NU Online News Service, Oct. 29, 11:49 a.m.EDT

The independent agent brand Trusted Choice grew its carriermembership by two with the addition of The Foremost Insurance Groupand Union Mutual of Vermont.

Yesterday, the Alexandria, Va.-based Independent InsuranceAgents & Brokers of America said Caledonia, Mich.-basedForemost Insurance became the 58^th company member tojoin the program as a Trusted Choice company partner.

Founded in 1952, Foremost Insurance is represented bya network of more than 38,000 independent agencies across thecountry. Foremost is part of the Farmers Insurance Group ofCompanies, a group of insurers comprising one of the major personallines property and casualty insurance groups in the nation. Thecompany is a single source for property and casualty insurance andoffers moderate to high-risk programs for auto and property;manufactured home; motor home; travel trailer; luxury motor coach;vacant property; seasonal property; landlord and rental properties;motorcycle; off-road vehicle; snowmobile; boat; personal watercraftand collectible auto.

"Foremost Insurance Group continues to build nationalrecognition for the variety of coverages available for TrustedChoice independent insurance agents to offer their customers acrossthe country," said Robert Rusbuldt, IIABA president and chiefexecutive officer.

Last week, IIABA announced that Union Mutual joined the program.Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company and New England GuarantyInsurance Company offer a complete line of competitively-priced,personal and commercial policies throughout New England for morethan 100,000 policyholders.

Union provides individual insurance to protect homes,automobiles and personal belongings as well as the risk of lossassociated with personal liability. For small to mid-sizedbusinesses, it offers coverage to protect property, earnings andliabilities associated with a commercial enterprise. Union alsoprovides personal and commercial umbrella liability coverage,inland marine coverage for personal belongings and flood insurancefor homeowners.

Union Mutual of Vermont Companies consist of Union Mutual FireInsurance Company and New England Guaranty Insurance Company, bothheadquartered in Montpelier, Vt., as well as an affiliated company,Eastern Mutual Insurance Company, located in Greenville, N.Y. Thethree companies write property and casualty insurance in NewEngland and New York.

Dave Evans, Trusted Choice executive director said in astatement that, "By joining the Trusted Choice brand, Union ismaking an investment in its future and the independent insuranceagency system while building on a reputation for providingexcellent, personalized customer service."