West Virginia Voluntary Fire Units’ Insurance Hikes Raise Concern

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West Virginia House Speaker Rick Thompson wants the state to delay workers’ compensation premium increases for volunteer fire departments.

BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co. announced the premium increases in May. Thompson says he’s concerned that many volunteer fire departments can’t afford the hikes and will have to shut down.

The Wayne County Democrat has asked Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline to stay the increases for 60 days. Thompson told the Kanawha County Commission that a stay would give lawmakers time to study the issue.

BrickStreet is the sole provider of workers’ comp insurance for government agencies until July 1, when the market will open to competition.