Agent News
Q1 2018
2017 was another very successful for Accident Fund and the AF Group enterprise. In fact, it was one of the most successful years in our history. To learn how the enterprise and each of our brands performed, we encourage you to review the 2017 Annual Report.
You have played a significant role in helping us achieve our ongoing success – and we are appreciative of your efforts. We look forward to your continued partnership as we plan for greater achievements in 2018.
We want to pay you more for your new business! Send us everything you’ve got and we’ll give you a 2% bonus commission on all new accounts issued under $200,000 in premium, no exclusions!
To incentivize you even further, we’ve extended the program to run through June 30, 2018! Our new business incentive could equate to 29% more revenue for your agency. Contact your business development consultant to discuss how you can maximize the benefits or click here to access our flyer.
We were thrilled to see so many of you at our recent Annual Agent Meetings. We greatly value the time we’re able to spend with our agency partners and appreciate you making the effort to join us. Click here to access our Overview for Annual Agent Meeting flyer.
As discussed at the meetings, Accident Fund had another record year. We exceeded all of our targets by a significant margin as you’ll see below.
| 2017 Plan | 2017 Actual | |
| Written premium | $707M | $759M |
| New business | $139M | $181M |
| Premium retention | 85.0% | 87.9% |
| AY combined ratio | 90.0% | 89.0% |
| CY combined ratio | 90.0% | 85.6% |
| Underwriting gain | $70M | $103.9M |
We realize these remarkable results couldn’t have been achieved without our strong agency partnerships – particularly in a softening market – and we were glad to share in our success through profit sharing. Accident Fund continues to pay out record profit sharing year after year… and 2017 was no different as we paid agents $33 million, up 27% from 2016.
Because our payout incentive is based on a three-year plan, we encourage you to retain your Accident Fund business so you’ll have our two most profitable years on record going into 2018!
If you missed the meetings, or would like to share the presentation with your team, the PowerPoints are available on our Agent website under ‘Agent Meeting Materials.’
In qualifying for Accident Fund’s President’s Club, the following agents contributed to our overall success in 2016 by helping us grow and retain profitable business. Thanks to their dedication and commitment to promoting our value to customers, they achieved very impressive results for Accident Fund. We appreciate their ongoing support, continued feedback and valued insight into the individual needs of their clients.
President’s Club qualifications for 2017 included written premium exceeding $2 million, a cumulative loss ratio of 50% or less, and premium retention of 82% or higher. We are proud to honor these agencies:
| ALLIED INSURANCE MANAGERS, INC. | Michigan |
| ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. | Michigan |
| ASCENSION INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | North Carolina |
| BB & T INSURANCE SERVICES | North Carolina |
| BERENDS HENDRICKS STUIT INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | Michigan |
| BOTTRELL INSURANCE | Mississippi |
| BROWN & BROWN OF DETROIT, INC. | Michigan |
| BUITEN & ASSOCIATES | Michigan |
| BXS INSURANCE | Mississippi |
| CAPITAL INSURANCE GROUP | Michigan |
| COMBINED AGENTS OF AMERICA | Texas |
| CONSOLIDATED INSURANCE CENTER, INC. | Maryland |
| CORRELL INSURANCE GROUP | South Carolina |
| CREATIVE PLANNING | Kansas |
| DAVID CHAPMAN AGENCY, INC. | Michigan |
| DIEBOLD AGENCY CO. | Michigan |
| DOEREN MAYHEW INSURANCE GROUP, LLC | Michigan |
| DOYLE & OGDEN, INC. | Michigan |
| GENERAL AGENCY CO. INC. | Michigan |
| GENY INSURANCE GROUP | Tennessee |
| GEORGETOWN INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. | Maryland |
| GOMPERS, CORNISH & BARR | Michigan |
| GOODMAN VENEGAS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | Michigan |
| GREAT LAKES AGENCY SERVICES | Michigan |
| HAROLD W. WELLS & SON, INC. | North Carolina |
| HNI RISK SERVICES OF MI, LLC | Michigan |
| HUB INTERNATIONAL SOUTHEAST | South Carolina |
| HYLANT GROUP | Ohio |
| IEUTER INSURANCE GROUP | Michigan |
| INPRO INSURANCE GROUP, INC. | Michigan |
| INSURANCE MARKETING GROUP OF WISCONSIN, INC (IMAGE) | Wisconsin |
| INSURANCE SVCS OF SF INC DBA ISU INS SVCS OF SAN FRANCISCO | North Carolina |
| J. A. PRICE AGENCY, INC. | Minnesota |
