Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Insurance Solutions in Bellingham, WA
Founded in 1932, our agency has built a legacy of providing tailored insurance solutions to families and businesses across Washington State. As independent agents, we represent multiple carriers to ensure competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage for home, auto, farm, business, and life insurance needs. Our commitment to personalized service and local expertise has made us a trusted partner in Whatcom County for over nine decades. We prioritize understanding each client's unique circumstances to deliver customized protection plans. With offices in Bellingham and Lynden, our team serves communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, combining deep agricultural knowledge with modern insurance practices. Our staff includes specialists in crop insurance, commercial risk management, and health coverage, ensuring comprehensive support for diverse client needs.We maintain strong relationships with leading insurers like Liberty Mutual and Nationwide while preserving our independent, client-first approach. Through generational experience and continuous industry education, we provide reliable guidance during policy selection and claims processes. Our focus remains on long-term client relationships rather than transactional interactions, reflected in our decades-long customer retention. As active community members, we understand local risks and opportunities, enabling more effective insurance solutions for residents and businesses alike.
Services
Home Insurance
Vehicle Insurance
Business Insurance
Farm Insurance
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Umbrella Insurance
Crop Insurance
Agri-Business Insurance
Disability Insurance
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- Over 90 years of combined insurance expertise in the Pacific Northwest
- Independent agency model with access to multiple top-rated carriers
- Specialized farm and crop insurance services for Whatcom County growers
- Locally owned with deep community ties and agricultural understanding
- Experienced team with industry designations like CIC and ACSR
What people say
Personalized service
Competitive pricing
Local expertise
Reliable claims process
Experienced staff
Services
Home Insurance
Our homeowners insurance protects your property with tailored coverage options. We offer policies for various residences including condos, apartments, and rental properties. Our agents help clients understand policy details and select appropriate liability limits while ensuring competitive pricing through multiple carrier partnerships.
Farm Insurance
Specialized insurance solutions for agricultural operations in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Our services include crop insurance, dairy revenue protection, and agri-business coverage. With over 60 years of local experience, we provide tailored policies for diverse farming needs through top industry carriers.
Business Insurance
Comprehensive insurance packages for businesses of all sizes. We offer liability coverage, cyber protection, and industry-specific policies for contractors, churches, and professional services. Our agents work closely with clients to understand unique risks and implement appropriate coverage solutions.
Vehicle Insurance
Flexible insurance options for various vehicles including cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. Our independent agency compares rates from multiple providers to find competitive pricing while ensuring adequate protection for personal and commercial use vehicles.
Life & Health Insurance
We provide life and health insurance solutions for individuals and families. Our services include term and permanent life policies, disability coverage, and health insurance plans. We work with multiple carriers to help clients find affordable options that meet their specific protection needs.
People
Leonard Smit
Managing Partner
With over 25 years in insurance, Leonard specializes in farm and crop coverage. He holds the only crop insurance license in Whatcom County and manages the life/health division. A local dairy farm native, he serves on a school board and coaches youth sports.
Rod Starkenburg
Managing Partner
A 25-year insurance veteran, Rod focuses on personal and business insurance. He brings extensive farm account experience and holds the CIC designation. A Lynden native, he serves as managing partner with deep community ties.
Darin DeYoung
Managing Partner
Since 2003, Darin has specialized in personal and business insurance with CIC certification. He focuses on contractor coverage and works with local businesses. Lives in Lynden with his family and enjoys golf and community involvement.
Brad Neitling
Account Manager
With 20+ years in commercial insurance, Brad handles business and contractor policies. He relocated to Lynden in 2009 after living across the Pacific Northwest. Focuses on professional liability and commercial risk management solutions.
Denise Bergsma
Account Manager
Since 2008, Denise has served as the Lynden office's first point of contact. With extensive experience in client relations, she provides personalized service to local businesses and residents while maintaining strong community connections.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties with coverage throughout Washington State and select other western states.
What insurance types do you offer?
We provide home, auto, business, farm, life, health, umbrella, crop, and disability insurance for individuals and commercial clients.
How do you find competitive rates?
As independent agents, we compare policies from multiple carriers including Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Mutual of Enumclaw to find optimal pricing.
Do you offer online account management?
Yes, we provide 24/7 online access for policy management, claims filing, and coverage updates through our carrier partnerships.
What farm insurance expertise exists?
We have specialized crop insurance agents with over 60 years combined experience serving Whatcom County agricultural operations of all sizes.
Can you help with business insurance needs?
Our commercial team offers liability, cyber, and industry-specific coverage for businesses, including contractors and agricultural enterprises.
