Risk Management and Tort Defense Division
Welcome to the Risk Management and Tort Defense Division
The Risk Management & Tort Defense Division administers auto, aviation, liability, property, and specialty insurance programs, provides training and consultative services to prevent/mitigate losses, and evaluates, resolves, or adjudicates claims and lawsuits in behalf of state agencies, universities, boards, councils, and commissions.
Member of:
Agency Resources
Training Schedule & Registration
Quick Links
Topics
Learn who the Risk Management & Tort Defense (RMTD) Division is and how it supports state agencies and universities. The About Us page highlights the division’s mission, purpose and history, key services, organizational structure and staff, and links to publications, statutes, rules, and policies, and contact information so you can better understand how RMTD manages risk, insurance, claims, and legal defense for the State of Montana.
About Us PageLearn how the Risk Management & Tort Defense Division purchases, manages, and supports property and casualty insurance for state agencies and universities. The Insurance page links to insurance procurement and administration guidance, property and tort liability coverage summaries, the Property/Casualty Insurance Information System (PCIIS), foreign and specialty insurance information, and contacts for help with insurance questions.
Find services and tools that help agencies and universities prevent injuries, protect property, and reduce claims. The Safety & Loss Control page describes RMTD’s loss control services and links to the online loss prevention resource portal, information about loss mitigation grants, property inspections, infrared and ultrasonic surveys, and contacts for the loss control team.
Explore training opportunities that help state agencies and universities reduce risk and prevent losses. The Training page explains RMTD’s training services and links to the course catalog, registration site, and contact information for scheduling courses on topics like defensive driving, contracts, cyber security, accident investigation, fraud prevention, and property loss control.
Learn how the Risk Management & Tort Defense Division handles property and casualty claims for state agencies and universities. The Claims page explains the division’s role in investigating and resolving claims, links to instructions and forms for reporting losses (including for the public and state agencies), and provides contact details for help with claim questions.
Please submit all correspondence and documents by e-mail to our Legal Staff, listed on the About Us page.
The legal unit defends the state, university system and their employees in liability claims and lawsuits provided that they are acting within the course and scope of employment.
The unit was established according to the provisions of the Tort Claims Act as provided in Title 2, Chapter 9, Parts 1-3 of the Montana Codes Annotated and provides the following services:
- Advice to state/university participants to resolve tort liability issues.
- Cost effective, high quality legal support through staff counsel, agency legal services counsel, or contract counsel.
- Support to the claims and risk management unit.
The objective of the legal unit is the effective disposition of cases at the lowest total cost.
The procedure is to investigate, evaluate, and resolve claims that have merit consistent with legal and ethical obligations and to prepare the remaining cases for summary judgment or resolution at trial.
If you have any questions regarding tort liability issues, please contact a member of the Legal Staff.
Learn how RMTD works with statewide committees and networks to improve risk management, safety, and loss control. The Advisory Groups page introduces groups such as the Risk Management Committee and Risk Management Network, and links to member lists, meeting minutes, message archives, and contact information for participating in or following their work.