This is not Allstate's fault, but simply a very bad experience with one of their Agencies. I have been a customer for 15 years, and was satisfied up till now. In that time, I think I've filed less than 2 claims, and only for auto.
My recent experience was not with a claim, but a wildfire mitigation requirement in the new house I purchased. Allstate (as well as many others) requires this in order to insure homes in the mountains with lots of trees. While the process is understandable, the language is a little confusing. This is where I expect my agent to be able to assist.
When we were first told of this, we were given the option to either mitigate ourselves or use a mitigation company. Choosing to mitigate ourselves, we followed the guidelines and performed mitigation. Allstate's inspection company checked the property and said it was not compliant. I was not given anything at this time to explain why. I asked my Agent and was told I could send them pictures of the mitigation I had done, and they would approve the policy. I did not find out until the policy had already been cancelled that the pictures I sent were not enough to approve. I contacted Allstate's corporate offices, and explained the situation, and eventually I was given an extension. Kara Hucke's office told me I would be notified next time an inspector was scheduled so I could walk the property with them and find out what was needed. Wrong again... They came out without my knowledge, and then sent me another cancellation letter.
I still attempted to work with Kara Hucke's office. I was then told I could try to have my Fire Department approve the mitigation I had done. I attempted to do so, but my Fire Dept. wanted to know what guidelines Allstate wanted me to follow in order to see if I complied. Kara Hucke's office could not provide any form of documentation for them, other than a poorly formed report from the inspection company with a picture of my property and comments such as "100 ft mitigation required". The Fire Dept. could not interpret it either, thus was unable to help.
I then decided to call another Agency and just see if I was getting the whole story. Within five minutes I was given a formal document which was enough for the Fire Dept. to come out and inspect. I couldn't get that answer in a month through Kara Hucke's agency.
I am now switching over to that Agent, and Kara is lashing out at me. She called wanting to know who I was switching to and then ended our conversation saying she was calling him right now. Additionally, she responded to an honest review I left on Allstate's website, saying that she's always given me great service, and that it was I who was being unreasonable.
That's just petty. And to be honest, I thought you all should know about it so I may save you the headaches I've experienced. You may have a better experience than I did, but I wish I had read this type of review before I became her customer. I am very happy with Allstate, and would give them five starts. The new agent is 10 times more helpful thus far and I will be reviewing his agency appropriately. read more
