First Western Insurance
Independent insurance agency headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, offering personal, commercial, and agricultural coverage across 16 states through six offices in North Dakota and Minnesota, with access to 27+ carrier partnerships and bank-affiliated ownership.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersMinot, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What First Western Insurance does
First Western Insurance is an independent insurance agency headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, operating as a subsidiary of First Western Bank & Trust since its founding in 1999. The firm provides personal, commercial, and agricultural insurance products to individuals, small and mid-sized businesses, and farm operators through six offices located across North Dakota and Minnesota. It holds licensing in 16 states spanning the Midwest, West, and Southeast (AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IA, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, SD, TN, WA, WY), and self-positions as one of the largest independent agencies in North Dakota.
The agency earns revenue through commissions and service fees on placements with more than 27 carrier partners, covering property/casualty, life/health, crop/agricultural, surety, and specialty lines. Its three primary segments—personal, commercial, and agricultural—generate diversified premium volume and reduce dependence on any single line or class. The team comprises approximately 40 staff with a stated combined tenure exceeding 400 years, supporting a relationship-led, advisory distribution model rather than a direct-to-consumer or digital platform approach. Carrier quality is independently validated by inclusion in Western National's 2024 Circle of Excellence at the 85th percentile.
Growth has been pursued primarily through a disciplined acquisition rollup strategy. Three deals—Humphreys Insurance & Surety (December 2016), Dave Dilley's Agency (2021), and Lismore State Agency (December 2023)—extended the agency into Minnesota, added specialized surety capability, and broadened the commercial book. Operational scaling has been supported by senior leadership additions, including a dedicated VP of Claims Management in late 2022. The firm has no disclosed AI, proprietary technology, or digital-distribution initiatives.
First Western Insurance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- First Western Insurance
- Legal name
- First Western Insurance
- Website
- https://firstwestern.insurance
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Independent insurance agency headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, offering personal, commercial, and agricultural coverage across 16 states through six offices in North Dakota and Minnesota, with access to 27+ carrier partnerships and bank-affiliated ownership.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
First Western Insurance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent Insurance Agency Services
- NAICS
- Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210), Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242)
- SIC
- Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mid-Market Commercial Package (Package Policies) (FSAJAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Commercial Property Insurance (FSAJACAE), Standalone Umbrella Liability (FSAJANAE), Commercial Auto & Fleet Liability Insurance (Primary) (TLABANAA)
Keywords
Where First Western Insurance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minot
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
First Western Insurance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Insurance Policy Sales and Renewals: As an independent insurance agency, First Western Insurance earns commissions from insurance carrier partners when they sell new policies and when customers renew existing coverage. Revenue is generated through commissions calculated as a percentage of premium, typically ranging from 5-15% depending on the line of business and carrier agreement. The agency has access to multiple insurance companies, allowing them to offer customized coverage solutions and maintain renewal revenue from their established customer base.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Personal insurance products - quote-based pricing |
| Other | Annual | Commercial insurance products - quote-based pricing |
| Other | Annual | Agricultural insurance - quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
First Western Insurance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
First Western Insurance is an independent insurance agency that sells personal, commercial, and agricultural insurance policies on behalf of more than 27 carrier partners. Products include homeowners, auto, life, recreational vehicles, umbrella and flood coverage for individuals, plus property, commercial auto, liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI, cyber liability, workers compensation, bonds, package policies, and crop hail and multi-peril crop insurance. The agency serves customers through six physical offices, phone, and a website quote request channel across North Dakota and Minnesota.
Product overview
First Western Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of personal, commercial, agricultural, and life insurance products. Their personal lines include Homeowners, Auto, Life, Recreational Vehicles, Umbrellas, and Flood coverage. Commercial offerings encompass Property, Auto, Liability, Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions), Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Cyber Liability, Workman's Compensation, Bonds, Umbrella/Excess Liability, Commercial Flood, and Package Policies. Agricultural products include Crop Hail and Multi-Peril Crop insurance. Life insurance products comprise Term, Whole Life, Universal, and Annuities. The agency operates through multiple carrier partnerships and serves customers across 16 states with locations in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Homeowners Insurance
Companies that use First Western Insurance
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
First Western Insurance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
First Western Insurance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Cincinnati Insurance CompaniescoreInsurance carrier partner providing property and casualty insurance products. First Western Insurance sells Cincinnati products as an independent agent, earning commissions on policy sales and renewals.
- Philadelphia Insurance CompaniescoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Philadelphia products as an independent agent, earning commissions on policy sales and renewals.
- United Fire GroupcoreInsurance carrier partner providing commercial and personal lines coverage. First Western Insurance sells United Fire Group products as an independent agent.
- EMC InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells EMC products as an independent agent, earning commissions on policy sales and renewals.
- QBE InsurancecoreGlobal insurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells QBE products as an independent agent.
- Acuity InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Acuity products as an independent agent, earning commissions on policy sales and renewals.
- Auto-Owners InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner providing personal and commercial lines. First Western Insurance sells Auto-Owners products as an independent agent.
- Secura InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Secura products as an independent agent.
- State Auto InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells State Auto products as an independent agent.
- Grinnell MutualcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Grinnell Mutual products as an independent agent.
- Great American Insurance GroupcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Great American products as an independent agent.
- Allied InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner (Nationwide subsidiary). First Western Insurance sells Allied products as an independent agent.
- Nationwide InsurancecoreMajor insurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Nationwide products as an independent agent.
