The Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) is a not-for-profit, member-owned and operated risk management and self-insurance pool designed by and expressly for Nebraska counties which has now been expanded to include other select county related public agencies.
Created in 1988 under the Intergovernmental Risk Management Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-4301 to 44-4339) and the Interlocal Cooperation Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 13-801 to 13-827), NIRMA is subject to all applicable rules and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Insurance.
Under the NIRMA flagship there are actually two pools – NIRMA, which provides property and liability coverages, and NIRMA II, which offers workers’ compensation coverage.
NIRMA began with 32 counties as charter members. Today, NIRMA serves 112 members.
About NIRMA
Out of necessity we created our vision. In the 1980s, Nebraska counties were considered fortunate if adequate and affordable insurance coverages could be secured. Market conditions had pushed prices dramatically higher and certain coverages could not be obtained for any price.
Frustrated by the anxiety of being under-insured – or not insured – a group of Nebraska county officials joined together to navigate uncharted waters – creating Nebraska’s first risk management and self-insurance pool, and one specifically designed for county government.
Despite considerable outside skepticism and staunch opposition, the efforts of these county officials and others produced legislation enacted into state law in 1987 to allow public agencies to form separate legal entities that would provide insurance coverages for property, liability, errors and omissions, and workers’ compensation losses.
On January 7, 1988, the Nebraska Department of Insurance granted a Certificate of Authority to the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) and its 32 charter member counties, making it the first public entity risk management pool in the state and authorizing it to provide property and liability insurance coverages. Within six months, the Department of Insurance awarded a second Certificate of Authority, this one authorizing the creation of NIRMA II as a separate workers’ compensation self-insurance pool for county members.
Through vision we have produced our achievements. In relatively short order, NIRMA establishes itself as one of the nation’s premier risk management and self-insurance pools. More and more counties realize the benefits of pooling and have become members. Comprehensive lines of coverage have been developed and tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of counties. And most importantly, pricing and coverage stability have been achieved.
From our achievements we draw inspiration for our future. NIRMA continues to be the most viable and valuable option when it comes to helping counties reduce risks and secure comprehensive insurance coverages. And from what it has achieved since 1988, NIRMA draws its inspiration for the future.
Our Mission
NIRMA, in partnership with its member Nebraska counties and other select public agencies, leads the way in providing innovative and cost-effective coverages, sound risk management strategies, and comprehensive loss prevention and safety services.
Our Vision
Working together to excel in protecting what matters most to our members – safety and saving tax dollars.
Core Values
We are NIRMA, and We C A R E
Commitment – to act with integrity, honesty and respect in all we do.
Accountability – making fiscally sound and prudent business decisions that support the long-term stability of the pool and its members.
Responsiveness – understanding, envisioning and responding to the evolving coverage and service needs of our members.
Empowerment – partnering with our members to actively reduce risk exposures and enhance health and safety.
