About Us

Why an Independent Agent?

Not all insurance agents are the same! Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value.
With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agency like Walter Cook Insurance Agency you get choices. Why? Because independent insurance agencies, like Walter Cook Insurance Agency, represent a number of different insurance companies, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. As independent agents, we are members of the Merrillville community, and we're committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.

10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US

Here are a few reasons why Walter Cook Insurance Agency should be your first and last top when looking for insurance.
  • We are here, serving the needs of Merrillville and the state of Indiana.
  • We work for you when you have a claim.
  • We are not beholden to any one company. This means you don't have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
  • We are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
  • We are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
  • We offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans (Annuities, IRA'S and, Roth IRA'S).
  • We can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
  • We are committed to customer satisfaction – it's the key to our livelihood.
  • We treat you like a person, not a number.
  • We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties.
Client signing contract of insurance agency — Homeowner's Insurance in Merrillville, IN

OUR TEAM

Walter Cook
I grew up with two sisters who gave me two incredible nephews and a beautiful niece. The biggest pride in my life is my amazing son, Wally, who I spend most of my free time with. We enjoy camping on the weekends in the summer with friends, fishing, swimming and just enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. I'm an avid runner and find myself running charity events as much as my schedule allows like the 5K for Hoosier Burn Camp, put on every fall.
I gain great enjoyment from serving people both inside business and in my personal life. I've been fighting fires since 1989 and currently hold the rank of captain for the Merrillville Fire Department. Other organizations I serve as a member include the IVFA (Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association), Legion Post 430 SAL, the Merrillville FOPA Lodge 168, Lake Lodge 157, Masonic Temple, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Orak Shrine Temple, former member of the Merrillville Jaycees, current member of Crossroads Chamber of Commerce and as a Board Member of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Pierceton, IN.
1989 was the beginning of my career as an insurance agent but the insurance world is something I've been around my whole life. I started by taking out the garbage and painting for the previous owners, my parents; Original owners were my grandparents. Being a family business our clients never seemed like clients to me. I was raised around most of these people coming in and out of our office for years and still consider everyone who walks in my door as family. To keep the business alive, I received my Life & Health and P&C license in 1990. I purchased the agency from my parents as a third-generation owner in 2001. In addition to insurance, I have been providing tax services for over 26 years in the same office to further benefit our clients. Recently, I have purchased two other agencies as we continue to grow. One is located in Valparaiso, purchased in 2012, and the other in Chesterton, purchased in 2014. My goal is to know my client's needs and wants and to provide them with an insurance that fits their need. To keep in mind my upbringing and the loyalty I have gained from so many people in this community, it comes with great ease to treat everyone like family.
There is a difference. To find out how our independent insurance agency can help you find the right insurance coverage, please contact Walter Cook Insurance Agency. Give us a call today at 219-769-2387.
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