An Independent Insurance Agency Built in the Bronx, for the Bronx
We're Mendoza Agency — Hispanic-owned, women-run, and independent since 2020. Eighteen years of showing up for the same clients, the same community, and the same standard of care.
Our Story Starts Here in the Bronx
Clara Mendoza founded this agency in 2006 with a straightforward belief: people deserve an insurance agent who knows their neighborhood, speaks their language, and stays with them through every life change. What started as a single-agent practice grew into a team of nine women serving clients across the New York metro and beyond.
For years, the agency operated under the Nationwide banner. In 2020, Clara made the decision to go fully independent — and it changed everything. Independence meant no longer being tied to one carrier's rates, products, or priorities. It meant being able to shop the market, place coverage with the carrier that actually fits the client, and answer to one thing only: what's right for the person across the desk.
If you've worked with us before and remember the Nationwide name, the team is the same. The service is the same. The access is better.
Meet the Founder Clara
Hi, I'm Clara Mendoza, founder of Mendoza Agency.
I started my insurance career in 2007 with one simple goal: to help people protect what they've worked so hard to build. Over the years, that mission has never changed.
What began as a small agency has grown into an independent agency serving clients across multiple states, but I've never lost sight of what matters most, building relationships, earning trust, and making insurance feel less overwhelming. I know insurance can be confusing, and I believe my job is to educate, guide, and advocate for my clients so they can make confident decisions for themselves, their families, and their businesses.
As an independent agency owner, I'm not limited to one insurance company. That means my team and I can focus on finding coverage that truly fits your needs instead of trying to fit you into one carrier's products. Whether you're protecting your home, car, business, or planning for the future, my goal is always the same: provide honest advice, exceptional service, and solutions that give you peace of mind.
Building this agency from the ground up has been one of my greatest accomplishments. Along the way, I've learned that success isn't measured by the number of policies we write,it's measured by the trust our clients place in us and the relationships we build within our community.
Thank you for considering Mendoza Agency. My team and I look forward to earning your trust and being your insurance partner for years to come.
Dedicated Professionals at Mendoza Agency
Catherine Clark
Operations Manager
As the Operations Manager at the Mendoza Agency, I bring both a background in education and four years of experience in the insurance industry. Born and raised in the Bronx, I spent time in Albany for college before returning home to continue my career journey.
Julieta Avalos
Commercial Customer Experience Representative
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a little over a year ago, I began my journey in the insurance industry. What started as a new opportunity quickly grew into a genuine passion, particularly in commercial insurance. As a Commercial Customer Experience Representative at the Mendoza Agency, I enjoy helping business owners protect what they’ve built and making the insurance process feel simple, approachable, and tailored to their unique needs.
Delenis Reyes
Licensed Sales Producer
I bring creativity, passion, and a client-focused mindset to my role as a Licensed Sales Producer at the Mendoza Agency. My career began as a nail technician, where I honed skills in customer service, attention to detail, and building meaningful connections – skills that have translated seamlessly into the insurance industry.
Yahel Vargas
Customer Experience Representative
As a Customer Experience Representative at the Mendoza Agency, I bring over 10 years of customer service experience in the insurance industry. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, I take pride in supporting the Latino community by helping clients overcome language barriers and feel confident in their insurance decisions.
Yessi Candela
Customer Experience Representative
I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, surrounded by family and a culture that instilled resilience and warmth. My education has been an important part of my journey. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and later expanded my studies in Australia, where I completed a Business Administration certificate.
Jessica Rodriguez
Customer Experience Representative
I was born and raised in the Bronx, in Castle Hill, and graduated from college in 2021. Before joining the Mendoza Agency, I built a strong background in customer service, which has given me a solid foundation for my role as a Customer Experience Representative. Although I’m new to the insurance industry, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of learning something new and applying my skills to help clients feel supported.
Catherine Benitez
Senior Customer Experience Representative
Hi, I’m Catherine Benitez, and I’ve been part of the Mendoza Agency family for nearly five years. In my role, I take pride in being one of the “glues” of the office – supporting my team and building strong connections with our clients. Helping families protect what matters most is something I value deeply, especially as a family-oriented person myself.
What It Means to Work with an Independent Broker
Captive agents work for one carrier. We don't.
As an independent insurance agency, we represent a broad portfolio of carriers across personal lines, commercial lines, and life insurance. When you come to us, we compare options across the market to find coverage that fits your situation — not a product we're required to push.
That independence extends across everything we do: auto, homeowners, renters, landlord, life, general liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, and more. We're licensed in 10 states, so whether you're a Bronx family, a contractor working across state lines, or a small business owner expanding into new markets, we can stay with you.
- Licensed in NY, NJ, CT, PA, RI, MD, VA, FL, NC, and OH
- Independent broker access across personal lines, commercial lines, and life insurance
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish
- Founded in 2006. Fully independent since 2020.
- Nine women agents. One consistent standard of service.
A Team That Stays
One of the most common things we hear from new clients is that their last agent disappeared — reassigned, replaced, or simply unreachable after the policy was signed.
That's not how we work. Our team of nine women agents has built long-term relationships with clients across multiple policies and multiple years. We know your business. We know your family. We know what changed since last renewal. That continuity isn't incidental — it's the whole model.
We Give Back Because This Community Gave to Us
Our referral program isn't a discount offer. For every referral you send our way, we make a donation to a local community organization on your behalf.
The Bronx built this agency. The referral program is one way we make sure those dollars find their way back. It's a small gesture toward a larger commitment — that an agency rooted in this community should reinvest in it.
What Our Clients Say
Ready to Work with an Agency That Knows You?
Whether you're looking for personal coverage, commercial insurance for your business, or both — we're here. Get a quote online or reach out directly. We'll take it from there.
Clara Mendoza founded Mendoza Agency in the Bronx in 2006 and has led the agency through 18+ years of growth, including the transition to full independence in 2020. The agency is licensed in 10 states and holds carrier relationships across personal lines, commercial lines, and life insurance. Learn more on our about page.
Who owns Mendoza Agency?
Mendoza Agency was founded by Clara Mendoza in the Bronx, NY in 2006. Clara continues to lead the agency today alongside a team of nine women agents. The agency is Hispanic-owned and women-run.
Is Mendoza Agency still affiliated with Nationwide?
No. Mendoza Agency became fully independent from Nationwide in 2020. The agency now operates as an independent broker with access to a broad range of carriers across personal lines, commercial lines, and life insurance — which means more options and more flexibility for clients.
Does Mendoza Agency offer service in Spanish?
Yes. Our team provides bilingual service in English and Spanish. Many of our clients are members of the Hispanic community in the Bronx and across the New York metro area, and we've built our practice to serve them fully in both languages.
What states does Mendoza Agency serve?
We're licensed in 10 states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio. Whether you're a local client or a business operating across state lines, we can help.
What is the Mendoza Agency referral program?
For every client referral you send to Mendoza Agency, we make a donation to a local community organization on your behalf. It's our way of reinvesting in the Bronx and the communities we serve. You can learn more on our referral program page.
