Benzel and Associates opens new insurance business

Independent agency in Airway Heights offers access to many lines of coverages, companies

By PAUL DELANEY

Staff Reporter

There may be a new guy on the block in Airway Heights selling insurance, but he's hardly new to the business.

Tom Benzel, operating Benzel and Associates, Inc. has recently opened his office at 12924 W. Sunset Highway, next to H & R Block and across the highway from Yokes.

“I started my own agency two years ago,” Benzel said, noting that he left Big Bend Insurance and was working out of his house the last two years. The business opened its doors June 1, doing business as Buck and Affiliates West.

“Gary Buck is part owner in my venture,” Benzel said. The two have worked together for years. “We share agency management, “ Benzel noted, adding that Buck also has a very good website. “It was a marketing reason.”

Benzel is an independent agent representing multiple companies such as Safeco, Travelers, Hartford, Grange and Pemco. The company writes policies on home, auto and business.

“We write a lot of farm insurance and crop insurance,” Benzel said. “That was the reason we went up here rather than stay in Cheney. I've got a fair amount of business developing out west. It's convenient for them and I can service the West Plains.”

Having started in Reardan, Benzel said he's got 16 years in the business and is well-versed in the area of agriculture. However, he tries to downplay any real specialization in farm-related products. “We're trying to grow, we're trying to develop personal lines and do life insurance,” he said.

Benzel's hired Pullman native Dusty Druffel to help him in the business and to better deliver what he hopes is a solid effort at customer service. “I work pretty hard at doing that.”

Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected]