Our History
McDermottCosta provides a wide range of insurance services in California and the nation, including business, personal, risk management, bonds and employee benefits.
Our Location
Address: 1045 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-351-7460
Hours: M-F 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Who We Serve
Our experienced insurance specialists can pair you with a range of coverage options from car insurance to personal umbrella insurance.
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More About Us
McDermottCosta is an employee owned, independent insurance agency, based in San Leandro, California. McDermottCosta traces its beginnings to 1938, when Vic Costa and Clarence “Mac” McDermott started the agency. With Mike McDermott’s grandfather being the successor, and to this day, many sets of siblings and relatives employed, McDermottCosta prides itself on being a family business.
Licensed in all 50 states, McDermottCosta has been serving clients in California and throughout the nation since it’s inception. We provide effective solutions to clients’ risk management and insurance needs, offering coverage to clients, including but not limited to the following:
Lines of Coverage
- Workers’ Compensation
- General Liability
- Management & Executive Liability Commercial Auto
- Group Health and Employee Benefits
- Group Captive Programs
- Homeowners
- Auto
- Excess & Umbrella
- Bonds
Industries Served
- Small Business
- Real Estate and Property Owners
- Restaurants
- Franchise Food
- Food Manufacturing and Processing
- Construction and Artisan Contractors
- Non-Profits
- Manufacturing
- Marine & Transportation
- Cannabis
At McDermottCosta, we understand life is to be lived. One needs to enjoy the moments, make happy memories, and explore and experience new things. There’s no time for worry … especially about insurance coverage. That’s why for over eighty years McDermottCosta has been successfully insuring people and their property so they can take the worry out of life and focus on what matters most. We are more than just an insurance broker. We are your trusted adviser.
There’s no Time for Worry – Life is to be lived
Our Staff
John Johnson
President & CEO
John joined the agency as a Commercial Producer in 1985, when McDermott Costa acquired Matchless Agency. He became Vice-President of Sales in 1992, and later, President, in 1996. Prior to joining McDermott Costa, he served in various capacities at Transamerica Insurance, Vanguard Insurance, and the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau.
Mike McDermott
Vice President
Mike is a third generation McDermott, with 23+ years of experience in the Commercial Lines Insurance brokerage industry. He specializes in food related industries, including QSR Restaurants, Food Processors, and Manufacturers. Mike handles national workers’ compensation accounts, and works closely with large complex accounts, including Alternative Risk Financing through Group Captive Programs.
Rich Suess
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Rich has been in the insurance industry since 1980, specializing in Employee Benefits, Group Medical, Dental, Life, Vision & LTD. Originally from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, Rich currently lives with his wife of 40 years, Yolanda, in the San Jose area. They have 2 sons, Ricky and Cory, and 4 grandchildren, Kennedy, Kayden, Colt, and Kinzley. Outside of work, he loves playing the guitar and spending time with his family.
Mike Sidore
Vice President, Business Development
Mike joined McDermott Costa in 2022, with 20 years of industry experience, including SVP of Business Development for CannGen Insurance Services, 10 years as Sr. Director with Allianz (AGCS), and various leadership roles with Allied and Safeco. Mike lives in Oakland with his wife Jesset and son Austin. On weekends in the winter, you can find Mike on the slopes in Tahoe, where he enjoys coaching alpine ski racers for the Sugar Bowl Ski Team.
Ashani Dass
Controller
Ashani has been with McDermott Costa for over 20 years. She joined McDermott Costa as a Clerical Assistant, then moved her way to Accounting Assistant, and later accepted the Controller position, in 2006. She is past President of Bay Fair Toastmasters and now holds the Treasurer position. When she is not at work, she enjoys raising her son with her husband.
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