About Us
About us
Thank you for visiting our site. We are very proud of our team, and the services and insurance products that we offer.
The primary reason for our success across the industries we serve, is the close relationships we form with our clients. We often joke about how once someone works with our team, whether they are a client or employee, they never leave.
Our clients are more than just a number or policy to us and we strive to exemplify that by delivering unparalleled service and customized insurance solutions. We are committed to providing our clients with the best service, best product, and best value possible.
We hope that our website helps you to learn more about our company, our employees and the benefits of forming a long-term relationship with us.
Solutions
In addition to providing policies backed by quality insurers, we offer the following services to assist our clients in building and maintaining a cost-effective insurance program:
Certificates of Insurance:
- Issued on the same day of the request, always.
- Faxed or emailed immediately upon request.
Experience Rating Review:
- Check Workers Compensation Experience Modifications for accuracy.
- Review eligibility for Experience Rating.
- Determine if maximum credit is being received.
Pricing Credits:
- Property credits for fire and theft protection.
- Liability credits for quality control.
- Workers Compensation credits for drug testing, construction credits, and safety initiatives.
Classification Review:
- Evaluate accuracy of insurance classifications.
- Determine most advantageous rates for operations.
Contract Review:
- Assess compliance with insurance requirements.
- Analyze additional insured requirements, waivers of subrogation, and hold-harmless agreements.
Audit Preparation:
- Review accounting records to help audits go smoothly.
Minimize final audited premium. - Assist and support should audits need to be disputed.
Our Affiliations
- ABC - Metro Washington Chapter
- ASAMW - American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington
- Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
- FCBIA Frederick County Building Association
- Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc
- IA&B - Insurance Agents & Brokers
- Key City Rotary
- MAA - Maryland Arborist Association
- NALP - National Association of Landscape Professionals
- Professional Insurance Agents
- Professionals Network Group, Inc.
- SMACNA Mid-Atlantic Chapter
- Tree Care Industry Association
- Virginia Limousine Association
- WBC - Washington Building Congress
Meet Our Team
Matthew Simmons, CIC
Growth Leader / Agent
Matthew Simmons has served as the Vice President of Georgetown Insurance Service since February of 2009.
Matt began his insurance career in 2002 following graduation from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. He specializes in insuring Landscapers, Arborist, Sand and Gravel Haulers, and many other contractors.
Other than insurance Matt enjoys fishing, golf, playing softball, football games (tailgating), and cooking (especially on the grill).
Patti Maluchnik, CIC, CBIA
Agent
Patti began her career with A. H. Baker & Company, a division of Beall, Garner, Screen and Geare (BGS&G) in 1986. She joined Georgetown Insurance Service in 1993 as a commercial customer service representative and transitioned to sales in 2003. She focuses on a variety of commercial accounts in the construction, manufacturing, and technology fields.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1984 and earned her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2003. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Frederick County, is active in the The Key City Rotary Club, is a Trustee of The Community Foundation of Frederick, Board member of the Frederick County Workforce Development, and member of the ProVisors Networking Organization.
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Patrick Keightley, CIC
Agent
Pat is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He started his insurance career with Liberty Mutual starting as a Business Sales Representative eventually rising to General Manager of the Fairfax, VA office. Pat started at Georgetown Insurance in 1989 and earned his CIC designation in 1997. Pat specializes in insuring the needs of manufacturers, contractors, IT, wholesalers, and retailers. Pat brings a risk management approach to the process by focusing on the areas of insurance which are the most costly to a client and how to reduce this cost through increased loss control, deductibles, risk transfer methods, etc.
In his spare time he coaches youth basketball in Vienna and Legend’s basketball leagues and is married with two children.
Joseph Lalla
Agent
Pat is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He started his insurance career with Liberty Mutual starting as a Business Sales Representative eventually rising to General Manager of the Fairfax, VA office. Pat started at Georgetown Insurance in 1989 and earned his CIC designation in 1997. Pat specializes in insuring the needs of manufacturers, contractors, IT, wholesalers, and retailers. Pat brings a risk management approach to the process by focusing on the areas of insurance which are the most costly to a client and how to reduce this cost through increased loss control, deductibles, risk transfer methods, etc.
