Claims and Risk Management

Risk Management Fund

Through the fund, the state of Tennessee is self-insured for general liability, auto liability, malpractice, and workers’ compensation.

Tennessee State Capitol building with fountain

Covering all State-owned buildings

The State contracts with brokers to research the insurance market and targets only highly-rated insurance carriers which are capable and willing to provide competitive insurance quotes for the state’s various lines of coverage.

This ensures the best possible coverage at the best rates, year after year. These ongoing efforts produce insurance coverage for all State-owned buildings and contents.

Range of Coverage

The Risk Management Fund pays for building and content losses for all state entities between $25,000 and $7.5 million. Additional coverage for losses between $7.5 million and $750 million is provided by contract with excess insurance policies, which are also paid out of the Risk Management Fund.

Certificate for Self-Insurance for Tennessee State Entities

Download the 2023 Certificate of Insurance

Return-to-Work Program

Over $3 million in taxpayer savings since 2014

Following the success of the Division's pilot program in 2014, the Return-to-Work program has been expanded across the state, furthering Tennessee's position as a leader in saving taxpayer dollars. The program is responsible for saving taxpayers over $3 million and cutting lag time in half.

Group of co-workers collaborating

Excellence in Risk Management

Rodney Escobar, Director of the Division of Claims and Risk Management, was recently awarded the PRIMA Risk Manager of the Year Award.

The division’s work in a variety of loss prevention measures includes a risk assessment that re-allocated resources to reduce the State workers’ compensation programs’ total incurred costs from $17.8 million in FY12 to $11 million in FY17.

This reflects a 38 percent savings to the state.

"Treasury strives to be a leader both in our state and nationally. This accomplishment shows leadership and dedication to constantly improving our State. Rodney Escobar and his team have worked diligently to better understand areas where we are vulnerable to losses and have put measures in place that have saved us millions of dollars.”

Hon. David H. Lillard, Jr. Treasurer, State of Tennessee

Additional Services

Loss prevention and control services are also provided for workers’ compensation and general liability, or tort. The Division also reviews and makes determinations on claims made against the State (workers’ compensation by state employees, employee property damage, and tort liability).

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ Compensation works to assist injured state and higher government employees in the recovery process, provide access to exceptional medical services and providers, and ensure excellent customer service during the entire workers’ compensation process.

Workers' compensation nurse in hospital

Treasurer Lillard with Division of Risk and Claims staff

Tort Liability

State law provides a method for persons who have been allegedly damaged by the State to file a claim for documented damages. If appropriate, the claimant may be compensated for their loss or damage.

Claims are paid through the Risk Management Fund. This fund is supported by premiums paid by each state department, agency, and institution based on actuarial analysis.

Learn about Tort Liability

Cyber Incident Response Plan (CIRP)

The Cyber Incident Response Plan (“CIRP”) is used as a structured guide in the event an agency and/or higher learning institution experiences a cyber-incident. The CIRP helps these State entities with assessing, reviewing, responding to, and recovering from the adverse effects of cyber incidents; and ensures that the State complies with the terms and conditions of its cyber liability insurance policy necessary for reimbursement.

Learn about our Cyber Incident Response Plan

cyber communications frames on blue map

Contact Us

Have questions about Claims and Risk Management? We're here to help!

(615) 741.2734

risk.management@tn.gov

Mailing Address

Division of Claims and Risk Management

502 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN  37243-0202