Rising Workers Compensation Costs

At last weeks monthly meeting of the Buckhannon fire department, Bill Hamilton dropped by to share some ball caps with the volunteers. In addition to representing our area as a state delegate, Bill's insurance company is used by our department for insurance needs. We asked Bill if he had any news to share that would impact fire and emergency service providers.

Bill shared information that BrickStreet would no longer be writing workers compensation insurance for WV fire departments. It seems that the insurance modifier rate (I hope I have that correct) for fire departments has significantly increased as a result of high cost claims. These claims are not from our area. Fire departments will be forced to obtain insurance from the high risk markets at significantly higher rates. According to Bill, there are departments in the state that may not be able to afford the insurance premium increases and will be forced to cease operation.

That's terrible news as the trickle down effect may result in higher homeowners insurance premiums and it's difficult to promote community growth in an area without fire protection.