In his spare time he coaches youth basketball in Vienna and Legend’s basketball leagues and is married with two children.
Resources
Business Insurance: Is your business getting the best coverage for your premium? Are you and your employees getting personalized service from your insurance provider? Are you fully confident your insurance benefits will be there for your business when you need them most? We offer a full range of cost-effective insurance solutions designed to help your business manage risk.
We work with all types of businesses – everything from construction to manufacturing to retail, just to name a few. And we give our clients, all of our clients, the best attention we can, regardless of the size of their policies.
Depend on us to find the right insurance program for you and let us show you how our customized solutions and exceptional service can benefit your business.
Specialty Programs
Arborists: When it comes to arborist’s insurance and risk management it is important to work with an agency that understands the hazards of your business. Alera Group has helped to create customized programs specifically to meet the needs of arborists that other agencies do not. We are licensed in over 30 states and have the knowledge and expertise to design a program that fits your business. We provide a broad range of protection including:
- Arborists Error & Omissions Coverage (Up to $1,000,000)
- Crane Coverage – No boom or weight exclusions
- Herbicide and Pesticide Applicators Liability Coverage
- Auto Pollution Coverage
- Snow Removal Operations Coverage
- Workers' Compensation Program
- Pay-As-You-Go Workers' Compensation
- Equipment Replacement Cost Coverage
- Umbrella Limits up to $10,000,000
We can help implement:
- Safety programs
- Driver training
- Drug testing
- Toolbox talks
Matthew Simmons, CIC, Growth Leader / Agent
Direct Dial: 301-822-9778 or Mobile 301-706-2411 / matthew.simmons@aleragroup.com
Construction: There are often many specialized insurance coverages needed to meet the needs of this particular trade. Some examples of the types of contractors we work with and their potential coverage needs include:
- Carpentry, Concrete Construction, Drywall & Ceiling Installation, Electricians, Excavation, Flooring, General Contractors, Glaziers, Landscaping & Arborist's, Masonry, Metal Erection, Paving, Painting, Plumbing and HVAC, Real Estate Development, Swimming Pool Construction, Sign Erection and Service, Tile, Stone & Marble Work
Special coverage needs may include:
- Blanket Additional Insureds
- Design Services Liability
- Job Site and Transit Pollution Liability
- Mold Coverage
- Herbicide & Pesticide Applicators Liability
- Coverage for Property in Your Care, Custody or Control
- Swimming Pool “Pop-Up” Coverage
- Coverage for Snow Plowing operations
- Explosion, Collapse & Underground (XCU) Coverage
- Railroad Protective Liability
- Boom & Overload Coverage for Equipment
- Equipment Rental Reimbursement
Matthew Simmons, CIC, Growth Leader / Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9778 or Mobile 301-706-2411 / matthew.simmons@aleragroup.com
Patti Maluchnik, CIC, CBIA, Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9767 / patricia.maluchnik@aleragroup.com
Patrick Keightley, CIC, Agent
Direct Dial 571-674-0342 or Mobile 703-216-2881 / patrick.keightley@aleragroup.com
Joseph Lalla, Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9763 / joseph.lalla@aleragroup.com
Landscapers: We specialize in the landscaping trade and have the knowledge and expertise to help those in the “green” industry with a comprehensive program. We are licensed in over 30 states and have access to many insurance programs that other agencies do not. Let us review your situation and come up with a customized plan for your business. We will then provide you with options and find the right coverage for you at the right price. Some of the landscape businesses we work with include:
- Lawn care (including application of fertilizers and pesticides), Landscape construction (residential and commercial), Sod installation and artificial turf, Irrigation (installation and repair), Outdoor lighting, Garden centers/Nurseries and Florist
We work with many different types of landscaping businesses, so whether your business is general landscaping or specialized, we have the right insurance programs to meet your needs such as:
- Landscapers Error & Omissions Coverage (Up to $1,000,000)
- Herbicide and Pesticide Applicators Liability Coverage
- Auto Pollution Coverage
- Snow Removal Operations Coverage
- Workers' Compensation Program
- Pay-As-You-Go Workers' Compensation
- Equipment Replacement Cost Coverage
- Umbrella Limits up to $10,000,000
Matthew Simmons, CIC, Growth Leader / Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9778 or Mobile 301-706-2411 / matthew.simmons@aleragroup.com
Pool & Spa: Recognized by CNA Insurance Company as their largest agent for Pool & Spa business in the Mid-Atlantic region, Alera Group consistently delivers comprehensive and effective insurance solutions to Pool & Spa Professionals at competitive prices. Licensed to do business in most states, Alera Group has worked with clients coast-to-coast for over 20 years. We have specialized programs to meet the needs of:
- Swimming Pool Contractors, Swimming Pool & Spa Service Contractors and Retailers & Distributors of Pool & Spa Supplies
Special coverage needs may include:
- Pop-Up Coverage
- Installation of Diving Boards or Slides
- Limited Pollution Liability for Chemicals
- Blanket Additional Insureds
- Auto Pollution Coverage for Transportation of Chemicals
- Errors & Omissions Coverage for Design/Build exposures.
