In 1935, a small insurance agency opened its doors in Prineville, Oregon — the county seat of Crook County and the commercial heart of Central Oregon's ranching and timber economy. Nearly a century later, that agency is still here. Still locally owned. Still staffed by licensed agents who live in the communities they serve. Still protecting the families, farms, and businesses that make Central Oregon one of the most distinctive regions in the Pacific Northwest.

This is the story of Prineville Insurance — where we came from, what we stand for, and why after 90 years we remain the agency Central Oregon trusts to protect what matters most.

Rooted in Prineville Since 1935

Prineville is the oldest city in Central Oregon, founded in 1871 and built on the cattle drives, timber operations, and agricultural commerce that defined the high desert economy for generations. When Prineville Insurance was established in 1935, the agency was built to serve that same community — ranchers protecting their livestock and equipment, homeowners safeguarding their properties, and small business owners managing the risks of commerce in a remote but resilient region.

Over the following decades, Central Oregon changed dramatically. The timber industry rose and fell. Bend grew from a small mill town into one of Oregon's fastest-growing cities. Redmond, Sisters, Madras, and La Pine all developed their own distinct economies and communities. Through every cycle of growth and change, Prineville Insurance remained — adapting its offerings, expanding its carrier relationships, and deepening its roots in the region.

In 2008, Monica and George Elsom purchased the agency, bringing fresh leadership and a renewed commitment to independent, client-first service. In 2013, they acquired a second local independent agency, expanding the team and client base. When George passed away in 2015, Monica took sole ownership and has led the agency's continued growth ever since — making Prineville Insurance one of the few women-owned independent insurance agencies in Central Oregon.

More Than an Insurance Agency — A Community Partner

What sets Prineville Insurance apart from national carriers and online platforms isn't just our longevity — it's our genuine investment in the communities we serve. Our agents don't just work in Central Oregon; they live here. They coach youth sports, volunteer at local events, shop at the same stores as our clients, and understand firsthand the risks that come with life in this region.

That local knowledge matters enormously when it comes to insurance. Central Oregon presents a unique combination of risks — elevated wildfire exposure, agricultural operations that require specialized coverage, extreme weather patterns, and a growing commercial sector with complex liability needs. A national call center agent reading from a script simply cannot provide the same quality of guidance as a licensed professional who has navigated these same risks personally.

We also believe in giving back. Prineville Insurance has supported local schools, agricultural programs, community events, and charitable organizations throughout our history. When the community thrives, our clients thrive — and that is a relationship we take seriously.

Everything You Need, Under One Roof

As an independent agency, Prineville Insurance works with more than 50 carriers to find the right coverage for each client's unique situation. We don't push a single product or brand — we shop the market on your behalf and present options that fit your needs and budget. Here is a look at the full range of insurance we offer:

The Independent Advantage

Being an independent agency is one of the most important things to understand about Prineville Insurance. Unlike a captive agent who works exclusively for one insurance company, our agents represent dozens of carriers simultaneously. That means when you come to us, we are working for you — not for an insurance company's sales quota.

This independence is especially valuable in a market like Central Oregon, where standard carriers have increasingly restricted coverage in wildfire-prone areas, issued non-renewals to longtime policyholders, and raised rates dramatically in high-risk zones. Our ability to access surplus lines carriers, specialty markets, and regional insurers that national platforms cannot reach means we can often find coverage when others cannot.

We also provide ongoing policy management — reviewing your coverage at renewal, alerting you to changes in your risk profile, and proactively recommending adjustments as your life or business evolves. This is the kind of service that simply isn't available from an app or a 1-800 number.

Why Central Oregon Chooses Prineville Insurance