Purpose & History
During the early 1970's, Montana State Government lost its sovereign immunity. Therefore, the state began to purchase commercial liability insurance to protect itself from third party litigation. The risky nature of state services coupled with the high cost of commercial insurance forced state government and most other public entities to self-insure their liability risks in the mid-1970s.
Subsequent legislation (§2-9-101, MCA through §2-9-305, MCA) authorized the Department of Administration to assess state agencies and the university system for the costs associated with defending tort claims and administering commercial insurance and self-insured programs. The Risk Management & Tort Defense Division may, therefore, elect to insure auto, aviation, boilers & machinery, fidelity bond, fine art, tort liability, and other risks through any combination of commercial or self-insurance programs that are deemed necessary and cost-effective.
The Risk Management & Tort Defense Division offers a variety of loss control services that are designed to prevent and/or mitigate insured losses including training, boiler inspections, consultations, property inspections, building plan reviews, thermographic imaging surveys, property loss management guidelines, loss mitigation grants, and insurance premium discount programs. These programs save lives, time, and tax payer dollars and have been effective at reducing the frequency and severity of insured losses.
Call us (406)444-2421 with your questions about property/casualty insurance, claims/lawsuits, and loss prevention! We'd love the opportunity to assist you!