Whether it’s keeping up on policyholder premiums, coordinating licensing requirements or determining what consumer protections are in place in regards to a specific insurance plan, the staff at Vancouver’s Biggs Insurance Services are used to having their heads on a swivel. Yet, for the last eight decades, the firm has continued to excel no matter the changes.
The company was founded in 1935 by two brothers and in 1968 it became Don Biggs and Associates. In 1988, several employees purchased the company and the name changed to Biggs Insurance Services.
Now with 45 employees, the firm has established itself as the largest independent insurance agency in the area.
“Biggs is the largest locally-owned agency, and we are committed to staying local and independently-owned,” said Greg Seifert, the firms’ president and CEO. “We’re dedicated to not only being the best insurance agency for our customers, but also to be giving back to this community that has provided us the chance to see the success we’ve achieved.”
Growth & challenges
According to company officials, that success should continue; the firm anticipates a 10 percent growth rate, per year, for the foreseeable future. However, the company’s growth hasn’t and won’t come without challenges.
Tyson Fuehrer, VP, life and health department and compliance manager, said that health insurance reform legislation and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have driven both opportunities and challenges for the entire industry.
“Changes in healthcare have sparked new opportunities to control costs through new technologies and healthcare models,” he said. “And although there are a number of advancements, there are also many businesses and individuals struggling due to ACA mandates, limited plan options and the cost of insurance.”
The company shared that there have been many times where small employers were confused about the ACA, thinking that they were mandated to offer coverage when they were not required to do so. On the other hand, they said other employers delayed coverage for employees when they were actually required to offer it.
For these reasons, Biggs Insurance Services plays a critical role in helping to advise clients when new laws are introduced.
“Being licensed to sell insurance in 28 states presents unique issues to keep up with each state’s insurance regulators offices,” added COO Rich Biggs. “We have to find the time to advocate on behalf of our customers at the state and federal government levels to limit the government’s negative impact on our clients. In addition, we’re keeping up with the new laws that are constantly being introduced at a state and federal level, dealing with our clients and their access to products and safety measures.”
Looking ahead
Though it’s difficult to predict how future legislation might impact the insurance industry, the staff at Biggs Insurance confidently relies on the firm’s reputation and independence to contract with the best insurance carriers available. That means clients have access to the best coverage for their specific situation and more options when it comes to protecting their business and personal property.
“I am extremely optimistic for the future of the Biggs agency,” said Seifert. “We have a good combination of experienced employees and we have a solid group of newer employees who bring a level of enthusiasm and excitement to our team.
“We’re in a good industry, in a community that continues to grow and improve both economically and culturally,” he added.
Editor’s note: Biggs Insurance Services is a member of the Vancouver Business Journal’s Strategic Partnership Program. To learn more about the program, contact Barb Maynard at 360.448.6018.
