About

About Our Agency George Petersen Insurance Agency has been providing comprehensive insurance coverage since 1935. With over an 80-year history of delivering exceptional service at competitive pricing, our focus has always been on serving our clients and protecting their assets. As one of the largest independently owned agencies in Northern California, we have the size and experience to provide in-house expertise for every kind of insurance coverage. Our Mission To provide the broadest coverage at a fair and reasonable price.�To be honest and forthright with our clients and companies. � � �- Charles L. Bussman, President Our History Since the fifteenth century, there has been a need for insurance, to protect human and financial resources. However, we have come a long way since the fifteenth century, when insurance was simply a matter of betting on whether or not a ship would return to port with its cargo. As the North Coast began to emerge as a major wood products center, George Petersen recognized the need to protect these assets and founded our company in 1935, offering merchants and other business owners insurance protection for their assets. Through the years, there have been substantial changes in the scope and complexity of the communities we serve. Fortunately, we have been able to anticipate and respond favorably to these changes with a growing portfolio of insurance protection programs addressing the needs of our clients. A major development in our growth happened in 1974, when we recognized that the Sonoma County area was becoming a major North Coast center of commerce. Since then, our growth has included the association of over twelve additional agencies. We have offices in ten cities in Northern California. Today, more than 80 years since our beginning, George Petersen Insurance Agency has become one of the largest and most respected insurance brokerage firms in the North Coast area. We take pride in providing a stable, personalized and professional service in the areas of commercial, personal, life, and employee benefit programs. Our Vision Our vision is to develop and maintain comprehensive, strategic and innovative insurance portfolios. We focus on managing sophisticated and complex risks that need a consultative approach, including insurance program development, risk transfer and loss control. Whether your company is local or global in reach, we have the resources, experience and relationships in the marketplace to provide you with the strength and stability necessary to compete in today's business environment. Our Approach Our growth and success are rooted in the strong relationships we have developed with our�clients and our carriers. By earning the confidence and respect of our customers, we are able to build lasting relationships as part of their decision-making team. Ultimately, this approach results in a client retention rate that is consistently over 95%, one of the highest in the industry. An Independent Advantage We are Independent Agents, free to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment and service. George Petersen Insurance Agency represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, allowing us to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price. What is an Independent Insurance Agent? Independent agents are not tied to any one insurance company. The advantage of using an independent agent is that we work to satisfy your needs. Insurance is an important financial decision, and you should feel confident that your insurance agent is experienced, knowledgeable and committed to helping you succeed. As independent agents, we have several insurance companies that we can approach to get you the best coverage at the best price. We have developed long-term relationships with a broad range of insurance companies, and we know which companies have the most efficient claims departments to recover your losses as quickly as possible. When you buy insurance, whether it�s for your home, your car or your business, you want an agent who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace. It�s your financial future on the line � and we�re here to help you protect it.