Glatfelter Insurance Group

Rough Notes, Sep 2005

When it comes to managing risk, the more you know about your customers, the better. That's why Glatfelter Insurance Group specializes in select market segments-so it can help agents meet their customers' insurance needs with specially developed products. As one of the nation's top 25 privately owned agencies, Glatfelter has been helping agents provide their customers with high-quality coverage and service for more than half a century.

President Tony Campisi explains: "It's imperative that we stay close to the market segments we serve so that we understand the unique exposures they face. As program managers and industry specialists, our goal is to develop tailored coverages supported by a level of service that exceeds the customer's expectations, particularly in the area of claims handling. With our responsive coverages, timely and considerate claims handling, top-rated carriers and exceptional service, agents placing business in one or more of our programs can take comfort in knowing they are providing their customers with a high-quality insurance program dedicated to service, stability and long-term relationships."

One size fits all may work for gloves, but not for insurance coverage. That's why Glatfelter Insurance Group offers tailored programs based on individual industries and their particular challenges, says Campisi. Take hospice care, for example. Because Glatfelter tailors its insurance offerings for this industry based on actual needs, he says, it has earned the provider of choice endorsement from the largest nonprofit hospice care organization. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Another example of Glatfelter's tailored coverage is a program offered by its RSDIS (Rural Special Districts Insurance Services) division. Nearly 500 agents have come to rely on this specialty program, which provides customized property and liability coverage for those who treat, distribute or store water. Glatfelter insures water, sewer, irrigation and conservation districts throughout the United States.

In the area of nonprofit emergency service organizations, both volunteer and paid emergency service workers regularly put themselves in harm's way to help others. Whether they serve as volunteers or career personnel, they work odd hours and face unusual challenges and dangers. To meet these special needs, Glatfelter established its VFIS division in 1969, and is the world's leading insurance provider for not-for-profit fire and EMS organizations. VFIS is also involved in educating and training emergency responders, providing seminars, printed materials and practical advice.

Because the metalcasting industry faces its own challenging exposures, Campisi says, Glatfelter saw the need to develop a division to respond to its specific needs. The company's Regional Alliance of Metalcasters risk purchasing group provides a strong risk management program with long-term benefits.

Glatfelter Insurance Group is the number one provider of insurance for car wash businesses because it's taken the time to examine their operations, says Campisi. The nature of the work-whether self-serve or exterior only-exposes this industry to potential property losses and liabilities that don't occur in other businesses. Managing these risks, and minimizing them through information and education, has been Glatfelter's touchstone for serving this industry.

For more than 30 years, Glatfelter Insurance Group has been providing responsive coverages for the fire, water and emergency medical service exposures of municipal entities. Through its Public Risk Insurance Made Easy (PRIME) program, Glatfelter has expanded its product offerings to provide property and liability coverages for small to mid-sized municipalities, including public officials and law enforcement activity liability.

"At the heart of Glatfelter's offerings is a certain attitude," says Campisi. "An attitude that says agents and their customers deserve the best coverage and service. An attitude that ensures representatives understand Glatfelter products; claims are handled in a prompt, fair and considerate manner; and customers are satisfied. An attitude that says customers really matter. This type of attitude builds relationships, and it builds trust."