Public Risk Management Association
Published: October 21, 2026 · Last reviewed: October 21, 2026 · Est. reading time 4 minutes
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In plain language: The Public Risk Management Association, or PRIMA, is a group for people who manage risk for cities, counties, schools, and other public bodies. Members share ideas, read industry news, and attend training events.
Technical definition: The Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) is a membership association of governmental risk managers. PRIMA publishes Public Risk magazine, sponsors seminars and an annual conference, and provides other professional services to members.
Public Risk Management Association at a Glance
The table below summarizes PRIMA and its place in public entity insurance.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PRIMA |
| Category | Professional association |
| Lines of business | Public entity liability, property, workers' compensation |
| Industries most affected | Local government, schools, special districts |
| Common solution | Peer education, conferences, publications |
| Also interacts with | Public entity pools, self-insurance |
Key Takeaways
- PRIMA is a professional association for risk managers who work for government bodies.
- Agents who serve public entity accounts often work beside PRIMA members on renewals and claims.
- PRIMA is not an insurer, a pool, or a licensing body, so membership never provides coverage.
- Agency staff serving public clients gain credibility through insurance education on the topics PRIMA members follow.
What Is the Public Risk Management Association in Insurance?
PRIMA serves risk managers for cities, counties, schools, and similar public bodies. Sovereign immunity, tort caps, and public budgets set government risk apart. Members compare notes on these issues, claims trends, and case law.
For example, a county risk manager may bring ideas from a PRIMA seminar on pooling and retention back to the county board.
How Does the Public Risk Management Association Work?
- The membership. Public employees and related professionals join the association.
- The education. Members attend seminars and conferences, and many sessions may support continuing education goals.
- The application. Risk managers use what they learn to shape their insurance and self-insurance programs.
Claim Examples Involving Public Risk Management Association
City fleet safety review after a vehicle crash
A city vehicle crashed into a delivery van, and the city faced a large commercial auto claim. The city risk manager had studied fleet safety programs through PRIMA. The city then tightened its driver rules.
School board lawsuit and a coverage gap
A school district faced a lawsuit over a board decision. Its risk manager had learned about management liability gaps from peers. The district had already added the coverage, so the defense costs were covered.
Public Risk Management Association vs. RIMS: What Is the Difference?
PRIMA and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) both serve risk professionals. PRIMA focuses on the public sector, while RIMS serves risk professionals across all industries and sectors.
| Comparison area | PRIMA | RIMS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use case | Government risk management | Corporate and general risk management |
| Coverage/concept type | Professional association | Professional association |
| Who is most affected by errors? | Public entity accounts | Commercial accounts |
| Common mistakes | Treating it as an insurer | Assuming it covers public law issues |
What Are the Most Common Mistakes With the Public Risk Management Association?
- Confusing PRIMA with a public entity pool. The pool provides coverage; PRIMA does not, and the mix-up misleads clients.
- Treating every session as approved continuing education. Credit rules vary, so producers must confirm credit with the regulator.
- Ignoring the client's PRIMA network. A risk manager may bring commercial property and commercial liability questions an unprepared agent cannot answer.
- Assuming all insurance information from peers fits the client. Each entity's exposures and contracts differ.
Sources and References
- IRMI. Public Risk Management Association.
- PRIMA. PRIMA website.