(2025 Reviews, Ratings, and How to Choose the Right One)
If you’re searching for the best insurance agency in Northern Michigan, chances are something already feels off.
Maybe:
Your premiums keep rising and no one can explain why
You were told “you’re covered” — until a claim proved otherwise
You’re growing a business and want clarity, not confusion
Here’s the honest truth most agencies won’t say:
There is no single “best” insurance agency.
There is only the best fit for your situation, risk, and expectations.
This guide exists to help you make that decision with eyes wide open — even if that decision isn’t us.
Most “best insurance agency” lists are:
Paid placements
Popularity contests
Or thin directories with no context
That’s not helpful.
The right agency depends on:
Personal vs commercial insurance needs
Simplicity vs complexity
Desire for lowest price vs long-term risk strategy
Preference for national scale vs local accountability
Price alone is not a strategy — and it’s usually the most expensive one long-term.
Below are well-known agencies serving Northern Michigan communities. This is not a ranking — it’s a comparison designed to help you self-select.
Best for: Business owners, contractors, restaurants, families who want clarity and planning
TOMIS is an independent insurance agency focused on education, strategy, and long-term outcomes — not just quoting policies.
They work best with clients who want:
Clear explanations (not jargon)
Proactive renewal planning
Multiple carrier options
Accountability when things go wrong
Specialties include:
Commercial insurance, contractors, food and beverage, hospitality, auto services, complex personal insurance, life insurance, employee benefits and risk planning for growing businesses. Check out reviews here: Testimonials | Top O' Michigan Insurance Solutions
Best for: Organizations that prioritize scale, analytics, and national infrastructure
Acrisure is a national insurance brokerage built through acquisitions, including agencies across Michigan. The platform provides access to extensive carrier relationships, data tools, and institutional resources.
They can be a solid option for organizations that:
Prefer a large-platform model
Value centralized analytics and benchmarking
Are comfortable working within a team-based service structure
Important consideration:
With national platforms, the experience often depends on the structure and continuity of the assigned service team. Strategy, advocacy, and day-to-day execution still come down to the individuals managing the account — not the size of the platform.
Best for: Businesses seeking carrier breadth within a platform model
Highstreet Insurance Partners operates a national platform supporting independent agencies, including those in Northern Michigan. The model provides access to a broad carrier marketplace and shared operational resources.
This approach can work well for organizations that:
Want platform-backed carrier access
Are comfortable with standardized service models
Value optional national resources
Important consideration:
Platform support enhances access — it does not replace the need for hands-on strategy, proactive planning, and experienced account leadership.
Best for: Personal insurance and long-standing local relationships
Ford Insurance has deep roots in the Traverse City area and a reputation for strong personal service. They work well for individuals and families who value continuity and local presence.
Strengths:
Personal lines (auto, home, umbrella)
Local familiarity
Relationship-driven service
Best for: Simple personal insurance needs
Captive agencies represent one insurance company. They can be a great fit for straightforward auto, home, or umbrella coverage — but offer limited flexibility for complex risks. Also, when pricing becomes too high, it leaves few alternative options.
Top O’ Michigan Insurance Solutions works with businesses of all sizes — including complex, multi-location, and rapidly growing organizations — without handing strategy off to a distant service center.
Clients choose TOMIA because:
Senior advisors stay involved as the business grows
Coverage decisions are made with long-term consequences in mind
Renewal planning is proactive, not reactive
Claims advocacy doesn’t get passed down a chain
Growth doesn’t require a bigger logo.
It requires clear thinking, consistent leadership, and accountability.
That’s the gap we fill.
This is the section most agencies avoid — and it’s the one buyers trust most.
You should not choose TOMIS if:
You only want the cheapest price and don’t care why
You prefer a single-carrier quote with no comparison
You don’t want to review coverage unless something breaks
You want transactional service instead of long-term guidance
That’s not a knock — it’s just not how we operate.
TOMIA is typically a strong fit if:
You own or manage a business
You’ve been burned by a claim or surprise renewal
You want proactive planning, not reactive service
You value transparency and straight answers
If that resonates, you’ll likely feel the difference within the first conversation.
