Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Premium Finance Solutions for Insurance Professionals
First Insurance Funding has been a leader in premium finance services for over 30 years, specializing in innovative solutions for property and casualty insurance policies. As part of the Wintrust family, we combine industry expertise with personalized service to support insurance brokers, agents, and their clients. Our mission is to deliver efficient financial tools that enhance cash flow management and streamline payment processes. Headquartered in Chicago, we operate nationwide with over $16 billion in annual loan volume and 35 relationship managers. Our commitment to flexibility, technology, and customer service has earned us recognition as a trusted partner in the insurance industry.We offer tailored rates, integration solutions, and life insurance premium financing through our affiliate, Wintrust Life Finance. Backed by a $62 billion holding company, we provide comprehensive financial services including perpetuation lending, treasury management, and corporate plan solutions. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with independent agents to meet their unique business needs. Community involvement remains a core value, with active support for organizations like March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity. Through continuous innovation and a client-first approach, we aim to be the premier choice for premium finance solutions across North America.
Services
Premium Finance
Payment Solutions
Life Insurance Financing
Billing Services
Financial Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in premium finance services.
- Our customized rates and terms meet specific agency revenue goals.
- We offer integration solutions to streamline your workflow.
- Our industry-leading technology includes the FIRST Insite platform.
- We provide best-in-class customer service with dedicated relationship managers.
Services
Premium Finance
Our premium finance services provide flexible payment options for property and casualty insurance policies. We help businesses improve cash flow by converting annual premiums into manageable monthly payments. With over 30 years of experience, we offer competitive rates and terms tailored to meet specific agency needs while maintaining industry-leading customer service.
Payment Solutions
We offer customized billing and payment solutions for agencies, MGAs, and carriers. Our tools support program business, captives, and risk retention groups with streamlined payment processing. Features include online payments, mobile app access, and automated billing systems designed to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency for insurance professionals across North America.
Life Insurance Financing
Through our affiliate Wintrust Life Finance, we provide traditional life insurance premium financing. This service allows policyholders to maintain coverage while preserving capital for other investments. Our solutions include flexible repayment terms and dedicated support for agents seeking alternative funding options for their clients' life insurance needs.
Technology Integration
Our industry-leading technology solutions include the FIRST Insite platform for 24/7 account access. Features like online payments, document management, and automated billing systems integrate seamlessly with agency workflows. These tools enhance client service capabilities while providing real-time data and reporting for improved business decision-making.
Financial Services
Beyond premium financing, we offer corporate financial services including perpetuation and acquisition lending, treasury management, and capital leasing. These solutions support insurance agencies' growth strategies while providing comprehensive financial resources backed by our relationship with the $62 billion Wintrust holding company.
People
Mark Steenberg
CEO, Property & Casualty Division
Mark has over 30 years of insurance industry experience, joining FIRST in 2000 after leadership roles at Kemper Insurance. He directs operational advancements and technology innovations while focusing on sustainable growth strategies for the company's core business.
Jim Miller
EVP & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
With 35+ years in commercial P&C premium finance, Jim leads sales and marketing efforts. His career spans financial services and marine wholesale finance, bringing extensive industry knowledge to develop strategic partnerships and expand market reach.
Kim Malizia
EVP & Chief Administration Officer
Kim oversees operational departments with 20+ years at FIRST and prior experience in insurance accounting roles. She manages organizational projects and administrative functions, ensuring efficient operations across all business units.
Jon Wicks
EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Jon has 20+ years in premium finance, progressing from asset management to operations leadership. He manages credit, loan operations, and integrated services while maintaining focus on process improvements and client service excellence.
Dominique Sawko
EVP & General Counsel
Dominique has led legal operations since 2011, managing regulatory compliance and contract negotiations. Her legal expertise ensures proper governance while supporting business development initiatives through comprehensive risk management strategies.
Questions
What is premium finance?
Premium finance allows businesses to convert annual insurance premiums into monthly payments, improving cash flow while maintaining coverage. We specialize in flexible solutions for property and casualty insurance policies.
How can agents benefit from your services?
We provide tools to enhance client offerings, including customized payment plans, integration with agency systems, and dedicated relationship managers to support business growth and client retention.
What payment options are available?
We offer 24/7 online payments, mobile app access, phone payments, and traditional methods like mail and Western Union for convenient premium payment management.
Do you serve businesses outside the US?
Yes, our services extend to Canada and Puerto Rico, with tailored solutions for different regulatory environments while maintaining consistent service quality across all markets.
What additional financial services do you offer?
Beyond premium finance, we provide life insurance financing, treasury management, corporate plan services, and acquisition lending through our Wintrust partnership.
Reviews (7)
Ruben B.
Feb 10, 2022
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They are a bunch of crooks and will take your money and add fees to get more money out of you. They know you have to pay or they threaten to attack your credit. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. They are CROOKS!
Brian B.
May 12, 2020
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I have used First Insurance funding for several years. I have never had an issue until COVID 19. I have tried to call and work out something on our 4K insurance payment while we are closed during this pandemic. Their response to me was they cannot help because the our state has not mandated them to do anything. So they will only help their customers if the state makes them. I sent an email to their COVID 19 response email expressing our situation and they never responded. It's funny because their website says they are here to help.
I should also mention that I called their office and they did make one offer to help. They said they would give me a 10 day grace period to make the payment otherwise the policy will be scheduled to be cancelled. Thanks for all the help First Insurance Funding! Due to their lack of compassion and failure to respond we will no longer being doing business with them in the future. This company should be ashamed of their actions.
I should also mention that I called their office and they did make one offer to help. They said they would give me a 10 day grace period to make the payment otherwise the policy will be scheduled to be cancelled. Thanks for all the help First Insurance Funding! Due to their lack of compassion and failure to respond we will no longer being doing business with them in the future. This company should be ashamed of their actions.
Neal M.
Apr 21, 2020
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Terrible, unethical company. Never was late one 1 payment in 5 years. Even paid over at times. When I asked for Covid Reflif just to defer payments for 30 days, they denied us and chose not to honor our request during a time like this. Most Unethical company I have ever worked with. I will NEVER use this company again and you shouldn't either.
Rueben D.
Feb 06, 2020
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Https://youtu.be/1c5VdbA4ajA Watch how first insurance funding committed Fraud against me and forced me into bankruptcy. If nothing else let the video play and subscribe, just to go my numbers up. Thanx. And by the way, I also lost my mother's house and land bc of First insurance Funding
Akmal B.
Apr 14, 2018
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They charge $15 processing fee, and that's the lowest if you pay with bank account. CC fee is 25. Wouldn't recommend it even to my enemy.
David C.
Aug 29, 2014
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Our company uses First Insurance Funding to fund our corporate policies. This company has billing practices that are unethical. Their statement are dated the 21st of the month but do not get received into our office until the 28th of the month. They require the payment to be received in by the 8th of the following month. Giving our company to short of a period of time to turn around and issue a payment. usually companies have a 20 day term plus 8 days grace period. This companies term is much shorter forcing late penalties to charged.
Pam S.
Jul 19, 2014
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Worst Insurance company I've ever used. They told us they sent someone out to look at our property to give us a list of what had to be done. Never did but lied and said they did. Billing is a nightmare, we sold our property and cancelled our insurance over 4 months ago and are still getting billed for the whole year with interest. Water bridge sent a refund check for our overpayment but First Insurance kept the check and as I said still billing us. Seriously, do not even consider using this company, what a scam!
