Westmar Insurance’s first location was on El Dorado Street, until 1986, when it moved to the Sutter Street office, and it now resides on Coronado Avenue. Joseph Cecchini and R.J. Lorenzi originally founded the company; Mary McMaster and Bonnie DeBella later joined them at El Dorado Street.
In their first year of business, Joe and R.J. put over 80,000 miles on
R.J.’s vehicle and over 40,000 miles on Joe’s as they pursued new accounts. They visited virtually all of the marine businesses in California and the surrounding states.
The company was founded on the premise that it develops insurance programs from the boat dealers’, marinas’, repair facilities’ and boaters’ perspectives-not from the insurance carriers’. The company protects the interest of the recreational marine community and educates the rest of the world on their needs and requirements.
Westmar offers an insurance package program that combines the unique coverages not available at one carrier prior to this time. All forms of recreational marine businesses-from rental to accessories and boat sales to marinas-have been included.
The company has 49 employees, with locations in Stockton, La Jolla and Merced, California. Westmar spearheaded the USL&H change in 1984 and provided the only program available in California, saving millions for the marine industry. It also started legislative advocacy for runabout boat owners.
The vision of the company’s management and the dedications of it employees set it apart from the competition. Joe and R.J. are both past presidents of the Northern California Marine Association and the California Delta Chambers, as well as having served on numerous associations. It is a grassroots understanding of businesses and boaters that sets Westmar apart.
Westmar’s programs are designed to specifically fit each customer, rather than fitting them with a generalized package. There are no unnecessary coverages or costs, so customers receive only what they need.
"We endorse Westmar
for marine insurance!"
"5-Stars for outstanding coverage,
knowledge and service in workers’ compensation!"
"If you are looking for a honest review of your
marine insurance policy, you will want Westmar on your team!"
