Mel Foster Insurance celebrated its 2024 achievements. Marc Engels, president of Mel Foster Insurance recognized 24 recipients for their 2024 accomplishments and shared the company’s year-end results.

Mel Foster Insurance, a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency, continues to deliver tailored solutions for both business and personal clients. In 2024, insurers across the region faced ongoing challenges that required significant adjustments to underwriting practices, driven by elevated loss performance. These adjustments have resulted in increased deductibles, limitations in coverage terms, and significant rate adjustments. Agency President Marc Engels noted, “Catastrophic weather events, nuclear liability verdicts, and persistent social inflation continue to disrupt the insurance industry, pushing premiums higher for all consumers. Our experienced team and strong relationships with leading carriers enable us to continue to provide competitive rates while maintaining exceptional local service in a rapidly evolving insurance market.”

With access to a diverse portfolio of financially stable insurance company partners, Mel Foster Insurance is well-positioned to offer comprehensive insurance solutions to our business and personal clients. As an independent agency, Mel Foster Insurance provides clients the ability to explore coverage options from multiple top-rated companies, ensuring tailored and cost-effective policies. Mr. Engels added, “Our independence gives us the flexibility to deliver competitive choices backed by some of the most financially secure providers in the industry.”
In an insurance market that experienced unprecedented market access limitations, rate increases, and tightening of underwriting principles, the Mel Foster Insurance commercial property and casualty department experienced year-over-year growth of 10.5%. Overall, the direct written premium across all departments was up 8.8%. Mr. Engels said, “We have an experienced, talented group of insurance professionals dedicated to serving our local clients. We take pride in providing the best insurance experience regardless of market conditions. That commitment has allowed us to retain 97% of our clients in the past year! We appreciate the trust clients have in us as we recognize we would not be here without their continued business.” 

“In 2024, we will remain invested in our employees’ training and professional development and continue to leverage technology so we can continue to deliver reliable solutions in the means our clients desire. I know our team is committed to working diligently to be a trusted independent agency in the Quad Cities region that delivers a positive insurance experience,” said Mr. Engels. 

Mel Foster Insurance continues to prioritize giving back to the communities it serves. Mel Foster Insurance and its real estate division, continued its Think.Buy.Be.Local campaign in 2024. In support of this initiative, the company raised money to support local families by participating in the River Bend Foodbank Community Hunger Drive. Mel Foster Insurance supported multiple families in need over the holidays, partnered with WQAD for a school supply drive, held a blood drive with ImpactLIfe, and collected toys and money for Toys for Tots. Mel Foster Insurance and its real estate division supported over 150 local businesses during Small Business Week.  Mel Foster Insurance proudly backs a variety of local community-wide events including the John Deere Classic, Bix7, Quad Cities Marathon, Festival of Trees, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Plant Sale. Mr. Engels stated, "We are deeply proud to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years. Partnering with our employees to make a positive impact and support local businesses is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege and a cornerstone of our mission."

Mr. Engels concluded the event with, "As we reflect on the close of a challenging year, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our agency. Their dedication to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions has been instrumental in our continued growth. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our employees for their hard work, commitment, and resilience throughout the year. Their efforts have made a meaningful impact on our clients and our community, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead in the new year."