“You’re in good hands with Allstate,” is not just rhetoric.
At Allstate Insurance (7023 Avenue U, 718-251-3301), the four partners — Louis Orrichio, Tom Van Roten, Guenter Bauer, and Gene DeSimone — do everything they can to make sure the customers are happy and that their insurance needs are met.
All four gentlemen started out at separate Allstate offices in the early 1980s, says Lou, then decided to combine their efforts about eight years ago. “We knew each other, and got along,” says Lou, who considers it a great asset to have four licensed and knowledgeable people at hand during regular business hours. In addition, there is a dedicated staff of four more employees at the office. They also see that all runs smoothly and efficiently.
Providing personalized service is of utmost importance to these owners. “We all started out a long time ago,” says Lou, “when it was one-on-one with a customer, long before there was a staff.” They still believe in treating people in this manner. “We treat people like they’re the only customer we have.”
The personalized service begins with the very first phone call. You won’t hear an answering machine or a voice mail when you call this office during business hours, says Lou. “Someone will pick up the phone. We don’t want people to get frustrated.” After 5 p.m., clients can leave messages on a machine, and someone will return the call as soon as possible.
“In any economy, insurance is always important,” says Lou, and the staff at Allstate will assist with auto, life, renter’s insurance, and financial planning, to name some of the services.
Interestingly, while the price of just about everything has been rising, Lou says, “Life insurance rates are about as low as they have been,” the result of people living longer, and more advanced medical care. Still, many people neglect to purchase life insurance when they are young, says Lou, and this is a mistake. “People don’t want to pay, and they wait until they’re too old, or they are not in good health,” he says.
It’s best to “start young, and lock in at a rate that’s more advantageous,” says Lou. “The best health and the best age equals the best rate.” He notes that, “We can produce an affordable policy by looking at your needs and your age.”
So when should most people consider purchasing life insurance? Lou says, “As soon as there is a need.” For example, when you own a business, get married, purchase a house, or have children, insurance is a must.
Co-ops are popping up all over Brooklyn, but many people are unaware that their monthly fees do not cover the contents of their dwelling, says Lou. In fact, it may not even cover personal liability, should someone fall while they are inside your co-op, he says. Allstate can provide this coverage so you are protected.
Certainly it is essential to have ample liability insurance for property, businesses, and cars in this day and age, he says. That’s why Allstate offers “umbrella” liability insurance, which provides additional coverage beyond your existing policies, all for very reasonable fees.
If you’re looking to plan for your future, as you should be, Allstate will assist with decisions about life insurance, retirement products, and long-term care. Allstate’s vision is to “help people realize their hopes and dreams through products and services designed to protect them from life’s uncertainties, and to prepare them for the future.”
The Avenue U office is proud to serve “all Allstate customers, not only our own,” says Lou. “We serve everyone, and we treat them right. We never send anyone away.”
This means should your own agent’s office be closed, you’re still in those good hands at the Allstate Avenue U facility.
The office is open Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Additional information may be found on their website, www.allstatetmillbasin.com. You can complete forms to get price quotes, right from the site.
