Our Beginnings Eckburg & Bates was originally established as the Flynn Agency on June 9, 1978 by John E. Flynn. A native of Pecatonica, Illinois, John had a vision of providing low cost insurance with a high level of service. The "low cost" concept was created by shopping a customer's policy in the marketplace and searching for the lowest premium cost with the greatest amount of coverage. In addition, outstanding local claims service was a must. John Flynn knew that his agency must represent the finest companies in the industry. Many of the companies that John Flynn represented in 1978 are still the industry leaders today. The "high level of service" concept was simple. Treat people as you would like to be treated. To this day, telephone calls are returned promptly, walk-in customers are greeted with a smile, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The agency makes certain that these principles are paralleled by claims adjustors and other insurance company employees. Eckburg & Bates guarantees the highest level of customer service in the industry! The Companies We Represent Eckburg & Bates represents over 20 insurance companies for auto, home, and business insurance. Our leading companies include The Hartford, Safeco, West Bend Mutual, Allied, General Casualty, Met Life, Rockford Mutual, Bradford Mutual, Belvidere Mutual, Drive Insurance from Progressive, Hanover, and Pekin. Historically, these companies have been some of the lowest cost providers of insurance in the Midwest. In addition, they offer comprehensive policies and outstanding local claims service. For life insurance, Eckburg & Bates has access to nearly 75% of the companies in the industry. Our leading companies include West Coast Life, North American, First Colony, Protective Life, and Pekin Life, to name a few. Life insurance companies are "hot and cold." This list is constantly changing to be certain that customers are getting the lowest cost product in the market, with the most financially secure companies. While most of the life insurance sold by the agency is low cost term insurance, the Agency does offer permanent plans that build cash value. For health insurance, Eckburg & Bates realizes the chaotic state of the market. We will only align ourselves with companies committed to financial strength, rate stability and rock solid claims handling. For individual health insurance, we are a lead agency for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, but also offer plans from other carriers. For group health insurance, the plans offered depend on the regional location of the client. Eckburg & Bates also offers disability coverage through Principal, Illinois Mutual and MetLife, to name a few. Our Business Today While Eckburg & Bates serves more auto and home insurance customers than any agency in the region, we have quickly become one of the largest agencies for commercial insurance both at a local and statewide level. In fact, we are one of the State's largest providers of insurance to social service agencies. In addition to being a leader in the not-for-profit industry, the Agency will continue its focus of providing insurance solutions to contractors, main street businesses, and manufacturers.