditions of this agreement, the prevailing party, whether by way of arbitration or
by judicial litigation, shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs as
determined either by the arbitrator or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
X11. RESPONSIBII,ITY FOR CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION FEES
It is agreed that the CITY is liable for payment for all services rendered 'in accord
with this Contract. Should the self-insured retention, the deductible, or the annual
aggregate applicable to a particular claim or policy year be exceeded, the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR's billings remain the responsibility of the CITY, and the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is expressly authorized to continue all claims
management activities which it deems to be appropriate until it receives from the
CITY express written instructions to terminate any involvement in the claim or
grouping of claims.
/"'t
XIII. TERMINATION OF SERVICES
The responsibility of the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to provide any services
terminates on the date that this Contract is terminated, whether or not that date is
the scheduled date provided herein or is earlier or later. Should this Contract be
terminated for any reason and should the parties agree that the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR will continue to handle any aspect of any claims or grouping of
claims, charges for services so rendered will be billed at the rates then in effect as
established by the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR.
By:
Date Authorized Signature
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
! -(� B .
y�
Date Daniel A. Bfunqie
Executive Vice resident
copy -
SELF-INSURED CLAIMS 10MAGEMENT
AND GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT
CONSULTING CONTRACT
THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into this 20th day of December,
1990, by and between the CITY OF LODI, hereinafter referred to as the
CITY, and INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC., hereinafter referred
to as the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR.
INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. is licensed in California to
provide independent adjusting services. Its State License number is
0607524. It is a California Corporation with Home Office located at
1125 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954; Telephone number:
707/778-1118. The Corporate Officers are Ronald Blanquie, President,
and Daniel A. Blanquie, Executive Vice President.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between the parties signing this Contract,
as follows:
I. GENERAL
The CITY desires to have unified claims management and general
risk management consulting services. INSURANCE CONSULTING
ASSOCIATES, INC. is a Claims Management and Consulting firm
experienced in providing the requested services and is ready and
capable to perform such services for the CITY.
II. SERVICES
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will assist the CITY in the management
of the CITY's liability claims program. The CITY will transmit
promptly to the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR all verified claims which
it receives and will notify the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR through
Incident Reports of circumstances which it believes may give
rise to future claims. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will perform no
investigation of Incident .Reports without the express request of
the CITY. It will initiate prompt investigations and attempt to
secure the cooperation and confidence of claimants and their
attorneys. It will provide reports to the CITY with respect to
issues of fact, damages, and liability. It will provide
recommendations with respect to courses of action regarding
1
settlement and/or defense. Utilizing settlement authority as
provided by the CITY, it will negotiate with claimants and their
attorneys with the goal of securing a mutually -acceptable
resolution to any claim. It will attempt to resolve cases
without litigation. If assignment of a case to defense counsel
is necessary, it will make the assignment on behalf of the CITY
utilizing counsel specified and approved in advance by the CITY.
It will receive and review all expense billings related to
pending cases and, before approving such billings for payment,
will secure any necessary supportive documentation. Absent
direction from the CITY to the contrary, it will attempt to
secure open or limited extensions of time -on- cases which it
believes are likely to be resolved more quickly, efficiently,
and economically in that manner. Releases of All Claims will be
obtained from all claimants receiving settlements from the CITY
through the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will
provide timely and apprcpriate reporting to the excess insurers
of the CITY in a manner consistent with the reporting guidelines
provided to it by the carriers. It will make itself available to
the City Council for discussion of pending cases. Consistent
with the expressed wishes of the CITY, it will make itself
available for scheduled claim reviews with the CITY. It will
provide to the CITY a monthly computerized Loss Run of pending
and closed cases sorted in a format to be approved by the CITY.
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will perform loss control analysis and
consulting services for the CITY and will assist the CITY with
risk management services in a manner and to an extent agreed
upon. It will encourage cooperative activity amongst the various
other firms providing administration or consulting services to
the CITY.
