Forestry Mutual moves to independent agent model

Forestry Mutual Insurance Company sold the book of business of its in-house agency, FMIC Agency Inc. d/b/a United Risk Advisors, to Joiner Insurance Agency. The move, effective August 20, 2025, transitions the Raleigh-based insurer to a fully independent agent distribution model.

By exiting its in-house agency, Forestry Mutual aims to broaden its reach through local agents while maintaining its focus on workers’ compensation coverage for the logging and wood products industry. The company, founded in 1971, continues to emphasize safety and loss control services and holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best.

“This is an exciting step forward for Forestry Mutual. It positions us for transformative growth by sharpening our focus on workers’ compensation coverage and our best-in-class loss control services, while expanding into new classes of business. Most importantly, it allows us to deliver even greater value to policyholders without disrupting the relationships and trusted service they’ve come to rely on.” – Bill Dine, president & CEO of Forestry Mutual Insurance Company.