Gaines Insurance - About Us

About Us

History

Gaines Insurance Agency was founded by Allen W. Gaines in 1961. Allen's business soon outgrew the small office space in his home. At the same time, Allen's father-in-law Ward Merrill, owner of a general store at the corner of Route 7 and Monkton Road, retired. So Allen bought Ward's store and converted it into our present day office. With a focus on farm insurance, both Allen's reputation for service and his agency continued to grow. He was joined by his sons in the late 1970s and early 80s as the business expanded in auto and home insurance.

Today

Today we are proud to serve Addison and southern Chittenden Counties. We offer a full range of auto, home, farm, and small business insurance. Allen has passed on but every day we do our best to maintain his tradition of excellent service. We still represent Co-operative Insurance Companies, which remains a cornerstone of our business. Based in Middlebury since 1915, their history has paralleled our own - with roots in the farm business and a long-standing reputation for fast, fair claim service with a local touch. In order to provide the right product and price for our customers, we also represent Concord, Progressive, Kemper, Hartford and others.

We are committed to continuing education to keep us well-versed on current coverage and changes in the world of insurance. We have one agent with a CISR designation (Certified Insurance Service Representative), one with a CRIS designation (Construction Risk Insurance Specialist), and one with CIC and AAI designations (Certified Insurance Counselor and Accredited Adviser in Insurance). Combined with our experience, this lets us analyze your needs and provide you with options.

Get the credit you deserve

Our companies offer a multitude of money-saving discounts. Auto credits are available for good driving records, good credit rating, good students, non-smokers, vehicles with airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and others. Homeowner credits range from good loss experience, good credit rating, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and non-smokers, to newer construction and others. There are also significant savings for insuring your auto and home with the same company - a discount that applies for renters as well. A few of our companies also express their gratitude with renewal discounts. Some of these credits are small but collectively they add up. The total credits available with Co-operative Insurance Companies for instance can actually reduce the cost of an auto policy by more than 50%!

Payment plans

Our companies offer an array of flexible payment options including monthly payments, automatic withdrawals from checking accounts, VISA or Mastercard, or payment by phone. Most allow combining multiple policies into a single payment plan. Some even offer a discount if you choose to pay all at once.

Service

Most importantly we offer local understanding and representation, experience, and solid insurance companies. If you are looking for a small town agent who cares about your business and will take the time to review your needs, then give us a call. We also still make house calls.