PLM Monthly Highlights series for insurance producers and brokers – our newsletter to keep informed on news and updates from Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual.
Working with a wood industry-related client? Send your applications to: NewBiz@plmins.com
New Niches to Explore for Your Commercial Book
As we said in previous editions of the Broker Insider, the hard insurance market for many product lines observed in 2023 is expected by many to continue into 2024. As another opportunity for identifying clients in your neighborhood, check out these available programs and markets:
Portable Sawmill Insurance: PLM provides insurance protection for portable and mobile sawmill owners who purchased brands such as Wood-mizer, TimberKing, etc.
What We Need:
– Client contact information
– Year/Make/Model of Machinery
– Intended use of Machinery
Eligibility Requirements:
– 1+ years experience operating a portable sawmill or related equipment
– All operators 21+ years old; single operator preferred
– Equipment is not taken in the woods
– No logging, felling or tree trimming operations
– No rental or loaning of equipment
HardwareXpress: Program specifically designed with competitive rates for Hardware Stores. No pre-inspection of the property needed, as PLM will work with business owners to conduct a virtual inspection within 15 days of binding a policy.
Eligibility Requirements:
– Single Location
– Up to $3 Million TIV
– Up to $2 Million Annual Sales
– 4 Autos or Less
– No Installation Services
Trying to quote a hardware store that doesn’t fit the above criteria? We have an appetite for hardware stores of all sizes – regardless of values, autos, or locations and can partner with you.
Now is a good time to consider new types of accounts to identify new clients. For the new year, it is time to explore what’s in your community in the lumber, woodworking, building materials, hardware stores and other similar industries.
Why Cross-departmental Programs Help Build and Retain Talent
This month in Insurance Business Magazine, PLM employee Sydney Stenson writes about insurers and other insurance professionals can use programs like these as an effective recruitment strategy. Some highlights include:
“I think a lot of times when people think of insurance, they think about an industry that’s way behind the times and doesn’t quite keep up,” she said. “However, there’s a lot of focus on the future and what’s coming next. And I think that’s something that younger generations are passionate about is being on the ground level of that advancement.”
“Offering cross-departmental programs or mentorship is a great way to boost morale and ambition among new hires looking to gain more knowledge and more rounded professional skills in the insurance industry.”
A 2024 Cyber Update
PLM Vice President of Information Technology, Erin Selfe, wrote in a recent article for Pallet Central discussed how heavier wood operations like pallet manufacturers and sawmills are more tech savvy than ever before. With cybercrime ever on the rise, this does not exclude the wood and lumber manufacturing sector.
PLM has seen increase in cyber claims, especially ransomware claims that are plaguing many in the industry. To better help your clients, here are some helpful preventative practices for your clients:
- Back Up All Files – at a secondary location is a must
- Keep Security Software Updated – work with your IT provider to stay current
- Use Secure Networks – protect your data being accessed
- Regularly Train Staff – about phishing, spoofing, etc.
Wondering about new business opportunities in your own neighborhood? Here are some examples of accounts successfully written by PLM or with WC placed through Green Tree Risk Partners.PLM
Custom Cabinet Mfg. – VA: $3,500
Wood Furniture Mfg. – NC: $8,000
Building Material Dealer – NY: $10,500
Commercial Millwork Mfg. – FL: $40,000
Wood Crate Mfg. – NJ: $25,000
Lumberyard – GA: $14,000
Hardware Supply Store – MS: $13,000
Truss Mfg. – OH: $75,000
Sawmill – KY: $5,000
Moulding/Millwork Mfg. – TX: $13,000
Custom Cabinet Mfg. – AL: $40,000
Portable Sawmill – TN: $1,600
Wood Comm. Furniture Mfg. – SD: $1,000
Building Material Distributor – CA: $13,000
Hardware Store – MO: $3,100
Wood Furniture Mfg. – AZ: $90,000
Lumberyard – KS: $20,000
Custom Cabinet Mfg. – ND: $11,000
Green Tree Risk Partners
Custom Cabinet Mfg. – NY: $6,500
Sawmill – VT: $13,000
Wood Furniture Mfg. – NH: $11,000
Building Material Dealer – GA: $50,000
Arch. Millwork Mfg. – MA: $1,700
Lumberyard – FL: $6,000
Custom Millwork Mfg. – TX: $2,000
Hardware Store – MS: $7,000
Barrel Mfg./Cooperage – AL: $6,000
Wood Panel Mfg. – TN: $20,000
Building Material Dealer – TX: $4,000
Wood Furniture Mfg. – IN: $20,000
Wood Storage Component Mfg. – MO: $4,500
Lumberyard – KS: $2,500
Custom Cabinet Mfg. – SD: $14,000
Lumber Distributor – ID: $9,000
Building Material Dealer – OK: $20,000
Wood Crate Mfg. – IL: $5,000
Find PLM and GTRP at these upcoming insurance conventions and trade show events:- 02/01 – PIA NY Metro Rap – New York, NY
- 02/05 – KAIA Annual Convention – Wichita, KS
- 02/21 – IIAM Agency Management Conference – Jackson, MS
- 02/21 – Houston I-Day – Houston, TX
- 02/22 – NIIA Annual Tradeshow – Reno, NV
- 03/03 – WSIA Underwriting Summit – Phoenix, AZ
- 03/19 – Los Angeles I-Day – Pasadena, CA
- 03/20 – IIABSC Spring Conference – Columbia, SC
- 03/21 – MAIA Small Agency Conference – Columbia, MO
- 03/28 – PIIAC Convention – Englewood, CO
