Business Details
48 Years
experience
Volunteer Firefighters Insurance Services
Founded in 1978 by fire districts for fire districts, Fire Districts Of NY Mutual Insurance has dedicated itself to providing specialized insurance solutions for volunteer firefighters and fire departments across New York State. As a mutual company owned by our policyholders, we focus exclusively on Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law (VFBL) and Workers' Compensation coverage, ensuring our clients receive unparalleled expertise and service. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to prompt claims processing, maintaining one of the highest retention rates in the property and casualty insurance sector. Through three dedicated insurance companies, we offer pricing flexibility while maintaining financial stability through conservative management practices. Our board of directors includes fire district officers who ensure our operations remain aligned with the needs of the volunteer fire service community.We provide loss control initiatives including comprehensive firefighter injury reduction studies and safety training programs to help minimize workplace injuries. With over four decades of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized attention to both fire districts and injured personnel, ensuring transparency and clear communication throughout the claims process. Our commitment to education helps newer generations of firefighters understand their coverage benefits. We maintain direct partnerships with healthcare providers to streamline medical care access for injured volunteers. Through continuous innovation in risk management and claims handling, we strive to be the most trusted insurance partner for New York's volunteer fire service community.
Services
Volunteer Firefighters Insurance
Workers' Compensation
Loss Control Surveys
Claims Processing
Safety Training Programs
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We exclusively focus on VFBL and Workers' Compensation insurance for fire service personnel
- Our mutual company structure ensures policyholder ownership and alignment with client needs
- We maintain a 45-year track record of specialized insurance expertise
- We offer three underwriting options for competitive pricing flexibility
- Our board includes active fire district officers ensuring operational accountability
What people say
Immediate call returns
Very helpful
Very responsive
Medical claims support
Educational resources
Services
Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law
We provide comprehensive coverage under New York State's Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law, offering medical care and cash benefits for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty. Our policies ensure 100% earning capacity protection and include benefits for surviving dependents in case of fatal injuries. We maintain direct relationships with healthcare providers to streamline medical care access for injured volunteers.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
We offer mandatory workers' compensation coverage for paid fire department employees, including firefighters, mechanics, and administrative staff. Our policies cover medical treatment costs and lost wages for work-related injuries across various job classifications. We provide dedicated claims management to ensure timely processing and compliance with state regulations.
Loss Control Surveys
We conduct comprehensive firefighter injury reduction studies through our partner LTS Consultants to help departments reduce workplace injuries. Our surveys analyze injury patterns and operational practices, providing tailored recommendations to improve safety protocols and minimize claims. These assessments include evaluations of standard operating procedures and personal protective equipment usage.
Claims Processing
We prioritize prompt and professional claims processing with dedicated claims managers available to assist injured personnel. Our system provides regular status updates and ensures compliance with state reporting requirements. We maintain a specialized team to handle complex cases including death benefits and out-of-state medical care coordination.
Safety Training Programs
We offer educational resources and training programs focused on firefighter safety and injury prevention. Our initiatives include health and safety officer training and access to an online safety video library. These programs help departments implement best practices for incident response and compliance with OSHA and NYSPESH regulations.
People
Roy Denny
EVP/COO
With extensive insurance industry experience, Roy Denny oversees daily operations as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He brings specialized knowledge of fire service insurance and maintains active involvement in company strategy and client relations.
Tricha Higgins
Manager of Underwriting
Tricha Higgins leads underwriting operations with expertise in fire service risk assessment. She manages policy pricing and ensures appropriate coverage structures for fire districts across New York State.
Ken Willis
EVP/CFO
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ken Willis oversees financial operations and maintains the company's strong financial position through conservative investment strategies and fiscal management.
Lorines Vega
Claims Manager
Lorines Vega manages the claims department with a focus on prompt processing and client communication. She ensures compliance with state regulations while maintaining direct support for injured personnel and fire departments.
Noreen A. Michels
Senior Claims Examiner
Noreen A. Michels provides expert claims examination services with specialized knowledge of Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law. She works directly with fire districts to ensure proper claims documentation and timely benefit disbursement.
Questions
What coverage does FDM provide for volunteer firefighters?
We provide Volunteer Firefighters' Benefits Law coverage including medical care and cash benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty, with benefits for surviving dependents in fatal cases.
How do I file a claim with FDM?
File claims using the C-2F form within 10 days of injury. Submit through fax, email, or our online portal while maintaining internal VF1 records for all incidents.
What loss control services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive firefighter injury reduction studies, safety officer training, and an online safety video library to help departments minimize workplace injuries.
How are claims processed?
Our dedicated claims team processes cases promptly with regular status updates. We handle medical bill payments, lost wage compensation, and coordinate with healthcare providers directly.
What makes FDM different from other insurers?
We exclusively focus on fire service insurance with policyholder ownership, three underwriting options, and a board including active fire district officers ensuring industry-specific expertise.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Tom Foolery
Mar 19, 2022
Report
I was hurt in line of duty as a firefighter and this company refuses to cover me for an ankle replacement instead they want my leg amputated against my doctor's advice
