Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Insurance Partner in Benicia, CA
At Alonzo & Small Insurance, we prioritize safeguarding your most valuable assets through precise, tailored coverage. Since 1981, our agency has combined certified replacement cost estimation with local building code expertise to ensure accurate home insurance. As independent agents, we represent only A+ rated companies, guaranteeing superior service and claim efficiency. Our team, led by Owner/Agent Ric Small, brings decades of industry experience and community involvement, including partnerships with local schools and youth programs. We are committed to ethical practices, reviewing clients' evolving needs and matching them with carefully selected insurers.Our mission centers on honoring Christ through professional integrity, prioritizing client relationships over mere transactions. Unlike agencies focused solely on rates, we emphasize reliable claim resolution and comprehensive protection. Our staff, including Property/Casualty agents Garrett Small and Deanna Bartholomew, undergoes rigorous training to deliver prompt, accurate service. With offices in Benicia, CA, we serve both individuals and businesses, offering policies ranging from auto and home to commercial coverage. Our community presence extends through mentorship programs and local events, reinforcing our dedication to both clients and neighbors.
Services
Home Insurance
Auto Insurance
Business Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
RV Insurance
Commercial Auto
Workers Comp
Street Front Policies
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We are independent agents representing multiple A+ rated insurers
- We use certified Replacement Cost Estimators for accurate home coverage
- Our team includes Property/Casualty agents with decades of combined experience
- We prioritize claim service efficiency over lowest rates alone
- We offer free insurance education sessions for new drivers
Associations and certifications
- A+ rated companies
Services
Home Insurance
We provide comprehensive home insurance with precise replacement cost calculations. Our certified estimators evaluate structural specifics while cross-referencing local building codes. Policies protect against catastrophic events and ensure adequate rebuilding funds when needed.
Business Insurance
Our business insurance solutions cover commercial auto, manufacturing, and storefront operations. We partner with A+ rated carriers to protect livelihoods through tailored policies that adapt to evolving business needs and risk exposures.
Auto Insurance
We offer auto insurance policies with claim support and policy adjustments. Our services include educational consultations for new drivers covering insurance mechanics, premium factors, and safe driving practices to maintain coverage affordability.
RV Insurance
Our agency insures trailers and recreational vehicles with specialized coverage options. As brokers, we compare multiple markets to find policies that protect various types of RVs and their unique insurance requirements.
Motorcycle Insurance
We provide motorcycle insurance through top-rated markets. Our policies address vehicle-specific risks while maintaining competitive rates. The agency helps clients compare coverage options tailored to different motorcycle types and usage patterns.
People
Ric Small
Owner/Agent
Owner/Agent Ric Small has served the insurance industry since 1981. He moved the agency to Benicia in 1985 after working at AAA for five years. Actively involved in local education and youth programs, he brings deep community knowledge to client relationships.
Garrett Small
Agent
Agent Garrett Small specializes in Property/Casualty insurance. As part of the multi-generational team, he provides personalized insurance solutions while maintaining the agency's commitment to ethical service and accurate coverage assessments.
Deanna Bartholomew
Agent-CSR
Deanna Bartholomew combines Property/Casualty expertise with customer service excellence. Her role involves both policy management and client education, ensuring clear understanding of coverage options and insurance terminology.
Tamara Small
Agent-CSR
Tamara Small provides insurance solutions and client support as both an agent and CSR. Her work focuses on simplifying complex insurance products while maintaining adherence to the agency's service standards and ethical commitments.
Gerald Schram
CSR
Customer Service Representative Gerald Schram handles policy administration and client communications. With extensive experience in insurance operations, he ensures efficient processing of payments, claims, and policy modifications.
Questions
What makes Alonzo & Small Insurance different from other agencies?
As independent agents, we represent multiple A+ rated companies rather than a single carrier. This allows us to objectively match clients with insurers that best meet their specific coverage needs and risk profiles.
How do you determine the correct insurance coverage for my home?
