About Knutsen Insurance
In 1918, Knutsen Insurance was founded by Martin Knutsen in Astoria when he was appointed as the local
agent for the Oregon Fire Relief Association, which later became known as Oregon Mutual Insurance. The
small office was location on 12th Street in Astoria in the Liberty Theatre building. In 1938 Martin’s health
began to fail and his oldest son Ford Knutsen moved back to Astoria to assist his father in the business.
Martin passed in 1941 and Ford continued to run the agency. Fords’ younger brother, Gene, returned
home after 4 years in the South Pacific in WWII and joined the agency in 1946.
Fast forward to 1975 and Ford’s son-in-law Bob Canessa joined the agency. As an Astoria local and
accomplished athlete (Connie Mack Seaside Championship team member), it was a great addition to the
company. In 1982 after graduating from Willamette University, Gene’s youngest son Bob Knutsen joined the
firm. In March of 1987 Knutsen Insurance opened a Seaside branch office that had two staff members, Bob
Knutsen and long time Seasider Betty Rippet as the customer service representative.
Business continued to grow and a new larger office was built in 2004 in Gearhart at Pacific Way and Hwy
101. The office staff had now grown to 11 in the South County and over 25 between both offices. Scott
Seppa joined the agency in 1989 and Bob’s son Ross joined the agency in 2012 after graduating from
Willamette University and son Erik joined the firm in 2017 after his graduation from University of
Oregon.
Knutsen Insurance is a 4th Generation family agency and one of the oldest agencies in Oregon. Our focus
is Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Bonds, Health and Life insurance.
As a family run company we understand the commitment to family and community.
agent for the Oregon Fire Relief Association, which later became known as Oregon Mutual Insurance. The
small office was location on 12th Street in Astoria in the Liberty Theatre building. In 1938 Martin’s health
began to fail and his oldest son Ford Knutsen moved back to Astoria to assist his father in the business.
Martin passed in 1941 and Ford continued to run the agency. Fords’ younger brother, Gene, returned
home after 4 years in the South Pacific in WWII and joined the agency in 1946.
Fast forward to 1975 and Ford’s son-in-law Bob Canessa joined the agency. As an Astoria local and
accomplished athlete (Connie Mack Seaside Championship team member), it was a great addition to the
company. In 1982 after graduating from Willamette University, Gene’s youngest son Bob Knutsen joined the
firm. In March of 1987 Knutsen Insurance opened a Seaside branch office that had two staff members, Bob
Knutsen and long time Seasider Betty Rippet as the customer service representative.
Business continued to grow and a new larger office was built in 2004 in Gearhart at Pacific Way and Hwy
101. The office staff had now grown to 11 in the South County and over 25 between both offices. Scott
Seppa joined the agency in 1989 and Bob’s son Ross joined the agency in 2012 after graduating from
Willamette University and son Erik joined the firm in 2017 after his graduation from University of
Oregon.
Knutsen Insurance is a 4th Generation family agency and one of the oldest agencies in Oregon. Our focus
is Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Bonds, Health and Life insurance.
As a family run company we understand the commitment to family and community.
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Contact Us
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Astoria Office
PO Box 657 968 Commercial Astoria, OR 97103 Phone: (503) 325-1541 Fax: (503) 325-4109 [email protected] |
Gearhart Office
PO Box 560 3410 Hwy 101 N. Gearhart, OR 97138 Phone: (503) 738-8455 Fax: (503) 738-9731 [email protected] |