Dana Coates is the CEO and Director of Strategic Partnerships at UWIB Risk & Insurance Solutions, formerly United Western Insurance Brokers. With over 50 years of experience in risk mitigation, insurance advising, and business consulting, Dana has guided clients ranging from billionaires and their companies to family-owned businesses through some of the toughest challenges imaginable, from wildfires to climate change, from war to workplace violence, and from massive market shifts to everyday operational risks.
Dana’s family roots in insurance trace back to 1918 in Pasadena, California, and he has been a licensed broker since the mid-1970s. Since 1996, Dana has led UWIB as an independent agency headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional offices in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Los Angeles, California. He is widely known for his innovative, tech-forward approach, blending old-school underwriting wisdom with modern tools like AMS360, BRINQ, OCR, and AI-driven platforms to improve client service and efficiency.
His career has included diverse roles, including police officer, auto mechanic, rancher, horseman, marksman, race car owner, and yachtsman, all of which shaped his unique perspective on risk and resilience. Dana thrives in complex and messy situations where his creativity and problem-solving shine, whether untangling high-value personal lines, navigating distressed commercial placements, or guiding organizations through automation and succession planning.At his core, Dana is client-first. He places his clients’ needs above financial gain and sees his life’s purpose as helping people find solutions and avoid calamity wherever possible. He believes deeply in mentorship, collaboration, and building “white-glove” client experiences rooted in both wisdom and innovation.
- Published on: December 1, 2025Education
Understanding Umbrella Insurance Policies in Plain English
When it comes to securing your financial future, understanding different types of insurance policies is crucial. Among these, umbrella insurance is often misunderstood or overlooked...Read More - Published on: November 29, 2025Education
Understanding the Importance of Machine Guarding, Product Liability, and Recalls in Manufacturing
In today's manufacturing landscape, ensuring safety and product quality is paramount. As industries evolve, with advanced machinery and increased consumer awareness, companies must navigate the complex terrain of machine guarding, product liability, and recall management...Read More - Published on: November 27, 2025Education
A Comprehensive Guide to Inland Marine Insurance: Tools, Equipment, and Installation Floaters
In an industry marked by mobility and dynamic work environments, contractors face unique challenges in safeguarding their equipment and materials. Inland marine insurance plays a crucial role in providing protection against various risks associated with tools, equipment, and installation projects...Read More - Published on: November 25, 2025Education
Understanding Professional Liability Insurance (E&O) for Consultants and Creatives
In today's fast-paced business environment, professionals such as consultants and creatives often face an array of risks associated with providing services and advice. As these individuals strive to deliver quality results, the possibility of errors or omissions—however unintentional—can leave them vulnerable to claims that may threaten their financial stability and reputation...Read More - Published on: November 24, 2025Education
Navigating the Waters: Ocean and Inland Cargo Risk Management in Supply Chains
In an increasingly interconnected world, the movement of goods across oceans and inland routes is critical to the success of businesses and economies. However, this vast network of supply chains is fraught with risks, which can lead to disruptions, financial losses, and operational inefficiencies...Read More - Published on: November 7, 2025Education
How Underwriters Evaluate Your Business: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
In the world of insurance, underwriters serve as the gatekeepers of risk management. They play a crucial role in determining whether a business can secure coverage and at what price...Read More - Published on: November 7, 2025Education
3 Hidden Insurance Pitfalls Apartment Building Owners Should Watch For
When you own or manage apartment buildings, you’re not just maintaining property — you’re protecting a business, an investment, and the people who live there.Read More - Published on: November 5, 2025Education
Crime & Fidelity Bonds: Protecting Against Employee Theft
In today's business landscape, trust is a fundamental currency. Unfortunately, employee theft can shatter that trust, resulting in substantial financial losses and damage to a company's reputation...Read More