Local Expertise, Personalized Coverage: Why an Independent Agent Is Your Best Ally

When it comes to protecting your home, car, farm, or family, having someone in your corner who truly understands your community can make all the difference.

In 2017, Hailie Hillock took the leap to continue the Bennetts’ legacy and purchased what is now the Hillock Insurance Agency. Since our team has remained committed to keeping this agency local, independent, and true to its mission of helping our neighbors across Oregon, Idaho and Washington to protect what matters most.

We wrote this blog to help you understand what it looks like to work with an independent local insurance agent, and how to decide which path to insurance is best for you.

What Is an Independent Insurance Agent?

An independent agent partners with multiple insurance companies, giving you the freedom to explore coverage options and price points with several insurance companies without filling out multiple applications. We do the heavy lifting for you!

Instead of being tied to a single carrier, we can compare policies from a range of reputable companies to find the best fit for your situation. Our goal isn’t to sell a single product. It’s to match you with a product that’s best for you.

At Hillock Insurance, we know that insurance is about more than property and vehicles. It’s about protecting your livelihood and your family’s future. We’ll even refer you to another trusted agency if we know they can better meet your needs right now.

The Advantages of Working with a Local, Independent Insurance Agent in Oregon

A local insurance agent brings a deeper understanding of regional risks, weather patterns, and state insurance laws that can impact you. This local expertise allows us to make more informed recommendations based on real experience and data.

For example, here in Wallowa County, we know which areas are more prone to wildfire or flooding and can help make sure your home and property are covered for the risks that matter most.

If you run a farm, ranch, or small business, local insight becomes even more important. Seasonal patterns like haying or tourist traffic can change your risk profile overnight. From unexpected hail and snowstorms to wildfire season, we’ve seen firsthand how weather impacts our neighbors — and we can help you prepare with the right endorsements before trouble hits. 

Being independent is deeply personal and purposeful for Hillock Insurance. It may not always be the simplest path for us, but it allows us to serve our community with honesty, flexibility and care. 

Real Help, Right When You Need It

In a world filled with AI and impersonal customer service, Hillock Insurance is proud to offer real, human support from people you trust. 

You can reach us by phone, email, or online. Whether you’re updating your policy, filing a claim, or just have a question, you’ll hear from a real person who understands your situation and is licensed to help.

Service That Changes with You

One of the best parts of being a local independent insurance agency is that we get to grow alongside our clients. We have watched many of our insureds get their first car, get married, purchase a home, expand their business or farm, have children, and more!

As your life evolves, your insurance should too. We’ll review your coverage, suggest updates when needed, and proactively look for better fits across our partner companies so that your policies always reflect where you are today.

Ongoing Guidance

Issuing a policy is just the beginning of our relationship. We encourage regular policy reviews to make sure you’re still getting the best protection and rate available.

If you find yourself needing to file a claim, we’ll help you through the process, advocating for you and making sure you’re getting appropriate communication from the insurance company. Our goal is to make a stressful time as smooth as possible.

Other Options for Getting Insurance

There’s no one “right” way to get insurance. Here are a couple of other common routes and how they differ.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents represent just one company rather than multiple. Many have excellent local knowledge and understand their company’s products well, but they are not able to compare rates and coverage across multiple insurance companies. 

What Does It Mean to "Go Direct" for Insurance?

When you “go direct” you purchase your insurance straight from the insurance company. Only certain insurance companies allow this. Going direct can be cost-effective, but may not be a great option if you aren’t confident in the type and level of coverage you need. Working directly with a company means that you will have to advocate for your own needs–handling comparisons, decisions, and claims on your own without an agent who could offer a second opinion. 

If price is your top priority, this route can work but be careful of coverage gaps that could result in more out-of-pocket expenses later on.

Our Commitment to You

As an independent agent, Hillock Insurance is proud to bring decades of experience to Wallowa County and beyond. Whether you’re just shopping or needing to get insurance as soon as possible, our team is here to help you find a plan that fits you. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just another policy number, you’re a real person.