ABOUT US

Telerate Insurance Services was founded in 1981 by Rich Kelaita, one of the agency’s three partners. From the beginning, Telerate has been committed to providing excellent customer service and the highest quality insurance coverage through its network of insurance company partners. For forty years, Telerate has built its reputation on these two assets as it continues to service a growing number of customers throughout the SF Bay Area. We are also licensed in Nevada and Arizona.

Prior to founding Telerate, Rich spent two years working for a small regional insurance company in a marketing capacity. In 1999, Rob Helgesen joined the agency as a partner after spending 11 years as a captive agent, working exclusively for one insurance company . He joined Telerate because of his desire to work with multiple insurance companies which would ultimately better serve customers. In 2013, Patrick Leland joined the agency as the third partner. Pat had spent the prior 16 years of his career also as a captive agent before joining Telerate.

Telerate Insurance Services is located in the Laurelwood Shopping Center in San Mateo, CA.

PARTNERS

RICHARD KELAITA

A native Californian, Rich joined the insurance industry in 1979, working for a small regional auto insurance carrier as an outside field representative. He decided at that point to make the insurance industry his career and two years later he started his own agency. Rich & his wife Lisa, a public relations executive, have one son, Cameron, and their rescue dog “Bandit”.

When not working, Rich enjoys his hobby, vintage cars. He is the past chairman of The Hillsborough Concours d’ Elegance, a non-profit annual vintage car show that was founded in 1956. The Hillsborough Concours d’ Elegance raises money for local charities including Gatepath and The Guardsmen.

ROB HELGESEN

Rob was born and raised in San Mateo. He started in the insurance business in 1988 as an Allstate Agent.  After 9 years, Rob decided to branch out as a broker to better serve clients with more choices from multiple carriers. He sold his agency in 1999 to join Rich Kelaita and Telerate.

Rob is an avid ice hockey participant and fan, involved in various Bay Area ice hockey activities since he was 11 years old. Most recently, in 2006 he was instrumental in starting a children’s beginner hockey program at Belmont Iceland that ran until the rink closed in 2016. Although not playing anymore, he still maintains his coaching and referee credentials.

He has volunteered with the Hillsborough Concours D’Elegance for many years and also been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and The First Tee.  As an avid golfer, Rob can be found on the course most weekends.

PATRICK LELAND

Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, Patrick began his career in insurance in 1996. After working in his father’s (John Leland) insurance agency, Patrick ran his own insurance agency in Palo Alto, CA until 2012. With his attention to detail and focus on providing outstanding service, Patrick’s agency consistently earned high marks in customer satisfaction. Patrick joined Telerate Insurance Services, Inc. in 2013 and specializes in providing and servicing auto, home, and life insurance.

Patrick enjoys spending time with his family: his wife, Corinne, their almost 16-year-old son (yikes!), Jake, and their Golden Retriever that is so sweet they just had to name her, Sugar! Patrick wanted to name her High Fructose Corn Syrup but says, “apparently it’s taboo these days, LOL!” He and his family enjoy spending time with family & friends, the outdoors, walking Sugar (Sugar loves spending time with her BFFF’s Mango, Pippen, Riley, Talya, and Zoe!), yoga, skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, fishing (Corinne, not so much!), Toast of Petaluma – Toastmasters and rooting for the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and the underdog. The entire family has enjoyed volunteering their time in the past for organizations such as PJHS, ISTP (now SVIS), SMLLA, Yoga at Change, PNLL, Boys & Girls Club of Petaluma, Sonoma County Kids Gran Fondo, and COTS.

Patrick works from his home in Petaluma, CA, and enjoys being able to help individuals and families with their insurance needs. With award-winning service and 26 years of experience as an insurance agent, rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of when working with Patrick and Telerate Insurance Services!