Welcome to Celina Insurance Group

Our dream is to build an enduring insurance organization that provides more certainty in an uncertain world, while creating a remarkable customer experience and being more friendly, helpful and responsive than anyone thought possible.

Who We Are

Founded in 1914, Celina Insurance Group offers auto, home, business and farm coverage exclusively to independent agents in five states: Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky. Our four mutual insurance companies are owned by our policyholders.

Our Core Values

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Do What Is Right

Our approach to every decision is based on doing what is right and ethical, regardless of the outcome.

Stronger Together
Stronger Together

We work to serve each other, succeeding as a team, not just as individuals.

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Get The Job Done

We work hard and strive to be innovative, knowing it’s important to work smart.

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Empowered By Change

We view change as an opportunity to evolve as a company and as individuals.

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Make A Difference

We strive for success as a company, building upon that success to be a positive force in the world.

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  • Photo of downtown Celina, Ohio, circle 1910.

    1914

    The State of Ohio chartered The National Mutual Automobile Association. The company could write only automobile fire insurance. Its first association members included 20 Celina, Ohio residents.

  • Automobile Fire News Article, early 1900's.

    1915

    The association had its first fire loss when an auto was destroyed in a paint shop. Business was handled out of a two-room office with one clerk.

  • Historic photo of three businessmen in suits, circa 1920's.

    1919

    The Celina Mutual Casualty Company was organized to manage the liability lines. The same men of vision led this enterprise.

  • EJ Brookhart, Celina Insurance Group, working at a desk

    1923

    E.J. Brookhart guided the companies through two world wars and the Great Depression. Despite these hardships, no layoffs occurred.

  • Historic stone building with curved archway at entrance.

    1925

    The companies grew from two rooms into a two-story building on Main Street, Celina.

  • 1960's photo of President CM Montgomery

    1950

    Upon Brookhart’s death in 1950, his brother-in-law, C.M. Montgomery, was elected general manager and secretary of both companies.

  • 1960's photo of President Don Montgomery seated at his desk.

    1953

    C.M.’s son, Don W. Montgomery, joined the companies as general counsel. He had formerly been an Assistant Attorney General for Ohio and Prosecuting Attorney for Mercer County.

  • Artist rendering from 1962 of Celina Insurance Group headquarters

    1962

    A new home office building was dedicated at 1 Insurance Square in Celina.

  • President Don Montgomery receives a landscaping award from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.

    1962

    The American Association of Nurserymen, Inc., awarded the company with its prestigious Commercial Landscaping Award. Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson personally presented the award to Don Montgomery.

  • A crane puts building materials in place during a company construction project.

    1974

    The Celina Insurance Group expanded the corporate headquarters building.

  • Bill Montgomery smiles next to sled dogs during his campaign for Indiana State Representative.

    1988

    Don’s son, William W. “Bill” Montgomery, joined the group. Bill is a graduate of DePauw University, received his law degree from Ohio Northern University School of Law and served two terms in the Indiana House of Representatives.

  • Bill Montgomery smiles in front of a light background in 1990.

    1990

    William W. Montgomery was elected president and chief operating officer of the companies.

  • Photo of Celina employees in front of the building during company's 90th anniversary.

    2004

    Celina Insurance Group celebrated its 90th anniversary. The company was also recognized with the Mercer County Community Business of the Year award.

  • Bill Montgomery, Chairman, President and CEO, smiles in front of a light background.

    2012

    William W. Montgomery was elected Chairman of the Board of the Celina Insurance Group companies.

  • Celina Insurance Group 100 year banner on Celina headquarters.

    2014

    Celina Insurance Group celebrated 100 years in business. A time capsule was commissioned to commemorate the milestone and is currently on display at the Home Office.

  • AM Best Bestmark Badge displaying A Rating

    2022

    AM Best, a nationally recognized independent insurance rating authority, upgraded Celina Insurance Group’s Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent). For the latest Best’s Credit Rating, access ambest.com.

Why Choose Celina?

Protect What You Value Most

Celina provides insurance protection for autos, homes, businesses and farms through more than 500 independent agencies in five states.

Trusted Advisor

Each underwriter serves as a trusted advisor to our agency force. They help our agents provide the right insurance policy for each customer.

Personal Approach

Our marketing representatives serve and support our agency partners with a personal, hands-on approach. Celina understands that each agency’s needs are different, and our reps are equipped with the right tools to add value at any time, across many different situations.

You Speak. We Listen.

Together we innovate. Our approach to innovation starts with customer feedback. We use it to evolve, meet our customers’ expectations and deliver a superior experience.

Get Back to Your Life

The unexpected can happen and disrupt your life. Our claims representatives will guide you through the claims process and set you on the path to rebuilding your life.

Change Happens

Your life evolves and your insurance needs may change. Rely on your independent agent to ensure you are protected.

Meet the Leadership Team

Bill Montgomery

Chairman, President and CEO

Ted Wissman

Sr. Vice President – COO

Suzanne Wells

Sr. Vice President – CFO and Treasurer

Rob Shoenfelt

Sr. Vice President – Chief Information and Innovation Officer

Scott Montgomery

Vice President of Distribution and Corporate Secretary

Trisha Harlamert

Vice President of Underwriting

Celina Insurance Group BBB Business Review
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