What is PayneWest Insurance & Claims

PayneWest Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) LLC company, is Northwest’s premier insurance agency. Operating since 1972, we provide business and personal insurance, employee benefits, and surety throughout our local offices in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

In our Northwest region, we employ more than 650 insurance professionals, including teams that specialize in highly complex market niches such as healthcare, construction, transportation, education, agriculture, hospitality, public entities, and banking.

PayneWest offers important, cost-saving services including risk mitigation and claim management. In addition, PayneWest partners with the best and most diverse insurance providers in the country.

At PayneWest Insurance we are:

Fiercely Committed. Clients are our top priority.

Specialized. Providing employee benefits, business and personal insurance, bonds, and retirement funding. We also have claim advocates, risk control services, and wellness management specialists.

Value Driven Our services are developed based on the needs of our clients.

Business Focused Specialized risk management tools and programs.

Long-term Strategic Planners Meeting the needs of clients today and well into the future.

Financially Strong Our financial strength provides a firm foundation for the long term.

Powered by MMA As a Marsh & McLennan Agency we provide our clients with best-in-class services that meet their growing needs.

Founder Of PayneWest Insurance 

Terry Payne entered the insurance industry in 1961 while attending college at the University of Montana. After a decade of working for a local independent agency, Terry started Terry Payne & Co., Inc. on January 1, 1972, and still operates that company today.

In 1992, Terry separately purchased Hoiness LaBar Insurance, based in Billings MT, from First Bank Systems. Seven years later, he purchased and merged Montana International Insurance with Hoiness LaBar, forming Payne Financial Group, Inc. (PFG).

In November of 2012, under Terry’s leadership, PFG acquired Western States Insurance, which at the time was the largest acquisition completed by a privately owned independent agency.

PFG was renamed PayneWest Insurance and has grown to over 700 colleagues, operating in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and ranking in the “100 Largest U.S. Brokers” as published by Business Insurance, as well as being named a “Best Places to Work in Insurance” for the past four years.

Terry’s vision for PayneWest is centered on what is best for its Clients, Colleagues, and Communities, or “3Cs” as he refers to them, and the strong culture at PayneWest is a direct reflection.

Terry loves the business of business, as well as golf, spending time on Flathead Lake, and movies. Terry, and his wife Patt, have two sons, Tim and Steve.

Below is a summary of professional, education, and community involvement:

• Washington Companies, Director of several companies
• First Interstate Bank System, Director
• The University of Montana Foundation, Trustee Emeritus
• National Association of Surety Bond Producers, Former Director and Regional VP
• Certified Insurance Counselor
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
• Primary Donor, Payne Family Native American Center & Elouise Cobell Land & Culture Institute, University of Montana
• Donor & Founder, Payne Center for Leadership Development, Gonzaga University
• Montana State University President’s Medallion
• Montana Business Hall of Fame
• Order of the Grizzly, University of Montana Foundation
• Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, University of Montana
• Neil Bucklew Presidential Service Award, University of Montana
• Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Montana

Mission

At PayneWest Insurance, our mission is to be:

• The premier provider of unique solutions and services for insurance, surety, and employee benefits;
• The employer of choice in every location within which we operate;
• A meaningful, contributing partner to the communities we serve.

Our Core Values

Five guiding values embody how PayneWest serves our clients, our colleagues, and the communities in which we live and love.

Respect

We listen to and learn from each other. We support and celebrate differences. We encourage openness, and honesty and give each other the benefit of the doubt. We respect our planet and strive to make environmentally conscious business decisions. We treat our clients, colleagues, and communities with fairness, decency, and good citizenship.

Accountability

We are accountable to every entity and individual that we interact with – including each other. We are all equally responsible for the organization’s successes and failures. We hold one another accountable for our behavior and measurable results.

Excellence

We constantly strive for continuous improvement and excellence within our industry and our communities. We invest in tools and resources that allow for the continual development of our expertise and acumen.

Every colleague takes responsibility to develop themselves as a professional. We stay at the forefront of our industry by encouraging collaboration and innovation. We never sacrifice value and quality.

Balance

When you get one of us, you get all of us. We are a team of colleagues who work together across all lines of business, geography, and function. We encourage balance within all aspects of our organization. We respect the quality of life and nurture a balanced professional and personal environment. We respect the individuality that exists within each of our offices while striving to maintain a consistent behavioral culture.

Integrity. We understand that trust is earned.  We earn trust through professionalism, doing what is right, and always being honest.

Humanity. We believe in the power of humanity; it is at the heart of who we are and all that we do. We are an ally who seeks to support and understand diversity by listening to and learning from the unique experiences of all our clients, colleagues, and communities.

As an ally, we are unified in a shared responsibility to restore and elevate humanity by eliminating discrimination and bias in all its forms and by fostering a culture that values goodwill, compassion, and belonging and where everyone feels empowered to be their full, authentic selves.

Claims of PayneWest Insurance

When you do business with PayneWest, you get more than an insurance policy. When you experience a loss, we are here to assist throughout the life of your claim. The information below and the links to the right will help get you started.

