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VDAC Carriers


Pool Carrier History

A voluntary direct assignment carrier (VDAC) is an insurer that has elected to satisfy its obligation to the Pool by receiving direct assignments, and that has obtained prior approval from the Commissioner of Insurance authorizing such form of participation.

Any member of the Pool may apply to the Commissioner for voluntary direct assignment designation, and shall be eligible for designation as a voluntary direct assignment carrier, provided the member:

  • has and maintains, at a minimum, a Best's rating of either "A-" or NA 3 with an FPI of 8 or 9; and

  • has or has had for any year during the five year period immediately preceding the request to be designated a voluntary direct assignment carrier a workers' compensation voluntary market share of at least 1% in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and

  • demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, taking into account whatever technical advice may have been requested from the Bureau, that it has the capacity to provide appropriate coverage to any risk that may be assigned to it pursuant to this program regardless of the size, industry type, and geographical location of such risk; and

  • has and maintains the capacity to conform to the Performance Standards applicable to servicing carriers as set forth in the Pool Plan of Operation.

A voluntary direct assignment carrier's failure to maintain eligibility shall be considered by the Commissioner as cause for rescinding its designation as a voluntary direct assignment carrier. The WCRIB shall inform the Commissioner if it believes a voluntary direct assignment carrier may not be maintaining such eligibility.

Application to be designated a voluntary direct assignment carrier must be submitted to the Commissioner of Insurance prior to October 1. If the application is approved, the member will be designated a voluntary direct assignment carrier effective January 1st of the following year. The member shall continue as a voluntary direct assignment carrier for subsequent years, unless the member gives the Commissioner advance written notice of its intention to resign as a voluntary direct assignment carrier prior to October 1st of a given year, or unless such designation is rescinded by the Commissioner for cause.

For more information on the Voluntary Direct Assignment Program, refer to the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Voluntary Direct Assignment Program page in the Residual Market section of our web site.

Voluntary direct assignment carriers do not receive a servicing carrier fee.

Resources

Assigned Risk Pool Plan of Operation

Coverages Available

Depopulation Reports

MA Take-Out Credit Program

Pool Data

Residual Market Load Estimator

Servicing Carriers

VDAC Carriers

Voluntary Direct Assignment (VDAC) Program

The Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts
101 Arch Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110