Our Story
Bob McCloskey Insurance specializes in providing a wide range of insurance solutions to the education sector including colleges & universities as well as private and public K-12 schools. We also provide insurance programs for camps, youth and adult leagues, churches, national associations and non-profit organizations. If you have a risk that requires accident insurance, we can provide a solution.
Bob McCloskey Insurance was founded in 1975 by Bob McCloskey Sr., as a general agency selling property and casualty, as well as life and health products. The initial incursion into the special risk accident insurance field consisted of marketing to K-12 private schools and public school districts in New Jersey, then adding youth baseball and football leagues. The agency grew rapidly, and we decided to enter the higher education space offering student health insurance plans and intercollegiate sports accident insurance programs. Presently, we manage the student & sports accident insurance programs for over 500 colleges and universities, 2,000+ K12 schools and a number of national associations and organizations.
BMI Benefits, LLC., the claims administration arm of Bob McCloskey Insurance, was established in 1986 after it became apparent that the industry needed a one-stop shop solution – an agency that could provide the insurance products, but also provide the much-needed personal touch claims administration services.
In 1984, straight from Rutgers University, Rob McCloskey joined the agency, initially handling the Agency’s P&C products. Subsequently, Rob took over the sales in Massachusetts and over the years became involved in all phases of the operation. With Bob McCloskey’s retirement in 2006, Rob stepped in as President, and has grown the company into the leading provider of student and sports accident insurance nationwide.
At Bob McCloskey Insurance, we believe that our most important role is that of an advocate for our customer. Providing you with the most appropriate coverage for the best price and our hands-on claim services, ensures that we “Got You Covered.”
Meet the Team
Rob McCloskey has been with Bob McCloskey Insurance since completing his studies at Rutgers University in 1984. He has been the president of BMI since 2006, succeeding his father, Bob. His duties include carrier and client relationships, including premium negotiations, managing the accident insurance for over 500 colleges and universities nationwide. He is also responsible for placing coverage for hundreds of k-12 and youth groups coast to coast, while also overseeing BMI Benefits, the TPA arm of Bob McCloskey Insurance.
Rob has also been very involved in coaching youth sports, including basketball, baseball and soccer over the years, and his AAU basketball teams have won two New Jersey state championships. He is also a huge sports fan and loves playing basketball, golf, and especially enjoys playing in beach volleyball leagues with his kids. “I’ve been very blessed to have spent my entire career working with first my dad, and then my son, on a day to day basis – it doesn’t get much better than that”.
Pete Ginnegar has been the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bob McCloskey Insurance since Feb. 2009. He has been working in the special risk insurance marketplace since Jan.2000. His duties include the ongoing development of new and current client relationships with Colleges and Universities, as well as developing corporate partnerships with various intercollegiate athletic conferences and governing bodies nationally, such as the California Community College Athletic Association/COA.
Prior to joining BMI, Pete was the Director of Marketing for Athletic Programs for Renaissance Agencies Inc. from, Nov. 2002-Feb. 2009, where he oversaw the daily administration of all of their athletic relationships, including the insurance program for many CA CCDs.
Pete just concluded his 40th season of intercollegiate sport coaching, and recently finished his 14th season as the Head Lacrosse Coach at the Claremont Colleges. Pete also coached at the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, Ohio State University and Cornell University. He has coached intercollegiate men’s and women’s soccer and ice hockey. Pete received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education/Secondary Education, Queens College 1980, and was inducted into the Queens College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. He received his Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration, Springfield College, MA in 1981. Pete is also currently the Head Men’s National Team coach for Lacrosse for Uganda, and also served as an assistant coach for the Israeli National Lacrosse Team.
Matthew Deeb joined the BMI team in 2014 as Vice President of Sales & Operations. Matt works with Rob McCloskey to develop new carrier relationships and helps with managing the long-standing carrier relationships with our insurance partners. Matt also plays a primary role in the underwriting and development of new and renewal business with colleges/universities as well as secondary schools throughout the country. In the Fall of 2017, Matt expanded his role at BMI, by taking over the Operations Management of our in-house TPA, BMI Benefits, LLC.
Prior to joining BMI, Matt was with Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., since 2008 as a member of the Sports & Special Risk Sales Team where he headed up the Religious & Non-Profit, Public Entity and K-12 Risk Groups. Matt also spent significant time selling and managing intercollegiate athletic insurance programs.