Personal

Please call your insurance carrier directly to report your loss. This is the most efficient manner to report a claim. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date of the incident, and as much detail about the damage as possible. 

Business

Please call your nearest PayneWest Insurance office to report a loss. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date of the incident, and as much detail about the damage as possible.

Please contact us directly if you have questions or have not received contact from your insurance adjuster; a reasonable expectation for a storm loss is 48 hours.

Why PayneWest Insurance

We get it. The latest trend in insurance is to take out the middle man, go online, and self-select the type of insurance you need. Sounds so simple a caveman could do it, right? Not quite.

True protection begins with true insight, and there is not an insurance mascot in the world that will convince us otherwise. We start with detailed discussions of your needs. We talk about assets, location, mitigating factors, areas of exposure, and much more. We look at your specific business because the insurance needs of a beauty salon are different from a sawmill.

Too many insurance companies undersell the complexity of insurance, ask too few questions of their clients and deliver coverage with considerable gaps. PayneWest do not provide insurance gimmicks, but we will provide independent- guidance to avoid pitfalls and ensure protection for your business, your possessions, and your family.

Local Knowledge

Our office location: pretty much anywhere you need to talk.

Every region of the country has unique factors. Florida has hurricanes, and Montana has snow. Other factors are a bit more obscure, like laws governing benefits, workers’ compensation, and mandatory liability coverage. And unless you have written dozens of timber-related policies, you are very likely to overlook an area or two when it comes to coverage.

Luckily, you do not have to be the expert. PayneWest helps clients select the right coverage for their industries, taking into account regulations and unique risks specific to your area. We quite literally get where you are coming from because we live there too, and we have made a science out of identifying the risks, so you do not have to.

Use the Find An Agent button to find a PayneWest agent who might (quite literally) be your neighbor.

Choice and Value

There are hundreds of insurance plans, but only the right one matters.

Hey, we are all about the deal. But if it is in the bargain bin, there is usually a reason.

Anyone can throw money at the insurance that covers every risk possible. It is equally easy to convince yourself that the bargain coverage you bought is just what you need, only to find out later that it is not.

Here is the good news: It is not your job to become well-versed in every plan out there. It is ours.

• Relationships matter to us, and unlike your best friend’s most recent Tinder date, we are not afraid of commitment. Understanding your insurance needs starts with understanding you, your business, and your assets. Maintaining your trust also ensures ongoing dialog as lives and needs change.
• Want options? Then talk to an agent who has them. As independent agents, we are not employed by an insurance company, we work for you. That means, unlike direct insurance companies like State Farm® or Farmers®, you can choose from many different companies. We consider various policies so you get the insurance you need, not the insurance some company wants to sell you. Often we will get multiple rates from various companies on your behalf while reading the fine print to find the right coverage at the right price.
• We advocate for clients to reduce risk and cost. And if clients file claims, we are still there (and usually just down the street), helping to ensure a fair resolution. Because what good is a great plan without someone standing behind it?

Do not overspend, but do not settle for less coverage than you need. Let us help you get started.

FAQs – What is PayneWest Insurance & Claims

What is PayneWest Insurance?

PayneWest Insurance is a regional insurance agency providing a wide range of insurance products and services. They offer solutions for individuals, businesses, and organizations, covering areas such as property, casualty, life, health, and employee benefits.

Where is PayneWest Insurance located?

PayneWest Insurance operates in the Western United States with numerous office locations across states like Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Check their official website for specific office locations.

What types of insurance does PayneWest offer?

PayneWest provides a comprehensive suite of insurance products, including but not limited to home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, employee benefits, and specialty coverages. Their offerings cater to a diverse range of client needs.

How can I contact PayneWest for insurance inquiries?

You can contact PayneWest Insurance by visiting their official website or calling their customer service line. They typically have dedicated agents who can assist with insurance quotes, policy inquiries, and claims assistance.

What sets PayneWest Insurance apart from other insurance providers?

PayneWest is known for its personalized approach to insurance, focusing on building strong client relationships. They often emphasize local expertise and community involvement, tailoring insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses in the Western U.S.

How does the claims process work with PayneWest?

In the event of a claim, PayneWest has a claims department that assists clients throughout the process. Policyholders can initiate a claim by contacting the claims department directly, and a claims representative will guide them through the necessary steps.

Can I manage my insurance policies online with PayneWest?

PayneWest typically offers online services, allowing clients to manage policies, access documents, and make payments through a secure online portal. Check their website or contact their customer service for specific details on online account management.

Is PayneWest Insurance only for businesses, or do they also cater to individuals?

PayneWest serves both businesses and individuals. They have a diverse range of insurance products to meet the needs of homeowners, drivers, and businesses of various sizes.

Are there customer reviews available for PayneWest Insurance?

You can find customer reviews on various online platforms or review websites. Additionally, you may inquire with PayneWest directly for references or testimonials from satisfied clients.

How long has PayneWest Insurance been in business?

PayneWest has a history dating back to the merger of several well-established insurance agencies. The exact timeline may vary based on the specific agencies involved in the merger, so it is recommended to check their official history on their website for precise details.