III. DENIAL, COMPROMISE OR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS
Settlement authority will be obtained by the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR from the CITY or, in the event of an exposure
piercing the CITY's self-insured retention, jointly from the
CITY and its Excess Insurer. Absent specific instructions to the
contrary from the CITY, the CLAIMUS ADMINISTRATOR is authorized
to incur on behalf of the CITY defense costs including, but not
limited to attorney fees, court costs, charges for court
reporters, experts, technical analyses and reviews, medical
examinations, and related items as are necessary or appropriate
in the judgment of the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR or defense counsel
for the proper defense of any case.
2
W. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
The annual Computer Services fee for the first year of this
Contract is $3,000.00. That fee covers the cost of computer
hardware, space on the system, and production of Loss Run
Register, Graphic summary, and Numeric Summary reports. The Fee
is due in full at the inception of each year of the Contract,
though, for the convenience of the CITY, payments of $250.00 or
one -twelfth of the annual fee, whichever is greater, may be made
monthly toward any remaining balance.
There will be no charge for the time and attention necessary to
review and respond by phone to Incident Reports not requiring
investigation, adjustment, or contact with claimants, witnesses,
or counsel.
All activities related to the handling of specific claims will 'be..
billed on a Time & Expense basis, as follows, for the first year:
Professional Services
Claims Management: *$ 52.00 per hour
Risk Management and
Loss Control Consulting: **$ 75.00 per hour
* Based exclusively on time of investigative, supervisory,
and management personnel. No additional charge, except as
provided below, for routine secretarial, insurance, or
office overhead.
** Although $90.00 per hour is presently the current fee,
this amount shall be reduced to $75.00 per hour as long
as claims administration is performed by INSURANCE
CONSULTING ASSOCIATES INC.
Allocated Costs
Local travel (billed from Fairfield)
Photography
Color photography (35mm)
Recording cassettes for statements
Statement transcription
Video cassettes
Videotaping
Long distance telephone calls
(out of the 707 or 209 area codes)
FAX services First page:
Each additional page:
Initial file set-up
Posting costs
Necessary expenses
Special computer services and reports
Computer record searches
Travel out of area
* Applicable for claims management only.
consulting projects.
C
$ .40 per mile
$ .30 per page
$ 2.00 per print
$ 1.75 each
$ 5.00 per page
(As incurred)
$ 75.00 per hour
(As incurred)
$ 2.50
1.75
*$ 25.00
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
No set-up charge on
Increases are authorized for the second and third years of this
contract in an amount not to exceed 7% per year, plus a pro -rata
share of any increase in liability insurance cost exceeding 25-1
of the previous year's premium.- The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall
submit Statements on a monthly basis showing an itemized break-
down by claim or by consulting activity. Billings are payable
upon presentation, with any unpaid item being subject to a late
charge of 1-1/2% per month imposed on the next billing cycle.
The term of this Contract shall be for a period of three (3)
years beginning December 20, 1990, and terminating at midnight,
December 20, 1993. This contract may be terminated by either
party for any reason upon sixty (60) days' written notice. The
Contract may be renewed subject tn renegotiation of terms and
conditions by the parties hereto.
It is expressly agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall have
the status of an Independent Contractor and shall not be deemed
to be an officer, employee, or agent of the CITY.
VII. OWNERSHIP OF FILES
It is agreed that the claim files maintained in the CLAIMS
ADMINISTItATOR's offices are the property of the CITY and may be
reviewed upon reasonable notice. Upon termination of this
Contract, possession of the files will be transferred to the
CITY which will pay the reasonable costs of any activity
associated with the transfer including, but not limited to, the
cost of photocopying in whole or in part any and all claims
files are required for the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to be in
compliance with any law pertaining to the maintenance of records
by a licensed adjusting firm- The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is
authorized to destroy any claim file without notice to the CITY
after seven years following the date of file closure.
VIII. MUTUAL HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION
Each party hereto agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend
the other, its officers, agents, and employees from and against
any and all claims, demands, liability, costs and expenses of
whatever nature, including court costs and counsel fees arising
2
out of injury, death, or loss to any person or persons, or loss
�._ of, or physical damage to, any property resulting in any manner
' from the sole negligence or willful acts of the responsible
party, its agents, employees, licensees, or guests in the making
or arising out of the performance of this agreement.
