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Agent Agenda

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.

Letter from the President: Strong partnerships drive solid financial results

Through the whirlwinds of a global pandemic and continued economic uncertainty, policyholders are consistently choosing to stay with SFM, and independent agents are bringing more and more new accounts into the fold. We thank our valued agency partners for sharing our dedication to service, safety and positive results for our customers.

SFM expands appetite in Kansas, preps for entrance into Tennessee

SFM’s territory expansion hits a new high as we broaden our appetite in Kansas and continue efforts to grow in Tennessee in 2023.

Encourage employers to report injuries immediately

Employers don’t always know how important it is to report work injuries immediately. As an agent, you can provide vital information on how timely reporting can impact the trajectory of a workers’ compensation claim.

Agents can now set up AutoPay and one-time payments at binding

Agents can now set up AutoPay and one-time payments for your customers while binding new business in SAM.

SFM Wisconsin pool continues to grow

Since SFM was named a servicing carrier for the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Insurance Pool in late 2021, new pool business has been coming in steadily and is currently ahead of plan.

SFM adds time-saving features for agents

We know your days are busy, and we continue working to streamline processes and offer time-saving tools to our agency partners.

Changing marijuana laws and the impact on work comp

Given the prevalence of THC-infused products, employers are asking about the impact of these potentially intoxicating substances on the workers’ compensation system.

SFM territory expansion: Sights set on Tennessee

SFM has selected the Volunteer State as our 2023 expansion state, continuing our plans for growth. Our team is already meeting with key industry contacts in the state to develop relationships with regulators, agencies, and agency associations.

SFM and Underwriter Jeff Magee recognized by the IIAN

The Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska recognized SFM for outstanding effort and service with two annual awards for 2022.

Agents can update policy effective dates on SAM applications

Users of SFM Agency Manager (SAM) now have the ability to change effective dates on quoted applications, including approved quotes. We added this feature earlier this year in response to feedback from agents.

Minnesota rating structure changes in 2023

Starting in 2023, the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Insurers Association will be including trend, tail development, and loss adjustment expense data in pure premium base rates.

SFM Foundation in-person fall fundraising event returns

Back by popular demand, the SFM Foundation’s live fall fundraising event is scheduled for this November.

Policyholders receive portion of WCRA distribution

The Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Association is distributing $35 million to policyholders who had Minnesota workers’ compensation policies in 2020.

SFM’s Wisconsin pool business grows steadily

In late 2021, SFM became a servicing carrier for the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Insurance Pool and the first year has been busy. Through the first two quarters of the year, SFM has been writing 60-80 new policies per week, totaling 1,800 policies for $5.3 million in premium. SFM will take on new pool accounts until reaching 20% of the state’s pool policyholders.

Expert claim handling lets agents rest easy

Our unique combination of effort, expertise and empathy allows us to provide the superior service that our customers and their employees rely on.

Wisconsin law changes impact part-time workers, PPD benefits

A number of changes to the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act were signed into law in April.

Iowa Supreme Court defines ‘shoulder’ in rotator cuff work comp injury case

On April 1, 2022, the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a district court’s finding in Chavez v MS Technology LLC/Westfield Insurance Co. that an employee’s injury was a scheduled member injury to her shoulder rather than an unscheduled whole-body injury, agreeing that the definition of “shoulder” should not just be limited to the joint.

MN Supreme Court upholds benefits award in multi-employer work comp hearing loss case

On May 16, 2022, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld an award of workers’ compensation benefits to an employee for his hearing loss due to long-term exposure to noise over a 30-year period working for five employers.

Policyholders give premium audit experience high marks

Policyholders continue to give SFM’s premium audit experience high marks in follow-up surveys.

SFM Foundation holds fundraisers, new scholarships awarded

Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation’s scholarship program has helped 216 students, including the 13 new recipients announced this summer.

SFM employees connect with college students

A number of SFM employees took time recently to talk with students about issues in insurance, and careers in the field.

SFM grows employee base in Iowa, Wisconsin

SFM continues to expand its employee base in states beyond its Minnesota headquarters.

2021 results: Remarkable performance on a solid foundation of customer service

By all objective measures, SFM’s financial results for 2021 are outstanding. From reaching new heights in customer retention to setting records in new business and total written premium, the company has excelled in virtually every category of performance.

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