Nick began his BMI career working part-time in 2010, before joining the team full-time in the summer of 2015 straight from Quinnipiac University. Nick works alongside Rob McCloskey & Matt Deeb to develop and maintain both carrier and client relationships. Nick is a sports fanatic, especially when it comes to his favorite teams, the Jets, Mets, Knicks, and Rangers. For Nick, it’s an honor to be a 3rd Generation McCloskey, working in the family business.
Jen has been part of the BMI Team since 2016. As the Controller, Jen is responsible for day to day Financial Operations of the company and works with her team to facilitate all aspects of the accounting department. Jen resides in Brick, NJ with her two children.
Derek joined the BMI team in 2017 to startup and oversee their HR department in addition to managing the daily office operations and licensing. When not in the office Derek can be found on the soccer field coaching his daughter’s travel soccer team in Hazlet, NJ where he currently resides.
Dawn Solan has been with BMI since 1991. Coming aboard as a claims examiner initially, Dawn quickly rose through the ranks and became the Claims Manager in 1994. Dawn oversaw the growth of the TPA arm within BMI, moving the claims processing from a paper system, and implementing an automated claims system. As the need for a more refined claims system grew, Dawn helped design and develop a new claim paying system with an outside IT firm. Today, Dawn manages the 30+ claims examiner staff. Dawn resides in Brick, NJ with her husband Brett, and is a pet enthusiast.
Julie started with BMI in June of 2006 as Claims Examiner. She was promoted to Team Lead in 2016 and over the years has managed the insurance carrier audit process for our team, working closely with Dawn. As a Team Lead Julie was responsible for a team of 5 examiners in addition to managing claims for her own group of schools. Julie was recently promoted to a new position at BMI, Assistant Claims Manager for Compliance and Audit, where Julie will continue to manage our audit and compliance process both internal and external, as well as our Quality Control program.
Lew has been an integral part of the BMI team since 1994. Overseeing the Special Risk book of business, Lew is responsible for new business sales and retention of Special Risk, Sports and Private School accounts. Lew lives in Aberdeen, NJ with his wife Ellen, and 3 sons, Matt, Kevin and Justin. Lew enjoys attending local and professional sports events and playing golf.
Rosanne joined BMI in 1991, and has been an integral part of the overall growth of the agency. Initially, Rosanne worked closely with both Bob and Rob handling the day to day Account Management on new Sales and Renewal Accounts, but over the years has worn many hats in various departments. Presently, Rosanne manages the Sales & Account Management Team. Rosanne resides Matawan, NJ with her husband, and they enjoy spending their free time with their grandchildren.
Jennifer has been part of the BMI Team since June, 2018. As the Customer Service Supervisor, Jennifer is responsible for managing daily operations in the Customer Service Call Center, aiming for an excellent customer service experience for all callers. She works with her team to ensure calls are taken timely and effectively. Jennifer resides in Brick, NJ with her 2 dogs and enjoys spending time at the beach and with her two nieces.
Trish joined BMI in 2004 as a Claims Examiner. Promoted to a Team Lead in 2016, Trish manages a Team of 5 Claims Examiners, while managing the claims for a book of college sports accounts. Trish is also the training coordinator for all newly hired claims examiners. In her spare time, Trish enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 grown children as well as her large family of 6 brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
Heidi has been part of the BMI team since 2009. Heidi was hired as a Claims Examiner and promoted to Team Lead in 2016. She has a team of 5 examiners, and in addition to handling claims, is responsible for the supervision of the team’s day to day operations. Heidi also assists in the training of new examiners and is a member of our testing team, responsible for claim system updates and changes being tested prior to production implementation. Heidi resides in Morganville, NJ and enjoys spending time with her family and summers at the Jersey Shore.
Gayle joined BMI in June 2013 as a Claims Examiner. In 2016 she was promoted to Team Lead for the K-12 unit. She currently supervises a team of 5 examiners handling both K-12 and college accounts. In addition to her supervising duties, Gayle manages her own accounts, assists with training new employees, and performs implementation and training meetings with K-12 Clients. Gayle resides in Matawan, NJ and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Karen started her career at BMI in January 2014 as a Claims Examiner. She was promoted to Team Lead in September 2017. She manages a team of 4 examiners, in addition to handling claims she is responsible for the supervision of her team’s daily operation. Karen lives along the Jersey Shore and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Holly was hired in 2015 as a Claims Examiner and was recently promoted, being BMI’s newest Team Lead. Holly manages a team of 4 examiners and their daily work flow. Holly is a member of our testing team, responsible for claim system updates and changes being tested prior to production implementation. Holly is originally from CT and moved to NJ in 2014. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Debbie has been with the BMI team since 2013. She was hired as part of the clerical team and was promoted to Clerical Supervisor in 2014. Debbie oversees the teams responsible for screening and adding new claims to our system. Debbie also manages our claim E.O.B and check printing processes.
