Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Independent Insurance Partner in St. Cloud, MN
Founded in 1994 by J. Ted Plombon in Saint Cloud, MN, Advantage 1 Insurance Agency has grown through strategic acquisitions and community engagement. Our team prioritizes client needs, offering personalized insurance solutions across Minnesota, Colorado, and beyond. With offices in St. Cloud, Long Prairie, Sauk Centre, Albany, Holdingford, Pierz, Melrose, and Denver, we combine local expertise with industry knowledge to secure competitive rates and comprehensive coverage.Active in community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Salvation Army, we emphasize transparency, responsiveness, and client-centric service. Our independent agency model ensures we work for you, not insurance companies, leveraging relationships with multiple carriers to deliver tailored protection for homes, vehicles, health, life, and businesses.
Services
Home Insurance
Life Insurance
Health Insurance
Auto Insurance
Business Insurance
Recreational Insurance
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized insurance solutions tailored to individual and business needs.
- Our experienced team actively engages in local communities and professional organizations.
- We provide customized quotes from multiple trusted insurance carriers.
- We prioritize timely responses and transparent communication.
- We work exclusively for clients, not insurance companies.
What people say
Friendly and helpful
Saved me money
Knowledgeable staff
Quick rate adjustments
Local business support
Services
Home Insurance
Protect your home and belongings with customizable policies that cover damage, theft, and liability. Designed for homeowners, renters, and mobile home occupants, our plans ensure financial security during unexpected events while offering optional add-ons like umbrella insurance and valuable item coverage.
Life Insurance
Secure your family's future with term life, whole life, and children's life insurance options. Policies provide financial support for dependents in case of unexpected loss, with flexible terms and coverage amounts tailored to individual needs and long-term planning goals.
Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance plans covering medical expenses, preventive care, and emergency treatments. Options include dental, vision, and disability coverage, designed to meet diverse healthcare needs while balancing affordability and protection for individuals and families.
Auto Insurance
Coverage for personal and commercial vehicles against accidents, theft, and damage. Policies include liability, collision, and comprehensive options, with discounts for safe driving records and bundled policies while ensuring compliance with state requirements.
Business Insurance
Tailored protection for businesses of all sizes, including general liability, property insurance, workers' compensation, and specialized policies for agribusiness, contractors, and trucking. Helps mitigate risks from property damage, lawsuits, and operational disruptions while supporting business continuity.
People
J. Ted Plombon
Founder
Founded Advantage 1 Insurance Agency in 1994, establishing its community-focused approach. Led initial growth and expansion efforts while maintaining core values of client advocacy and local engagement.
Robbie
Agent
Experienced insurance agent serving clients for over 20 years. Specializes in personalized policy solutions and maintaining long-term client relationships through responsive service and competitive rate negotiations.
Brian Jarl
Agent
Recognized for saving clients money through policy optimization. Focuses on health, dental, home, and auto insurance while emphasizing local business support and comprehensive coverage analysis.
Ross
Agent
Known for dedicated client advocacy in business insurance solutions. Prioritizes understanding client operations to recommend tailored risk management strategies and policy adjustments.
Justin
Agent
Specializes in commercial insurance with a focus on building long-term partnerships. Recognized for commitment to business client needs and policy customization to evolving operational risks.
Questions
What types of insurance do you offer?
We provide home, auto, life, health, recreational, and business insurance policies, along with specialized coverage options like farm insurance, valuable item protection, and commercial liability.
How do you find competitive insurance rates?
As an independent agency, we compare quotes from multiple carriers to ensure you receive optimal coverage at the best available price tailored to your specific needs.
Do you serve areas outside Minnesota?
Yes, we offer insurance services in Colorado and hold licenses across 14 states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, and Texas for expanded client coverage.
Can I manage policies online?
While we prioritize personal service, we facilitate digital tools for payments, claims reporting, and policy document access through carrier portals and our website resources.
How quickly can I get insurance coverage?
Our team typically provides quotes within one business day and can often implement new policies within 24-48 hours after finalizing requirements and documentation.
What if I need assistance after hours?
For emergencies, we recommend contacting your specific insurance carrier directly. Our offices respond to urgent client inquiries during regular business hours Monday-Friday.
Reviews (6)
Cindy Lou
Aug 07, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Responsiveness Beth charged more than the quoted price for my insurance and has repeatedly promised me a refund over the last 2 months (I call her every other Friday), I have yet to receive my money back. I will be shopping elsewhere for insurance!
Philip Ward
Jun 11, 2021
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We have been with Advantage 1 insurance for a number of years for auto, home and now most recently renters. Robbie has been our agent and has always been friendly, quick to get things done and willing to look for services that meet our needs. Advantage 1 is a St. Cloud local agency offering a variety of insurance needs from a number of Insurance companies like Nationwide, Traveler, Progressive and many more. Check them out, get a quote and save some money.
Isaiah Haley
Nov 10, 2020
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I updated my insurance over the phone after getting a new vehicle. It was very easy, they even got me a better rate, and sent me an email with my new insurance card immediately, and also mailed a physical copy. I actually received a check later paying back the difference between the rates I had on the old, and new vehicle.
Jeff
May 14, 2020
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Good people, honest and available. If you're looking for an agent that has your best interests in mind give them a shot.
James Schmidt
Jan 02, 2020
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I have been with Progressive for 10 years and I made the switched to Advantage 1 Insurance. The 1st reason it's great to keep business local, and 2nd reason they saved me money on my health, dental, house, and car insurance. Thank you Brian Jarl.
Brian H.
Apr 07, 2019
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Advantage 1 has been my local insurance agent for 20 years. They will always go the extra mile to save you $$$ and get you the coverage you need. Special thanks to Robbie and Teresa.