We use certified Replacement Cost Estimators and verify calculations against local contractor pricing. This ensures accurate rebuilding coverage that reflects current building codes and material costs in Benicia.
What should I do after an auto accident?
Contact our claims department at the provided toll-free numbers. We'll guide you through the process, coordinate repairs, and work with the insurance company to ensure timely resolution of your claim.
Do you offer commercial insurance for small businesses?
Yes, we provide commercial auto coverage, general liability, and storefront policies. Our markets include specialized protections for manufacturing operations, workers compensation, and street-front businesses.
How does your new driver education work?
We offer free in-person consultations explaining insurance mechanics, accident/ticket impacts on premiums, and safe driving practices. The session helps new drivers understand policy components and coverage limitations.
Can I review my policy after purchasing coverage?
Absolutely. We schedule annual policy reviews to ensure coverage remains adequate as your life circumstances change. Clients can request reviews anytime by contacting our Benicia office directly.
Reviews (5)
Betty Chypre
Dec 29, 2020
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Really nice people! I've been with them for years, but my first accident happened last year, (hit on the back right wheel by a car perpendicular to me) and Ric Small took all kinds of time with me, reassuring me, and handled my claim in a timely manner. I like him, his office staff, not just this one incident, but through the years with paperwork problems, etc. they bend over backwards to be helpful in every way. This is what an insurance agency SHOULD be like, but seldom is.
Holly R.
May 30, 2019
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I can't really rate them because they haven't called me back to alter my insurance and a new year just started: so since I want to use my phone instead of email I guess I get the shaft. Time to use my phone/online to find another carrier I guess.
Adrian A.
Oct 21, 2015
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BEST SERVICE EVER. I have been with this insurance agency since 2007. Every year or so I been adding new cars, filed claims, and just had many questions. First of all, they ALWAYS answer the phone. The lady at the front desk is always very helpful and always willing to answer general questions and provide you with anything you need. Again, she will always answer the phone. Garrett is the MAN! He is always very helpful and he treats you as a friend.
He is always looking out for you and making sure that your account, service, and everything else you need is well taken care of. He is always ready to answer questions and is QUICK to reply back to emails and phone calls within minutes. Couldn't ask for a better insurance agent. I can honestly say this is among the best customer service I have received anywhere, not just anything insurance related. Great Job GUYS! Keep up the great work! I will always recommend you to family and friends.
He is always looking out for you and making sure that your account, service, and everything else you need is well taken care of. He is always ready to answer questions and is QUICK to reply back to emails and phone calls within minutes. Couldn't ask for a better insurance agent. I can honestly say this is among the best customer service I have received anywhere, not just anything insurance related. Great Job GUYS! Keep up the great work! I will always recommend you to family and friends.
Tamara S.
Mar 09, 2015
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Best service I've ever had. Great people! I appreciate that my agent really worked to make my policy work for my needs. I've been with them for over 10 years. Good quality business practices that I appreciate!
Melanie M.
Nov 24, 2011
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I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everyone at Alonzo & Small! I have been with them for about 7+ years! I haven't had too many things happen to have to contact them too much about, but I always have a ton of questions! I feel as though I bother them (Ric especially) because I call & want to talk to him about any little thing, but he is always so nice! Not only does he always find out the answer to whatever question I have, but he never keeps me waiting!
I recently got into a minor accident & felt lost! One phone call to Ric & I feel like I am super taken care of! I had no idea what to do who to call.but Ric was on it & took care of me like I was one of his family members! And I am also always looking for the best of the best for the BEST price! Not that I am "cheap".we work hard like everyone else & have 4 children to take care of, so you can imagine! I know no one can take care of me & my family the way Ric makes sure we are taken care of!
I recently got into a minor accident & felt lost! One phone call to Ric & I feel like I am super taken care of! I had no idea what to do who to call.but Ric was on it & took care of me like I was one of his family members! And I am also always looking for the best of the best for the BEST price! Not that I am "cheap".we work hard like everyone else & have 4 children to take care of, so you can imagine! I know no one can take care of me & my family the way Ric makes sure we are taken care of!