In the event it is determined by settlement or litigation that
there is a joint liability and/or responsibility of the parties
for the settlement or judgment, the parties hereto agree that
the responsibility for payment of such settlement or judgment
shall be borne by the parties in proportion to the share of
fault as determined by the court or jury -l:h-Icase of a judgment,
and by agreement, or arbitration in the event that agreement
cannot be reached, in the case of a settlement. The parties
further agree hereunder that in those cases described under this
paragraph, each party shall bear its own costs and attorney
fees.
I%. INSURANCE
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agrees to procure and maintain during
the life of this contract and to provide evidence to the CITY
that it carries General Liability, Non -Owned Automobile
Liability, and Errors & Omissions insurance in an amount not
less than $1,000,000, plus statutory Workers Compensation
coverages.
X. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
It is agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will provide services
utilizing good faith efforts based -upon its experience in claims
management and consulting. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR provides no
warranty, express nor implied, that its services will result in
any specific outcome for any case nor any reducticn in the
frequency, severity, or cost of any liability claims(s) nor any
incidents giving rise to claims, no matter how caused.
%I. ARBITRATION
The CITY and the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agree to submit any claims
arising under this Contract to binding arbitration pursuant to
the current provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure
and any successor statutes.
E
In the event of any claim between the parties hereto arising out
of the terms and conditions of this agreement, the prevailing
party, whether by way of arbitration or by judicial litigation,
shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs as
determined either by the arbitrator or by a court of competent
jurisdiction.
It is agreed that the CITY is liable for payment for all
services rendered in accord with this Contract. Should the
self-insured retention, the deductible, or-ths annual aggregate
applicable to a particular claim or policy year be exceeded, the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR's billings remain the responsibility of the
CITY, and the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is expressly authorized to
continue all claims management activities which it deems to be
appropriate until it receives from the CITY express written
instructions to terminate any involvement in the claim or
grouping of claims.
XIII. TERMINATION OF SERVICES
The responsibility of the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to provide any
services terminates on the date that this Contract is
terminated, whether or not that date is the scheduled date
provided herein or is earlier or later. Should this Contract be
terminated for any reason and should the parties agree that the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will continue to handle any aspect of any
claims or grouping of claims, charges for services so rendered
will be billed at the rates then in effect as established by the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR.
Approved as to form:
CITY OF LODI
Bob W. McNatt, City Attorney Q.
By. /
Date Authorized Signature
Thomas A. Peterson, City Manager
Attest:
1I 9 INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES INC
U��rO, lel i�/ /Vu�jE,._
Alice M. Rell-mcZe, City Clerk
Date D nV�vre
1 A. Blanquie
cutExeVice President
6
SELF-INSURED CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
AND GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT
CONSULTING CONTRACT
THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into this 20th day of December, 1993, by and
between the CITY OF LODI, hereinafter referred to as the CITY, and INSURANCE
CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC., hereinafter referred to as the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR.
INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. is licensed in California to provide
independent adjusting services. Its State License number is 0607524. It is a California
Corporation with Home Office located at 1125 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA
94954; Telephone number. 707/778-1118. The Corporate Officers are Ronald Blanquie,
President, and Daniel A. Blanquie, Executive Vice President.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between the parties signing this Contract, as follows:
I. GENERAL
The CITY desires to have unified claims management and general risk management
consulting services. INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES, INC. is a
Claims Management and Consulting firm experienced in providing the requested
services and is ready and capable to perform such services for the CITY.
