We’ve all heard the phrase “Consistency is key”—probably more times than we can count. While it may be overused (which I’m making worse by dropping it again), it holds true across industries, demographics, and generations. But how does it apply to Public Entities, especially when it comes to Risk Management and Insurance? The list could go on indefinitely, but here are a few quick, practical areas we’re actively discussing with clients:

HR 'Allowances' or Variances on Claims

We often work with clients to discuss how they plan to address claims, especially those involving their people. A few key questions to consider: Do you have a documented process for returning employees to work after an injury? · Do you allow employees to choose where to receive their initial medical evaluation after a workplace incident, or do you direct their care? · Are there instances where you prefer to cover payroll directly rather than have the insurance carrier handle the claim?

These are just a few of the scenarios we walk through and help clients document. The key is less in the answers, and more in the consistency and documentation around them.

3rd party Claimant Process

When a third party—such as a citizen or the family of a child you serve—claims your organization is responsible for damage or loss, how do you respond? Do you have a consistent process for gathering information across all departments and locations? Are community-facing staff trained on what they can and cannot say regarding your organization’s responsibility or potential indemnification? What is the follow up process? It may be worth discussing how we can support your organization with a sample process template and training guidance.

Check out our team's sample template. 👉Click Here: Sample 3rd Party Claimant Form

Team news to share

Our team has grown recently with the additions of Becky Roach and Kelly Cook. Becky will be serving as an Account Manager, focused on our strategic commercial clients book. She will also serve in a backup role to Jenyse Durham, Liz Schara, and/or Cari Taplin—whom many of our public entity clients receiving this email work with each day.

In addition, Kelly Cook recently joined our team as a Service Specialist. Kelly will assist with the day-to-day needs of our clients, allowing other team members to focus on proactive ways we can serve our clients beyond the work that needs to be processed. We are thrilled to have Becky and Kelly join the team!

First MainStreet Insurance's Public Entity Specialty Group team is looking to grow the base of the clients we serve throughout Iowa. We have a process that prompts conversation around what the current state is of your organization’s risk management and insurance setup, as well as ideas on how to improve that situation moving forward.

If you’re open to learning more, below are recommended next steps:

1. Schedule an intro meeting with our team. This will allow us to learn more about your organization, share about our process, and mutually conclude if we might be a good fit to work together. To schedule this intro meeting, simply click here: FMSI Public Entity Scheduler.
2. Complete our abbreviated discovery assessment, which is a survey that provides us feedback on areas you are already supported well or that our team could help provide value. The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, and is linked here: FMSI Public Entity Pathfinder Assessment.

Let’s Connect

We are excited to provide this quarterly bulletin newsletter with real and relevant information pertaining to the industry we serve. You’ll continue to receive these with more value-based content contained. This newsletter is simply to serve as an introduction. If you are interested in a specific discussion on your organization and how we might explore partnering together, there are two options:

1. If you recognize any of the FMSI partner agencies shown on the next page, reach out to the local team directly and ask about our Public Entity Specialty Group. They can reach out to us and set up a meeting amongst our teams.
2. If you’d like to schedule an intro call with us directly, click the link below to do so using our scheduler app.
3. To learn more about our FMSI Partner Agencies, click here.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to any and all future discussions with you and your team!

First MainStreet Partner Agencies: Locations

First MainStreet Partner Agencies: Names