Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Montana Insurance Partner Since 1937
Cogswell Insurance Agency has been a trusted independent insurance provider since its founding in 1937. Established by E.B. 'Ted' Cogswell, Sr., the agency built its reputation on honesty, hard work, and a commitment to serving clients' individual needs. Over decades, it has expanded its partnerships with leading U.S. insurance companies while maintaining core values of personalized service and problem-solving. The agency offers comprehensive personal, commercial, and specialty insurance products tailored to Montana residents and businesses.Its team of certified professionals prioritizes competitive rate shopping and coverage customization to meet diverse client requirements. With offices across Montana, including Great Falls, Kalispell, and Billings, the agency combines deep local knowledge with nationwide insurance resources. Current leadership and staff continue the legacy of transparent communication and customer-centric solutions established by the founder.
Services
Auto Insurance
Home Insurance
Business Insurance
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Medicare Plans
Flood Insurance
Commercial Auto
General Liability
Surety Bonds
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in Montana insurance solutions since 1937 with local market expertise
- Our independent agency status provides access to multiple top-rated carriers
- Certified professionals offer personalized coverage comparisons and rate optimization
- Five convenient Montana office locations with responsive customer service teams
- Comprehensive risk assessment approach for both personal and commercial clients
What people say
Extremely knowledgeable
Patient and helpful
Quick to respond
Best agent ever
Great rates
Services
Auto Insurance
We provide comprehensive auto insurance solutions tailored to individual driver profiles and vehicle types. Our Montana-based coverage includes liability protection, collision/damage coverage, and uninsured motorist provisions. Clients benefit from comparative rate shopping across multiple top-rated carriers while receiving personalized policy recommendations based on driving history, vehicle value, and specific risk factors.
Commercial Insurance
Specialized commercial coverage options protect Montana businesses through BOP policies, liability insurance, and industry-specific plans. Our certified specialists assess operational risks to create customized solutions for contractors, retailers, and service providers. Coverage includes property damage, employee liability, and business interruption protection with flexible policy structures adaptable to evolving business needs.
Health Insurance
Individual and group health insurance plans offer Montana residents access to comprehensive medical coverage with multiple provider networks. Our advisors compare HMO, PPO, and high-deductible options to find cost-effective solutions that balance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Coverage includes preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and maternity services while accommodating pre-existing conditions under current healthcare regulations.
Surety Bonds
We facilitate various surety bond requirements for Montana contractors and businesses through trusted carrier partnerships. Our bond specialists handle contractor licenses, construction bonds, and commercial surety requirements with prompt processing. Clients receive competitive rate comparisons and professional guidance through the bonding application process, ensuring compliance with project specifications and licensing authorities.
Medicare Plans
Tailored Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans address Montana seniors' healthcare needs through comprehensive coverage options. Our specialists explain Part A/B coverage gaps, prescription drug plans, and supplemental benefits. Clients receive personalized comparisons between Original Medicare and Advantage Plan networks while considering individual healthcare usage patterns and preferred providers for optimized coverage selection.
People
Colin Lee
President/Commercial Producer
With over 20 years in commercial insurance, Colin leads Cogswell's business solutions team. His expertise in risk assessment and policy structuring helps Montana businesses secure comprehensive protection while maintaining competitive pricing. He holds the Chartered Insurance Consultant designation.
Josey Garber
Personal Lines Advisor
Specializing in personal insurance solutions since 2010, Josey provides tailored coverage guidance for Montana homeowners and drivers. Recognized for exceptional customer service, she educates clients on policy details while finding cost-effective protection strategies that adapt to changing life circumstances.
Sandy Kirk
Commercial Account Executive
As a Certified Insurance Counselor, Sandy develops customized commercial policies for Montana's growing nonprofits and mid-sized businesses. With 15+ years of experience, she specializes in creating scalable insurance solutions that evolve with organizational growth and industry-specific risk exposures.
Tim Lightbourne
Bond Manager
A CPA and insurance bond specialist, Tim has managed complex surety requirements for Montana contractors since 2002. His dual expertise in accounting and bonding facilitates streamlined approval processes for construction professionals seeking competitive bid and performance bonds.
Michelle Hoffman
Personal & Commercial Lines Manager
Overseeing both personal and business insurance operations, Michelle brings 18 years of Montana insurance expertise. She specializes in cross-sector risk management, coordinating teams to deliver cohesive coverage solutions for clients maintaining both personal assets and business interests.
Questions
What insurance types do you specialize in?
We offer comprehensive personal, commercial, and specialty insurance including auto, home, business liability, surety bonds, health, and Medicare plans.
Can I get insurance quotes online?
While our website provides quick quote forms, our agents recommend direct consultations to ensure accurate coverage comparisons from multiple carriers.
Do you serve rural Montana areas?
Yes, our multiple office locations and statewide expertise make us uniquely equipped to serve clients in both urban and rural Montana communities.
How quickly can policies be issued?
Most personal insurance policies can be finalized the same day through our expedited process, with commercial policies typically issued within 1-3 business days.
Are there payment plan options?
We offer flexible payment arrangements including annual, semi-annual, and monthly options through our partner carriers to accommodate different budgets.
Can you handle complex insurance needs?
Our team specializes in customized solutions for unique risks, from specialty farming operations to technology startups, leveraging multiple carrier partnerships.
Reviews (4)
James Mather
Feb 21, 2022
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I have been with Cogswell Insurance for over 15 years, recently I had the pleasure of working with Mercedes Waddell, she was able to shop and compare rates and locked in an excellent rate for my new 2021 Jeep. Cogswell and their personal service is the reason I will NEVER BUY INSURANCE ONLINE. Thank you so much Mercedes you are truly the best -James Mather
Brian Midboe
Apr 03, 2021
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It took years to find as professional of a company as Cogswell. This was the first time I felt like I had friends looking out for me and my business. Continually finding ways to get cheaper and or better policies for my company even when I was not asking them to. I have called them on a weekend to get proof of insurance emailed to me when I had dropped the ball. I can not recommend any agency more than the group of professionals and friends at Cogdwell. I wish someone would have saved me the headache of looking for someone to handle my commercial and personal insurance by recommending this company first.
Becky Nelson
Apr 03, 2021
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Folks at Cogswell are the most generous, giving, community minded and wonderful people. They believe in our community, they serve our community and they encourage others to be involved by giving their time and resources. I will be happy to support any business that serves our community in this same capacity as Cogswell.
Mt Granola
Mar 21, 2021
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I was a customer for years, since 2003. Not anymore, the personal lines (specifically Amanda) are not helpful, not willing to help when there's a problem and do very little to find you a good deal on car insurance if you already have a policy through them. This was the last straw. Yes, I missed last months payment, but I never received notice from Safeco, and the cost of re-instating for one month of policy was three times as much as my normal monthly payment. If you're looking a business insurance, definitely would use them, but personal lines? Ha, some other company will be getting my money now.
