NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. -- Hancock County Administrator Chuck Svokas announced Wednesday that he was meeting with a loss control representative from Travelers Insurance Company to brainstorm ways they can cut the frequency of car crashes among sheriff's deputies.

"There is concern on their part and our part," said Svokas. "We've been advised that it's primarily due to the frequency of automobile accidents. Often times circumstances are such that the accidents are beyond their control. But we do believe there are some things that can be done that can improve that situation."

A report from Travelers suggested the insurance company paid out more than $3 million in losses over about a five-year period.

Hancock County Sheriff Mike White questioned the timing of the criticism. He said the purchase of six replacement cruisers typical each year hasn't been approved by the county commission yet.

"There's a lot of factors in (the report), so why they're basing that on waiting and not giving us the vehicles, I don't understand," said White. "Everything from lawsuits, to people falling in the courthouse and in the parking lot, civil actions, accidents with maintenance vehicles, other office holders vehicles, sheriff's office vehicles, workman's comp injuries and claims, so it's not fair that they say they're not paying this because we've caused this increase."