| J. SMITH LANIER, A MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY LLC COMPANY | Georgia |
| JOHNSON INSURANCE SERVICES | Wisconsin |
| KAPNICK & CO. | Michigan |
| LIGHTHOUSE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. | Michigan |
| LYMAN & SHEETS INSURANCE AGENCY | Michigan |
| MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY | Minnesota |
| MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY – MICHIGAN | Michigan |
| MICHIGAN COMMUNITY INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | Michigan |
| MOUNTAIN EMPIRE AGENCY ALLIANCE LLC | Tennessee |
| OAKLAND COMPANIES | Michigan |
| PATRIOT UNDERWRITERS INC. | Virginia |
| PEOPLES FIRST INSURANCE | South Carolina |
| PEOPLES UNDERWRITERS, INC. | South Carolina |
| PETERSON MCGREGOR & ASSOCIATES | Michigan |
| PSA INSURANCE | Maryland |
| RALPH C. WILSON AGENCY INC. | Michigan |
| SHAFER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | Tennessee |
| SHARED AGENCY SERVICES OF MS, LLC | Mississippi |
| THE CAMPBELL GROUP | Michigan |
| THE HUTTENLOCHER GROUP | Michigan |
| THE LARKIN GROUP | Michigan |
| THE STERLING GROUP, INC. | Michigan |
| TOTAL INSURANCE PLUS, LLC | North Carolina |
| TRISURE CORPORATION | North Carolina |
| TRUENORTH COMPANIES | Iowa |
| UNICO GROUP, INC. | Nebraska |
| UNLAND CO. | Illinois |
| VAN WYK RISK SOLUTIONS | Michigan |
| VAST | Michigan |
| WATSON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | North Carolina |
| WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC. | New York |
In 2019, trip earners will step aboard the world’s first-ever discovery yacht. This one-of-a-kind experience will feature extravagance from all-inclusive verandah suites featuring floor to ceiling windows, personal butler service and 5-star amenities…to the 10 fine dining and casual restaurants, unlimited complimentary beverages and daily entertainment. The Scenic Eclipse yacht takes luxury to a whole new level.
Extraordinary activities will excite even the most adventurous thrill seekers. Twelve custom built Zodiacs and a fleet of kayaks give guests the opportunity to venture away from the yacht — while scuba diving equipment allows trip earners to delve into the depths of the ocean. On-board, trip earners can visit the spa, where they will spend time in the shallow plunge pools or take a dip in the heated indoor pool, featuring a retractable roof.
The yacht features four separate lounges and a 240-seat theater hosting performances, concerts, and shows sure to keep us entertained.
When the yacht docks along the various ports of call, we will have the opportunity to explore Venice, Amalfi, Dubrovnik, Portovenere, Barcelona and St. Tropez.
The Scenic Eclipse Yacht—truly the experience of a lifetime. For more about our trip, click here to access our incentive trip website – be sure to check out the video while you’re there!
Reporting claims quickly saves a company money, reduces the severity of an injury, and lessens the amount of time an employee is off work. This is achieved because:
- Managers get the injured employee to the right doctors or specialists quicker, increasing the chance the injury will be treated correctly and efficiently.
- Reporting early removes the possibility of worsening the injury and lengthening healing time.
- Studies show that not reporting a claim for a week or longer can result in an average increase of 18% higher paid for that claim compared to claims filed on the day they occur.
Knowing all the ABCs to claims reporting is one of the best things a business owner can do to protect and prepare themselves, and their workers, when an injury occurs. Here are some pre-reporting activities we would encourage you discuss with your Accident Fund customers:
- Who to contact when an injury or accident is reported to them. Click here for claim reporting information.
- Be sure they understand the value of timely claims reporting. Click here for a helpful flyer.
- Does your insured know where they are going to send the injured worker along with any potential panel requirements for their state?
- What are the hours of the clinics that are nearby?
- What hospitals are in the area and what do they specialize in treating?
- Any trauma centers close?
- Does the employer have a review process for all injuries reported to determine if any training or reviews of equipment or safety procedures is necessary?
- Be sure the insured knows what state forms and wage information is required.
For more helpful claims information, click here to access our overview.
