Get To Know Neighbors Insurance Agency
About Neighbors Insurance Agency
Proudly serving communities across Upstate New York with guidance rooted in experience, local connection, and a commitment to helping every decision feel more manageable.
Local Since 1996, Built Around Real Insurance Needs
Insurance decisions often feel confusing because coverage options aren't always explained clearly or compared in a way that makes sense. Since opening in 1996, Neighbors Insurance Agency has focused on helping people across Upstate New York sort through those choices with clarity and confidence. The addition of the Oneonta office in 2000 expanded that support while keeping a local, accessible approach at the center of everything. Today, that long-standing presence means clients work with a team that understands regional risks, changing needs, and how to keep coverage aligned over time.
Mission Highlight:
We exist to make insurance decisions feel clear, manageable, and supported at every step.
What You Can Expect From Us Every Day
Independent, Not Limited
You're not locked into one company's options, which means your coverage is shaped around what fits your situation instead of what's available from a single provider.
Clear, Practical Guidance
Insurance details can feel overwhelming, but everything is explained in a way that helps you understand what matters and what to do next.
Service That Continues After You Buy
Questions don't stop once a policy is in place, and having ongoing help with claims, billing, or changes makes everything easier to manage.
Local and Easy to Reach
Whether you prefer to call, text, or stop by, you're working with a nearby team that's available when you need support.
A Team Focused on Helping You Move Forward
Scott Smith
Owner
Scott has lived in the area since 1983, after receiving his Bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland. Scott opened Neighbors Insurance Agency in 1996 and has been working in the industry ever since. In his free time, Scott enjoys golfing, hunting and spending time with his family. During football season, you can find him watching the Ohio State football team play every Saturday.
Brenda Curtis
Personal Lines Manager
Brenda was Scott’s first employee and has been here since the start of the business. She is a licensed personal lines agent and an expert in her field. When she is not doing her best to help her clients, you can find her outdoors enjoying the sunshine; kayaking, hiking, or spending time at her camp on the river. Brenda has two daughters whom she loves spending time with.
Dawn Derr
Commercial Lines Manager
Dawn has been with the agency for 16 years. She is a licensed commercial lines agent, who knows all the ins and outs of business insurance and getting the best coverage. Dawn is a loving mother of two boys and most enjoys watching them grow up. She loves to watch them play sports, going on family vacations and spending time outdoors with them and her husband on their ATV.
Kyle Smith
Licensed Commercial Lines Agent
Kyle Smith is a licensed insurance professional specializing in commercial insurance. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA, Kyle began his career as an underwriter with Safety Insurance in Boston before returning to his hometown of Sidney. He is passionate about helping businesses find the right coverage and takes pride in delivering personalized service. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends.
Hannah Pidgeon
Licensed Personal Lines Agent
Auto & Home Specialist
Hannah joined the agency 5 years ago. Since then, she has been the personal lines representative for the Oneonta location. When she is out of the office, you can likely find her spending time with her family. She has two young sons that she loves to watch learn and grow. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors and riding four wheelers around their home.
Lee Mangiamele
Licensed Personal Lines Agent
Auto & Home Specialist
Lee has been a member of the team since 2011. She is a licensed personal lines agent with 9 years of experience in insurance. Lee is an advocate for helping others, especially in our local community. When she isn’t helping others she also enjoys spending time outside with her kids, riding horses, vacationing on the beach and attending her children’s sporting events.
Proudly Serving Communities Across Upstate New York
Neighbors Insurance Agency supports individuals and businesses throughout Sidney, Oneonta, and surrounding areas where local knowledge makes a real difference in coverage decisions. From small towns to growing communities, the team understands how regional factors-from seasonal properties to changing business needs-shape insurance priorities. Clients also rely on support in nearby areas like Binghamton, Norwich, Cooperstown, and Delhi, where having a consistent, local point of contact matters. Across New York State, the goal remains the same: provide clear options and dependable support that fits real-life situations.
Make One Decision Today That Simplifies Everything
When you're ready for insurance guidance that feels straightforward and responsive, Neighbors Insurance Agency is here to help. You'll get support that makes your next step clearer-whether you're comparing options, updating coverage, or handling a claim.