Debbie resides in Farmingdale, N.J. with her family and enjoys spending time reading and going to the beach.
Peggy started with BMI in 2012, and became a Clerical Supervisor in 2014. Her responsibilities include the training and oversight of the clerical staff that assist the Claims Examiners with the day to day claims workflow. Peg also manages our file retention process and the relationship with our storage vendor. In Peggy’s spare time, she enjoys painting land/sea scapes, swimming, and kayaking.
Client Testimonials
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Commissioner, Big South Conference
BMI has partnered with the Big South Conference and its member institutions for over ten years. I have never experienced a more professional, customer service driven group than BMI. They truly care for their clients, working tirelessly to find solutions to the needs of the institutions and their student-athletes. In this day of increasing risk and complex regulation, BMI is the most valuable and reliable partner anyone could have.
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Executive Director, CUNY Athletic Conference
I value partnerships where the parties look out for one another in every sense of the word. Over many years, I have learned that BMI is always seeking ways to save money for our member schools, while at the same time they support the programming we offer to our students as an enhancement to their every day lives. Those gestures are immeasurably appreciated as is the ever-present personal involvement and willingness to go above and beyond from Rob and Pete. Thank you!
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Commissioner, East Coast Conference
We are pleased to have had the chance to build a relationship with BMI over the past several years. The opportunity to receive education, guidance and updates from Rob McCloskey and Pete Ginnegar at our annual meetings has allowed both the conference and our member schools to have a better understanding of sports insurance and how best to serve their athletic programs and student-athletes. In several cases, schools have chosen to shift their plans to BMI, leading to better coverage and/or insurance administration.
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Commissioner, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
BMI has been an ongoing corporate sponsor of the MAAC for many years and we are appreciative of their relationship with the conference. The MAAC postgraduate scholarship was created and is funded by BMI. The intent of the scholarship is to promote and encourage academically and athletically accomplished student-athletes to continue their education by attending graduate school. Two (2) $1,000 scholarships are awarded, one to a deserved male and one to a deserved female. The program aims to reward those individuals whose dedication and effort are reflective of those characteristics necessary to succeed and thrive through postgraduate studies.
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Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Winthrop University
I have worked with BMI at past institutions and wanted to get them on board here at Winthrop. I believe they go the extra mile for their clients. I have been happy with their service and commitment to doing what’s in the best interest of the institution.
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Director of Athletics, Pace University
I was very fortunate to learn about Bob McCloskey Insurance many years ago while working in Virginia at the Division I level. After many years of excellent collaborations there, BMI was one of my first calls I made when I transitioned to Division II in 2011. Rob and his team have been excellent partners in helping me secure outstanding coverage for my athletes. In addition to the coverage, BMI has proven to always be customer focused and solutions orientated. They have also been an invaluable resources with respect to changes in the insurance industry and helping us establish best practices.
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Head Athletic Trainer, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
We have been working with Bob McCloskey since 2005 and have had nothing but a great experience from the administrative staff, to the adjustors and the efficiency and expediency of claims processing. And of course, the money saved by using an SIR program rather than a traditional policy. I highly recommend BMI!
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Head Athletic Trainer, Seattle Pacific University
I have been an ATC for over 20 years. BMI offers a superior customized product for our institution along with fantastic customer service. From the owners, all the way to the claim reps I have felt like BMI is a part of our sports medicine team. They are quick to respond to questions regarding the policy, up to date on trends in the industry, and they make the job of filing claims and managing claims a breeze. When I direct student-athletes, parents, or our providers to BMI for follow-up regarding claim concerns I never hear back that they did not know what was going on or could not resolve an issue. I consider BMI a partner in our industry and am thankful for their expertise and timely service.
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Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Performance and Operation, UMass Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston has been with Bob McCloskey Insurance for at least the past 10 years. Their service has been exceptional and response time has always been immediate. I think I have had some of the same questions multiple times through the years and their responses are always as polite as if they were answering the question for the first time. I am so grateful for the personal support they have provided me!
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Director of Athletics, Southern Wesleyan University
Over the past 5 plus years, we have partnered with Bob McCloskey Insurance – working a plan to decrease our insurance premiums while increasing our coverage and providing speedy customer service to our student-athletes and their families. Wow, BMI has teamed up with Warrior Athletics to achieve all 3! SWU is a relationship-driven University – BMI and Warrior Athletics have developed a strong relationship by building trust. BMI has worked hard to earn our trust while at the same time pushing us to be better ourselves. I couldn’t be more happy with the support, service and the strong relationship we have BMI and their associates.
