Portland is home to hundreds of insurance brokers, but not all of them are created equal. As an insured, you want to find a broker who truly understands your needs and helps you get the right insurance coverage at the best price. This article will walk you through what to look for when choosing an insurance broker in Portland and provide reviews of some of the top local brokers.
What Does an Insurance Broker Do?
Before diving into broker options, let’s review what exactly an insurance broker does.
An insurance broker acts as an intermediary between you (the insured) and insurance companies. They do not work for any specific insurance company. Rather, a broker shops the market, gets quotes from multiple insurers, and finds the best policy for you based on your unique needs and budget.
Key services provided by brokers include:
- Evaluating your risks and exposures
- Researching insurance options from multiple companies
- Negotiating policy terms, rates, and discounts
- Comparing quotes to find you the best value
- Handling policy paperwork and renewals
- Assisting with claims process
In short, a broker simplifies the insurance buying process and ensures you get the right protection. Many people find working with a broker saves them money compared to buying direct.
Tips for Choosing an Insurance Broker in Portland
When selecting a Portland insurance broker, keep the following tips in mind:
Check credentials and licensing. Make sure any broker you consider has an active license in Oregon. You can verify a broker’s license status on the state Department of Consumer and Business Services website.
Look for experience. Find a broker who has extensive experience in the types of insurance you need. For example, if you own commercial properties, choose a broker well-versed in commercial policies.
Seek out client reviews and referrals. What do other clients have to say about working with the broker? Google reviews, Yelp, and other online sources can provide insight. Also ask people you trust for broker referrals.
Interview brokers. Have an introductory call with one or more brokers. Do you feel comfortable with their communication style? Do they seem truly interested in understanding your needs? Go with someone who takes time to listen and answer your questions.
Compare costs. brokers should provide quotes from multiple insurance companies. Make sure to compare not just premium costs but also coverage, limits, deductibles, and insurer financial strength ratings.
Consider independent brokers. Brokers who are completely independent (not tied to any one insurance company) can provide the most options and objective advice.
Reviews of Top Insurance Brokers in Portland
Now let’s take a look at some of Portland’s highest rated insurance brokers, based on online reviews, credentials, and reputation.
Mark Strauss Insurance
With nearly 50 five-star Google reviews, Mark Strauss stands out as a top choice for many in Portland. Strauss is an independent broker who specializes in both personal and commercial policies. He has over 25 years of experience and develops customized insurance solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs and budget.
Strauss Insurance provides coverage including:
- Homeowners & renters
- Condo insurance
- Auto insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
- Umbrella liability
- Business insurance
- Professional liability
- Workers compensation
- And more
Positive feedback from Strauss’s clients highlight his expertise and excellent customer service. Many say he saved them money on premiums.
“Mark provided me the best home insurance rate I could find in the area. He made the process extremely easy and addressed all my questions and concerns.” — Sarah D.
“Mark found us a very reasonably priced small business policy that met all our needs. We will continue to use him for years to come.” — James R.
Contact Info: 5201 SW Westgate Dr #300A, Portland, OR 97221, (503) 922-4847
Cook Insurance Agency
Family-owned since 1987, Cook Insurance Agency provides a range of personal and commercial insurance products. They are one of the largest independent agencies in the Portland metro area.
Cook Insurance specializes in hard-to-insure risks, including:
- Contractors insurance
- Restaurants
- Manufacturing
- Non-profits
- Apartment buildings
The agency has received praise for providing very competitive pricing and being easy to work with. Many customers highlight their responsive claims service.
“I have used Cook Insurance for 15 years. They provide great service and rates on both personal and business insurance.” — Linda J.
“Cook Insurance helped me get contractor’s insurance at a fair price. I am very happy with their continued support.” — Daniel T.
Contact Info: 15310 SW Bangy Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, (503) 684-0111
O’Neill Insurance
In business since 1926, O’Neill Insurance is one of Portland’s most established insurance brokerages. They provide extensive expertise in commercial policies, including for manufacturing, construction, healthcare, real estate, and hospitality businesses.
Key benefits of working with O’Neill Insurance include:
- In-house loss control and claims teams
- Risk management consulting
- Quick quote turnaround
- Regular policy reviews to ensure adequate coverage
Customer praise the broker’s depth of knowledge and proactive approach to keeping policies current.
“O’Neill stays on top of changes in my business and makes sure my insurance keeps pace. I never have to worry about gaps in coverage.” — Greg P.
“Their expertise in manufacturing insurance is unmatched. We get great risk management guidance tailored to our industry.” — Michelle V.
Contact Info: 1500 SW 1st Ave #400, Portland, OR 97201, (503) 224-6324
Other Top-Rated Portland Insurance Brokers
In addition to the brokers profiled above, here are a few more top insurance agencies in the Portland area to consider:
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Leonard Adams Insurance – Local, family-owned broker since 1933. Specializes in home, auto, business, and life insurance.
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Starkweather & Shepley Insurance – Large regional broker providing commercial policies and employee benefits.
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Parker, Smith & Feek – Offers extensive expertise in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and education insurance.
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Myers, Read & Strauss Insurance – Long-standing Portland agency with experience in individual life and long-term care insurance.
Find the Right Insurance Broker for You
As this overview shows, Portland has many excellent insurance brokers to choose from. Do your research to find a broker that is a great match for your specific insurance needs. Meet with brokers to discuss your current coverage, risks, and budget. The right broker becomes a trusted advisor who ensures you get optimal protection.
What does an Insurance Broker Do?
FAQ
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