Personal and Small Business Lines
Kevin Costa
President
If anyone was born to work in the insurance industry, it was Kevin. His parents started The Gilbert J. Costa Agency from their home and so he was always around the business growing up. Ever since he was old enough to work, Kevin has been helping out at the office. So when it came time after graduating college to decide what career he would pursue, the natural choice was insurance. However, he did not immediately start at the family business; instead Kevin chose to spread his wings a bit by moving to Washington D.C. where he worked as an insurance agent for Reese, Yeatman & Associates Inc. There, as a commercial lines account executive, Kevin specialized in professional liability for surgeons and physicians in MD, VA, and D.C. After spending four years in D.C., he rejoined Costa Insurance.
Affectionately referred to as “the insurance guy” by his clients and neighbors in New Bedford MA and the surrounding communities, Kevin is adept at working with people through every stage of their life and adjusting their coverage as their needs change. Helping families, new drivers, and local businesses through the insurance process is very rewarding, but Kevin’s greatest satisfaction comes from being able to deliver the good news to a client that they have the proper insurance coverage to take care of their claim. For him, there’s nothing quite like being able to provide a sense of relief to someone.
Aside from running Costa Insurance, Kevin is passionate about his family. Like other parents, he acknowledges raising kids is a lot of work, but there are not many things he enjoys more than watching his children compete in sports, and walking the dog with his wife. Kevin grew up in New Bedford and now lives in Mattapoisett.
Richard Costa
Vice President, Treasurer, Billing & Marketing
Richard first started in the insurance industry as an auto appraiser for Kemper Insurance in 1976. Thus, one of the key skills he brings to the Costa Insurance Agency is in-depth experience in insurance claims. This background in claims helps Richard recognize potential problems before they escalate. He is extremely tactful and thorough, as well as empathetic, when working with people to mitigate any issues that arise in the insurance or claims process. If there is any hiccup in a claims process, Richard steps in to resolve it, keeping the process moving forward. Richard grew up in the north end neighborhood of New Bedford MA, which also happens to be the location of Costa Insurance, so even though he lives in Fairhaven MA it’s like he’s never really left the area. When not at work, Richard enjoys time with his family more than anything else.
Other Services
Patricia Costa
Co-founder
Patricia is extremely proud of the agency that she and her husband co-founded in 1964, which has grown from an at-home business to a company that has served generations of clients and is deeply rooted in the New Bedford MA area. What makes this success story even more outstanding is that Patricia was raising nine children while building the business! While managing the company and her family, Patricia found her niche was in claims. She dedicated herself to providing helpful advice, easing the claims process, and working on behalf of her clients to reach the most beneficial outcome. Fifty years after having started Gilbert J. Costa Insurance, Patricia still stays actively involved with the agency and is particularly passionate about keeping the identity of Costa Insurance strong and widely recognized. Outside of the family business, Patricia likes reading a good book and spending time with her bountiful family.
Personal Lines
Christine Aurelio
Senior Account Executive
Christine may have started out in banking, but the insurance industry is where she was really meant to be. After answering a “help wanted” ad in 2005, she was hired by Costa Insurance and quickly established herself in the office. Now a licensed Personal and Commercial Lines Agent, Christine is the go-to person for the most up-to-date information on current carriers and their insurance offerings. She is also who team members consult if they are not sure of the details of an insurance rule, rate or discount program. Basically, she is an encyclopedia of insurance solutions! Christine is also a native of New Bedford and now lives in the area with her husband and kids. If you’re ever looking for her outside of work, check the baseball or soccer fields where she enjoys watching her kids’ games.
Aimee Doran
Senior Account Executive
Like her fellow team members, Aimee grew up in the local area and attended UMass Dartmouth where she studied marketing. What led her to the Costa Insurance Agency almost 10 years ago? The idea that she could stay local and work for a family-owned insurance company with a highly respected reputation was a huge draw for her. Aimee has a rare talent for being the calming presence that clients need when they have an issue, whether it’s a claim, a billing issue, or a personal loss. Her gentle and thoughtful demeanor, along with her personal insurance knowledge, makes her an indispensable member of the Costa Insurance team. Being the daughter of a carpenter instilled Aimee with a special love for homes of all shapes and sizes. She has also worked for a local builder, “Long Built Homes,” and finds that job experience to be immensely beneficial when working with clients to secure the proper home insurance. When she’s not at the office, Aimee loves being at the beach, participating in any and all outdoor activities, and exploring nautical design.
Charlene Fahy
Client Account Advocate
Charlene comes from a banking background with over 18 years’ experience before making the switch to insurance. While she may be new to insurance customer service is her strength. Not having an insurance background helps her relate to our clients when they need some additional assistance understanding the more complex terms and coverage. She enjoys time off watching sports with friends and family and pets.
Joedy Blanchard
Account Executive
Over the past 30 years Joedy has worked for several local insurance agencies in Personal Lines of Insurance. She takes pride in finding the right fit for people and bundling Auto, Home, and Umbrella Insurance. She excels in customer service and finds the right coverage and price to suit each individual or family needs. When she is not working, she is happiest spending time with family and friends.