INDEPENDENCE – The Independence Area Chamber of Commerce toured the new location of Smith D&L Insurance on March 19 as part of their monthly meeting.
The Ambassadors first met at Choung Garden for a delicious lunch and a brief business meeting. The group then gathered at Smith D&L Insurance now located at 1310 First Street West.
Smith D&L was started by Claude Smith, Jr. in the mid 1960s after he had worked in the family grocery store in Fayette and wanted to change careers. He owned the company for 50 years before passing in 2015. Claude’s daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Dennis Donnelly, came on board in the mid 70’s. Their son Rusty is now an agent.
Rusty led the tour of the new facility. When the move was announced last year, many people were concerned that the icon digital sign would make the move. Not to worry, Signs and More installed it, along with a new lighted sign.
Smith D&L focuses on three primary markets, personal, commercial, and agriculture, but can also service niche markets that are developing like cyber-security liability and travel insurance.
“We are an independent agency,†said Rusty. “We use over 12 insurance carriers to fulfill the appropriate needs of the individual, business, or agricultural account.â€
Of the three agents, Dennis has over 42 years’ experience, Rusty 19 years, and Shane Beatty 8 years. Many of the staff individually have 25 years plus experience.
Brown Lane and Smith D&L Insurance merged five years ago.
“This new location gives us more space for both offices under one roof, said Rusty.
Stop by1310 First Street West (next to Dollar General), visit or “Smith D&L Insurance” on Facebook for more information. And be sure to check out the latest joke or birthday as you carefully drive by the digital sign.