II. SERVICES
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will assist the CITY in the management of the
CITY's liability claims program. The CITY will transmit promptly to the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR all verified claims which it receives and will notify the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR through Incident Reports of circumstances which it
believes may give rise to future claims. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will
perform no investigation of Incident Reports without the express request of the
CITY. It will initiate prompt investigations and attempt to secure the cooperation
and confidence of claimants and their attorneys. It will provide reports to the CITY
with respect to issues of fact, damages, and liability. It will provide
recommendations with respect to courses of action reg,�rding settlement and/or
defense. Utilizing settlement authority as provided by the CITY, it will negotiate
with claimants and their attorneys with the goal of securing a mutually -acceptable
resolution to any claim. It will attempt to resolve cases without litigation. If
assignment of a case to defense counsel is necessary, it will make the assignment on
behalf of the CITY utilizing counsel specified and approved in advance by the
CITY. It will receive and review all expense billings re.ated to pending cases and,
before approving such billings for payment, will secure any necessary supportive
documentation. Absent direction from the CITY to the contrary, it will attempt to
secure open or limited extensions of time on cases which it believes are likely to be
resolved more quickly, efficiently, and economically in that manner. Releases of All
Claims will be obtained from all claimants receiving settlements from the CM
through the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will
provide timely and appropriate reporting to the excess insurers of the CITY in a
manner consistent with the reporting guidelines provided to it by the carriers. It will
make itself available to the City Council for discussion of pending cases. Consistent
with the expressed wishes of the CITY, it will make itself available for scheduled
claim reviews with the CITY. It will provide to the CITY a monthly computerized
Loss Run of pending and closed cases sorted in a format to be approved by the
CITY. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will perform loss control analysis and
consulting servicei for the CITY and will assist the CITY with risk management
services in a manner and to an extent agreed upon. It will encourage cooperative
activity amongst the various other firms providing administration or consulting
services to the CITY.
III. DENIAL„ COMPROMISE OR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS
Settlement authority will be obtained by the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR from
the CITY or, in the event of an exposure piercing the CITY's self-insured retention,
jointly from the CITY and its Excess Insurer. Absent specific instructions to the
contrary from the CITY, the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is authorized to incur
on behalf of the CITY defense costs including, but not limited to attorney fees, court
costs, charges for court reporters, experts, technical analyses and reviews, medical
examinations, and related items as are necessary or appropriate in the judgment of
the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR or defense counsel for the proper defense of any
case.
IV. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
The annual Computer Services fee for the first year of this Contract is $3,000.00.
That fee covers the cost of computer hardware, space on the system, and production
of Loss Run Register, Graphic Summary, and Numeric Summary reports. The Fee
is due in full at the inception of each year of the Contract, though, for the
convenience of the CITY, payments of $250.00 or one -twelfth of the annual fee,
whichever is greater, may be made monthly toward any remaining balance.
"there will be no charge for the time and attention necessary to review and respond
I
y phone to Incident Reports not requiring investigation, adjustment, or contact
with claimants, witnesses, or counsel.
2
All activities related to the handling of specific claims will be billed on a Time &
Expense basis, as follows, for the first year:
Professional Services
Claims Management: `S 52.00 per hour
Risk Management and Loss Control Consulting: "S 75.00 per hour
• Based exclusively on time of investigative, supervisory, and management personnel.
No additional charge, except as provided below, for routine secretarial, insurance, or
office overhead or telephone.
•• Although $90.00 per hour is presently the current fee, this amount shall be reduced to
$75.00 per hour as long as claims administration is performed by INSURANCE
CONSULTING ASSOCIATES INC.
Local travel (billed from Fairfield) S
Photography S
Color photography (35mm) S
Recording cassettes for statements S
Statement transcription S
Video cassettes
Videotaping S 75.00 per hour
Long distance telephone calls
(out of the 707 or 209 area codes)
FAX services First page: S
Each additional page:
Initial file set-up `S
Posting costs
Necessary expenses
Special computer services and reports
Computer record searches
Travel out of area
.40 per mile
.30 per page
2.00 per print
1.75 each
5.00 per page
(As incurred)
(As incurred)
2.50
1.75
25.00
As incurred
As incurred
As incurred
As incurred
As incurred
Applicable for claims management only. No sct-up charge on consulting projects.
Subject to agreement by both parties, increases are authorized for the second and
third years of this contract in an amount not to exceed 4% per year, plus a pro -rata
share of any increase in liability insurance cost exceeding 25% of the previous year's
premium. The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall submit Statements on a monthly
basis showing an itemized break down by claim or by consulting activity. Billings
are payable upon presentation, with any unpaid item being subject to a late charge
of 1-1/2% per month imposed on the next billing cycle.
