I'm still waiting to find an insurance agency not run by chimpanzees who just happen to look like humans. My first experience with these people was around 1982 when Erie Insurance had two agencies in town and the other one took my hard-earned cash and spent it on something other than my policy, allowing my policy to be cancelled. I first met Joan Bartel, who used a posh type of Indiana accent to impress upon me that we had nothing in common. If she lived such a posh life, why was she an insurance agent? Having her name as half owner didn't seem all that posh anyway. She took care of my insurance and my parents in an adequate fashion. Fast forward to late 2008 when I moved here again, and I met the other half, Brad VanVleet. He was much less condescending to me, perhaps because my address was just across the road from his, apparently. However, he was too busy to actually write the policy, so he handed me to Kyle Zaydel. So, Kyle and I talked briefly, and he quoted the policy with Erie and Celina Insurance companies. The prices were much cheaper than Nationwide wanted (a small fortune, especially coming from Florida and Nationwide!), and I went with Celina, as it was the less expensive and supposedly gave great service. Time has passed and when I have questions and send e-mail, I get answers that take weeks instead of days from both Kyle Zaydel, and Kim Smith who has come to tend the policies. I just met with a Michelle today, concerning my mother's estate and a transitional insurance as the house is vacant. As this probably sounds chaotic and useless, they're not horrible--disorganized perhaps--but not horrible. They're probably extra popular, considering the low cost of the insurance provided by the companies they sell, and that keeps them on the edge of their seats. read more

VanVleet Insurance - Insurance Near Me - Richmond, Indiana

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I switched to Van Vleet insurance - by Erie - many years ago after moving and buying an older home. My former, big-time insurance company (one I had been with for many, many years) balked at insuring the purchase home without unreasonable inspections and even then, would only insure at 100% replacement costs for the original structure. I could not afford that and I ended that relationship. Somewhat miffed, I went looking elsewhere. Van Vleet wasn't the first company I contacted but it was the last and I've been satisfied ever since - over 15 years. Like most companies, they offer bundled rates and I am taking advantage of those, but one thing I particularly like is that Erie is regional. While Erie wouldn't insure a property I had out west, that also means that there is somewhat less exposure to large-scale disasters like earthquakes, giant wildfires, and hurricanes that affect parts of the country outside their coverage area. (While all insured consumers suffer due to large insurance payouts, customers of those companies not directly affected do fare better. My rates have been fairly stable for several years.) I haven't had any claims with Van Vleet, but the customer service I've received thus far makes me confident that if and when I do, the help will be swift and substantial. Brad Van Vleet is my agent, but everyone I've ever dealt with there has been most accommodating and professional. I really can't image dealing with a better company and agency. Had my original company continued to provide the kind of service to a loyal customer that Van Vleet did to a new one, I might be writing a review about them. Instead, I'm recommending Van Vleet and suggesting that you do too. At the very least, let them compete for your hard-earned dollars and assess for yourself the peace of mind they can provide for your family. That's what I did and I've slept better ever since. read more

I have been a customer along with my family at VanVleet Insurance for over ten years. We have always been impressed with their customer service and attention to detail. Anytime that we have had a question they have been prompt and courteous in helping us understand our policies and our options for when we have had a claim. Brad, Eric, and Kelly are great to work with and I highly recommend you give them the opportunity to e read more

I have had the exact opposite experience with the agency as the previous review. I have my House and Car insured with the agency. read more

Have been a customer of VanVleet Insurance forever. They are reliable, honest, responsive and easy to work with. Erie has been fast and fair is settling my claims and they offer the best rates I've found. read more

I had called several competitors looking for insurance for my business. No one was as easygoing as VanVleet. They had me covered over the phone. I'll go past recommending them. I'll say, "If you go anywhere else, you're cheating yourself!" read more

I have had my insurance with Erie Insurance through VanVleet Insurance Agency for almost 5 years now and I am thrilled! The customer service is superb and the rates are also great! I switched to VanVleet from State Farm and cut my premium in half. Since being with VanVleet, I have had to submit a claim and was very impressed with how the claim was handled. The staff is knowledgeable and is always willing to answer any questions I have. read more