Arkansas
JMR/PFP Insurance, Fort Smith
Youngblood Insurance Agency Inc, Texarkana
Georgia
Doherty, Duggan, Hart & Tiernan Insurors, Albany
Risk Innovations, LLC, Atlanta
Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance, Gainesville
Illinois
Arthur J. Gallagher RMS Inc., Rolling Meadows
Esser Hayes Insurance Group Inc., Naperville
Indiana
1st Source Insurance, Inc., South Bend
McGowan Insurance Group, Inc., Indianapolis
Iowa
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Davenport
Miller, Fidler & Hinke Insurance Agency, Inc., Clive
Kansas
Charlson & Wilson Insurance Agency, Manhattan
Robert E. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc., Overland Park
Louisiana
Arthur J. Gallagher RMS Inc, Lafayette
Hub International Gulf South, Metairie
Schwing Insurance Agency Inc, New Iberia
Maryland
PSA Insurance, Inc., Hunt Valley
Raley, Watts & O’Neill Ins, California
Michigan
Hylant Group, Troy
The Nulty Agency Inc., Kalamazoo
Minnesota
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Bloomington
The Christensen Group, Inc., Eden Prairie
Mississippi
Bottrell Insurance, Jackson
Ross & Yerger Insurance, Inc., Jackson
Southgroup Insurance & Financial Services LLC, Laurel
Missouri
Connell Insurance, Inc., Branson
Risk Innovations LLC, Lees Summit
Nebraska
Quinn Insurance Inc., Omaha
UNICO Group, Inc., Lincoln
North Carolina
Harold W. Wells & Son, Inc., Wilmington
Trisure Corporation, Raleigh
Oklahoma
Louis Blosch Agency, Tulsa
Rich & Cartmill Inc., Tulsa
South Carolina
Taylor Agency, Charleston
Turbeville Insurance Agency, Inc., Columbia
South Dakota
Black Hills Insurance Agency Inc., Rapid City
Holmes, Murphy and Associates, LCC, Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Commercial Insurance Associates LLC, Brentwood
Thompson & Smith LLC, Jackson
William Blount & Associates, Knoxville
Texas
Insgroup, Inc., Houston
MHBT, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Company, Dallas
Virginia
Insure All LLC, Stanley
The Clifton Agency, Fairfax
Wisconsin
Arthur J. Gallagher RMS Inc., Brookfield
Robertson Ryan & Associates Inc., Milwaukee
Arkansas
9012 Buildings-Operation-by Owner, Lessee, or Real Estate Management Firm: Prof. Employees, Property Mgrs and Leasing Agents
8829 Convalescent or Nursing Home-All Employees
8232 Lumberyard New Materials Only: All Other Employees & Yard, Warehouse, Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
9083 Restaurant: Fast Food
Georgia
0042 Landscape Gardening & Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
9082 Restaurant NOC
Illinois
8835 Home Health
4410 Rubber Goods Mfg NOC
Indiana
8868 College: Professional Employees & Clerical
8835 Home Health
Iowa
5645 Carpentry-Detached One or Two-Family Dwellings
9101 College: All Other Employees
8232 Lumberyard New Materials Only: All Other Employees & Yard, Warehouse, Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
9082 Restaurant NOC
Kansas
5645 Carpentry-Detached One or Two-Family Dwellings
5221 Concrete or Cement Work-Floors, Driveways, Yards or Sidewalks-& Drivers
3507 Construction or Agricultural Machinery Mfg
5537 Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
Louisiana
5537 Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
8833 Hospital: Professional Employees
9082 Restaurant NOC
Maryland
8861 Charitable or Welfare Organization Professional Employees
8842 Group Homes, All Employees, Salespersons & Drivers
Michigan
9053 Adult Foster Care Home
8395 Automobile Repairs Facility
2802 Carpentry-Shop Only
7380 Drivers, Chauffeurs & Their Helpers NOC-Commercial
9058 Hotel: Restaurant Employees
Minnesota
8868 College: Professional Employees & Clerical
5190 Electrical Wiring-Within Buildings & Drivers
9052 Hotel: All Other Employees & Salespersons, Drivers
5022 Masonry NOC
8832 Physician & Clerical
Mississippi
2883 Furniture Manufacturing-Wood-NOC
5537 Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems–Installation, Service and Repair and Drivers
7231 Trucking: Mail, Parcel or Package Delivery-All Employees & Drivers
Missouri
9101 College: All Other Employees
8868 College: Professional Employees & Clerical
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
9082 Restaurant NOC
7231 Trucking: Mail, Parcel or Package Delivery-All Employees & Drivers
Nebraska
5221 Concrete or Cement Work-Floors, Driveways, Yards or Sidewalks-& Drivers
6217 Excavation & Drivers
0042 Landscape Gardening & Drivers
5183 Plumbing NOC & Drivers
8293 Storage Warehouse-Furniture & Drivers
North Carolina
8380 Automobile Service or Repair Center & Drivers
8232 Lumberyard New Materials Only: All Other Employees & Yard, Warehouse, Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
Oklahoma
9519 Household and Commercial Appliances-Electrical-Installation, Service or Repair & Drivers
9102 Park NOC-All Employees & Drivers
8864 Social Services Organization – All Employees and Salespersons
9402 Street Cleaning & Drivers
7219 Trucking: NOC-All Employees & Drivers
South Carolina
0042 Landscape Gardening & Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
South Dakota
5403 Carpentry NOC
9052 Hotel: All Other Employees & Salespersons, Drivers
8835 Nursing-Home Health, Public and Traveling-All Employees
8044 Store: Furniture & Drivers
9516 Television, Video, Audio and Radio Equipment Service or Repair & Drivers
Tennessee
8832 Physician & Clerical
5183 Plumbing NOC & Drivers
7231 Trucking: Mail, Parcel or Package Delivery-All Employees & Drivers
Texas
9014 Buildings-Operation by Contractors
5183 Plumbing NOC & Drivers
8292 Storage Warehouse NOC
8017 Store: Retail NOC
7230 Trucking: Parcel or Package Delivery-All Employees & Drivers
Virginia
8861 Charitable or Welfare Organization Professional Employees
8842 Group Homes, All Employees, Salespersons & Drivers
Wisconsin
8835 Home Health
9058 Hotel: Restaurant Employees
Pending Rate Changes
The following states have a pending rate change for Accident Fund. New rates are not yet available in eLink; however, some renewing policies may be viewable in the renewal index. Please refrain from releasing quotes and renewals for these states until rates are updated. Please check our website for updates.