- AAA InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells AAA products as an independent agent.
- Chubb InsurancecorePremium insurance carrier partner specializing in high-value personal and commercial coverage. First Western Insurance sells Chubb products as an independent agent.
- Continental Western GroupcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Continental Western Group products as an independent agent.
- Harleysville InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Harleysville products as an independent agent.
- Travelers InsurancecoreMajor insurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Travelers products as an independent agent.
- MetLifecoreMajor insurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells MetLife products as an independent agent.
- SAFECO InsurancecoreInsurance carrier partner (Liberty Mutual subsidiary). First Western Insurance sells SAFECO products as an independent agent.
- Merchants BondingcoreSurety bonding specialist partner. First Western Insurance sells Merchants Bonding products as an independent agent.
- North Star MutualcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells North Star Mutual products as an independent agent.
- Hartland MutualcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Hartland Mutual products as an independent agent.
- CNA SuretycoreSurety bonding specialist partner. First Western Insurance sells CNA Surety products as an independent agent.
- Center MutualcoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Center Mutual products as an independent agent.
- Progressive InsurancecoreMajor insurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Progressive products as an independent agent.
- Mid-Continent AssurancecoreInsurance carrier partner. First Western Insurance sells Mid-Continent Assurance products as an independent agent.
- Western National Insurance GroupflagshipParent/partner insurance group that includes Western National Mutual Insurance Company, Western National Assurance Company, Pioneer Specialty Insurance Company, Umialik Insurance Company, American Freedom Insurance Company, and Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company. Together the affiliated Group writes over $1 billion in personal and commercial direct premium in 20 states. First Western was named Circle of Excellence Agency for 2024, placing them in 85th percentile of partners.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
First Western Insurance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- North Risk Partners: North Risk Partners is a Minnesota-based independent insurance agency offering personal, commercial, and specialty lines. It directly competes in the same Twin Cities / Upper Midwest geography with a comparable multi-carrier agency model.
- TrueNorth Companies: TrueNorth is an Upper Midwest insurance and risk management firm offering personal, commercial, and employee benefits. It overlaps with First Western in commercial lines, regional mid-market focus, and carrier-appointed independent agency model.
- Leavitt Group: Leavitt Group is a large independent insurance agency operating across the western and central United States, offering personal, commercial, and ag insurance through multiple carrier partnerships. It is a direct peer in size, product mix, and multi-state agency model.
- Haas Insurance Associates: Haas Insurance is a North Dakota-based independent agency offering personal, commercial, and ag lines, directly competing with First Western in the same ND markets with a similar multi-carrier agency structure.
- Heffernan Insurance Brokers: Heffernan is a large independent insurance brokerage serving mid-market commercial clients. It is a comparable mid-sized independent agency with similar multi-carrier appointments and commercial lines emphasis.
Regional players
- Knights of Columbus Insurance: A large fraternal insurance organization selling life, disability, and annuity products through agents in Catholic communities. Comparable as an agency-distributed life insurance product set that competes with First Western's life line.
Others
- Western National Insurance Group: Western National is a mutual insurance carrier and key First Western partner. It is relevant as both a strategic counterparty (named First Western a 2024 Circle of Excellence Agency) and an example of a regional carrier that competes for the same end-customers.
- Trusted Choice: Trusted Choice is the network and brand of independent insurance agents of which First Western is a member. It is adjacent as a brand and referral network, providing cooperative marketing and lead generation for member agencies.
Broad incumbents
- Hub International: Hub International is a large global insurance brokerage with significant presence across North America. Comparable as a scaled, multi-carrier agency/broker serving personal, commercial, and specialty lines.
- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Gallagher is one of the largest global insurance brokerage and risk management firms. It competes with First Western in commercial lines for mid-market accounts and represents a scaled incumbent in the same product categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
First Western Insurance social profiles
Digital presenceFirst Western Insurance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
First Western Insurance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
First Western Insurance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
First Western Insurance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about First Western Insurance
What does First Western Insurance do?
First Western Insurance is an independent insurance agency that sells personal, commercial, and agricultural insurance policies on behalf of more than 27 carrier partners. Products include homeowners, auto, life, recreational vehicles, umbrella and flood coverage for individuals, plus property, commercial auto, liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI, cyber liability, workers compensation, bonds, package policies, and crop hail and multi-peril crop insurance. The agency serves customers through six physical offices, phone, and a website quote request channel across North Dakota and Minnesota.
Is First Western Insurance a public or private company?
First Western Insurance is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was First Western Insurance founded?
First Western Insurance was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is First Western Insurance based?
First Western Insurance is headquartered in Minot, United States, in the North America region.
How does First Western Insurance make money?
One revenue line is on record: insurance Policy Sales and Renewals.
Who are First Western Insurance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are North Risk Partners, TrueNorth Companies, Leavitt Group, Haas Insurance Associates and Heffernan Insurance Brokers. Knights of Columbus Insurance is listed as a regional player. Others are Western National Insurance Group and Trusted Choice. Broad incumbents are Hub International and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co..
Does First Western Insurance have an API?
No public API is recorded for First Western Insurance.
What industry is First Western Insurance in?
First Western Insurance's product category is Independent Insurance Agency Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAJAFAB, Mid-Market Commercial Package (Package Policies), with a secondary code of FSAJACAE, Commercial Property Insurance. Its NAICS code is 524210 and its SIC code is 6411.