AAA Western and Central New York has been recognized with the prestigious Allianz Partners Top Club Award. Allianz Partners is a worldwide leading provider of travel insurance. AAA WCNY stood out among mid-size AAA Clubs for providing Allianz-branded travel insurance to area travelers in 2025 to help protect their vacation investments. This is the fourth time that AAA WCNY has been recognized with this achievement (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) based on year-over-year growth making it the first three-peat recipient and the first four-time recipient in AAA history.

“From weather-related disruptions to flight delays, medical emergencies, and cancellations, travel insurance can significantly reduce financial risk and stress,” explains Josie Nicotra, Director of Travel at AAA WCNY. “AAA Advisors can walk travelers through options and help match policies to specific needs and itineraries, allowing travelers to protect their travel investment and provide peace of mind.”

This year, AAA projects that 21.7 million Americans will take cruise vacations, as domestic and international travel continues to grow in popularity and travelers realize the benefits of being prepared and protected with adequate insurance. AAA research shows that travelers invest in trip insurance for many reasons, including the ability to obtain refunds for covered cancellations, to pay for unexpected, covered health incidents, and to protect against covered delays and lost baggage. AAA also offers Allianz travel insurance policies that include a “cancel for any reason” component, which could offer more flexibility and protection in the event a traveler needs to cancel their trip.

“I’m proud of our team for putting our members and travelers first and by helping them protect their travel investments at a time when insurance is such a crucial part of the travel experience,” said AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO Marke Dickinson. “The fact that we are the first AAA Club to receive this recognition four times is a remarkable achievement, which is a testament to our team’s commitment to excellence.”

“Congratulations to AAA Western and Central New York for their outstanding achievement, marking history in our program,” said Lori Keefer, Director of AAA Markets for Allianz Partners USA. “Most importantly, we would like to recognize them for the dedication they have shown in helping their members protect valuable travel investments.”

A presentation was held on March 12 at the Country Club of Buffalo where local AAA leaders accepted the recognition. Representatives from Allianz Partners and AAA, Inc., along with regional AAA leaders were present at the event, which included a celebratory luncheon.

Four AAA Senior Travel Advisors stood out for their commitment to members by assisting with the insurance process: Meghan Sheehan (AAA Camillus), Mamie Cimato (AAA Amherst), Robin Mitchell (DeWitt), and Lisa Asito (AAA Penfield).

AAA Western and Central New York accepted the Allianz Partners Top Club Award for mid-size AAA clubs, with 500,000 to 5 million members.

Allianz has been a trusted insurance partner within AAA Travel for 38 years, helping members protect their travel investment from a variety of events. For more information on AAA Travel or insurance information, simply go to www.AAA.com/Travel.

About Allianz Partners

For Allianz Partners products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage, including the cancel for any reason benefit described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101‐C series or 101‐P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance.