Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Insurance Partner in Washington, DC
Founded in 1906, Howard & Hoffman Inc. stands as Washington DC's oldest continually family-operated insurance agency. Our independent agency model allows us to offer personalized insurance solutions from multiple carriers, ensuring clients receive optimal coverage at competitive prices. With six generations of combined experience, we specialize in both personal and commercial insurance, serving clients across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and most other states. Our commitment to old-fashioned service combined with modern efficiency has built long-term relationships with clients, including historic home owners, business owners, and nonprofit organizations.We provide unbiased claims advice and maintain expertise in specialized coverages like Defense Base Act policies and high-value home insurance. Licensed in nearly all 50 states, our agency continues to prioritize client needs through personalized service from policy inception to claims resolution.
Services
Personal Insurance
Commercial Insurance
Private Client Insurance
Claims Reporting
Customer Service
Details
- Year established: 1906
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business with six generations of insurance expertise
- Independent agency offering multiple carrier options for optimal coverage
- Specialized knowledge in historic home and high-value property insurance
- 115+ years serving Washington DC's unique insurance needs
- Direct agent communication for policy service and claims assistance
What people say
Personalized service
Generational expertise
Comprehensive coverage
Competitive pricing
Responsive claims support
Services
Personal Insurance
We provide comprehensive personal insurance solutions including home, auto, and specialty coverage. Our agents assess individual needs to recommend appropriate policies from multiple carriers. Services include high-value home insurance, collector car coverage, and valuable items protection while maintaining competitive pricing through carrier comparisons.
Commercial Insurance
Our commercial insurance services cover liability, property, and specialized business needs. We offer defense base act coverage, cyber liability, and management liability policies. Agents work with businesses of all sizes to meet contractual obligations while providing competitive pricing through multiple carrier options.
Private Client Insurance
Specialized insurance for high-value properties and unique assets. We partner with premier carriers like Chubb and AIG to provide enhanced coverage for historic homes, antique collections, and luxury properties. Services include thorough risk assessments and customized policy development.
Claims Reporting
We facilitate claims reporting through direct carrier contact information and personalized support. Our agents provide guidance throughout the claims process, helping clients understand policy coverage limits and ensuring proper documentation submission for timely resolution.
Customer Service
Our agents provide direct, personalized service for policy management and modifications. Available through multiple communication channels, we offer after-hours emergency support while maintaining consistent agent-client relationships throughout the policy lifecycle.
People
Clement W. Howard
Co-founder
Founded the agency in 1906 with William M. Hoffman. Previously served as Secretary and CEO of Firemen's Insurance Company. Recognized the need for broader insurance solutions after a client's $100,000 hotel coverage request exceeded existing capacity.
William M. Hoffman
Co-founder
Co-founded the agency in 1906 after identifying market limitations while working at Firemen's Insurance Company. Served as Assistant Secretary prior to founding the agency. Devoted 60 years to the insurance industry before passing away in 1951.
William G. Hoffman
President
Third-generation leader who joined the agency in 1954 after Marine service. Became president at age 29 following his father's death. With over 55 years of service, he continues to guide the agency while serving on Sibley Hospital's Campaign Planning Committee.
Scott M. Hoffman
President
Fourth-generation insurance professional who joined full-time in 1986. Holds CIC designation and specializes in personal and commercial lines. Served as DC Insurance Agents Association president while maintaining active roles in automotive and water sports communities.
William G. Hoffman Jr.
President
Fourth-generation leader with over 30 years of experience. Earned CIC designation in 1997 and became president in 2019. Combines insurance expertise with diverse interests including photography, woodworking, and lacrosse.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and nearly all 50 states for both personal and commercial insurance needs.
Are you a local agency?
Yes, we're Washington DC's oldest continually family-operated insurance agency, serving the local community since 1906.
How do you differ from other agencies?
As independent agents, we offer multiple carrier options rather than representing a single company, ensuring optimal coverage at competitive prices.
Do you handle claims directly?
We provide carrier contact information and guidance, but claims are processed directly through the insurance companies we represent.
Can you help with historic home insurance?
Yes, we specialize in coverage for historic properties in Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, Chevy Chase, and similar locations with unique preservation requirements.
Do you offer 24/7 service?
We provide after-hours emergency support through agent cell phones, but don't offer full 24/7 customer service availability.
