Brightway Insurance opens office in Charleston

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Brightway Insurance has a new office in Charleston, making its third location in the Palmetto State.

The location, called Brightway, The Howard Agency, is owned by Jeff Howard, a former commercial real estate agent who moved to Charleston from Texas last year.

Howard said this is his “first swim” through the insurance industry, but he said he decided to dive in after relocating because he wanted to be more plugged into the community. In commercial real estate, Howard said, he could be dealing with clients from all over the world, but with insurance, he’s working with local people.

“This gives me the opportunity to plug into the community and be of service,” Howard said.

When he was looking for a company to work with, Howard said he considered State Farm and Allstate Corp., but he said Brightway stood out because as an independent brokerage, the company allows him to offer insurance policies from several different brands, including Appalachian Underwriters Inc., Foremost Insurance Group, Progressive Corp. and Safeco Insurance.

Howard’s official opening day is today, but he said he’s been working with clients for the past few weeks as word has spread about his location. The office is at 672 Marina Drive, near the intersection of Interstate 526 and Clements Ferry Road.

The other Brightway locations in South Carolina are The Dissel Agency, at 50 Burnt Church Road in Bluffton, and The McKenzie Agency, at 426 W. Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.

Brightway President Talman Howard said he’s thrilled to work with Jeff Howard. The pair are not related.

“Our brand is still new to South Carolina, so having someone of Jeff Howard’s caliber to expand our brand there is imperative,” Talman Howard said.