Business Details
Your Trusted Insurance Partner in Shortsville, NY
Founded in 1877, Ontario Insurance has built a legacy of providing reliable insurance solutions tailored to the needs of New York residents. As a Non-Assessable, Advanced Premium Cooperative Insurance Company rated A (Excellent) by AM Best with Financial Size Category V, we combine financial stability with personalized service. Our team of trained professionals prioritizes fair underwriting practices and prompt support for both agents and policyholders. Located in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, we maintain deep local expertise while serving clients through a network of independent agencies across the state.With over 145 years of experience, we specialize in personal and commercial insurance lines, including homeowners, farmowners, contractors packages, umbrella liability, and business owner policies. Our commitment to quality extends to continuous product innovation, ensuring our agents can offer comprehensive coverage options to meet evolving client needs. We foster long-term relationships through transparency, ethical practices, and a dedication to delivering value-driven insurance solutions at fair premiums.
Services
Personal Lines
Commercial Lines
Contractors Packages
Home-Based Business Programs
Umbrella Liability
Business Owner Policies
Boat Owner Policies
Highlights and features
- Established in 1877 with deep insurance expertise
- Maintains A (Excellent) rating from AM Best
- Specializes in New York-specific insurance needs
- Offers comprehensive personal and commercial coverage
- Provides dedicated support for independent agents
Associations and certifications
- AM Best Company
Services
Personal Lines
We offer comprehensive personal insurance solutions including homeowners, farmowners, and manufactured home policies. Our coverage protects New York residents against property damage, liability claims, and other risks while maintaining affordability. Policies can be customized to meet specific needs through independent agent partnerships.
Commercial Lines
Our commercial insurance packages protect New York businesses with options for property coverage, liability protection, and specialized programs. We serve diverse industries through tailored solutions including contractors packages and home-based business coverage that adapt to evolving operational requirements.
Contractors Packages
Designed for construction and trade professionals, these packages combine property and liability coverage in one comprehensive policy. We provide protection for tools, equipment, and job site risks while offering flexible terms that accommodate both small contractors and established firms.
Umbrella Liability
We offer umbrella liability policies that extend beyond standard insurance limits to protect individuals and businesses from major claims. This coverage provides financial security for New York policyholders facing substantial liability judgments that exceed primary policy amounts.
Business Owner Policies
Our business owner policies combine multiple essential coverages into one package for small to mid-sized businesses. These customizable policies typically include property insurance, liability protection, and business interruption coverage tailored to specific industry needs across New York State.
Questions
What types of insurance does Ontario Insurance Company offer?
We provide personal insurance (homeowners, farmowners, manufactured homes) and commercial insurance (contractors packages, business owner policies, umbrella liability) specifically tailored for New York residents and businesses.
How can I become an agent for Ontario Insurance?
Licensed New York agents can submit their contact information through our website to join our independent agency network and gain access to our full range of insurance products.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout New York State, with a focus on the Finger Lakes Region and surrounding communities, supporting both urban and rural insurance needs through local agents.
What is your AM Best rating?
We maintain an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best Company with Financial Size Category V, reflecting our strong financial stability and long-term reliability as an insurer.
What makes you different from other insurers?
As a cooperative with over 145 years of local expertise, we combine personalized service with competitive products, focusing specifically on New York's unique insurance requirements through independent agent partnerships.
Reviews (5)
Jeff O'Brien
Jun 05, 2020
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I've dealt with many insurance companies and Ontario Insurance is one of the best. From a cost benefit approach you can't beat them. Ontario has dealt very fairly in all the claims I've seen and in reponse to the other reviews, "if your policy doesn't have coverage for your claim it's your agent's fault (or yours for not purchasing the excellent range of optional coverages they offer)" That's one of the things I liked best about them, if you want a deluxe homeowners policy you can get one better than the big name carriers if you want to pay a tiny premium they'll insure you against only a few perils, but you have all the power to choose what coverages you want.
You have solar panels worth 50,000 that need extra coverage? they'll do that you need liability for your farm animals in case they get on the road? they'll do that too. They're a lovely bunch of people and I recommend them whenever I can:)
You have solar panels worth 50,000 that need extra coverage? they'll do that you need liability for your farm animals in case they get on the road? they'll do that too. They're a lovely bunch of people and I recommend them whenever I can:)
Lisa Criscitello
Nov 17, 2019
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We paid for homeowners ins. w/Ontario for almost 20 years, but in 2017 we had a house fire. The very next morning, a representative called my cell phone and asked, "What the hell happened?" in a very accusatory tone. We hired a public adjuster to help us handle this claim, which was a GREAT decision. Once the claim was settled, they dropped us. We were not impressed with how this company responded and they were well-practiced at dragging things out.
Kevin King
Dec 04, 2018
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Ridiculous requests and delay tactics. This company insures a storage facility for the last four years. The building was broken into and robbed. It's been two years since that happened and still no settlement. Ontario insurance Co continue to drag out claim delaying payment. Meanwhile continues to collect and cash my premium checks. Looks like legal action.
John Wiggin
Jan 04, 2018
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What ever you do stay as far away as possible from this insurance carrier as possible. One you will wait over a month to hear from them, Two then of course they will inform you that they don't cover the damage to your house from a broken sump pump but they will cover the pump itself.go figure! So if this was a car and my brakes failed and I hit a pole they will cover fixing my brakes but your car is ruined. DO NOT BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COMPANY!
Jeff Wolf
Aug 06, 2017
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Please stay away from this company. Their accounting department was extremely rude to me over the phone over a disagreement with my former agent. Once I said Hello, the department associate went on for over a minute telling me she refuses to waive a cancellation fee after speaking with my former agent. I had to interrupt and point out that she hasn't even heard my side of the story but she didn't care. I've never been spoken to like that by a "professional" company.
