Allstate Bay and River Insurance opened June 1 on Church Street, Mathews. Owner Michael J. Brown said his office provides a full line of Allstate brand insurance products, including auto, home, life, supplemental, commercial, boat and renters. Also, the office offers bail bonds and notary services.

Brown said the insurance business is a separate entity from his existing real estate business, which has offices in Gloucester and Mathews. But Brown said he decided to get an insurance license and complete Allstate training as a way to offer additional services to some of his real estate clients and others.

Brown has owned his realty company, Bay and River Real Estate, for eight years and he has worked in that field for a total of 11 years. Previously, Brown owned an auto sales, parts and rental business in Mathews.

Originally from Mathews, he is a graduate of Mathews High School and attended Rappahannock Community College. He resides in Mathews with his wife Lisa. They have fou...