Taking New England by Storm: Kaplansky Insurance Acquires John P. Riley Insurance as Third Acquisition of 2021

Needham, MA – Kaplansky Insurance continues to grow at a rapid rate as they acquire their 3rd independent agency of 2021: John P. Riley Insurance. The purchase of the Dorchester-based business marks Kaplansky’s 37th acquisition overall, reaffirming their status as one of the largest independently owned agencies in the Northeast.

John P. Riley opened his insurance agency in 1938 while also working heavily in the real estate business. “He was managing a lot of family-owned real estate and growing the insurance agency by himself,” says his son, James H. Riley. “He was a fine gentleman who taught me everything about insurance and life.”

James began working in his father’s office in 1975. The agency was always a two-person operation, based on John’s philosophy to “keep it simple, service your business, and watch it grow.” That is precisely what James did when he purchased the agency from his father on April 1, 1980, resulting in continued success and a high level of client retention.

On the same day, 41 years later, James sold his agency to Ely Kaplansky, thus joining forces with a New England insurance powerhouse. The combined agency now provides a broader selection of insurance companies, more competitive pricing, and an increased variety of choices to the loyal customers of John P. Riley Insurance.

“My team and I truly consider our clients family, and we take pride in the personal connections we establish,” says Ely Kaplansky. “We couldn’t be more excited to give our new clients a warm welcome.”

Under the terms of the acquisition, the Dorchester location will be closing its doors, and a team member from John P. Riley Insurance will be relocating to Kaplansky’s Randolph office. Ely

Kaplansky comments on the transition stating, “This acquisition allows us to widen our area of service, and onboard an experienced Personal Lines Account Manager, resulting in added value to our team.”

About Kaplansky Insurance

Founded in 1974, headquartered in Needham, MA, with 16 locations throughout Massachusetts, Kaplansky Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions including auto, home, business, and life insurance services that protect you from the unexpected. At Kaplansky, we don’t just sell insurance. We work closely with our clients to help them make meaningful and informed decisions every day regarding the protection and their future.