Allstate Insurance: Marc Marsella

I would give zero stars if that were possible.
When my son (19) received his divers license, Allstate doubled the cost of our auto insurance, despite the fact that he was away at college and rarely drives. We contacted Marsella’s office in November of 2014 to discuss whether we could make policy changes that would reduce our bill to something more reasonable. We left voicemails on Marc’s machine. Eventually our calls were returned by his staff (Marco and Alondra). They had no suggestions for modifications to the policy, except to take my son off of the policy. We asked them to do that. They did not.
After several months of frustration, I emailed Marc in February of 2015. His response: «No one notified me that you called or tried to reach me, I do apologize for no one being able to help you.» This despite the fact that voicemails were left on his machine.
A few days later Alondra called and suggested several changes to our policy that would save us a modest amount of money (about 10%), but would reduce our coverage. I asked why such changes had not been suggested earlier. No answer. I explained that we now had an offer from another insurance company that is rated more highly than Allstate, for better coverage, at a rate 30% less than Allstate. She said she would see what she could do.
After receiving no further response from Allstate, we cancelled our policies on March 1, sending a fax to Marsella’s office. On March 18 we received a «Have you forgotten to make your payment?» notice from Allstate (we had previously paid up through March 18.)
I emailed Marc Marsella explaining that we had not forgotten our payment, but had cancelled. Marc’s response (verbatim): «This is the first that I’m hearing of this? Was this because of price? Perhaps we can get you a better plan with a better price. Thanks!» Never mind that we had raised the issue with his office months ago, left him voicemails, sent him emails (one of which he responded to), etc. To Marc, it was all brand new.
I sent Marc an email explaining why we were canceling, with a copy of the cancelation fax. He replied (March 26) with: «I apologize for your experience and can only wish you good luck and if you need anything in the future please let us know. We will cancel those policies out as soon as possible. I will be educating my staff and investigating why I was notified of this sooner.»
On May 1 I received a notice from Allstate, notifying me that the policy was terminated for non-​payment, and billing me through April 18 (a month and a half AFTER the policy was supposed to be cancelled). I called the Allstate customer service number, explained the situation, and they promised they would resolve.
Two weeks later I received another notice to the same effect. I have just gotten off the phone with Allstate, who have asked me for copies of the cancellation notice I sent on March 1. I have sent those.
So as I write this, I am hoping Allstate correctly recognizes the cancellation notice that I submitted on March 1.
Summary:
— Marc Marsella and his team were utterly unhelpful for several months when I was trying to modify my policy to get a reasonable rate.
— I was able to get better insurance for 30% less than what I was paying Allstate.
— On EVERY interaction I had with Marc, he blamed his staff and claimed to be unaware of the situation. It was like Groundhog Day.
— Despite multiple promises, my cancellation has not been processed and I am still being billed for the time period following the effective date of the cancellation.
If you want a similar experience with an incompetent, unresponsive, and overpriced insurance agent, contact Marc Marsella.

I switched to AllState from GEICO when i bought a new car and i was shopping around for better prices. This AllState agency in 475 Tuckahoe Rd were very friendly and helpful when i was shopping around for my policy, which of course i though it was great and got my policy with them.
The real nightmare started when i acquired a second vehicle, when i tried to add it to my policy the price when up substantially. Now, the prices are not what makes me rate Marc Marsella and his agency low, since prices can vary according to many factors; what has made me completely hate AllState business model of «Agents» is the inconsistency that you can get when the owner of the agency chooses to treat some customers with care and some others as just plain garbage.
After finding a better policy price and coverage with GEICO, i contacted this agency to terminate my policy with them. One of his secretaries instructed me to send her an email requesting the policy termination, and i did as she asked. Next month I was shocked to receive a bill from AllState in the amount of my old policy premium since i was already with GEICO, the secretary NEVER terminated the policy. Strike One.
After this incident, i got in contact with them to sort it out. While on hold, Mike Marsella himself answered at the same time he was telling his secretary that what was happening to me was well deserved because i went with GEICO. Strike 2.
After even talking with him and countless other communication with his secretaries they finally terminated my policy, with only one problem… They backdated the termination BY 2 MONTHS!!!, this is costing my wife to have her license suspended because of 2 months of lapse in insurance! Strike 3
Tried to get in contact with Marc Marsella by leaving messages with his secretaries and NOTHING, just ignored my wife and i while we are dealing with the DMV, AllState Corporate offices, Our Auto Loan bank, etc.
My experience with this Agency has been disastrous to say the least and i would not recommend anyone to fall into his hands, YOU ARE NOT IN GOOD HANDS with this agency.

AT THE MARSELLA AGENCY, YOU REALLY ARE IN GOOD HANDS!
I’ve had my insurance through Marco and his son Mark at the Marsella Agency since I first got my license many years ago. One of the things that I really appreciate about their agency is that they always advise me about which options may not be necessary and could help to reduce my premium. One of the receptionists in their office even gave me details so that I could take the Defensive Driving Course («6 Hour Course») online and for a special price of less than $ 20. Imagine that, an insurance agent’s office offering tip to save money while helping you to save money on a policy which you already hold with them! It’s always nice to see your insurance cut you a check for your savings rather than the other way around for hidden charges.
In addition to my auto policy, I’ve also purchased renter’s insurance through their office while my wife and I were living in Tuckahoe. I couldn’t believe how inexpensive it cost to have an annual policy and it makes me wonder why anyone that rents would not have coverage. Thankfully, I never had any incidences in my apartment which would have required for me to make a claim, but it really did give me peace of mind that I was fully covered for water damage, fire, and theft, etc. Talk about being able to have peace of mind without having to break the bank.
In a day when we have so many online options to help us find ways to reduce our premium, it’s nice to still find a place gives them a run for their money. How do you know when you have good insurance? When you need to submit a claim and you can’t even think straight, it’s nice to know that there is an agency that is open to help you 6 days a week and are available in person, by phone, or by email to assist you. It’s been a pleasure dealing with both the father and son as well as the rest of their staff. I’ve been a satisfied customer for many years and should continue to be for many more.