Arbella Insurance Group is a regional property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. It provides business and personal insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as business insurance in Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

History In 1988, Kemper Insurance Group announced its intentions to withdraw from the Massachusetts auto market. A key piece of legislation was needed to make the company solvent in the Massachusetts market, and within 30 days, the key piece of legislation needed to form Arbella was passed.Bailey, Douglas M. "State Approves New Kemper Firm Company Would Handle Auto Business." The Boston Globe [Boston] 9 Apr. 1988. Print.

In 2008, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance decided to “discontinue the practice of state-set rates for private passenger auto insurance and allow insurers to propose rates.”"Auto Competition Coming to Massachusetts" Standard Publishing Corporation. Standard Publishing, 16 July 2007. Web. 05 Jan. 2012. A monumental occurrence for Massachusetts insurers, this decision came after the ill-fated 1977 attempt to allow full competition in the private passenger auto market."Mass. Commissioner Opts for Auto Competition" Standard Publishing Corporation. Standard Publishing, 16 July 2007. Web.

John Donohue, co-founder of Arbella, spoke about how his company would fare in this new climate of competition. He reported that Arbella was “not only ready to adapt, but also to succeed and prosper in this new business environment.”"Auto Competition Coming to Massachusetts" Standard Publishing Corporation. Standard Publishing, 16 July 2007. Web. 05 Jan. 2012.

On June 1, 2025, Arbella appointed its Executive Vice President and Head of Claim, Paul Brady, as Chief Executive Officer, to succeed John Donohue. Donohue announced he would be stepping down in early 2025 and is continuing in his role as Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Foundation (“Foundation”).

Donohue has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since the company’s creation in 1988, and as CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group for the last 24 years. Donohue’s background in law, policy, claims, liability, and marketing positioned him as an industry-leading CEO and a charismatic leader known by agents and employees across New England.

Current Operations Since its inception, Arbella Insurance Group has used the independent agent model. This is opposed to several national insurance companies known as “direct writers,” who allow prospective customers to receive a quote instantly online, and then to purchase their insurance policies the same way. The firm serves as a carrier, partnering with independent insurance agencies throughout New England to write lines of commercial and personal insurance offers for its customers.Arbella Insurance Group 2010 Annual Report Rep. Web. .

Charitable Contributions The Arbella Insurance Foundation was founded in 2005 to support nonprofit organizations that have a significant impact on the people and communities served by the Arbella Insurance Group. It supports organizations working in culture and education, health and wellness, hunger and homelessness, inclusion and incorporation, youth and families, and social justice.

Recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Top Charitable Contributors” for 16 consecutive years, the mission of Arbella’s Foundation is to engage in activities and to support not-for-profit organizations that have a significant positive impact on the people and communities served by Arbella.

Sponsorships The Arbella Insurance Group prides itself in partnering with local organizations that share its commitment to New England communities, including The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Special Olympics Massachusetts, Impact Melanoma, the Boston Bruins, New England Free Jacks, New England Revolution, and many more.

Arbella Insurance Group Awards Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2025 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2024 Insurance Provider Gold Recipient, Banker & Tradesman's "Best of 2024" Best Places to Work - #1, Boston Business Journal, 2023 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2022 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2021 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2020 Boston Red Sox Jimmy Fund Award, The Jimmy Fund, 2019 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2019 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2018 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2017 Best Places to Work in Boston, Boston Business Journal, 2016 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2015 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2014 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2013 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2012 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2011 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2010 Best Places to Work, Boston Business Journal, 2009

Arbella Insurance Foundation Awards Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2024 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2023 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2022 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2021 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2020 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2019 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2018 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2017 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2016 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2015 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2014 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2013 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2012 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2011 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2010 Top Charitable Contributor, Boston Business Journal, 2009

Founders John Donohue"Donohue Takes CEO Reins at Arbella." The Boston Globe [Boston] 15 Mar. 1996, Economy sec. Print. Frank BellottiShanahan, Mark, and Meredith Goldstein. "Ex-Attorney General Bellotti Honored" Boston.com. NY Times Co., 19 Feb. 2011. Web. John J Mooney President and COO from 1988–1994

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