Your Trusted Insurance Partner
Reliable, Local Insurance Agent in Lafayette, IN
Underwood Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing the Lafayette community and the state of Indiana with the best coverage at competitive rates. As an independent insurance agency, we have carefully selected carriers to offer you the best level of service, price, and coverage. Our experienced team of insurance agents is here to educate you on the best insurance options for your unique needs. With one call to our agency, we can shop for coverage from top-rated companies, and we will be your advocate in the event of a claim. We strive to ensure a positive overall experience and offer personalized, one-on-one service to all our clients.
Personal
Insurance
Business
Insurance
Owner/President
Commercial Account Managers
Personal Lines Account Managers
Life and Benefits Producer
Chuck Clark
Teresa Bennett
Valerie Dunnam
Gloria Mroz
Aimee Clark
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A History of Insurance Excellence
When Thomas Underwood founded his insurance agency in 1865, Lafayette was a city filled with optimism and hope for the future. As an agricultural and transportation center, Lafayette was poised to become the dominant city in the region. This is the story of the Underwood Agency, a business that has spanned four generations and 150 years, providing exceptional insurance services to the community.
Discover Our Rich History
Thomas Underwood and the Early Years
Thomas Underwood, a native of Washington D.C., settled in Lafayette in 1850. In 1865, fueled by the spirit of expansion, Underwood purchased the insurance firm of Peckam and Smith and established his own agency. The business thrived, representing numerous insurance companies. Underwood’s optimism and dedication to service set the foundation for future success.
Charles Underwood and the Next Generation
Charles Underwood, Thomas’ son, joined the agency in the mid-1870s, eventually becoming a partner. His son, Richard, was born in 1877, and for a few years, the agency advertised as T. Underwood, Son & Grandson. However, the partnership was dissolved when Thomas and his wife moved to Chicago in 1883. Charles continued to run the business alone until the arrival of Richard.
The Arrival of Richard Underwood
Richard Underwood, the third generation of the Underwood family to work in the agency, joined the business at the beginning of the 20th century. At just 25 years old, he became an office partner with his father. Unlike his predecessors, Richard would never have to run the business alone for an extended period of time. His father’s passing in 1913 left him struggling, but with the help of Walter Graham, his father’s son-in-law, the business continued to thrive.
Tragedy and the Fourth Generation
Richard’s son, also named Richard, was born in 1903, ensuring the continuity of the Underwood family in the agency. However, tragedy struck in 1915 when young Dickie passed away at the age of 12. Richard was devastated, and with no other children, he became the last Underwood to inhabit the red brick building that bore their name.
Continuing the Legacy
After Charles Nitcher joined the agency from Chicago in 1928, he became a valuable partner for 25 years. However, his death in 1953 marked a significant loss for the agency. Laverne A. Kast, a native of New York, was brought in as a replacement in 1955 and became a partner with Walter and John Graham.
The Future of the Underwood Agency
As Walter Graham reached retirement age, he retired from the business in 1956, leaving John Graham and Laverne Kast as the remaining owners. The agency, which had existed as a proprietorship or partnership, continues to thrive today as “The Underwood Agency,” owned by Graham and Kast. They have expanded their coverage options to include personal and business insurance and employee benefits products.
Embracing Change
The insurance industry has evolved significantly since the early days of the Underwood Agency. The business has adapted to the complexities of modern insurance contracts and diversified its offerings. With a belief in the continuation and growth of the agency, Graham and Kast added Kenneth D. Witham to the staff in 1964. The agency continues to provide exceptional service and is committed to meeting the evolving needs of their clients.
A Legacy of Service
As patrons walk through the agency’s office today, they can see a series of individual picture portraits of each office owner, hanging in chronological order of their arrival. From Thomas Underwood to Kenneth D. Witham, these portraits represent seven businessme and partners dedicated to perpetuating the legacy of the Underwood Agency. Four generations of underwriters have provided 150 years of concerned and exceptional service to the Lafayette community.
Ready to protect what matters most? Explore our comprehensive personal and commercial insurance options today and ensure a secure future for yourself and your business.
Main Location:
3990 State Rd 38 E Ste 5A
Lafayette, IN 47905
3990 State Rd 38 E Ste 5A
Lafayette, IN 47905
Main Location:
765-742-7320
Email:
info@underwoodagency.com
Licensed in:
Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee