Distributors & Suppliers Group Trust

About Us

FROM THE BEGINNING - MANAGING RISK

Approved by the State of Maine Bureau of Insurance on February 1, 1992.

Today includes 13 Companies State Wide.

Key Priorities

  • Loss Prevention to Minimize Employee Injuries
  • Effective Claims Management
  • Return-to-Work

Goals

  • Support a Strong Loss Prevention Program that Protects Employees
  • Reduce Workers’ Compensation Costs
  • Return Surplus Funds to Members

Highlights

  • Average rate reduction has been 29% since inception of the
    program.
  • Surplus Distribution returns through January 2024 total
    $26,862,444.
  • On average, 27.65% of all Member premiums paid since
    February 1, 1992 have been returned.
  • Cumulative Loss Ratio through January 2024 is 53.97%.
SIGNIFICANT VALUE

Long term membership in the group will result in the lowest cost program over time. However, the true value of the group is more than just low premiums or refunds - it includes control over your program, partnership with leading Maine companies and access to top quality services.

Owner-Member

As an owner/member, you will participate in claims management and have a voice in the process. You can also take advantage of the numerous loss control services, the education opportunities and the training programs the group provides. The group will work aggressively to help you prevent injuries and reduce costs.

Leadership

The group takes a leadership role and consistently opposes costly Workers’ Comp legislation as it did during the 2019 effort to undermine the WC laws. The group actively participates and supports policy, legislation and education regarding foundational jobs in Maine. It works with the Maine Jobs Council and Alliance for Maine to improve Maine’s economy.

Knowledge

Members also have access to each other, sharing knowledge on safety, claims management, and anything else affecting the program, with everyone working together to improve the group
outcomes while supporting each other.

"IN A NUTSHELL"

BENEFITS OF THE DISTRIBUTORS AND SUPPLIERS WORKERS' COMPENSATION SELF INSURED GROUP:

An association formed exclusively for the benefit of its members
  • Will reduce costs over the long term
  • Members earn interest on group funds
  • Excess revenues can be returned/refunded to members
  • Employer-controlled risk financing mechanism and potential cash flow benefits
  • Spread of risk and commonality of exposure = Long-term balance in contribution of losses by each account to group experience
Specialized and customized services:
  • Members typically implement more effective programs to prevent and control claims costs for the long term – claims management; safety and loss control programs; education and training
  • Increased accountability = Better managed safety programs and more efficient use of resources
  • Improved safety programs reduce both direct and indirect costs from injuries and lost time accidents
Control and participation:
  • Members working together to share knowledge and improve outcomes