In 1937, a small insurance agency opened its doors in Brookings, Oregon — a working harbor town on the southern Oregon Coast where the economy ran on commercial fishing, timber, and the rich agricultural land of the Chetco River valley. Nearly 90 years 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, fishermen, farmers, and businesses that make the Oregon Coast one of the most distinctive and resilient regions in the Pacific Northwest.

This is the story of Gerald Ross Agency — where we came from, what we stand for, and why after nearly nine decades we remain the agency the Oregon Coast trusts to protect what matters most.

Rooted in Brookings Since 1937

Brookings is the southernmost city on the Oregon Coast, situated just 6 miles north of the California border at the mouth of the Chetco River. When Gerald Ross Agency was founded in 1937, the town was a hub of commercial fishing and timber activity — industries that carried significant risk and demanded knowledgeable, trustworthy insurance guidance. The agency was built from the ground up to serve that community: fishermen protecting their vessels and catch, homeowners safeguarding their properties against coastal storms and flooding, and small business owners managing the complex risks of commerce in a remote but resilient region.

Over the following decades, the Oregon Coast changed dramatically. The timber industry rose and fell. Commercial fishing evolved with new regulations and market pressures. The coastal tourism economy emerged and grew, bringing with it vacation rentals, hospitality businesses, and a new generation of property owners with unique insurance needs. Through every cycle of growth and change, Gerald Ross Agency remained — adapting its offerings, expanding its carrier relationships, and deepening its roots in the communities it serves.

Today, the agency operates from its longtime home at 1 Ross Road, Brookings, OR 97415 — a physical address that has become synonymous with trusted insurance guidance on the southern Oregon Coast. Our team of licensed agents knows this coastline intimately: the flood zones, the wildfire-adjacent timber country, the marine risks, the seasonal rental market, and the agricultural operations that define Curry County's economy.

A Timeline of Service

More Than an Insurance Agency — A Community Partner

What sets Gerald Ross Agency 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 on the Oregon Coast; they live here. They know the Chetco River, the Pistol River, the fishing docks at Brookings Harbor, and the timber roads that wind through the Siskiyou National Forest. They understand firsthand the risks that come with life in this region — and that local knowledge is irreplaceable when it comes to insurance.

The Oregon Coast presents a unique combination of risks that a national call center agent reading from a script simply cannot navigate effectively. Coastal homeowners face storm surge, flooding, and wind damage that inland policies often exclude or underinsure. Commercial fishing operations require specialized marine coverage that standard business policies don't provide. The booming vacation rental market along the coast demands purpose-built policies that neither homeowners insurance nor standard landlord policies adequately cover. And the timber and agricultural operations of Curry County carry liability and property exposures that require carriers with genuine rural expertise.

We also believe deeply in giving back. Gerald Ross Agency has supported local schools, fishing community organizations, agricultural programs, and charitable causes 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, Gerald Ross Agency 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 Gerald Ross Agency. 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 on the Oregon Coast, where standard carriers have increasingly restricted coverage in coastal flood zones, issued non-renewals to longtime policyholders, and raised rates dramatically in high-risk areas. 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.

Serving the Entire Oregon Coast — and Beyond

Gerald Ross Agency serves clients across the full length of the Oregon Coast, from the California border communities of Brookings and Gold Beach to the mid-coast cities of Newport, Lincoln City, and Florence. We also serve the inland communities of Curry and Coos counties, including the agricultural valleys and timber country that form the economic backbone of the southern Oregon Coast.

We are licensed in six states — Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Texas, and Arizona — making us a valuable resource for clients who own property or operate businesses across state lines. Whether you have a vacation home in the San Juan Islands, a ranch in Idaho, or a commercial property in Arizona, Gerald Ross Agency can help.

Why the Oregon Coast Chooses Gerald Ross Agency