State Fund Remodels Broker Distribution, Announces 'Access State Fund'

VACAVILLE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- State Compensation Insurance Fund today announced a major change to its broker distribution model, effective January 1, 2013. Under the new model, State Fund has introduced premium thresholds to qualify for a direct contract. Brokers were notified of the new premium thresholds in November of 2011.

To ensure that all brokers have access to State Fund coverage for their clients, State Fund is launching Access State Fund. Two authorized broker access partners were selected under the new model—Arthur J Gallagher & Co. Ins Brokers of California, Inc. and RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc.

Brokers who are not eligible for a direct contract any longer can continue to access State Fund through the Access State Fund partners at the start of the new year.

"State Fund recognizes our role in the market is to serve California employers," said Jennifer Vargen, SVP of Marketing and Communications. "The shift in our broker distribution model helps State Fund streamline operations and reduce our operational costs, which ultimately benefits the California employer, and helps State Fund fulfill our mission."

"Our access partners were selected through a rigorous RFP process and we are confident that they will provide value and excellent service to those retail brokers who are no longer eligible for a direct contract," Vargen explained.

Contact information for the two State Fund authorized access partners is located below.

Arthur J Gallagher & Co. Ins Brokers of California Inc.
One Market Plaza, Spear Tower #200
San Francisco, Ca 94105
Riley Binford
Toll Free # 855-784-4433 ext 8438
riley_binford@statefundfirst.com

RIC Insurance General Agency, Inc.
2522 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 100
Santa Rosa, Ca 95403
Kathy Harper & RIC Team
Toll Free # 855-851-7827
accessstatefund@ric-ins.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Established in 1914 by the state legislature, State Fund is California's largest provider of workers' compensation insurance and a vital asset to California businesses. Completely self supporting, State Fund plays a stabilizing role in California's economy by maintaining an open door policy that ensures all employers have a strong and stable option for their workers' compensation needs.

SOURCE State Compensation Insurance Fund