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Agent Agenda

Building on a strong 2024, SFM off to a good start in 2025

SFM is off to a fast start in 2025, building on the success of last year.

Update on Indiana market, claims handling

SFM is making two important enhancements to its workers’ compensation operations in Indiana.

SFM again gets high marks from NCCI on data reporting

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) gave SFM excellent marks for the quality of its 2024 data reporting.

Jirak promoted to VP of Regional Business, Large Accounts

SFM’s Ryan Jirak, who has more than 16 years of experience in the insurance industry, was recently promoted to VP of Regional Business, Large Accounts.

SFM’s Miner named to Kansas Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan Governing Board

Shawn Miner, SFM’s VP of Regional Business, Iowa/Nebraska/Kansas Accounts, was appointed to the governing board of the Kansas Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan (KWCIP) earlier this year.

New AutoPay, payment and billing features in SAM

Spring 2025 enhancements to SFM Agency Manager (SAM).

Letter from the President: Another strong year for SFM

Key takeaways and highlights from 2024 at SFM from President and CEO Terry Miller.

2024 results: Customer focus drives success

Looking back at SFM's results from 2024.

SFM CEO Miller named AASCIF President

SFM CEO Terry Miller has been named the next president of the American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds.

Remind policyholders: winter safety must continue

With winter in full swing — and the upcoming thawing and refreezing cycles in the months ahead — workplace safety should be paramount.

SFM attending industry events in 2025

SFM is attending several industry events during the first few months of 2025.

SFM underwriter accomplishments: Second half of 2024

SFM underwriter accomplishments from the second half of 2024

Don’t let work comp fall off your radar

There are several benefits to working with a work comp expert, especially considering some of the industry developments in recent years.

SFM’s Cody Allen elected to ICRB governing board

Cody Allen, SFM Territory Manager, has been elected to the governing board at the Indiana Compensation Rating Bureau (ICRB).

Resources to prevent injuries among new hires

New employees are among the most likely to be injured on the job. Here are several resources to keep new employees safe.

How SFM reduces policyholders’ e-mod

SFM uses several methods to help bring down policyholders' experience modification.

Check premium audit status in SAM

You can now see whether your customers have submitted their premium audit information in SFM Agency Manager (SAM).

Remind South Dakota policyholders to submit independent contractor form

General contractors or contractors who sub-contract work to independent contractors should remember to have the sub-contracted individuals complete the South Dakota Affidavit of Exempt Status form.

Injured workers can now text SFM directly

In October 2024, SFM made it easier for injured workers to connect with the company by adding a new texting feature.

SFM market share continues to grow in 2024

An update on SFM's market share, midyear 2024.

Minnesota paid leave laws and workers’ compensation benefits

Employers may wonder how these statutes intersect with workers’ compensation benefits.

Federal and state OSHA fines: 2024

There are several state OSHA fines to be aware of, in addition to federal standards.

Communicate premium increases due to endorsements

Billing changes due to endorsements can catch policyholders off guard. When agents receive a notice of an endorsement, they can help ease the concerns of policyholders by alerting them right away.

Independent contractors: New DOL rule

A new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule regarding who qualifies as an independent contractor took effect in the spring of 2024.

SFM promotional videos now available

Promotional videos about SFM are available on YouTube.

Driving safety webinar recording available

The recording of SFM’s recent webinar on safe driving and the implications for workers’ compensation is now available for agents and clients.

Upcoming e-mods available in SAM

You can find a wealth of information on current policies in SFM Agency Manager (SAM), including the upcoming e-mod for policies that are renewing soon.

SFM Foundation golf events raise $160,000

2024 golf events in Minnesota and Iowa raised more than $160,000. In total, more than 260 golfers came out for the events, and sponsors continued to help bolster the fundraising effort.

SFM attending industry events – summer and fall 2024

SFM is attending several industry events during the summer and fall of 2024.

Underwriter accomplishments – 2024 midyear update

Here’s a look at the latest updates and milestones for SFM’s underwriting staff over the past few months of 2024.

2023 Results: Customer service focus drives another strong year

SFM recorded yet another excellent year in 2023, continuing its strong performance across all core metrics, from policyholder retention to new business and total written premium.

SFM resource catalog upgrades

SFM has made several enhancements to its resource catalog to create a better user experience for policyholders and agents.

SFM continues to improve SAM system

SFM recently made additional enhancements to its SFM Agency Manager (SAM) system to streamline the process for agents and make SAM more user friendly.

SFM prioritizes in-house premium audits

While agents often hear frustrations from clients when it comes to dealing with third-party vendors for premium audits, SFM continues to conduct nearly all audits in-house.

