A Year of Service, Growth, and Gratitude: Rubens Insurance 2025 Year in Review

Holiday Hours

As we approach the end of 2025 and welcome 2026, we want to make sure you know when we’ll be available during the holiday season:

Christmas Schedule: 

Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025): Open until 1:00 PM

Christmas Day (December 25, 2025): Closed

Friday, December 26, 2025: Open regular hours

New Year’s Schedule: 

New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025): Open until 3:00 PM

New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026): Closed

Friday, January 2, 2026: Open regular hours

For urgent matters during our closures, please contact your insurance carrier’s 24/7 customer service. We’ll be back to serve you as soon as we reopen!

• Dairyland: 800-334-0090 or online payment

• National General: 888-293-5108 or online payment

• Progressive: 855-347-3939 or online payment 

• Travelers: 888-564-5043 or online payment

Team Updates: Celebrating Change and New Beginnings

As we review 2025, this year brought meaningful changes to the Rubens Insurance family. We said a fond farewell to Jennifer, who has moved on to spend precious time with her grandbabies. Jennifer’s dedication to our clients and her warm presence in our office will be deeply missed, but we’re thrilled she gets to enjoy this special chapter of her life. Thank you, Jennifer, for everything you’ve contributed to our agency!

We’re equally excited to welcome Solveig to our team! Solveig brings enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and a genuine commitment to providing the personalized service our clients have come to expect from Rubens Insurance. We’re confident you’ll enjoy working with her as much as we do.

2025: A Year of Industry Change

Washington State Insurance Landscape

2025 was a significant year for insurance in Washington state. If you noticed your premiums increasing, you weren’t alone. Here’s what happened:

Continued Transparency: Washington state’s premium change transparency rule, implemented in June 2024, continued to provide clarity for policyholders throughout 2025. Insurance companies remain required to explain why your premiums increased, giving you clear communication about factors driving your rate changes—whether it’s increased claims costs, inflation in repair expenses, or other market factors.

Rate Increases Continue: Washington homeowners continued to see insurance premiums rise in 2025, building on the 21% increase in 2024 and 16% increase in 2023. Auto insurance rates also climbed significantly throughout the year. These increases stem from several factors:

·         Rising repair costs: Modern vehicles with advanced technology cost significantly more to repair

·         Home rebuilding expenses: Construction materials and labor costs have surged

·         Climate-related claims: Increased frequency of weather events impacting both homes and vehicles

·         Inflation: General economic pressures affecting all aspects of insurance operations

What This Means for You

At Rubens Insurance, we understand that premium increases are frustrating. That’s exactly why our role as your independent insurance agent is more important than ever. Unlike captive agents who work for just one company, we have access to multiple carriers, including National General, Progressive, Travelers, and many others, through our network of MGAs and wholesalers.

When your rates increase, we don’t just accept it; we actively remarket your policies to find you the best combination of coverage and price. We shop on your behalf, comparing options across our entire carrier network to ensure you’re getting competitive rates without sacrificing the protection you need.

Expanding Our Coverage Options

One of the most exciting developments in 2025 has been our expanded product offerings. Under Ron’s leadership, we’ve added several new insurance options to better serve your evolving needs:

• Home Warranties: Protect your home systems and appliances from unexpected breakdowns

• Pet Insurance: Keep your furry family members healthy without breaking the bank

• Collectible Insurance: Specialized coverage for your valuable collections, from classic cars to fine art

• Travel Insurance: Travel with confidence knowing you’re covered for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage

• Dental Insurance: Affordable coverage for routine care and major dental work

• Vision Insurance: Eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses made more affordable

• Life Insurance: Protect your family’s financial future

These additions mean you can now turn to Rubens Insurance for even more of your protection needs, all with the same personalized service and competitive rates you’ve come to expect. Check out all of the coverages on our options page.

Looking Ahead: Insurance Trends for 2026

As we move into 2026, here are some trends we’re watching that may affect your insurance:

Climate Risk Focus: Insurers are increasingly evaluating properties based on climate-related risks, including wildfire exposure, flood zones, and severe weather patterns. This may affect both the availability and pricing of coverage.

Technology in Vehicles: As cars become more technologically advanced with features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and backup cameras, repair costs continue to climb—but these same features may qualify you for safety discounts.

Cyber Insurance Growth: For our commercial clients, cyber insurance is becoming essential as businesses face increasing digital threats and data breach risks.

Usage-Based Insurance: More carriers are offering programs that track your actual driving habits to potentially lower your premiums if you’re a safe driver.

Our Commitment to You as we review 2025 at Rubens Insurance

Since 1968, Rubens Insurance has been built on a foundation of personalized service and community trust. That commitment hasn’t changed. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or you’re a new client, we promise to:

• Take time to understand your unique needs

• Shop multiple carriers to find you the best rates

• Explain your coverage in plain language

• Be available when you need us most

• Advocate for you during the claims process

Ella Rubens established these standards when she became an insurance agent in 1951 and opened Rubens Insurance in Silverdale in 1968. Monica carried forward that legacy with dedication and care, maintaining the agency’s reputation for exceptional service. Ron Gilbert’s ownership transition in October 2024 reinforced our commitment to these values, ensuring that the personal touch and community focus that define Rubens Insurance will continue for generations to come.

Thank You

As we close out 2025, we want to express our sincere gratitude for trusting us with your insurance needs. Whether you’re protecting your home, your vehicle, your business, or your family’s future, we don’t take that responsibility lightly.

We’re here for you. Not just when you’re shopping for insurance, but throughout the life of your policies. Have questions about your coverage? Wondering if you’re getting the best rate? Concerned about a claim? Give us a call at 360-692-2172 or stop by our office at 10042 Silverdale Way NW.

Here’s to a safe, prosperous, and well-protected 2026!

The Team at Rubens Insurance

Serving Kitsap County and Washington State Since 1968+