Business Spotlight: L&W Insurance

BY REGINA DONATO

Insurance is a field that touches everybody. Whether it’s a young person getting their first auto policy or a seasoned entrepreneur taking out additional protections for their business, everyone will have to take out a form of insurance at some point. Just like people, no two insurance policies are exactly alike, and thus the work of independent insurance providers like L&W Insurance is all-the-more important.

Founded in 1932, L&W Insurance has proudly served Delaware and the surrounding area for 90 years. While they historically always had agents across the state, L&W primarily worked out of their Dover office. However, it became a priority for the company to have true representation in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. As of the opening of their Wilmington office this past May, L&W Insurance is officially the only independent insurance agency in Delaware with a location in all three counties.

“Delaware is a small, yet fierce and mighty state,” remarked Chelsea Clark, director of organizational culture and communications. “Every county operates so differently. We pride ourselves on representing every corner of this state, but not every county will feel our commitment if they don’t physically see us putting down roots in their area.”

L&W Insurance offers commercial, personal, and benefits insurance options for their customers—with an emphasis on ‘options’. The beauty of an independent insurance agency is their ability to tailor policy options to your specific needs so that you’re not tied down to one brand.

“We get to be the in between for our clients. When you come to us, we sit down together, evaluate your risks and needs, and then devote our time and resources to finding you the right policy,” explained Clark. “L&W constantly monitors your policy, ensuring you’re always in a competitive place with your coverages, no matter if it is a group benefits package, a personal boat insurance, or a commercial workers compensation policy.”

“Our goal is to never make our clients feel like they are just a number or renewal,” she continued. “We are really in the business of building partnerships and trust so that you bring to us what’s most important to you, and we’re going to figure out how to protect it.”

It is important to L&W Insurance that the community knows they are there for them. The staff is involved with local nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Club and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and actively participates on boards and committees for organizations such as Family Promise, Kent Sussex Industries, and the and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

L&W’s leadership also goes above and-beyond for their employees. One recent example Clark cited was how L&W partnered with an education provider to offer child care for their employees’ children during the height of the pandemic. While kids were forced to stay home from school, their parents were still busy with work as insurance was deemed essential. L&W was proud to have offered a creative solution that didn’t force parents to make tough decisions.

When a company has been in business for 90 years, they are doing something right. “If we’re not considering what’s most important for our employees or not actively engaging and supporting local nonprofits, then we’re missing the whole point of being a small business actively operating and contributing to its community,” reflected Clark.