Ahighly respected, longtime heavy hitter among social service program administrators, Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. (ISA), is still going strong despite flat markets and a deflated economy. For ISA, unique challenges within the social service field—ranging from fiscal constraints to extensive abuse issues—have posed risks of serious and potentially detrimental claims since it began operations. For almost 40 years, ISA has evolved various program coverages, enhanced limit capabilities, and—with the support of a team of risk management and claims resolution experts—has expanded classes while developing new and timely policy additions that are relevant to each industry and class for assisting in loss prevention.

Last year ISA introduced an exclusive addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare program along with the addition of home healthcare, hospice, and staffing programs. Today ISA remains focused on the needs of both service providers and the independent agent and broker partners who drive ISA’s programs. In today’s marketplace, the delivering of tailored, cost effective coverage options at competitive rates is a huge benefit that an experienced insurance provider can offer. New competitive carriers entering this niche with offers of reduced premium or rate decreases have helped to reinforce the importance of an experienced underwriting discipline and the ability to invest in the protection of future rates, costs and exposures that will come full circle for these organizations.

 ISA continually works to open new doors and offer unique opportunities for those brokers and agents trying to grow in a difficult business climate. By expanding the list of eligible classes and adapting new coverage options to include as part of a total package solution or on a monoline basis, ISA has enhanced the ability to offer workers compensation to the social service, small business, and healthcare industries for a minimum premium of $2,500 for eligible social service, home healthcare and medical staffing programs.

One of the main areas of focus for ISA this past year has been its considerable expansion into a variety of youth focused programs. Recently, adoption and foster care agencies, as well as at risk and troubled youth, have been added to an exceptional new package insurance and loss control solution. This package offers new opportunities to support organizations committed to the health and safety of today’s youth. Broadened coverage and tailored risk solutions have strengthened ISA’s current suite of social service programs while reinforcing its commitment to human service agencies nationwide.

The specialty lines division has also been busy developing new products for the distinctive needs of these programs. One of the newest programs is Net Protect Essential, which provides coverage for organizations relying on electronic data, computers and networks to manage and disseminate information. This program is available on a monoline basis, and is written on admitted paper.

During 2010, we also marked the opening of a new office facility located in Houston, Texas, to promote broker relationships, expand client service opportunities, and support the company’s continued growth initiatives. ISA is also excited to welcome a new Business Development Director, Curt Beytebiere, CPCU, CIC. In his new role, Beytebiere will utilize his wealth of knowledge and underwriting experience related to the social service field in efforts to further enhance promotion and distribution of ISA’s insurance and risk solutions that are specially tailored to this segment. The new Texas location, coupled with the expertise of a seasoned professional, will prove invaluable for expanding ISA’s broker relationships throughout Texas and surrounding states.

Agents and brokers can help providers grow by delivering stable insurance programs, personalized risk management services, and dedicated, experienced support. During challenging times like this you can wait for the world and the economy to go back to how they were—or spearhead your organization and your expectations to evolve and meet the challenges of changing times. Truly, a level of stable loyalty is surely associated with social service and nonprofit programs. But it is imperative to remember that agents’ and brokers’ strong loyalty to the individuals they serve is vitally important.