Risk Management

For residents and businesses across the Commonwealth of Virginia, understanding how state government operates and protects its resources is key to appreciating the services provided. One vital, yet often unseen, component of this protection is the Division of Risk Management (DRM). Located in the heart of Richmond, this state government office plays a crucial role in safeguarding Virginia's financial integrity and ensuring the resilience of its public entities and employees.

The Division of Risk Management is not a typical walk-in service center for individual citizens in the same way a DMV or a local courthouse might be. Instead, it serves a critical back-end function, acting as the Commonwealth's primary administrator of risk management plans. Its mission is to shield state departments, agencies, institutions, and even certain local government entities and qualified individuals from significant financial losses that can arise from legal liabilities, property damage, or other unforeseen hazards. By managing these risks proactively, DRM contributes to the overall stability and efficiency of state operations, ultimately benefiting all Virginians through sound fiscal stewardship.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of the Virginia Division of Risk Management, shedding light on its location, the services it provides, and why its functions are so important to the fabric of local governance and public safety in Virginia. While direct interaction for the average citizen might be limited, understanding its purpose helps contextualize how state resources are managed and protected on behalf of the populace.

The Division of Risk Management (DRM) is centrally located in Virginia's capital city, Richmond, at 101 N 14th St #6th, Richmond, VA 23219, USA. This address places it within the James Monroe Building, a prominent state government building in downtown Richmond.

Richmond's central location in Virginia makes it a logical hub for state government operations, accessible from various parts of the Commonwealth. For those traveling by car, the James Monroe Building is conveniently situated near major interstate highways, including I-95 and I-64. Directions are generally straightforward from all directions:

• From the North (I-95 South): Take Exit 74B (Franklin Street). The James Monroe Building is the tall building on the right.
• From the South (I-95 North): Take Exit 74C. Follow Exit 74C, then take the Broad Street East ramp to the right. Turn right onto Broad Street. Go to the first traffic light which is N. 14th Street and turn left.
• From the West (I-64 East): As you approach central Richmond, I-64 merges with I-95. Follow signs for I-95 South to Exit 74B (Franklin Street). The James Monroe Building will be on your right.
• From the East (I-64 West): Take I-64 West to I-95 South. Follow I-95 South to Exit 74B (Franklin Street). The James Monroe Building is the tall building on the right.

Public transportation within Richmond, including GRTC buses, serves the downtown area, making the office potentially accessible for those who prefer not to drive. Being located on the 6th floor of a state government building also indicates that the office operates within a secure and professional environment, characteristic of state-level operations. While direct public services are limited, the location emphasizes its role as an administrative hub for the Commonwealth's risk management efforts.

The Division of Risk Management (DRM) provides comprehensive risk management plans and services primarily for Virginia's state government agencies, institutions, boards, commissions, officers, agents, and employees. They also extend coverage to certain local governments, constitutional officers, and qualified non-profit organizations. Their core services include:

• Liability Coverage: Administers risk management plans for public liability, protecting state entities and personnel against legal liability for damages. This encompasses:
  • Tort liability
  • Public officials liability
  • Law enforcement liability
  • Medical malpractice coverage (for public healthcare providers)
  • Automobile liability
  • Watercraft liability
• Property Coverage: Administers plans to protect against loss or damage to state-owned or some leased property, including:
  • Buildings and their contents
  • Boilers and machinery
  • Aircraft and watercraft hull coverage
  • Fine arts and antiquities
  • Builders' Risk coverage (for additions, alterations, or repairs up to $100,000)
• Blanket Fidelity Bonds: Provides self-insured protection against loss due to employee dishonesty, covering state officials, employees, and authorized volunteers with a bond limit of $500,000 per loss.
• Claims Administration: Manages and processes claims arising from liability, property damage, and other covered events for state entities.
• Loss Control & Training: Offers programs and resources, such as the Virginia Risk Control Institute (VRCI), to help state agencies and designated local government agencies control workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational health exposures, thereby minimizing potential losses.
• Risk Management Information Systems: Develops and maintains proprietary systems like Civitas™ (for real-time loss data), VAPS (Virginia Agency Property System for property values), and VACCS (Virginia Automobile and CarCare System for automobile exposure information) to facilitate efficient risk management.

