Competition is fierce in the age of Internet insurance where anyone can search online for a deal, but Altman Insurance Agency, a family-run, local business, is thriving. Their tradition of offering personal service while educating their clients about the importance of comprehensive, tailor-made insurance coverage is a big part of their success.
In addition, Bradley Altman is easy to talk with. He instantly puts people at ease. “I enjoy talking to people, and people like talking with me. They tell me about their homes, cars, and businesses,” said Altman. Over the years his award-winning agency has grown to include his wife Diane, his son Trevor, and Jessica Jones, Altman’s marketing representative. “We offer personal service. We make it a point to get to know people and their insurance needs,” Altman said.
“A lot of my day is spent giving advice.”
“I started the agency on September 11, 1991. I didn’t know that much about insurance when I began right out of college,” said Altman. At first, he rented a desk and phone at the office of another agent. Then he started making phone calls, and his own agency location soon followed. After 21 years he has learned a lot: how best to serve his clients when filing claims and how to find the ideal coverage to meet their needs. “We are available to walk clients through the claims process, answer questions, and offer trusted advice. A lot of my day is spent giving advice,” he said.
Even as a small office they are able to offer a broad spectrum of products. “We have policies for any situation. Clients may have been denied coverage elsewhere, or they need something specific. We can always find a solution for them. For example, I can get a bond for a small business owner who may have been denied everywhere else. I have the resources and contacts to get everyone what they need,” Altman said. “In addition, part of our job is to educate our clients and find the policy that they really need.”
“We don’t offer a cookie cutter policy”
“I can tell you that our number one source of new business is from people calling who found us on the Internet. When they do find us, we spend time on the phone or meeting with them at the office, asking about their businesses, houses, jobs, kids in college; then we can put together a policy tailored for them. We don’t offer a cookie cutter policy, but one custom-made to suit their needs,” said Altman.
“We have great rates… but more important than low price is to have the right insurance coverage when it comes time to file a claim.”
Many people are searching for insurance coverage based on the lowest price. Altman said, “We have great rates, but we don’t focus on that aspect alone, more important than low price is to have the right insurance coverage when it comes time to file a claim. That is something that most people don’t typically get from shopping on the Internet. I’ve seen a lot of policies people found over the Internet, where the policy left out important coverage to get it cheaper. You don’t want to find out you’re not covered at claim time.”
This happens a lot with auto insurance, Altman said. “People reject personal injury coverage because they have health insurance, but they don’t realize that there are scenarios where their health insurance will not cover them in an accident. It just takes someone to educate them about the risk of not having that particular coverage,” he said.
Small Business Specialists
Altman Insurance Agency specializes in serving small business owners throughout Thurston County.
“We are a local business, doing business in turn with other with businesses. I enjoy meeting with owners to discuss the needs of their business, as well as the needs of their family.” In addition, Altman is committed to supporting local non-profits and their events. You will also find the Altman Team at the Third Annual Puddle Jump Run/Walk, supporting Day of Empowerment, or The Miss Thurston County Rock of Ages. Altman said, “We are part of this community and want to give back, to share our success.”
Altman Insurance Agency is located at 1025 Black Lake Blvd SW # 1B in Olympia.
www.altmanagency.com