| State | Effective Date |
| Arkansas | 07/01/18 |
| Massachusetts | 07/01/18 |
| Montana | 07/01/18 |
| Pennsylvania | 04/01/18 |
| South Dakota | 07/01/18 |
| Texas | 07/01/18 |
| Vermont | 04/01/18 |
New Rates Now Available in eLink
Updated rates are now accessible in eLink for the following states:
| State | NCCI/ Bureau Impact | Effective Date | Available in eLink as of: |
| Alabama | -13.9% | 03/01/18 | 12/15/17 |
| Georgia | -8.7% | 07/01/18 | 02/09/18 |
| Indiana | -12.1% | 01/01/18 | 01/12/18 |
| Louisiana | 4.0% | 05/01/18 | 01/05/18 |
| Maine | -12.0% | 03/09/18 | 04/01/18 |
| Mississippi | -6.0% | 04/01/18 | 01/26/18 |
| Nebraska | -7.6% | 02/01/18 | 12/22/17 |
| Nevada | -2.3% | 03/01/18 | 01/19/18 |
| Nevada | 4.7% | 03/15/18 | 03/02/18 |
| New Jersey | -5.1% | 01/01/18 | 12/22/17 |
| North Carolina | -11.3% | 04/01/18 | 01/05/18 |
| Pennsylvania | 6.8% | 02/01/18 | 01/19/18 |
| South Carolina | -7.0% | 04/01/18 | 02/23/18 |
| Tennessee | -12.6% | 03/01/18 | 01/05/18 |
| Virginia | -0.9% | 04/01/18 | 02/16/18 |
Please be sure to discuss pricing options for all new business and renewals with your business development consultant.
Indiana
Positive workers’ compensation drug formulary legislation (SB 369) has passed both the Senate and House and we anticipate the governor will sign the bill in the near future. This formulary will protect workers by addressing the appropriate utilization of all FDA approved medications and limit compound medications within the workers’ compensation system. Except during a medical emergency, the bill prohibits workers’ compensation and occupational disease compensation reimbursement for drugs not specified in the ODG Workers’ Compensation Drug Formulary. Limits opioid utilization and reinforces existing law that prohibits first time opioid prescriptions to no more than seven days worth of drugs. Injuries on or after July 1, 2018 have to follow new formulary by Jan. 1, 2019 — Injuries that occurred prior to July 1, 2018 have to follow formulary and transferring off of all N drugs by Jan. 1, 2020.
Illinois
Negative impacting workers’ compensation bills have been introduced in Illinois. Both bills are renewed efforts by the democratic majority to prohibit carrier profits, restrict rates and create a state fund with $11M transfer from the Illinois Work Comp Commission. Working with our consulting network, we’ll oppose these initiatives as they receive attention within the political process. Although these bills (HB 4432 & HB 4595) could eventually pass both the House and Senate, we feel confident Republican Governor Bruce Rauner would veto the initiative.
California
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is currently drafting regulations aimed at creating insurer criteria for writing large deductible policies with a goal of avoiding solvency issues. CDI stated they are basing the draft proposal off National Association of Insurance Carriers research and initial high-level discussions with individual insurers. As initially drafted, the proposal requires a carrier to have surplus of $500M and an A.M. Best rating of “A.” If enacted, this regulation would eliminate nearly 50% of the state’s top 25 work comp carriers’ ability to write large deductible business in California.
CDI plans to release draft regulations in March and will schedule public discussions with industry prior to the formal rule making process. AF Group will ensure our voice is heard in coordination with our national lobbying partners. We will keep you updated on any developments.
Wisconsin
The 2018 Work Comp Agreed Bill is likely 99% dead for the year. There was an attempt again this year to include a workers’ compensation medical fee schedule, which yet again, turned out to be a non-starter. The bill never got out of the initial review committee in Madison. 2019 not being a major election year statewide in Wisconsin, may possibly increase the likelihood of a proposal becoming finalized. AF Group will remain engaged throughout the process.