Injured worker portal – easy access to claim information

Remind policyholders to tell injured workers to register for our Claim Connection portal so they can track the progress of their claim.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

A look at the latest updates and milestones for SFM’s underwriting staff over the past few months.

SFM attending spring 2024 industry events

SFM is planning to participate in several 2024 industry events in the coming months.

Letter from the President: Following a tough act

Key takeaways and highlights from 2023 at SFM from President & CEO Terry Miller.

SFM continues growth outside of Minnesota

SFM is diversifying and expanding its footprint in the realm of workers’ compensation insurance.

Webinar recordings: foundations of hiring and onboarding, more educational videos

SFM recently hosted another educational webinar for our policyholders and agents on hiring and onboarding, which is available to view on our website.

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SAM security enhancements coming soon

SFM is introducing multi-factor authentication and new password requirements.

SFM enhances MyPayroll premium audit system

SFM is making upgrades to its online MyPayroll system with new features and a streamlined process to make it even easier for policyholders to complete their annual premium audit.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

Updates and milestones for SFM’s underwriting staff in the last quarter of 2023.

SFM attending upcoming 2024 industry events

SFM is attending several 2024 industry events.

Reminder: SFM offers pay-as-you-go option

SFM’s pay-as-you-go wage reporting system allows policyholders to make premium payments that match with payroll throughout the year.

Workers’ compensation rates continue to decrease

As rates for other lines of insurance climb, workers’ compensation rates are steadily decreasing. The explanation for this positive trend is simple – workers’ compensation claim frequency has declined for all but two of the past 20 years, according to NCCI.

SFM’s 2023 mid-year results: Strong premium development, competitive pricing, continued claim challenges

The first half of 2023 is in the books, and it’s already been a remarkable year for SFM in a number of ways. New and renewal premium results have been outstanding, customer retention continues to be very strong and claim activity is trending in the right direction as the year unfolds.

Multi-factor authentication coming to CompOnline

To enhance security, SFM is introducing multi-factor authentication and longer password requirements for CompOnline users starting January 5, 2024.

SFM to host educational webinar for policyholders on hiring and training new employees

Join us on November 15 as we discuss best practices for hiring and training new employees. Learn how establishing good fundamentals can increase employee safety and help your business succeed in the long run.

Sign up for alerts in SAM

Did you know you can get email alerts to help you keep up with your clients’ claim developments? Learn about the various alerts you can get through SFM Agency Manager (SAM).

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

Here’s a look at the promotions, awards, retirements, and other milestones of SFM underwriters so far in 2023.

SFM expands market presence throughout its territory

SFM increased written premium and market share in every one of its core states in 2022, and results so far this year show continued momentum. Premium for the first quarter of 2023 came in well ahead of projections, up 12% from the same period the prior year.

It starts with the interview: Tips for your clients to reduce new hire injuries

Did you know that agents can play a role in their clients’ good hiring and safety training practices? Claims statistics show that new employees are more susceptible to injury. Those work comp claims come with a cost.

SFM’s top class codes

SFM writes business in more than 400 class codes. The following lists of our top 20 new business class codes by policy count and premium will give you an idea of where we’re seeing the most success.

Play back our recent webinar on return-to-work best practices and view our library of educational videos

SFM recently hosted another educational webinar for our policyholders and agents titled “The Fundamentals of a Return-to-Work Program” and it’s still available for you to view.

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SFM attending upcoming 2023 industry events

SFM is planning to participate in several insurance industry events in the coming months.

2022 results: Consistent focus on customer service drives historic performance

SFM soared to new heights in 2022, and the company’s remarkable financial results are only part of the story. We continue hearing from our agents and policyholders that we’re delivering on our commitment to provide excellent customer service.

Benefits of breaking out workers’ compensation from other lines of insurance

When you’re helping clients understand their options for workers’ compensation coverage, we've provided a few points you can share about the advantages of going monoline and choosing SFM.

Resource helps employers keep their newest employees safe

SFM’s new Safety Orientation Success Guide helps employers protect a group at high risk for work injuries: new employees.

SFM state expansion initiative hits new milestones

We’re coming up on three years since we entered the state of Kansas in September 2020. Over that time, our agency partners there have helped us write more than 500 policies for nearly $2 million in written premium.

Audit noncompliance can lead to cancellation of current policy

When a policy goes into cancellation, even if the insured completes the prior term audit, the policy may remain canceled unless the agent contacts the underwriter.

SFM attending upcoming 2023 industry events

See the list of 2023 industry events SFM is planning on attending over the next few months.

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