News Article

Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company Produces Another Year of Excellent Performance

Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, the only insurance company based in Southwestern New York, recently concluded our 132nd year of doing business. Despite a tumultuous economy and a “soft” insurance market, Chautauqua Patrons was able to post a modest increase to our Cash Surplus.

The company enters 2010 in a position of strength, both financially and operationally, and will utilize this strength to write attractive business opportunities while remaining disciplined in our underwriting philosophy.

Chautauqua Patrons writes several lines of insurance including: Homeowners, Seasonal Homeowners, Farmowners, Mobile Homeowners, Artisan Contractors, Landlords, Special Multi Peril and Dwelling and Commercial Fire coverages from its office located at 529 W. Third St. in Jamestown.

The company markets all of its products through a network of independent agencies that are located in more than 200 communities throughout New York State. It underwrites the coverages, issues the policies, and provides claim service out of our office in Jamestown located at 529 W. Third Street.

Chautauqua Patrons continues to expand and improve its products and services to agents and policyholders alike. In 2010, we hope to add to our existing agency force by placing new agents in communities throughout New York State.

Good service is the backbone of a successful company and we pride ourselves on striving to provide the best quality service and support in the industry. To enhance our service, Patrons has begun offering credit card payments to its policy holders as well as initiatives to enhance our computer and technology offerings by allowing agents to quote policies on line as well as view current policy information in a “Real Time” format.

A.M. Best, the top rating bureau in the United States for insurance companies, was affirmed an A-, or excellent, rating to Chautauqua Patrons. Demotech, a top financial stability rating organization, gives an A ″, or exceptional, rating to the company that now writes $ 8.0 million in premium and has assets of $16.1 million.

Chautauqua Patrons is headed by an executive committee which includes Dave Lipsey of Bemus Point, Chairman; Joe Edwards of Panama, President; Allen Chase of Cassadaga, Secretary / Treasurer; Sy Caruso of West Portland and Mark Prechtl of Bemus Point.

Other Directors include Brenda Ireland of Panama, Douglas Bowen of Ripley, William Reynolds III of Ashville, Ernest Rammelt of Westfield, and Sham Bahgat of Fredonia.

Mark Prechtl is Executive Vice President and CEO and oversees a staff consisting of Cheryl Kelly, underwriting manager; Dean Benson, accounting and information technology supervisor; Beth Lanphere, claims manager; and Brian Willink marketing manager. Rounding out the staff are Amy Anderson and Christine Myers-Anderson, personal lines underwriting trainees, and Megan Hall, personal lines underwriting assistant; Kimberly Hagelin, commercial lines underwriting trainee; Leslie Lobb, commercial lines underwriting assistant; Mackenzie Bennett and Alecia Lindahl, accounting assistants; Cathy LaBarte, claims assistant; Linda Ford, receptionist; and Debbie Funka, office assistant.

With the current staff in place as well as the initiatives set forth by the Board of Directors, Chautauqua Patrons has positioned itself to be successful in 2010 and beyond.

Since its inception in 1877, CPIC has successfully set a goal which matches the current mission statement: “To provide our agents and insureds with exceptional insurance service and products while being financially responsible.” This mission statement will guide CPIC for years to come.

Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company thanks its many agents and policyholders for their continued support.

To find a local agent, go to the website and click on “Agent Locator” where you will find a listing of our independent agents located in your community.