The Risk Retention Act of 1986 provides for purchasing groups to be created to facilitate the purchase of liability insurance for members of the sponsoring groups.  Risk Purchasing Groups (RPG’s) are comprised of entities with similar exposures and in a common business. Purchasing groups facilitate the purchase of liability coverage for their members from admitted insurers, surplus lines carriers, or Risk Retention Groups (RRGs).

As an RPG, EPPIC is similar to a trade association finding insurance carriers interested in providing advantageous insurance programs for its members.  EPPIC is registered as an RPG in the states where its members are domiciled, but it is not licensed as an insurance agent or broker and does not act in this capacity.  EPPIC members may negotiate specific terms and conditions of their liability insurance coverage directly with the insurance companies appointed by EPPIC or may chose to use an insurance agent or broker.