Arbella Moves Into New Hampshire, Connecticut

The Arbella Insurance Group (www.arbella.com) has received regulatory approval to offer commercial insurance policies to businesses in New Hampshire and Connecticut, doubling the number of New England states where the local Massachusetts-based insurer sells commercial insurance.

Arbella, the third-largest seller of personal auto insurance and the fourth largest carrier in the commercial automobile market in Massachusetts, will begin selling commercial auto, property, liability, workers' compensation and other commercial lines on July 1 through its existing independent agents in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Arbella intends to eventually build a force of locally based independent agents in those states.

"We're making this move in response to demand from small and mid-sized businesses in those states who appreciate the personal relationship that independent agents can offer their customers," said Douglas Jones, president and CEO of Arbella's commercial insurance companies. "We've built our reputation on being the local company businesses can turn to for competitive and complete insurance coverage and we want to build on that standing as we move into Connecticut and New Hampshire."

Arbella currently sells personal insurance in Connecticut. "We know these states and we know Main Street businesses value the personal, individual service that we offer," continued Jones. "Despite technological advances and modern sales practices used by multinational insurance corporations, the working relationship with local agents is still the best way to go."

Nearly 20 percent of Arbella's overall business comes from commercial insurance products and it is a market that is strong, profitable, and most important, growing. "We're pleased with the strength of our commercial lines and it's clear that there's great opportunity for us to expand those products and reach out to the thriving small and medium-sized businesses in New Hampshire and Connecticut," said John Donohue, chairman, president and CEO of Arbella. "We're looking forward to not only competing in those states, but also to becoming a corporate member of the communities where our agents work and live."