Pursuant to California Government Code § 990, the County of Kern self-insures the following liability exposures.

General and Automobile Liability

Coverage: This program applies to the negligent acts of the County of Kern and its employees that arise out of the operation of motor vehicles or the negligence of public officials that occur during the conduct of official County business.

Limits: The County of Kern self-insures the first 7 MILLION 5 HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($7,500,000) of each occurrence, with no limit to the number of occurrences in a single fiscal year. The County purchases traditional insurance in amounts that are excess of the self-insured limit of $7,500,000. Parts of this “excess” program are subject to annual aggregate limits.

Workers’ Compensation

Coverage: This program meets the California Labor Code requirement that employees provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are injured or who contract an occupational disease while in the course and scope of their employment.

Limits: The County of Kern self-insures the first ONE MILLION, TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,250,000) of each claim with no limit to the number of occurrences in a single fiscal year. The County purchases traditional insurance in excess of the self-insured limit in amounts necessary to satisfy statutory requirements.

Self Insurance

• Current Year – Kern County Self Insurance Letter Fiscal Year 2025–26(PDF)
• Previous Year – Kern County Self Insurance Letter Fiscal Year 2024–25 (PDF)

Contact

Lisa Dearmore, Risk Manager
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801