CORE INSURANCE,INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY
Connell Insurance and Higginbotham | December 06, 2022
Connell Insurance is the first agency in the state of Missouri to join Higginbotham, an insurance, financial and HR services firm ranked among the largest independent brokers in the U.S. Connell Insurance is one of the largest and fastest growing locally-owned property/casualty insurance and employee benefits brokers in southwest Missouri. The deal adds a 14th state to Higginbotham's footprint and gives Connell Insurance increased customer support that includes loss control, employee benefit plan services and human resources.
Higginbotham is strategically growing to expand its reach and increase its service capability by selectively partnering with other independent agencies that have strong reputations in their local markets, a desire to keep growing by tapping into its single source solution and a strong cultural match.
Connell Insurance has two Missouri offices in Branson and Springfield, with a combined 38 employees with immediate plans to hire more to accommodate growth. It's led by practicing insurance and employee benefits consultants Casey Chastain, Jay Hickman, Tom Jensen and Chase Marable.
"We see Higginbotham as a larger version of our firm. We position ourselves as 'agents of change,' adapting to new market trends and evolving our model as the business environment changes. To be a long-term partner for our clients, change is essential, and joining Higginbotham is part of that strategy. The value-added services for our clients, the future growth opportunities for our firm and the ability to partner with a privately held organization that offers employee ownership are all welcome changes."
-Connell Insurance's leadership, Jensen
Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid said, We have offices in the states that border south Missouri, so we had our sight set on finding the right partner to help establish our presence there. Connell Insurance being one of the fastest-growing insurance agencies in the region is what prompted our interest, because obviously they're doing something right. The decision to cement our partnership was driven by their alignment with our people-first culture and forward-thinking attitude.
Higginbotham gave the title of managing director to all four of Connell Insurance's leaders, and they will continue guiding their team.
About Connell Insurance
Connell Insurance is a property/casualty insurance and employee benefits brokerage firm that provides solutions that help companies and individuals manage risk. Established in 1970, Connell Insurance today is one of the largest locally-owned insurance brokers in southwest Missouri. It has concentrated experience in the public entity, manufacturing, transportation, social services, construction and hospitality sectors.
About Higginbotham
Employee owned and customer inspired, Higginbotham is a single source solution for insurance, financial and HR services. The firm was established in 1948 and ranks by revenue as the nation's 21st largest independent insurance firm. Serving thousands of businesses and individuals through locations coast-to-coast, Higginbotham's approach to finding insurance, employee benefit and risk management solutions is more individual and less institutional. By understanding customer priorities, eliminating inefficiencies and committing to transparency, Higginbotham is a place that leads with values so value leads.
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CORE INSURANCE,INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY
PCF Insurance Services | December 08, 2022
PCF Insurance Services (PCF), a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage firm, has acquired Direct Dealer Services (DDS), an automotive finance and insurance (F&I) firm providing industry-leading technologies, products, solutions and training.
DDS offers national automotive dealers, agents, and lender partners innovative F&I programs that promote employee confidence, fewer regulatory risks, and improved customer sales and satisfaction.
"Direct Dealer Services has a strong foothold in a unique market, The experience and knowledge that DDS brings will help position PCF as a leader in the F&I space and continue our geographical expansion of these product offerings."
-Peter C. Foy, Chairman, Founder and CEO of PCF Insurance
PCF Insurance has enhanced market access to national and regional carriers, providing value for its Agency Partners through a full spectrum of insurance and risk management solutions and program capabilities. Through collaboration, Agency Partners can focus on what they do best, knowing there is a support network of skilled professionals bringing forth industry knowledge and experience to provide world-class benefits design, insurance and risk management services.
We are extremely pleased to become an Agency Partner of PCF Insurance Services, We look forward to continuing working with our customers while bringing substantial new resources, exciting new products, and an unmatched level of service,said Pat Kane, Principal of Direct Dealer Services.
About Direct Dealer Services
Headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Direct Dealer Services, Inc. (DDS) was founded in 1992 to help dealers, agents, and lender partners across the U.S. realize their maximum profit potential by providing industry-leading technologies, products, solutions and training. Every product in its portfolio complies with applicable regulatory requirements, and all are underwritten by insurance carriers rated "A-" (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best.
About PCF Insurance Services
A top 20 U.S. broker headquartered in Lehi, Utah, PCF Insurance Services is a leading full-service consultant and insurance brokerage firm offering a broad array of commercial, life and health, employee benefits and workers' compensation solutions. Propelled by its people, PCF Insurance's agency-centric operating model and entrepreneurial environment support its tremendous growth profile, offering partners alignment through equity ownership, significant leadership incentives, and resources to over 3,100 employees throughout the U.S. Ranked #20 on Business Insurance's 2022 Top 100 Brokers and #13 on Insurance Journal's 2022 Top Property/Casualty Agencies, PCF Insurance is a notable leader in the insurance space.
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CORE INSURANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT
Idelic | January 19, 2023
Idelic Inc. recently announced the launch of Idelic Insurance Agency, LLC, a technology-driven managing general agent (MGA) aimed at providing commercial fleets with tailored insurance coverage. The insurance pricing will reflect the fleets’ risk improvement by using the Idelic Program, a comprehensive approach to improving driver safety and reducing crashes.
Idelic Insurance Agency also aims to provide a modern approach to improving insurance outcomes by allowing fleets to use technology and processes to reduce losses. The insurance agency will price renewals based on the fleets’ successful adoption and results.
The Idelic Program consists of two major components: Safety Suite® and Driver Safety Playbook. Safety Suite® is the best driver performance management platform in the trucking industry. It collects driver risk data and uses machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk drivers. Meanwhile, the Driver Safety Playbook is an excellent guide to engaging drivers, providing coaching and step-by-step professional development plans made by working with insurers and trucking's safest fleets.
On average, fleets utilizing Idelic Program can witness a 20% decrease in preventable crashes in the first year.
"Commercial auto fleet insurance is inherently complex with a multitude of nuances from fleet to fleet. The process of evaluating risks has traditionally relied on underwriter experience and judgment, but insurers are increasingly looking for a more data-driven way to evaluate risks. Idelic Insurance Agency will do just that," stated Michael Gramm, Senior Vice President of Insurance at Idelic Insurance Agency. "By working closely with fleets that choose to use the Idelic Program, we can better leverage critical driver behavior data to quote policies that reflect their reduced crash risk," he added.
(Source – Business Wire)
The Idelic Program and Idelic Insurance Agency are timely solutions to help fleets combat rising insurance rates and reduce losses significantly. However, fleet insurance costs and availability are once again among the Top 10 motor carrier executive concerns listed by American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI).
About Idelic Inc.
Pittsburgh-based Idelic is a software provider dedicated to delivering the best insurance outcomes for fleets. The Idelic Program combines process and technology in a tool designed for and proven successful among fleets and insurers alike. Additionally, the program uses predictive analytics to identify risky drivers and professional development plans to help change behavior patterns and provide insurers with evidence of long-term improvements in crash reduction to negotiate lower rates. The company's experienced technical and industry experts understand the trucking and insurance industries' needs and provide tailored solutions to clients' real problems.
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