A Legacy of Trust in Claims Adjustment

The Roots of Integrity (1930s–1949) The story of the Acosta legacy begins in the turbulent 1930s, a period when Puerto Rico was still shaping its economic identity and the insurance industry was only beginning to mature. In this setting, a young professional named Benjamin "Don Ben" Acosta, Sr. entered the insurance field. Don Ben quickly stood out. His sharp mind and unwavering sense of fairness earned him respect in an industry where trust was everything. He believed that the adjuster's work was not simply technical but moral in nature — a responsibility to balance the interests of insurers and insureds, to seek truth, and to avoid partiality. By 1948, the Acosta name had become synonymous with integrity, and in 1949, Don Ben formalized his work by incorporating Benj Acosta Inc. This company was among the first independent all-lines adjusting firms in Puerto Rico. It wasn't merely a business — it was a philosophy in action. In later years, Don Ben captured his thoughts in a remarkable essay. He wrote about the different types of adjusters — company, independent, and public — and emphasized that the independent adjuster was the true guardian of balance. He described the adjuster's role as being a judge of facts, not an advocate, a professional defined by impartiality, honesty, and technical skill. These writings were less a business guide than a manifesto, setting down the standards that would guide his family for generations.

Building Beyond: The Birth of Benaco (1965) As Puerto Rico entered the 1960s, new industries and new risks emerged. Air travel was expanding, and with it came the need for insurers to handle airplane and aviation claims — highly technical and complex losses that demanded precision. In 1965, Don Ben made a decisive move. He created Benaco Adjusters, not as a replacement for Benj Acosta Inc., but as an expansion of it. Benaco gave the family business flexibility to step into specialized fields while remaining powered by the reputation, expertise, and supervision of the parent company. Benaco's first mission was clear: to handle aviation losses with the same integrity and professionalism that had defined Don Ben's career. From its very beginning, Benaco symbolized the Acosta family's willingness to adapt — to recognize the changing landscape of insurance and to meet it head-on.

Passing the Torch (1980s) By the 1980s, the firm was thriving, but it was also time for the next generation to step forward. Joaquín Acosta, Don Ben's son, assumed the role of President of Benj Acosta Inc., while Don Ben became Chairman of the Board. This transition was not just a change of titles — it was the continuation of a philosophy. Joaquín had grown up watching his father work. He absorbed the values of independence and fairness and brought them into a modern context. Under Joaquín's leadership, the firm expanded its reach, serving insurers, reinsurers, and excess insurers not only in Puerto Rico but also across the continental United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. The company became known for handling the most complex claims, including government portfolios such as the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico and the Department of Education. Joaquín also carried the family name into catastrophe work on a larger scale, ensuring that the Acosta reputation extended wherever storms, fires, or earthquakes struck.

Adapting to New Demands (1990s) 1997 Auto Expansion: Meanwhile, Benaco Adjusters entered a new era. In 1997, Puerto Rico introduced Seguro Compulsorio, a compulsory auto liability insurance program that required carriers to process enormous volumes of claims. Benaco rose to the challenge by creating a dedicated auto claims division. Its adjusters trained on the Mitchell software system, developed SOPs for efficiency, and proved that the Acosta name could handle not only specialized aviation claims but also fast-paced, high-volume auto adjustments. This dual adaptation— highlighted the strength of having two companies under one philosophy. One served as the bedrock for national programs, while the other provided flexibility and innovation for new lines.

Tested by Storms (1956–2022) The late 20th and early 21st centuries were defined by catastrophe. Hurricanes, floods, and other disasters repeatedly tested the Caribbean and the mainland United States. The Acosta firms were there at every step: Santa Clara (1956) – David (1979) - Federico (1979) – Hugo (1989) – Andrew (1992) – Florida Marilyn (1995) – Georges (1998) – Irma (2017) – María (2017) – Fiona (2022) – Puerto Rico Each catastrophe brought destruction, but also an opportunity to prove resilience. Benj Acosta Inc. managed large accounts, NFIP claims, and government portfolios, while Benaco Adjusters deployed flexibly — handling overflow, specialized cases, aviation, and auto. The firms' presence in these catastrophes solidified their reputation not just as adjusters, but as stewards of recovery, balancing technical accuracy with compassion for those affected.

The Third Generation: Gabriel's Vision (2000s–Present) Today, the Acosta legacy lives on through Gabriel Acosta, grandson of Don Ben and son of Joaquín. Gabriel leads Benaco Adjusters as the modern extension of the family tradition. Where Don Ben worked with typewriters and handwritten essays, Gabriel works with drones, thermal cameras, and 3D imaging. Where Joaquín expanded into NFIP and large accounts, Gabriel is expanding into digital workflows, SOP-driven training, and bilingual client service across Puerto Rico and Latin America. Yet for all the innovation, the philosophy remains unchanged. The adjuster's duty is still truth, fairness, and independence. Gabriel often frames it this way: Benaco Adjusters is powered by Benj Acosta Inc. — built on its history, but designed for the future.

A Legacy of Integrity Three generations, two companies, one philosophy. That is the Acosta legacy. Built by Don Ben — who believed that an adjuster is a judge of facts. Strengthened by Joaquín — who modernized, expanded internationally, and carried the firms into new programs. Carried forward by Gabriel — who blends tradition with technology, ensuring the Acosta name remains relevant for the 21st century and beyond. The mission has never changed: Integrity — fairness in every claim. Independence — serving both insurer and insured with impartiality. Innovation — from aviation in 1965 to auto in 1997 to drones and digital adjusting today. Benaco Adjusters is not just a company. It is the living continuation of a legacy that has spanned nearly a century, weathered countless storms, and stood as proof that integrity endures through generations.