Insurance agents meeting to compare coverage options for a client

What Is an Independent Insurance Agency, and Why Does It Matter?

Q: Which insurance companies does Altech represent?

We work with {carrierCount} carriers, including {carriers}. Because we are not tied to any one of them, we can compare options and recommend what actually fits your situation and your budget rather than what we happen to sell.

Q: How long has Altech been in business?

Since {foundedYear}, which is {years} years, at the same office in Vancouver, WA. {serviceArea}

By Neil WorlandUpdated August 14, 20261 min read

The short answer

An independent agency represents several insurance companies instead of one, so the same agent can quote your policy at multiple carriers and move you between them without you starting over. A captive agent can only sell you the one company they work for.

Independent agencies represent many carriers. Captive agents represent one.
The result is one conversation instead of five, and a real comparison instead of a single quote.
When a carrier raises your rate, we can move you without you filling out anything again.
You are hiring a person, not a phone tree. The same agent handles the quote, the change, and the claim.
It costs you nothing extra. Agents are paid by the carrier either way.

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Questions people ask us next

Which insurance companies does Altech represent?

We work with 18 carriers, including Foremost, Liberty Mutual / Safeco, Mutual of Enumclaw, Nationwide, PEMCO, Progressive, Travelers, National General, Dairyland, Hagerty, American Modern, CNA Surety, CBIC, Geovera, Hiscox, Philadelphia Insurance, Red Shield, AonEdge. Because we are not tied to any one of them, we can compare options and recommend what actually fits your situation and your budget rather than what we happen to sell.

Is an independent agent more expensive than buying online?

No. The agent commission is part of the rate either way, so buying direct does not save it. What changes is whether one company quoted you or several did, and whether there is someone to call when your situation changes.

Can you help with a claim, or do I deal with the carrier?

Both. The carrier's adjuster handles the claim itself, and we help you open it, tell you what to expect, and follow up when something stalls. Call us at 360-573-3080 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM) and we will walk you through it.

How long has Altech been in business?

Since 1999, which is 27 years, at the same office in Vancouver, WA. Serving Vancouver, Portland, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Camas, and surrounding areas within Clark County and the Pacific Northwest.

Where this comes from

How to shop for insurance and check an agent's license, Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (insurance.wa.gov)
Consumer information and licensee lookup, Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (dfr.oregon.gov)
Consumer insurance resources, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (content.naic.org)

General information, not a binding quote or a confirmation of coverage. Coverage depends on the policy you buy and the state you live in, so check your own policy or ask us.

Serving Vancouver, Portland, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Camas, and surrounding areas within Clark County and the Pacific Northwest.

The coverage this is about

Auto Insurance Homeowners Insurance Business Insurance

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Let’s Get You Covered

Let us know what you’re looking to protect and a local team member will follow up with real options.
Call us at 360-573-3080.

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