FAQs
What is my district’s deductible?
Members can choose from a variety of deductible options for various lines of coverage. Once selected, that amount will be displayed on your district’s annual Declaration Page, which is the first page of your Memorandum of Coverage (MOC). Please contact ASCIP for this information if you cannot locate your current copy.
How do I obtain a copy of my district’s Declaration Page showing the coverage period and limits?
ASCIP mails the Declaration page by August (for July 1 effective dates) of each year to each member’s primary contact. Additional copies can be requested by calling ASCIP.
How do I obtain a copy of our district’s coverage or policy document?
ASCIP issues a Memorandum of Coverage (MOC) for each coverage provided. It is similar to an insurance policy. Additional copies of the original MOC can be obtained by calling ASCIP.
What is our district’s insurance policy number?
ASCIP is a member owned pool instead of an insurance company therefore traditional insurance policy numbers are not issued. Instead, ASCIP refers to its members by the name of the District and provides a short numeric code on each member’s Annual Declaration page.
How are claims handled? Does ASCIP use an outside third-party administrator?
ASCIP handles all reported claims under its respective MOC. ASCIP handles all claims through its own in-house claims team to investigate, evaluate, and resolve all claims on our member’s behalf. The claims team works closely with both the member district and the defense team to effect the best possible claim outcome. ASCIP has the benefit of having two claims offices to meet our members needs - one in Southern California and the other in Northern California.
What does the “Crime” coverage provide?
The ASCIP Crime coverage is more aptly called “Employee Dishonesty Coverage” It is a comprehensive policy that covers instances of: employee theft; forgery or alteration; theft of money and securities inside and outside of school premises; computer fraud; funds transfer fraud; and, counterfeit money orders and currency. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. There is a $500 member deductible.
Will a particular claim impact my rates?
The advantages of belonging to a large risk pool like ASCIP is that losses are spread among all members. While it is unlikely that a single loss, regardless of amount, will significantly impact any one member’s rates, multiple claims could impact a members experience modification factor and thereby, increase future premiums. Determining a member’s annual experience factor is a very specific mathematical calculation that is developed by an independent actuary in coordination with ASCIP’s financial team. For specific information on rate calculation, please contact ASCIP’s financial team.
Can we use our own defense counsel to represent us in a litigated matter? How can I get my firm added to the ASCIP legal panel?
ASCIP will work with its members on selection of counsel from its established Attorney Panel. This Panel has been vetted for its expertise in public education law, and public entity litigation defense. All Panel attorney’s have agreed to Litigation Management Guidelines. Depending on the type of claim presented, ASCIP reserves the right to appoint specific Panel counsel to handle the matter. ASCIP is open to consider adding to its Attorney Panel, particularly when additional expertise or geographic coverage needs arise.
How long does a person/party have to file a claim against the school/district?
Claims made against public entities (including school districts) are governed by the California Government Code Section-Section 3. A claim relating to a cause of action for death or injury to person(s) or damage to personal property shall be presented not later than six months after the accrual of the cause of action. A claim relating to any other cause of action shall be presented no later than one year after the accrual of the cause of action. Note: there are exceptions for the types of claims being made. If you have a question regarding any claim, please contact ASCIP.