Risk Pooling: How to Explain Insurance Rate Increases Without Losing Member Trust
Public entity risk pools like yours are built on trust. Members rely on their pool for coverage, but also for stability, guidance, and long-term stewardship of public funds. So, when you manage a risk pool and rates increase, coverage terms shift, or deductibles change, you might find the conversation with your members can quickly feel […]
5 Smart Ways to Handle Property Valuation Swings Without Losing Sight of Risk
Large valuation swings can put risk managers in a difficult position. On one hand, rising replacement costs can push insurable values and premiums higher, which can require additional justification for risk pool members. On the other hand, applying trend factors that are too low can leave properties undervalued and organizations exposed. For risk pools, states, […]
6 Reasons Risk Pools and States Should Start Property Appraisal Projects with a Pilot
Launching a full property appraisal initiative can feel like a major commitment, especially for risk pools, states, and other public entities managing large or complex property schedules. But that’s exactly why appraisal pilots are so valuable! Think of it like a tasty product sample you might get in the grocery store. An appraisal pilot project […]
7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Desktop or Full Property Insurance Appraisal
When it’s time to update property values, one big decision that risk managers face is: should you choose a full onsite appraisal or a desktop appraisal? Both approaches have benefits, depending on the situation. A full appraisal offers a deeper in-person look at buildings and assets, while a desktop appraisal can be faster and more […]
From Data Gaps to Better Coverage: Modernizing Property Risk Management
Property data influences nearly every part of the insurance process. For public entities that are managing large property schedules, the quality of that data can affect valuations, underwriting, renewals, and claims, potentially affecting the entire organization. For many public entities, their processes involve a combination of manual effort, limited time, and limited resources to evaluate […]
From Wildfires to Floods: Managing Property Risk in a Changing Climate
Climate-related property risks are showing up in places many organizations didn’t expect. Wildfires are affecting areas outside traditional western regions. Flooding is occurring in locations that never carried flood coverage before, and severe storms are creating larger and more frequent losses. For public entities, this is changing how property risk is evaluated and how insurance […]
Why Property Valuations are Under the Microscope
(And What Risk Managers Should Do About It) If it feels like property insurance valuations are getting more scrutiny lately, you’re not imagining it. Across the insurance industry, especially in the public sector, accurate Statements of Values (SOVs) have moved from “important” to mission-critical. And for risk managers overseeing municipalities, school districts, and state-owned properties, […]
On the Road with Shelby Donovan: Mountains and Miles of Foresight in Washington State
When Valuation Associate Shelby Donovan receives an assignment in Washington State, her mind isn’t solely on property; it’s also on the location. “What part of the state will it be?” she wonders. “Because every area is completely different, and each trip needs to be planned that way.” For someone who grew up in Houston, and […]
RiskStar Innovators Meet in 2026 for Continued Collaboration
This week marked the first RiskStar Innovators customer advisory board meeting of 2026, where we welcomed new members and discussed ways RiskStar risk management software can best support today’s risk pools and states. Founding members in this dynamic user collaboration include ACWA JPIA, Texas Association of Counties, Midwest Public Risk, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Association […]
On the Road with Bryan Mowery: Feels Like Home in South Carolina
Appraiser Bryan Mowery has covered a lot of ground in South Carolina. He’s driven rolling Upstate hills, felt the thrum of Charleston highways, and unwound along quiet rural trails and beside placid lakes. But ask him what stands out the most, and it’s not the scenery. He’ll tell you it’s the people he’s met along […]