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Local Expertise, Better Rates

Regional Insurance Carriers Guide

Discover regional and mutual insurance companies serving New Jersey and surrounding states.

Regional Coverage

Insurance Carriers by Region

Regional carriers often provide better rates and personalized service for local markets

Plymouth Rock Assurance

Founded 1982

States: NJ, NY, PA, CT, NH
Specialty: Auto insurance with teacher discounts
AM Best: A- (Excellent)
Market Share: 2.1% in NJ
Best For: Educators and good drivers
HQ: Boston, MA1-800-274-5544

NJM Insurance Group

Founded 1913

States: NJ, PA
Specialty: Mutual company for NJ residents
AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Market Share: 8.4% in NJ
Best For: Long-term NJ residents
HQ: West Trenton, NJ1-800-232-6600

Selective Insurance

Founded 1926

States: 22 Eastern states
Specialty: Commercial and personal lines
AM Best: A (Excellent)
Market Share: 1.8% in NJ
Best For: Small businesses and homeowners
HQ: Branchville, NJ1-866-455-9969

Merchants Insurance Group

Founded 1918

States: NH, VT, NY, NJ, PA, OH, MI, IN
Specialty: Property and casualty for businesses
AM Best: A (Excellent)
Market Share: 0.7% in Northeast
Best For: Commercial property owners
HQ: Buffalo, NY1-800-462-0005

Quincy Mutual

Founded 1851

States: MA, NH, RI, VT, ME, CT, NJ
Specialty: Home and auto bundles
AM Best: A (Excellent)
Market Share: 1.2% in New England
Best For: Multi-policy households
HQ: Quincy, MA1-800-225-9030
Company Types

Mutual vs Stock Insurance Companies

Mutual Companies

Ownership

Owned by policyholders

Profits

Returned as dividends or lower premiums

Focus

Long-term policyholder value

Examples

  • State Farm Mutual
  • Liberty Mutual
  • NJM Insurance

Advantages

  • No stockholder pressure
  • Policyholder dividends
  • Conservative approach

Disadvantages

  • Limited capital raising options
  • Slower growth potential

Stock Companies

Ownership

Owned by shareholders

Profits

Distributed to shareholders

Focus

Maximizing shareholder returns

Examples

  • Progressive
  • Allstate
  • Travelers

Advantages

  • Access to capital markets
  • Faster expansion
  • More aggressive pricing

Disadvantages

  • Quarterly earnings pressure
  • Potential conflicts of interest
Alternative Models

Cooperative & Member-Owned Insurance

Cooperative Insurance Companies

Member-owned cooperative

Insurance companies owned and operated by their members

Examples

  • Co-op Insurance
  • Rural Electric Cooperatives
  • Credit Union Insurance

Benefits

  • Member control
  • Profit sharing
  • Community focus

Requirements: Must be a member of the cooperative

Reciprocal Exchanges

Inter-insurance exchange

Members exchange insurance contracts with each other

Examples

  • USAA
  • Farmers Insurance Exchange
  • Erie Insurance Exchange

Benefits

  • Direct member participation
  • Lower overhead
  • Specialized coverage

Requirements: Membership criteria varies by exchange

Risk Retention Groups

Member-owned liability insurer

Groups formed to retain and spread liability risks

Examples

  • Healthcare RRGs
  • Transportation RRGs
  • Professional liability RRGs

Benefits

  • Industry-specific coverage
  • Member control
  • Stable pricing

Requirements: Must be in same industry or profession

FAQs

Regional Carrier Questions

Are regional insurance companies as reliable as national carriers?

Yes, many regional carriers have excellent financial ratings from AM Best and offer comparable or better coverage than national carriers. Regional companies like NJM Insurance (A+ rating) and Plymouth Rock (A- rating) often provide better customer service and local expertise than larger national carriers.

Why are some insurance companies only available in certain states?

Insurance is regulated at the state level, and each state has different requirements for licensing, rates, and coverage. Regional carriers focus on specific states where they have expertise in local risks, regulations, and market conditions. This specialization often results in better pricing and coverage options for those areas.

What's the advantage of choosing a mutual insurance company?

Mutual insurance companies are owned by policyholders rather than stockholders. This means profits are returned to policyholders through dividends or lower premiums rather than paid to shareholders. Mutual companies often take a more conservative, long-term approach to underwriting and claims, prioritizing policyholder satisfaction over quarterly earnings.

Can I switch from a national carrier to a regional one?

Yes, you can switch to a regional carrier at any time, though it's usually best to switch at your policy renewal to avoid cancellation fees. Regional carriers often offer competitive rates for local risks they understand well. We can help you compare regional options and handle the transition smoothly.

How do cooperative insurance companies work?

Cooperative insurance companies are owned and controlled by their members. Members pool their resources to provide insurance coverage for the group. Profits are returned to members through dividends or reduced premiums. Examples include farm cooperatives, credit union insurance services, and professional group insurance programs.

Find the Right Carrier for Your Needs

We work with regional and national carriers to find you the best coverage and rates.