These services are critical for maintaining the financial health and operational continuity of Virginia's extensive network of public services.

The Division of Risk Management distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its importance to Virginia's public sector:

• Comprehensive Protection: DRM provides a broad spectrum of coverage, protecting the Commonwealth against diverse financial risks, from legal liabilities to property damage and employee dishonesty. This integrated approach ensures robust financial security for state operations.
• Statutory Authority: The Division operates under specific state laws (§§ 2.2-1836, 2.2-1837, and 2.2-1838, Code of Virginia), which mandate its role in establishing and administering risk management plans. This legal foundation ensures its authority and essential function within state government.
• Proactive Risk Control: Beyond merely reacting to losses, DRM emphasizes loss control and training through programs like the Virginia Risk Control Institute. This proactive approach helps state agencies mitigate risks before they lead to significant financial or operational impact.
• Technological Integration: The use of proprietary systems like Civitas™, VAPS, and VACCS showcases DRM's commitment to leveraging technology for efficient data management, claims processing, and risk assessment for state entities.
• Support for Public Entities: While primarily serving state government, DRM also extends vital protection to various public entities, including local governments, constitutional officers, and certain non-profit organizations like Meals on Wheels and free clinics, demonstrating a broad commitment to public service protection across the Commonwealth.
• Expertise in Public Sector Risk: DRM specializes in the unique risk exposures faced by government entities, from public officials' liability to managing assets like historic properties and fine arts, highlighting a deep understanding of public sector specific challenges.

These features collectively highlight DRM's role as an indispensable component of Virginia's governmental infrastructure, providing essential financial protection and risk mitigation strategies.

As a state government agency, the Division of Risk Management (DRM) does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its services are mandated by state law and are provided as an integral part of the Commonwealth's financial and operational management.

Instead of promotional deals, DRM focuses on optimizing its services and providing value through efficient administration of risk management plans, educational resources for risk reduction, and statutory coverage for eligible entities. For state agencies, constitutional officers, and other qualifying public entities, the "offer" is the essential protection and risk mitigation services they receive as part of their operations within the Commonwealth. Any changes or updates to coverage or programs would be communicated through official state channels to the relevant government bodies and personnel, rather than through public promotions.

Entities seeking information about eligibility for DRM's programs or details on how to access their services should refer to official Virginia state government resources or contact DRM directly.

For state agencies, local government entities, or other authorized parties in Virginia needing to contact the Division of Risk Management, the following information is available:

• Address: 101 N 14th St #6th, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
• Phone: (804) 786-3152
• Mobile Phone: +1 804-786-3152

It is important to note that direct public inquiries for individual citizens regarding personal risk management matters are typically not handled by this office. Instead, DRM serves the risk management needs of state entities and eligible public organizations. For general state government inquiries or specific departmental concerns, citizens might need to contact the relevant state agency or utilize the broader Virginia state government contact directories.

While the Division of Risk Management (DRM) at 101 N 14th St #6th in Richmond, VA, may not be a direct service point for individual Virginia citizens, its role is fundamentally suitable and beneficial for all locals. DRM is the unseen guardian of the Commonwealth's assets and operations, ensuring that essential public services can continue uninterrupted, even in the face of unexpected challenges or liabilities.

For every Virginia resident, this means that state resources – from government buildings and vehicles to the programs and employees that serve them – are protected from significant financial setbacks. Whether it's ensuring that a state property damaged by a storm can be repaired efficiently, or that a government agency is shielded from costly legal liabilities, DRM's work underpins the stability and reliability of public services. By effectively managing risks, DRM helps to preserve taxpayer dollars, allowing state funds to be allocated to vital programs and infrastructure rather than being diverted to cover preventable losses.

Its central location in Richmond makes it an accessible administrative hub for the numerous state and eligible local government entities it serves across Virginia. The focus on comprehensive coverage, proactive loss control, and efficient claims administration demonstrates a commitment to sound governance. Therefore, even though the average Virginian may never directly interact with the Division of Risk Management, its presence and functions are crucial for the secure and smooth operation of the state government, directly contributing to the well-being and stability of the local communities it indirectly serves.