Ask these questions — and don’t accept vague answers:
How many carriers do you shop for my type of risk?
What exclusions should I actually worry about?
What will cause my rates to increase next year?
Who helps when a claim gets complicated?
How do you proactively review my coverage?
If an agency struggles to answer these, keep looking.
If you’re comparing agencies or questioning your current coverage, we’re happy to help — even if you don’t switch.
No pressure. No hard sell. Just clarity.
???? Schedule a conversation with our team
???? Explore our educational resources & videos
Each year, our Top O’ Michigan team works with thousands of individuals and businesses throughout Michigan with respect to their insurance coverage. We are often asked who some of the other insurance agencies are in the area.
We believe in educating our clients whenever possible in the most honest and ethical way – even when it comes to our competition. We’ll never shy away from having this discussion so here is a list of some of the insurance agencies that have a solid history of providing insurance in the Grand Traverse area
Choosing insurance isn’t about finding the cheapest policy — it’s about avoiding the most expensive mistake.
If this article helped you think differently about insurance, it’s doing its job.
Now you’re either currently investing a lot of money into your insurance policies or getting closer to making this decision. We don’t want you to make any mistakes with a decision of this magnitude. So instead of basing this huge decision on a quoted number on the computer screen or a piece of paper – we thought you’d like to know that you can work with one of the knowledge members of our team so that you can become well educated on your insurance before buying.
Want to stay up to date on the latest community and insurance news? You can find more on important topics on our blog.
About the Author
Tyler Bartosh (Connect with me on LinkedIn)
A third-generation insurance agency owner and agent since 2007, Tyler Bartosh is the consummate “insurance geek,” using his passion for business, knowledge of insurance, and advocacy for clients to help serve as the expert buyer of insurance. He helps businesses implement risk management strategies that save both time and money, so those resources can be put towards other initiatives in your company.
Away from his career in insurance, he enjoys spending time with his family & friends, volunteering throughout the community, golf, fishing, snowboarding, hiking and virtually anything outdoors and traveling to see live music. Tyler has a wife Emily (who is also an underwriter in the insurance industry), their dog Lucy and a baby girl, Sophie Constance.
About Top O' Michigan Insurance Solutions:
At Top O’ Michigan Insurance Solutions, we pride ourselves on using our skills to provide clients with competitive pricing, stability and understanding, and peace of mind. With seven locations throughout Michigan and 24/7 client access, our team is your 'expert buyer' of insurance for home, auto, farm, boat, motorcycle, business owners, workers compensation, bonds, life and health, employee benefits and more.
We will provide unparalleled and caring service to our clients through our knowledgeable staff and give back to our employees, agency, industry and our communities. Part of our mission is to give back to the Michigan communities we serve. This is something we take action on through We Care and you can learn more about our community outreach at TOMIA247.com/WeCare.
Disclaimer: This Blog/Web Site does not provide insurance or legal advice. This site is for educational purposes only as well as to provide you with general information and a general understanding of insurance, not to provide specific legal advice or specific contract advice. Viewing this site, receipt of information contained on this site, or the transmission of information from or to this site does not constitute a client relationship.
The information on this Blog/Web Site is not intended to be a substitute for professional insurance or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed agent in your state pertaining to insurance and legal issues.
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Alpena
514 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
Local: (989) 356-6133
Hillman
150 State St
Hillman, MI 49746
Local: (989) 742-4574
Traverse City
3183 Logan Valley Rd
Traverse City, MI 49684
Local: (231) 947-1164
Iron River
117 W Genesee St, Ste 1
Iron River, MI 49935
Local: (906) 265-5137
Petoskey
1170 Bay View Rd, Ste B
Petoskey, MI 49770
Local: (231) 347-4610
Gaylord
440 W Main St, Ste F
Gaylord, MI 49735-1401
Local: (989) 705-8664
Oscoda
PO Box 39
Oscoda, MI 48750-0039
Local: (989) 739-1461
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