The History of HIQS Insurance Group

The HIQS Group started as Health Insurance Quote Service in January of 1996. Our company started as a small individual and small group health insurance operation working out of a primary residence in Danbury. At first, it was just Joseph Knudsen and his wife with one or two other agents.
Slowly and steadily, the client base grew until the home office became too small and we moved to our current office location in Bethel, Connecticut in September 2001.

​Our dedicated agents and assistants work together to find solutions for our clients and learn about the ever-changing market.
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We work with health, life and financial protection

Our agents cover specific needs outside of our usual scope of business including long term care insurance, income replacement (disability) insurance, annuities and retirement guidance.  The agent bios below will go over specific specializations & expertise.

R. Joseph Knudsen, President & Founder,
​CT Agent/Producer

We often don't think about insurance until it's too late.  My job is to get you and your loved ones protected beforehand.

I have been a licensed agent since 1973. Through the mid-70's I worked full-time as an insurance agent for life and health.   Following that time, I worked as a  computer programmer,  working my way up to senior software engineer.  At the same time I kept up my insurance practice on a very limited basis.
In 1996, I decided to go back to the insurance business and this time start my own agency.
​My practice includes reviewing and placing insurance plans for Life,  Long Term Care and Annuities. I also work with people on their supplemental Medicare insurance.  I have chosen not to offer property and casualty insurance.

I have been a featured educator on the topic of Social Security and Medicare for AAA Northeast and have an NSSA certification (National Social Security Association). These workshops help retirees learn strategies to get the most out of Social Security retirement benefits and understand their Medicare health insurance options. 

In order to continue to serve my clients well I need to be aware of the constant changes in the field and get certified regularly to offer new product and services.  I have lived in Danbury for over twenty years with my wife and children.  I adopted 3 of my 4 children, including siblings from an orphanage in Brazil.  I am active in my local church currently serving as treasurer of the Parish council.  I am a member in good standing of both the Bethel Chamber of Commerce and  Professional Connections Networking Group. 

You can reach me via email at [email protected]

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Our Insurance Agents, Specialists and Producers

​​Suzanne Candee, CT Agent/Producer

I am a Licensed Broker/Producer with HIQS Group, and have been with the agency since 2001. My professional and sales experience also includes over 12 years as a Certified Personnel Consultant, and longtime membership in Actor’s Equity Association.
My practice includes a broad spectrum of commercial and personal clients, though I specialize in Health (Individual and Group), Life, and Medicare insurance. Also I assist clients with Long Term Care, Disability, and Annuity insurances.
I am a proud graduate of Russell Sage College, and live with my husband Ernie Tartaglia and our daughters Nicolette and Johanna in Newtown, CT. I volunteer for Newtown Girl Scouts, particularly as “Cookie Mom”. As an active member of the Family of Women, (an international women’s mentorship organization), I lead workshops and programs, specializing in Leadership Training.  

​You can contact me at [email protected].

Charles Anderson, CT Agent/Producer

I have been a licensed agent since 2003. I grew up in Ridgefield and have lived in Danbury for 30 years. I specialize in Health, Medicare, and Mortgage Protection Life, where I currently represent all companies for these insurances. I am also trained in Financial/Retirement services, Buy-Sell, Disability, and Long Term Care.
Being apart of HIQS Group has truly been a blessing.  Joseph is a good man and I'm happy to work with him.  He's got a great heart.  He truly cares about each and every client of his. You can find Joseph working to the late hours of the night in order to find the very best life insurance coverage for his clients. 
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If you need Health, Mortgage Protection, Medicare, or Health Insurance email me at [email protected].  I'm also well versed in Financial Advising, Disability and Long Term Care.