No two towns in Indiana are alike, and Bliss McKnight understands this reality better than most. By tailoring insurance solutions to the unique needs of each community, they have built strong, long-standing relationships with municipalities across the state. This hands-on approach is one reason Gibson Insurance and Trafalgar Risk Advisor, David Wheatley, have partnered with Bliss McKnight for decades, including their recent work with the Town of Trafalgar.
“Bliss McKnight’s proactive approach helps prevent losses before they occur. For a growing community like Trafalgar—where safety and property conservation are priorities—partnering with a broker and carrier that provide the right tools and resources makes all the difference,” said Wheatley.
Meeting Urgency with Expertise
In 2024, the Town of Trafalgar welcomed a new Town Manager, Bryan Gregg. Among his immediate responsibilities was organizing policies, procedures, and critical insurance documents. That task became urgent when Trafalgar faced an unexpected non-renewal of its property and casualty insurance as our then-current carrier dropped out of the market. With limited time to act, Bryan turned to his membership association, Aim, for recommendations.
“Aim’s partnership with both the Town of Trafalgar and municipal insurance specialist Bliss McKnight (endorsed by Aim for over 39 years), gave us the opportunity to expeditiously connect with an industry expert, which was especially valuable given the time constraints we faced in finding quality, fiscally responsible coverage,” Gregg shared. “An added benefit was Bliss McKnight’s existing relationship with our broker, Gibson Insurance. With all parties aligned in their dedication, expertise, and ability to work under pressure, the Town of Trafalgar secured unmatched coverage at a highly competitive rate. As a small community, having access to Bliss McKnight’s expert risk management staff at no additional cost has been instrumental in driving safety and operational improvement.”
Support Without Strings
When Bliss McKnight Senior Account Executive Nicole Broch first connected with Trafalgar leaders, her priority was not to present a policy but to provide clarity. Working side-by-side with town leadership, she reviewed coverages, explained exposures, listened to our needs, and outlined a path forward. This consultative approach was further enhanced through collaboration with Gibson Insurance, ensuring Trafalgar could rely on both local representation and Bliss McKnight’s specialized municipal expertise.
Professional Response Under Pressure
Securing comprehensive coverage in a short timeframe is demanding but coordinated teamwork made it possible. With the typical industry minimum quote turnaround time of 60-90 days, Bliss McKnight risk management professionals Mark Ennis and Nick Irmerger personally visited Trafalgar to evaluate areas of exposure—from municipal facilities to the police department and wastewater treatment plant. Their on-site assessments not only confirmed strong operational standards but also offered practical recommendations to strengthen safety and reduce risks going forward.
Unlike carriers reliant on automated underwriting, Bliss McKnight applies a deliberate, hands-on process that emphasizes accuracy, a sound fit with Town needs, and fair pricing. With Trafalgar’s timely completion of application materials, the new coverage was secured (do you want to say how long? Or something more general like “comfortably meeting our timing needs”) without interruption—despite the compressed timeline.
Value Beyond the Premium
For the Town of Trafalgar, selecting an insurance partner required looking beyond cost alone. Leaders wanted assurance of responsive communications, principled claims handling, and ongoing support for risk prevention and staff training. Bliss McKnight delivered in each of these areas, providing services that extend well beyond the annual premium.
The partnership enhanced Trafalgar’s ability to proactively manage exposures while reinforcing fiscal responsibility, a combination that positions the town for long-term security and stability.
Building a Safer Future
Today, Trafalgar enjoys not only reliable coverage but also a partnership built on trust and collaboration. Regular communication between Town leadership, Gibson Insurance, and Bliss McKnight’s team ensures ongoing education, training, and consultation.
What began as an urgent challenge evolved into a model of partnership in municipal insurance—illustrating how dedicated collaboration and expert guidance can safeguard communities while supporting their growth and prosperity.
For more information about Bliss McKnight, reach out to Bob Woodard, Vice President of Marketing, at bwoodard@blissmcknight.com or 800-322-3991 x142.