When it comes to workers’ compensation insurance, agents count on SFM for several reasons: unparalleled service, consistent results, support for injured workers and ease of doing business.

“Agents know that when they place a client with SFM, they’re choosing a carrier that prioritizes safety, empathy and long-term outcomes,” said Steve Sandilla, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. “That’s why we continue to see growth in our core states as our reputation spreads among agents and policyholders.”

SFM has maintained its industry-leading client retention rate over the years. An annual policyholder retention rate of over 95% means that policyholders consistently choose to stay with SFM.

Results from a recent Agency Partner Survey showed that nearly all respondents were satisfied with SFM (93% “extremely” or “moderately” satisfied). And 91% said SFM is “easy” or “very easy” to do business with.

Agents most often cited SFM’s customer service and user-friendliness for their ratings, and the relationship underwriting staff was also regularly mentioned as a reason for overall satisfaction. SFM’s website, processes and technology were noted as strengths by those who completed the survey, as well.

“By working with an insurer specifically dedicated to work comp, agents have access to the tools they need to streamline their processes and better serve their clients,” said Mike Happe, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “For agents, SFM is more than a carrier – we’re a collaborator. With fast response times, superior medical outcomes, and cost controls that reduce e-mods over time, SFM delivers what agents need most: confidence, clarity and care for injured workers.”

Why work with The Work Comp Experts

There are numerous benefits to working with a carrier dedicated solely to workers’ compensation, especially considering some of the industry developments in recent years. Some concerning trends carriers are watching include:

• Higher claims severity
• Aging workforce
• Rise in workplace violence claims
• Mental health issues
• Increase in litigated claims
• High rates of injury frequency among newer employees
• Medical inflation

Multi-line carriers often lack the expertise it takes to tackle these issues and address the concerns of policyholders and agents.

That’s why SFM’s dedication to work comp has resulted in steady growth in its core states. The 2024 market share numbers released this spring showed SFM continues to garner more business. SFM’s carrier ranking in its top five states, based on 2024 written premium:

• Minnesota – 1
• South Dakota – 3
• Iowa – 6
• Nebraska – 7
• Wisconsin – 10

Also, SFM’s 2024 market rank increased in its three newest states: Kansas, Indiana and Tennessee. SFM hit a new milestone by making the top 10 in Wisconsin, and SFM’s 2024 market rank increased by four spots in Kansas, eight in Indiana and 11 in Tennessee.

“We’re very much guided by our mission: protecting workers from harm and helping the injured recover,” Happe said. “That mission drives every claim, every premium audit and every conversation.”

Next webinar: The SFM Difference

Join us for our next educational webinar as we discuss the features and services that make SFM a premier workers’ compensation partner.

Set for 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, the webinar will bring together SFM experts to share:

• SFM’s philosophy on service to our partners
• Our focus on injury prevention and returning injured employees to work
• How our unique company structure and departmental expertise benefit our partners
• Our customer-centered approach to premium audits
• How our medical services team supports injured workers’ recovery
• Much more, including a question-and-answer session at the end

Register now

Read more Agent Agenda articles