Business Details
Your Trusted Commercial Insurance Partner in Minnesota
UniDale Insurance was founded in the early 1960s near the corner of University and Dale St in St. Paul, Minnesota, giving rise to our name. Initially established as a General Agent offering life, health, and dental insurance, we transitioned in the early 1980s under Ken McIntoshs leadership to specialize in commercial insurance. Over three decades, Ken focused on hard-to-place risks and niche insurance products few agents could navigate.Since his passing in 2021, his daughter Kristin Waldoch has led the agency, modernizing operations while honoring our legacy. In 2023, we partnered with Scali Insurance Group to expand our reach, combining national resources with local expertise. Our mission remains clear: to simplify the insurance process, helping business owners protect their livelihoods with confidence and clarity.
Services
General Liability
Workers' Compensation
Commercial Auto
Contractors Insurance
Bond Services
Builders Risk
Home Health Care Insurance
Roofing Insurance
Highlights and features
- We specialize in hard-to-place commercial insurance policies.
- Our team has decades of experience in niche insurance markets.
- We partner with Scali Insurance Group for expanded resources.
- We simplify the insurance process for time-strapped business owners.
- Our leadership maintains a legacy of personalized service since 1960.
Services
General Liability
General Liability insurance safeguards businesses against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, or advertising errors. Our policies cover legal defense costs, settlements, and medical expenses, ensuring business continuity during disputes. Clients include contractors, retailers, and service providers seeking reliable risk management solutions.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' Compensation insurance provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. We offer standard policies for businesses with payroll and specialized 'zero payroll' options for independent contractors. Our expertise ensures compliance with state regulations while protecting both employers and workers from financial exposure.
Contractors Insurance
Contractors Insurance bundles multiple protections for construction and trade professionals. Our custom packages include liability coverage, equipment protection, and project-specific policies for roofers, home healthcare providers, and specialty trades. This service addresses unique risks faced by Minnesota contractors operating in dynamic environments.
Bond Services
Bond Services guarantee contractual obligations between parties, including license bonds, bid bonds, and performance bonds. We assist businesses in securing required bonds for government contracts, licensing compliance, and project assurances. Our solutions help clients build trust with clients and regulatory authorities through financial guarantees.
Commercial Auto
Commercial Auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes, including liability, collision, and cargo protection. We provide policies for single-vehicle operations and large fleets, with options for specialized equipment transport. Our coverage helps businesses maintain compliance with state vehicle regulations while minimizing operational disruptions.
People
Ken McIntosh
Former President
Ken McIntosh led UniDale Insurance from 1980 until his passing in 2021, transforming it from a general insurance agency to a commercial specialist. He pioneered solutions for hard-to-place risks, establishing the agency's reputation for handling complex insurance needs.
Kristin Waldoch
President
Kristin Waldoch assumed leadership in 2021, guiding UniDale into its modern era. With a focus on innovation and client relationships, she spearheaded the partnership with Scali Insurance Group while preserving the agency's founding principles of personalized service and industry expertise.
Questions
What types of insurance does UniDale specialize in?
We specialize in commercial insurance, including General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Contractors Insurance, Bonds, and Commercial Auto policies tailored for Minnesota businesses.
Do you offer insurance for hard-to-place risks?
Yes, we specialize in hard-to-place commercial insurance, leveraging decades of experience to create solutions for complex or niche risk scenarios.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Circle Pines, Minnesota, our partnership with Scali Insurance Group allows us to provide coverage across the United States.
Can independent contractors get Workers' Compensation?
Yes, we offer 'zero payroll' Workers' Compensation policies, also known as ghost policies, for independent contractors requiring proof of coverage.
What are business bonds and when are they needed?
Bonds guarantee contractual obligations and are often required for licensing or public projects. We provide license bonds, bid bonds, and performance bonds to meet regulatory and client requirements.
Reviews (3)
Travis Ohna
Nov 02, 2021
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I had switched to Unidale after having constant horrible experiences with my previous general contractor liability insurance agent. When I contacted Unidale I gave her my story and she reassured me that is not the way Unidale treats people and knows how to take care of general contractors. So I moved all of my business insurance needs to Unidale. Not only does Unidale actually know what they are doing, but just recently had an EXCEPTIONAL experience I had to share.
I needed new glass for my van and wrote an email explaining. She got back to me promptly with extra information about the process and who I could use, because I indicated I had never had to replace glass before. Then I couldn't find my insurance card, let her know and got right back to me. She didn't just send my whole policy, she took the time to send me just the card page and the page showing my glass coverage! I was blown away! My expectation is to not get service like this every time, but to know the people at Unidale would EVER do this, made me write my first Google review!
I needed new glass for my van and wrote an email explaining. She got back to me promptly with extra information about the process and who I could use, because I indicated I had never had to replace glass before. Then I couldn't find my insurance card, let her know and got right back to me. She didn't just send my whole policy, she took the time to send me just the card page and the page showing my glass coverage! I was blown away! My expectation is to not get service like this every time, but to know the people at Unidale would EVER do this, made me write my first Google review!
Ms. Blueberry
Apr 24, 2021
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They didn't put a fork in the bag, when my driver went back in to get a fork the cashier said "I'll see if we have anymore" as if she didn't have rice in her order. He found one. Soooo we order take out so we don't have to cook but we must go back home to get a fork to eat the takeout. smh
Sara Adams
Feb 02, 2020
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We have been with Unidale insurance for 18 years. Back in 2001 they insured us when no one else would with rates that were responsible and policies that were comprehensive. Since then there have been better offers from other insurance companies, but we'll never change. This business takes the time to know your name, understand your business and works hard to provide the best knowledge possible. Everytime we've hit a snag and needed prompt responses they have always been the fastest and most effective at getting us what we needed! So, from their personable service, fast response, and good policies we've compiled most of our insurance with them. I wanted to tell people our stance on this company so theres a more complete picture if you're in the market looking for a company to deal with. We highly recommend Unidale Insurance!