Find an insurance agent in Seattle, WA
An insurance agent helps you choose and buy coverage for your car, home, life, health or business. Captive agents sell for one company, while independent agents can quote several. A good agent explains what a policy covers and excludes, not just the price.
How many insurance agents are in Seattle?
The Census Bureau counted 299 insurance agents with employees in Seattle, WA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, King County has 824, or 36.4 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 40.1, and 108th of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 1,316 self-employed businesses in insurance agencies and brokers are based in King County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 98101 (63), 98188 (20), 98133 (17), 98104 (16).
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 299 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, King County | 36.4 US: 40.1 |
| Rank among large US cities | 108 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 64% |
| Self-employed, King County | 1,316 Census NES 2023: insurance agencies and brokers |
| Population | 741,440 ACS 2023 |
What do insurance agents in Seattle help with?
- Auto insurance
- Homeowners and renters insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Business insurance
- Umbrella policies
- Flood insurance
- Policy reviews
- Claims help
- Bundling policies
How do you choose a good insurance agent in Seattle?
- Check the agent's license with the state insurance department.
- Decide whether you want an independent agent who quotes several companies or a captive agent for one company.
- Compare coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions, not just the premium.
- Ask how they get paid. Most agents earn commissions from insurers.
- Ask how they help when you file a claim.
- Review your policies each year or after big life changes.
Insurance agents must be licensed by the state for each line of insurance they sell; you can check a license with the state insurance department. See how licensing works for insurance agents in Washington.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed in my state for this type of insurance?
- Do you work with one company or several?
- What does this policy not cover?
- How would a claim work, and will you help?
- What discounts can I get?
- How are you paid?
Red flags to watch for
- Pushing you to cancel a policy before the new one is in force.
- Pressure to buy complex products, like some life or annuity products, without clear explanation.
- Unwilling to give the policy in writing.
- No license or unlicensed for your state.
What changes the price?
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Your claims history
- What is insured: car, home or business
- Location and risk
- Discounts and bundling
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many insurance agents are there in Seattle?
The Census counted 299 insurance agents with employees in Seattle, WA in 2023, plus 1,316 self-employed businesses in King County.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
An agent usually represents insurance companies. A broker often represents the buyer and shops policies for you. Both need licenses.
Does using an agent cost more?
Usually not directly. Agents are often paid by insurers. Prices can still differ between companies, so compare.
What is an umbrella policy?
It adds liability coverage above your auto and home policies for large claims.
Insurance Agents in nearby cities
Insurance Agents in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a insurance agent.