Arbella Insurance Group

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.

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.” 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.

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.”

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.

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

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.