Back in 1955, Robert Craven opened an Independent Property & Casualty Insurance agency serving Ballard clients with expertise and compassion. He also had a passion for boating.
“He always enjoyed getting out on the water, especially any of his Tollycraft yachts. He even partnered as a dealer of Tollycraft. Craven Insurance then became a leader in yacht insurance, where it’s stayed ever since,” says Bob Craven, Robert’s son.
You might call yachts the ‘heart’ of Craven Insurance, and not just as an insurance offering. Decades later, Bob met a smart, savvy yacht sales manager named Kathy, and he proposed she switch from marine sales to marine insurance. Kathy accepted, and started her new career at Craven Insurance. Four years later Bob came to her with another proposal — marriage.
The two moved to Whidbey Island in 2003, and commuted to the Craven Insurance office in Lake Stevens until they opened another branch in Clinton in 2008. They’ve been proudly providing clients on Whidbey Island with home, auto, yacht, business, bonds and RV insurance ever since.
Independent, experienced insurance provider
Craven Insurance’s expertise isn’t limited to yacht insurance. As an Independent Agency, they offer multiple insurers’ programs for home, auto, business and bonds.
“Insurance of all types has become more complicated and expensive,” says Kathy.
In large part this is due to the huge losses from wild fires, hurricanes and floods, plus bankruptcies, mergers and global financial instability. Choosing an agency that isn’t limited to representation of just one company means there are options for you when these challenges affect your package of insurance policies.
Price is a priority for all of us, and Craven Insurance works with many A+ rated insurers to offer clients great rates. But Kathy says offering personalized service is just as important.
“The lowest premium is not always the best value. We take time to explain the ‘what and what not’ to expect of a policy in the event of a loss, so you can decide which plan is best for your family’s needs.”
As the Commercial Insurance expert at Craven, Bob can relate to the challenges posed by costs of doing business, including insurance, and the demands often made by government, commercial contractors and financial institutions. That breadth of experience and knowledge of the many companies who’ve chosen Bob Craven to represent them, is critical to getting the best coverage at the best rate.
Not only do those personal relationships improve the customer experience — it’s also motivating for Kathy, Bob and the two other agents serving clients from their Lake Stevens office, Scott Smith and Elaine Hofstadter.
“Contributing to community has always enriched our experience of this career. Insurance, like every business has its challenges, frustration. The people you are able to get to know make it so much more interesting and worthwhile.”
Find Craven Insurance in Clinton Square at #1B – 6300 Storkson Dr. To make an appointment, call 360-341-7200 extension 223, or visit craveninsurance.com.
Bob Craven and grandchild Marin. Bob carried on the family business, Craven Insurance, with offices in Clinton and Lake Stevens.
