Business Details
48 Years
experience
Volunteer Firefighter Insurance & Workers' Compensation Coverage
Founded in 1978 by a coalition of Fire Districts, we specialize in providing Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law (VFBL) and Workers' Compensation coverage exclusively for volunteer and paid fire service personnel across New York State. As a policyholder-owned mutual company, our operations are guided by a board comprising fire district officers and external directors, ensuring our focus remains on delivering superior claims service and policyholder value. With over four decades of niche expertise, we process claims promptly while maintaining industry-leading retention rates through personalized support and transparent communication.Our dedicated underwriting team collaborates with agents to offer competitively priced policies, backed by three affiliated insurance carriers. Client testimonials consistently highlight our responsiveness, with claims specialists providing real-time updates and medical payment assurance during critical periods.
Services
Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Loss Control Surveys
Health & Safety Officer Program
Claims Processing
Medical Bill Review
Pharmacy Benefits Management
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1978 with exclusive focus on fire service insurance needs
- Policyholder-owned structure ensures alignment with client interests
- Three affiliated carriers provide pricing flexibility
- Dedicated claims specialists maintain 24/7 availability
- Loss control consultants reduce injury risks through safety audits
What people say
Return your phone calls immediately
Very helpful with any questions
Been very helpful, very responsive
Have your back covered
Good at educating younger generation
Services
Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law
This statutory program provides medical care and wage replacement for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty. Coverage includes hospitalization, chiropractic care, and survivor benefits following duty-related fatalities. Our specialists ensure compliance with New York State Workers' Compensation Board requirements while expediting benefit disbursements.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Mandatory protection for paid fire service employees covering medical treatment, disability payments, and death benefits. Our policies cover firefighters, mechanics, and administrative staff while providing legal defense for employers against workplace injury claims.
Loss Control Surveys
Complimentary risk assessments identify injury prevention opportunities through analysis of fire ground incidents and operational procedures. Our consultants develop customized safety protocols to reduce claim frequency and improve firefighter well-being.
Health & Safety Officer Program
Specialized training develops effective health and safety officers who implement injury prevention strategies. Our program focuses on hazard identification, personal protective equipment compliance, and emergency response protocols to minimize occupational risks.
Claims Processing
Dedicated claims examiners provide real-time case updates and medical payment coordination. Our team ensures timely benefit delivery while maintaining transparent communication with injured personnel and fire district administrators throughout the claims lifecycle.
People
Roy Denny
EVP/COO
With extensive insurance leadership experience, Mr. Denny oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives while maintaining active involvement in industry associations and policyholder relations.
Ken Willis
EVP/CFO
Mr. Willis manages financial operations with over 30 years of insurance industry experience, ensuring fiscal stability and compliance with regulatory requirements across all company activities.
Tricha Higgins
Manager of Underwriting
Ms. Higgins leads underwriting operations with specialized expertise in fire service risk assessment, developing tailored coverage solutions that balance protection and affordability for fire districts.
Lorines Vega
Claims Manager
Ms. Vega directs claims operations with a focus on prompt resolution and policyholder education, implementing best practices that enhance service quality and claimant satisfaction.
Stephan Petras
Marketing Representative
Mr. Petras connects with fire districts to explain coverage benefits and company services, leveraging deep industry knowledge to address specific risk management needs across New York State.
Questions
What does Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law cover?
VFBL provides medical care, wage replacement, and survivor benefits for volunteer firefighters injured or killed while performing authorized emergency duties.
How do I file a workers' compensation claim?
Contact our claims department within 90 days of injury to initiate the process. We'll guide you through required documentation and status updates.
Are mutual aid responses covered under VFBL?
Yes, injuries occurring during authorized mutual aid operations remain covered under the firefighter's home district policy.
What loss prevention resources are available?
We offer complimentary safety audits, health officer training, and customized injury reduction programs developed by fire service specialists.
How are claim payment amounts determined?
Benefits are calculated based on documented earnings capacity and medical necessity, following New York State Workers' Compensation Board guidelines.
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