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Associate AD/ Director of Sports Medicine, Furman University
Our relationship with Bob McCloskey Insurance/BMI Benefits LLC represents a” true partnership”, with the ultimate goal of providing quality healthcare and effective insurance coverage to our student-athletes. We have enjoyed a long term relationship, which cannot be equaled by any other company, in regard to service and responsiveness.
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Sr. Assoc. A.D. / Head Athletic Trainer, Sacred Heart University
Bob McCloskey Insurance is a big-time insurance company with the personal attention and service of a typical family business. As an athletic trainer running a department of about 900 student-athletes and no administrative assistance to handle insurance, BMI makes it easy for our staff to handle our claims and answer questions when needed.
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Director of Athletics, University of Northwestern – St. Paul
We’ve been serviced by Bob McCloskey for over 10 years and it has been a phenomenal relationship. They listen to our needs and find affordable solutions to ensure our student athletes have their medical coverage taken care of. And, their customer service is excellent. We feel like they are a part of our team. I wouldn’t look anywhere else!
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Commissioner, Alabama Community College Conference
The Alabama Community College Conference switched to McCloskey Insurance in 2013, and we are glad we did. First, the transition was seamless, with McCloskey taking the time to personally meet with our members on several occasions to offer assistance. Although financially beneficial to our members, the customer service is second to none. While companies may say they will treat you like family, McCloskey proves actions speak louder than words. Their knowledge of the athletic insurance industry only helps our members, and more importantly our student-athletes, navigate the sometimes stressful side of insurance. Always going the extra mile, our members are 100% satisfied.
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Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and Performance, Queens University of Charlotte
Intercollegiate athletic departments rely on great partnerships to make the student-athlete experience unforgettable. At Queens University of Charlotte, Bob McCloskey Insurance provides our student-athletes with secondary intercollegiate athletic insurance. Their processing procedures, and services allow the Athletic Trainer to submit claims quickly and accurately, and helps keep our attention on the care of the athlete. The staff at BMI are experienced in helping the Administration and Head Athletic Trainer package coverage to protect the long-term future of the institution. While also providing the student-athletes with excellent coverage. BMI has consistently outbid the competition, without sacrificing the service most come to expect from a Sports Medicine Department. Again, its partnerships like these that create a platform for an elite level experience.
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Director of Athletics, Wofford College
BMI Benefits, LLC has been a great partner to the college for over a decade. We appreciate their thorough and diligent work, and their customer service is superlative. BMI understands the industry well, and brings a high level of competence and trust to the claims process.
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Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine & Athletic Training, Old Dominion University
Bob McCloskey insurance has been a part of our athletic program for several years, and we could not be more fortunate to be working with them. Their staff is very knowledgeable and is always available to help us with issues that arise. Filing claims is extremely easy, and from that point on, they take care of most of the work. All we need to do is provide them with the patient bills. It couldn’t be easier, and it saves my staff a tremendous amount of time. I couldn’t imagine working with another company for our athletic injury insurance needs.
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Head Athletic Trainer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Bob McCloskey Insurance has been a great insurance provider for us over the years. Julie Freeman has been our main contact there for all of my 8 years here. She is wonderful. The prompt service and attention we get are invaluable. Julie has gone above and beyond dealing with our specific institutional needs. Insurance and medical bill tracking is usually not a favorite activity of any athletic trainer. But BMI and Julie have made the task much more tolerable! I always enjoy the personal service I receive and the relationship I have built with Julie over the years. I would highly recommend Bob McCloskey Insurance to others.
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“Since 2008, Bob McCloskey has provided Catastrophic Protection for our NCCAA members to ensure that each student-athlete is protected if and when they experience a life-changing injury. This relationship led to BMI providing a variety of coverages to our membership. BMI understands the small college environment and meets their needs with individual solutions instead of offering cookie-cutter products. From international student plans to GAP plans that help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for institutions, BMI has become a partner with our members as much as with the NCCAA. However, it is the heart of Bob McCloskey himself that still resonates within the relationship that BMI and the NCCAA share. Caring for others and investing in each other is the real blessing of the BMI & NCCAA partnership. From their support for our NCCAA Convention and our Victory Bowl event to participation in various donor functions, the entire team at BMI are now friends more than business partners. BMI is the perfect blend of value meeting values!”
NCCAA Executive Director