Program Overview

TO THE PASTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF THE DIOCESE OF SYRACUSE

It is a pleasure to present the policy and procedures guidelines for the Diocesan Self-Insurance Program. As many of you know, we are celebrating the 50th year of our Self-Insurance Program, and over the years, each and every institution of the Diocese has shared in the success of this program through stable insurance rates and excellent insurance coverage.

Over four decades ago, it became evident that Protected Self-Insurance was the most practical and responsible way to insure our properties and provide liability insurance for all entities within the Diocese. The program was instituted after extensive research and recommendations by a special committee of the Diocese. At the time of its inception, the Program provided more insurance and greater coverage than any previous program, and I am happy to report that the Program continues to provide this excellent vehicle of protection.

We feel that the success of this Program is due in large part to the conscious awareness of all our pastors and administrators that this plan is our own. While it is true the diocese is protected from catastrophic loss through the purchase of higher levels of insurance, the self-insured portion has been protected by the excellent and faithful cooperation of our pastors and administrators. This effort to guard against loss has provided benefits to all parishes and institutions as well as all of the people of the diocese.

Please study the outline of the Program as contained in this website. May I ask you to give particular attention to the procedures to be followed with respect to reporting claims. Prompt and accurate reporting is of great benefit in containing the cost of claims. Also helpful in this regard is your assistance in securing the proper verification of insurance from non-parish groups using your premises.

Again, may I congratulate each and every participant in the Diocesan Protected Self-Insurance Program. Your conscientious cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Faithfully yours,
Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Protected Self-Insurance Program is a self-insurance program that provides uniform all-risk coverage under one comprehensive plan for all parishes and agencies of the Diocese of Syracuse. The program is managed by the Diocese Risk Management Department.  

We define Risk Management as finding cost-effective ways to prevent or pay for accidental losses. 

WHAT PROTECTED SELF-INSURANCE MEANS

Under Protected Self-Insurance, the Diocese assumes responsibility for all claims.  

In effect, this means that every parish or agency is sharing in the payment of claims through its premiums. It also means that the amount of premium paid will have a direct relationship to the amount of claims paid. 

Such a program demands an increased awareness and responsibility for safety conditions, and the correction of improper, hazardous, or unsafe situations. The benefits of such awareness will be a reduction in total claims, and continued savings in the cost of insurance to all parishes and agencies. We maintain very high levels of Self-Insurance Retention. 

Above these levels, we have purchased various levels of Excess Insurance to cover against large catastrophes. Our program must, therefore, be managed in accordance with the recognized principles and practices of underwriting and claims adjustment that is required under the terms of our excess policies.

SERVICES:

The Diocese of Syracuse Risk Management Office will provide each parish and diocesan institution the following services:

• All loss adjustments – Claims Investigation – Claim Settlements
• A complete Safety Program – including Safety Inspections of all locations
• Calculation of all Parish charges
• Collection of claims against others
• Consultation on all insurance matters
• Safe Environment Program
• Facilities Management; In-House Water/Fire Mitigation Program
• Building Appraisals

ADVANTAGES TO EACH PARISH:

• All Risk Coverage
• No co-insurance requirement
• All Properties fully protected
• Newly acquired properties automatically insured
• Liability exposures fully protected
• All parish organizations and activities protected
• Automatic coverage for Parish and Diocesan events
• Favorable costs