40 years of proven experience and reliability

Industry pioneer Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. turned 40 this month and it is already looking forward to another 40 years of serving the coverage and insurance needs of the Commonwealth.

Pacifica Insurance executive vice president and general manager Shirley Tudela-Sablan said the company’s plan for the next 40 years is to continue its mission to provide quality service, speedy claims, and policies backed by solid carriers.

“In our company, our customers’ voice is core and that goal will never change. Their voice is what drives our mission and our need to continually improve so as to satisfy their needs. We will also continue to partner with local charitable organizations to ensure that we share our success with the community by way of giving back. We only ask that you help us help you. Thank you for allowing us another 40 years.”

Pacifica Insurance president Norman Tenorio thanked the Commonwealth community for its continued trust in the industry pioneer.

“We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the people of the Commonwealth in the last 40 years. This would not have been possible without the support of our customers. I would like to extend my appreciation to everyone who, at one way or another, contributed to our success. We stand committed for another 40 years and more. I ask the CNMI to please continue to rest assured with Pacifica Insurance.”

Sablan said that one secret of Pacifica Insurance’s success is partnering with various insurance carriers that are recognized for their distinct financial standing.

Some of the notable partners of Pacifica Insurance include Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance Limited, Pacific Guardian Life, Select Care, Century Insurance Co., and Take Care. Most recently, the company was appointed general agent by Aetna International/Aetna Life Insurance Co.

“These carriers allow us to provide the necessary coverage and policies to safeguard one’s investment. A policy is also more meaningful when there’s proven financial capability. From a property- and casualty-only insurance agency since opening our doors in 1973, Pacifica Insurance has grown to also provide bonding and coverage for term and whole life, health vision, and dental,” said Sablan.

Aside from being backed by financially sound and highly rated carriers, Pacific Insurance is also on top of its industry because of five other factors that Sablan enumerated.

“First, we offer additional benefits to our policies, which include roadside assistance and loyalty program benefits. These two are promoted as Pacifica Road Aid and Pacifica Loyalty. Second, we have consistent annual loyalty event promotions, such as our previous campaigns of shopping spree and free car service giveaways. Third, we have friendly and personal service. Fourth, we are proud of our speedy claim services. And last but not the least, we have 40 years of proven experience and reliability.”

Pacific Insurance was founded in 1973 with the assistance of the late Joe Screen and Tatsuru Ariizumi, the late Jose Camacho Tenorio, better known as Joeten, along with his wife, Soledad Takai Tenorio.

The new insurance agency did not look too far for a preferred partner in this venture, as partners and friends, who were also shareholders of Nanbo Insurance Guam, were already writing risks in Guam through a reputable insurer, The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Company Limited, a few years before considering the establishment of a general insurance agency on Saipan in 1973, or what is now known as Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc.

The founders and shareholders of Pacifica Insurance were composed of Jose Tenorio (Joeten), his wife and six children (Annie, Clarence, Norman, Frances, Patricia and Priscilla); Joe Screen, Tatsuru Ariizumi; the Kuribayashi family through their private corporation in Japan, Nanyo Boeki Kaisha; Edward Terlaje, Jesus Sablan, and Roman Palacios.

Last Dec. 13, Pacifica Insurance celebrated its ruby anniversary with a 40th anniversary party at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

The guests of the event included family members of founders, business associates, Commonwealth leaders, staff members, and their families.

Sablan said the 40th anniversary celebration was not an end all for the celebrations, as Pacifica Insurance will be launching a marketing campaign in January 2014.

“We will not disclose our campaign plans until I finalize a few things, but it will be a marketing campaign that will run throughout year 2014 and will be one that our customers would be happy about. But, basically, to be a part of our 40th year celebration promotion, you would need to hold a policy of any sort at Pacifica Insurance.”