Timmco News

John Timm's father didn't drag him into the family insurance business. He eagerly campaigned for the job. Timm, now the president of Timmco Insurance Inc. in Northeast Portland, wasn't always high on the insurance industry. As a youngster, it seemed neither exciting nor easy. But as his college education progressed, he realized that doctors, lawyers, insurance agents and other professionals are all in the same business.

"Everything is selling. You're selling yourself."

The last decade has brought radical change to the insurance industry. Customers can now buy their insurance policies from a wide variety of sources including independent agents, brokers and exclusive agents, direct from insurance companies; or from businesses like banks and marketing companies. Just as travel agents saw their ranks decimated as the popularity of online travel providers as wll as airlines and hotels selling direct to consumers grew, some analysts have predicted a rapidly declining role for independent in surance agents and brokers in today's highly competitive marketplace.

The more things change in Oregon's insurance industry, the more they stay the same, according to local industry officials. Even as national banks grow their insurance businesses through local acquisitions, and as direct marketers that largely depend on toll-free numbers and Internet-based service establish a more ubiquitous presence on TV, in print media and consumers' mailboxes, the state's independent agencies -- or businesses that sell multiple companies' insurance lines -- continue to thrive. What's more, local agents and face-to-face service remain a fundamental and vital part of insurance companies' growth strategies.

The last decade has brought radical changes to the insurance industry. Today, customers can buy their insurance policies from virtually anyone, and the result is a cluttered marketplace the likes of which we have never seen. Indeed, the typical insurance consumer is barraged with over 10,000 commercials a week through radio, television, direct mail, telemarketing , newspapers, magazines, billboards, inserts and the Internet.

In the wake of this flood of information, independent agencies have....

We know you have a choice when it comes to purchasing insurance, and since 1970 we have differentiated ourselves with the superior customer service that you deserve. Now, we’ve updated our website ( www.timmco.com ) to make it even easier for you to get the information you need.

Designed to reflect our roots as a Portland-based company, the new website contains beautiful images of our local bridges and our skyline. Importantly, it was created with our customers in mind – which is why you will find answers to commonly asked questions and be able to request insurance quotes by filling out a simple online form. Register before September 20 and you will be eligible for a....