- Umbrella Limits up to $10,000,000
For additional information regarding our programs, please contact:
Matthew Simmons, CIC, Growth Leader / Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9778 or Mobile 301-706-2411 / matthew.simmons@aleragroup.com
Joseph Lalla, Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9763 / joseph.lalla@aleragroup.com
Public Livery: Alera Group is uniquely qualified to manage the insurance needs of the public transportation sector. Licensed to do business in most states, Alera Group has worked with clients coast-to-coast for 20 years. We understand the insurance requirements of airport and city authorities and they know and trust us to provide the certificates and forms you need.
We insure: Limousines, Buses, Shuttles and Van Pools
Specific to limousine operators, we offer special features packages to supplement your existing commercial coverage such as:
- Liability limits available up to $25,000,000
- Driver training program
- Driver motor vehicle record program
- Livery operator workers' compensation program
Transportation Insurance, please contact:
Joseph Lalla, Agent
Direct Dial 301-822-9763 / joseph.lalla@aleragroup.com
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Designing Benefits for Early - and Mid-Career Employees
In our three-part webinar series, Designing Benefits That Work – A Data-Driven, Multigenerational Focus, we’ll explore multigenerational workforce insights, debunk generational myths, share early- and late-career benefit strategies, review legal and compliance trends, and provide actionable tools and resources.
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 am CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
Navigating Medicare
The knowledgeable team at Alera Group is here to help you navigate your Medicare options to ensure you feel confident in your post-65 healthcare coverage.
February 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Property and Casualty
Top Cyber Threats of 2026 – and How to Mitigate Them
Cybercriminals have a new playbook—your business could be next.
February 17, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Are you prepared for 2026? Property and Casualty Trends Uncovered
The sixth annual Property and Casualty Market Outlook from Alera Group sets the stage for how organizations can recalibrate their risk strategies in 2026. Built on thousands of data points — including a nationwide survey of insurance company partners and wholesale intermediaries — this report delivers actionable insights for insurance buyers, risk managers and business leaders.
December 17, 2025
Find out more
Property and Casualty
Top 5 Insurance Surprises Businesses Face in Q4 — and How to Prevent Them
As year-end approaches, many organizations focus on closing out financials and planning for the year ahead. It’s also the time when insurance programs often reveal unexpected challenges, some avoidable, others the result of shifting market conditions or overlooked details.
October 30, 2025
Find out more Property and Casualty
Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update
Alera Group’s 2025 Property and Casualty Market Update, designed as a bridge between Alera Group’s annual Market Outlooks — provides insight into pricing, coverage availability, market capacity and underwriting trends for the balance of 2025.
August 1, 2025
Find out more Property and Casualty
Severe Weather Is Getting Worse. Is Your Business Interruption Insurance Keeping Up?
The increasing frequency and severity of weather- and climate-related events such as catastrophic storms, floods and wildfires make business continuity planning more important than ever. Part of your plan should include reviewing your organization's Business Interruption Insurance coverage.
May 5, 2025
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