Amica, repair shop give cars to needy

HARTFORD, Conn. – Lincoln-based Amica Mutual Insurance Co., along with the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists, have provided four rehabilitated cars to needy working families through the Recycled Ride program.
The four families were among more than 70 that were to be presented with rebuilt vehicles during similar presentations nationwide yesterday.
“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. “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 had planned to rehabilitate one car as part of the national program. But its members were able to solicit enough donations to rehabilitate the four vehicles.
Amica, 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.
Sean Welch, a senior assistant vice president with Amica, said it was gratifying to be able to recycle the vehicle for such a worthwhile purpose. “We hope this vehicle makes their lives a little easier,” he said.
Amica Mutual Insurance Co., founded in Providence in 1907, is the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles. It and its wholly-owned subsidiaries – Amica Property & Casualty Insurance Co., Amica General Agency Inc., and Amica General Insurance Agency of California Inc. – are members of the Lincoln-based Amica family of companies, along with Amica Life Insurance Co. and regional property insurer Amica Lloyd’s of Texas. Additional information is available at www.Amica.com.