Amica Press Releases

11.23.09

Four local families are presented with free vehicles through the Recycled Ride program

HARTFORD, Conn – Amica Mutual Insurance Co. is proud to have worked with the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists to provide four rehabilitated vehicles to deserving working families earlier today through the Recycled Ride program.

The vehicles were presented to four families from the Hartford and New Haven areas during a ceremony at the State House. They were among more than 70 families who were to be presented with rehabilitated vehicles during similar presentations nationwide.

"We're happy to help with such a worthwhile project," said Scott Wendel, a manager in Amica's claims division who initiated the company's involvement in the program. "The families were thrilled to receive the cars and we hope we were able to make their holiday season a little brighter."

The Recycled Ride program was launched by the National Auto Body Council about three years ago as a way to repair and donate vehicles to needy families nationwide. Lisa Siembab, executive director of the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists, said her group "put forth the challenge" of rehabilitating a single vehicle as part of the national program. However its members were able to solicit enough donations to rehabilitate the four vehicles donated today.

Amica Mutual Insurance Co., Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Esurance and Progressive Insurance each donated a vehicle that had been in an accident or was in need of repair, Siembab said. About 15 other vendors donated the parts, paint and manpower needed to restore the vehicles to good working condition. Hands on Hartford and New Haven Home Recovery selected deserving families to receive the cars.

Siembab said her organization was happy to be able to help give these families something that many of us take for granted - a vehicle to get to work, drive their children to school and deal with everyday life. "Our goal is to help people in our local community," she said.

Sean Welch, a senior assistant vice president with Amica, said it's gratifying to know that we were able to recycle the vehicle for such a worthwhile purpose. "We hope this vehicle makes their lives a little easier," he said.

About Amica Insurance:

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, based in Lincoln, R.I., is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine, and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.