V. TERM
The term of this Contract shall be for a period of three (3), years beginning
December 20,1993, and terminating at midnight, December 20,1996. This contract
may be terminated by either party for any reason upon sixty (60) days' written
notice. The Contract may be renewed subject to renegotiation of terms and
conditions by the parties hereto.
VI. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
It is expressly agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR shall have the status of
an Independent Contractor and shall not be deemed to be an officer, employee, or
agent of the CITY.
VII. O'JVNERSHIP OF FILES
It is agreed that the claim files maintained in the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR's
offices are the property of the CITY and may be reviewed upon reasonable notice.
Upon termination of this Contract, possession of the tiles will be transferred to the
CITY which will pay the reasonable costs of any activity associated with the transfer
including, but not limited to, the cost of photocopying in whole or in part any and all
claims files are required for the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to be in compliance
with any law pertaining to the maintenance of records by a licensed adjusting firm.
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is authorized to destroy any claim file without
notice to the CITY after seven years following the date of file closure.
VIII. MUTUAL HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION
Each party hereto agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the other, its
officer;, agents, and employees from and against an) and all claims, demands,
liability, costs and expenses of whatever nature, including court costs and counsel
fees arising out of injury, death, or loss to any person or persons, or loss of, or
physical damage to, any property resulting in any manner from the sole negligence
or willful acts of the responsible party, its agents, employees, licensees, or guests in
the making or arising out of the performance of this agreement.
In the event it is determined by settlement or litigation that there is a joint liability
and/or responsibility of the parties for the settlement or judgment, the parties
hereto agree that the responsibility for payment of such settlement or judgment
shall be borne by the parties in proportion to the share of fault as determined by the
court or jury in case of a judgment, and by agreement, or arbitration in the event
4
that agreement cannot be reached, in the case of a settlement. The parties further
agree hereunder that in those cases described under this paragraph, each party shall
bear its own costs and attorney fees.
1X. INSURANCE
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agrees to procure and maintain during the life
of this contract and to provide evidence to the CITY that it carries General
Liability, Non -Owned Automobile Liability, and Errors & Omissions insurance in
an amount not less than $1,000,000, plus statutory Workers Compensation coverages.
X. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
It is agreed that the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR will provide services utilizing
good faith efforts based upon its experience in claims management and consulting.
The CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR provides no warranty, express nor implied, that
its services will result in any specific outcome for any case nor any reduction in the
frequency, severity, or cost of any liability claims(s) nor any incidents giving rise to
claims, no matter how caused.
XI. ARBITRATION
The CITY and the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR agree to submit any claims arising
under this Contract to binding arbitration pursuant to the current provisions of the
California Code of Civil Procedure and any successor statutes.
In the event of any claim between the parties hereto arising out of the terms and
conditions of this agreement, the prevailing party, whether by way of arbitration or
by judicial litigation, shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs as
determined either by the arbitrator or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
XII. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION FEES
It is agreed that the CITY is liable for payment for all services rendered in accord
with this Contract. Should the self-insured retention, the deductible, or the annual
aggregate applicable to a particular claim or policy year be exceeded, the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR's billings remain the responsibility of the CITY, and the
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR is expressly authorized to continue all claims
management activities which it deerns to be appropriate until it receives from the
CITY express written instructions to terminate any involvement in the claim or
grouping of claims.
XIII. TERMINATION OF SERVICES
The responsibility of the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR to provide any services
terminates on the date that this Contract is terminated, whether or not that date is
the scheduled date provided herein or is earlier or later. Should this Contract be
terminated for any reason and should the parties agree that the CLAIMS
ADMINISTRATOR will continue to handle any aspect of any claims or grouping of
claims, charges for services so rendered will be billed at the rates then in effect as
established by the CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR.
CITY OF LODI
11,bICz3 _ Br, '—ja. d.
Dat- a Authorized Signature
Thomas A. Peterson
City Manager
Approved as to form:
Attest:u���-
Jen City Clerkrrin
s City Attorney
INSURANCE CONSULTING ASSOCIATES. INC.
,5 By:4-
ate Daniel A. 13lAnq4e
Executive Vice esident
M,