Frequently Asked Questions
AdVANtage Pool
What is a vanpool self-insurance pool?
A vanpool self-insurance pool is a group of vanpool owners who contribute annual membership fees to a pool managed by the Virginia Division of Risk Management. These membership fees, or contributions, are used to self-insure their commuter vanpools. Through the pool, vanpool owners share common risks via a combination of self-funding and insurance.
How is vanpool self-insurance different from traditional insurance?
Self-insurance pools operate similarly to insurance companies. In fact, pool members rarely notice a difference—especially when it comes to claim service and legal defense. The primary difference is that vanpool members share their risks with one another. This means that everyone contributes membership fees into a pool, and the money in that pool is used to provide liability protection.
Why do we need a self-insurance pool for vanpools?
Over the past several years, insurance options for vanpools have declined to a critically low level. Vanpools provide a tremendous environmental benefit to Virginia, removing over 3,500 vehicles daily from Fredericksburg to the Washington, DC area—improving air quality and keeping Virginia cleaner and greener. The AdVANtage program will ensure that vanpoolers in Virginia have more choices when it comes to vanpool protection, so that vanpooling will remain a viable transportation alternative.
Are annual membership fees consistent from year to year?
The annual membership fee may vary based upon the claim experience of the pool, projected costs, and industry-wide experience.
Excessive “at fault” accidents, citations or the unsafe operation of vehicles may result—at the sole discretion of the Division of Risk Management—in increased contributions or “premiums” and/or higher deductible requirements for individual vanpool owners.
Who is the Division of Risk Management and what role do they have in this program?
The Division of Risk Management (DRM) is a division of the Virginia Department of the Treasury and has been operating risk management and self-insurance programs, and providing claim and loss control service since 1986. DRM is the claims administrator for the AdVANtage self-insurance pool that provides claim and loss control services.
Who is the George Washington Regional Commission and what role do they have in this program?
The George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) Planning District 16 operates GWRideConnect, which administers AdVANtage. GWRideConnect will handle enrollment, payments, and answer general questions.
Eligibility & Coverage
What are the eligibility requirements for AdVANtage?
- Any commuter vanpool that is licensed and registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia is eligible to become a member.
- Commuter vanpools that are licensed and registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia that travel to work locations outside of the Commonwealth are eligible to become members.
- Commuter vanpools that are licensed and registered outside of the State of Virginia are not eligible.
- All vanpools must be registered with a State recognized Transportation Demand Management (TDM) agency before becoming an AdVANtage member.
What does the AdVANtage Pool Program cover?
Liability protection for 7-passenger & 15-passenger vans—with limits of $1 million per claim per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (statutory limits)
- Medical payments coverage ($5,000 per person)
- Comprehensive and collision coverage standard
- Towing and roadside assistance (labor only) included up to $250
Reporting & Incidents
What do I do if my vanpool has an accident?
AdVANtage Members can find detailed instructions to follow if an accident occurs in the Member Section under Quick Links.
Cost & Online Payment
How do you collect membership fees? How often?
Membership fees are paid to the George Washington Regional Commission through Pay Pal, which is accessible through the Members Section of the website. Fees are collected monthly or annually based on your choice of payment option. Detailed payment instructions can be found in the Members Section.
