Monaghan Insurance: A Policy of Commitment to Customers and Community

Kevin Monaghan was the youngest of seven children. He admired his father’s professionalism and emphasis on family. Today, he’s walking in his father’s footsteps as the current owner of .

Monaghan’s father was a Navy gunner in World War II. But the residual effects of a childhood accident eventually led to surgery and a medical discharge. After his recovery, Travelers Insurance hired him as a salesman. His success there encouraged him to build his own insurance brokerage business—Monaghan Insurance—in 1942. Several sons eventually joined him in the business.

“Everyone in Hillside knew John Monaghan," Monaghan said. "He had a store right on Wolf Road. We had a yellow Volvo with ‘Monaghan Insurance’ on it. And (Dad) would drive that thing all over town.”

After graduating from high school, Kevin Monaghan joined the U.S. Air Force. When he completed his service, his dad and brothers were waiting for him.

“They gave me a phone book and a pair of shoes and said, ‘Go door to door,’” Monaghan said. “So that’s what I did.”

When John Monaghan passed away, his sons took over the business. Kevin Monaghan has owned Monaghan Insurance since 2001. 

Monaghan handles insurance for auto, home, life and some health.

"Anything that moves or grunts, I can put a policy on,” he said. “I do disability, I do life. But most of it is home and auto, and commercial.”

Monaghan estimates that 30 percent of his business is home insurance, 30 percent auto, 25 percent commercial and 15 percent all other insurance. He primarily represents four companies: Indiana Insurance, MetLife Auto & Home, Travelers and Acuity.

To access to more companies, Monaghan joined his business with the Couri Insurance Agency of Waukesha, WI. This arrangement allows him to represent 40 additional companies, including Kemper.

“I’m Monaghan Insurance, but my franchise is through Couri,” he explained. “We have an agreement. We do all the work here. We have all the expenses here. But we have contracts with all the companies.”

Monaghan said he understands both the needs of his customers and the needs of his business.

“Nobody wants losses,” he said. “But if the loss is there, you pay it. You don’t want to represent companies that are not going to take care of their people. It’s a two-way street.”

Monaghan said he also understands and values customer service. He estimates that 90 percent of his business comes through referrals.  

“When you call up, you get me. And I know how to get it done at the best price possible,” he said. “Some people, when they call up, they don’t even say their name; I just know who they are. I’ve known their family.”

Like his father, Monaghan believes in giving back to the community. He’s refereed wrestling at . He’s a past treasurer for the city of Darien. And he’s a member of the .

“We get involved in the community and we take care of the community,” he said. "You know everyone. A lot of things go on—good and bad—with the community. And so you ride a lot of their waves. The hard part is knowing what they go through.”

Monaghan’s twin sons are now studying finance in college. They’ve watched their dad do business, just as he watched his. And they’ve shown an interest in it as well.

Monaghan reflected, “(Dad) did it for 40 years. Then he passed away and we took it over. And hopefully the kids will come and keep it going.”

For more information, contact Kevin Monaghan at 630-515-9880.