
Protect your lifestyle
and meet financial obligations to loved ones
with Disability Income Insurance
Protect earnings from the specific occupation that you are trained for, even if it is possible to do something else.
What Type of Disability Insurance Are You Looking For?
About Disability Underwriters
Disability Insurance Broker
Disability Underwriters is the d.b.a. name for Rip Curtis, a disability insurance broker in Seattle Washington licensed in all 50 states. With more than 15 insurance companies of both group and individual types, buyers get the benefit of Rip's reach and commitment to:
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establish what is needed and what features to prioritize
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identify which insurance companies offer the kind of disability insurance that can meet those needs, and
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select and apply for a policy so that the process is as easy as possible.
A disability insurance broker is a type of insurance agent that focuses on disability insurance and has the ability to place coverage among several different insurance companies. There is no additional cost for using a broker compared to a captive agent.
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Disability insurance broker (group and individual)
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Licensed in all fifty (50) states
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Twenty-six (26) years experience in the disability insurance industry
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Education: University of Washington,1992 (finance)
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Raised in Alaska, has lived in the Seattle area since 1988
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Married 23 years, two kids.

Rip has the reach and commitment required to make a good decision. Here's how:
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The marketplace of options can be accounted for through a single source, saving you time.
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Decisions are easier because Rip knows what to look for, documents the process, and provides direction.
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Privacy! Your personal information will not be shared with anyone...not even prospective insurers.
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The process will be easier, and qualifying on favorable terms will be easier, because Rip is familiar with underwriting guidelines and has the contacts at various insurance companies to position your application for a smooth approval.
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Applying is seamless because Rip will also be your agent, who coordinates the underwriting requirements, submits the application to the carrier, communicates the underwriting decision, and sees the policy through to issue.
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Having someone to talk to makes everything easier. You can communicate the way you want to and get personalized attention, with no call centers and no marketing department.
My practice is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals acquire the best disability insurance possible. I promise to guide you through the decision-making process as though I were making it for myself.
"I really like the independence that Rip brings. He was open to figuring out what made the most sense based on my goals and family situation. He presented a ton of options and left the door open to see what else I might need."
Jason U.
Engineering General Manager
An Individual Client
Redmond, WA
Rip builds strong relationships with a genuine interest in supporting both our employees and our firm. Rip is thorough and thoughtful. He answers tough questions, documents decisions, and keeps us on track. With many things competing for my attention I couldn't ask for a better partner.
Karen Wren
Director of Benefits
A national management consulting firm
“Rip saved us more than half by knowing where to look and adding a group discount. Good follow-up over the years.”
Jim Herd
Principal
Executive Search Partners
Seattle, WA
From a client on claim
“Rip has been incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and attentive during what otherwise is a very scary and sad experience. He is smart not only about his products, but the broader disability insurance landscape. This was invaluable since I was pretty unfamiliar with all the aspects I needed to know. I’d absolutely recommend working with Rip. You’re better off with him at your side!”
Erika G.
Marketing & Communications Strategist
Seattle, WA
“Our firm has done business with Rip for more than ten (10) years. He has always been responsive to any service issues and the Partners get a lot of value out of the individual attention he provides - walking them through what they have, reminding them what they have, and so forth. He checks in routinely and takes an interest in claims to make sure we’re taken care of both as a firm and individually.”
Lindsay R. Schaller
Business Manager
A Seattle law firm specializing in construction and government contracts
Mr. Curtis has a depth of knowledge of the market. He was very straightforward and presented many options that helped us to include a program that was cost effective for our firm.
Deborah D.
Business Manager
A Seattle law firm
It is so important to have someone who will competently and professionally represent you and your firm to your clients. It is rare that I can refer someone unreservedly to fulfill this need. But there is a gentleman in the Seattle area who I believe is the most knowledgeable specialist I have ever met in the LTCi industry.
I have personally worked with Rip on several substantial cases and know him to be a true professional who impressed me such that I must enthusiastically recommend him to any advisor who desires the best for their clients.
Gene Pastula
President
San Diego, California
An insurance wholesale firm
We were very impressed with Rip’s presentation to our Directors and found him to know his product extremely well, therefore we knew he would be clear to our employees as well. Once on board with the plan, Rip’s great organizational skills and attention to details enabled us to bring the plan to our employees without a hitch and within a short timeline. School district folks are ultra-conservative and will back away from pressure to purchase products. Rip presented the facts to employees in a concise manner and without any pressure to purchase coverage. We experienced a higher participation than expected and I believe it was part due to Rip’s manner. I would highly recommend Rip to your company and will be happy to talk further about our continued great service relationship we have with Rip.
K.S.
Benefits Supervisor
Edmonds, Washington
Ready to get started?
Let's figure out what you need.
To get options, I will need to know a bit about your career track and general health. You can communicate that information in different ways. One is by phone call, which is best for privacy and telling your full story. Another option is to fill out an intake form however you can’t share health information that way. Or, just send a quick note.

