Whatcom County resident Shane Vander Giessen opened ProStar Insurance in Bellingham on Tuesday, July 24.

ProStar is an independent insurance brokerage working with many companies including Safeco, Travelers, MetLife, Progressive, The Hartford and Liberty Northwest. ProStar Insurance now has 10 offices in Western Washington and specializes in personal lines (including auto and home), life insurance and business insurance.

"By being an independent agency, we can choose from many different products and find the one that is best for our clients," Vander Giessen said.

Vander Giessen has three years of insurance experience after graduating from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

The Bellingham office of ProStar Insurance is located at 541 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 5. For more information or appointments, call 360-325-7050 or visit ProStarInsurance.com.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.