The Marcus Agency: Allstate Insurance - Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Kica R.

I was extremely disappointed in the way my claim was handled. I spoke with the owner Nathan Marcus, personally about my dissatisfaction. And, not only was he VERY RUDE, he also had the audacity to hang up on me, in the midst of our conversation. He lacks professionalism and showed no empathy, towards my situation, at the time. I deserved the right to express my concerns without being treated, disrespectfully!!! Their reason for denying my claim was a seepage clause that’s in the contract, to prevent paying water damage claims. My pipe burst and my plumber, told them and showed where the pipe burst at, and their claim’s adjuster, said it was a long term leak…Again, I repeat their claim’s adjuster!!!

The pipe burst, under my kitchen sink, if there was a long term leak, it actually would have been noticeable, very quickly…the kitchen sink, being something I use daily!!! Because of the seepage clause, his agency got away without paying the claim. However, they received my homeowner’s insurance payment every year for 10 years straight…And, the one time I have a claim and need to use my insurance they find a falsified reason to deny it…Please read and adjust your insurance policy accordingly, so that you too won’t be denied in the time of need!!!

Dissatisfied Customers,
Jo R. R. and Kica R.

Jason M.

As an agency, it seems like there is a major disconnect between what they can do on the local side (not much) and what Allstate Corporate can do. I recently had a claim filed through them that was a little atypical (I had an at fault incident and wanted to pay out of pocket instead of have Allstate pay the claim) and the Nathan Marcus agency was absolutely unable to do anything to help facilitate that - they were helpless! Once I went around them and left them out of the equation, Allstate was INCREDIBLY helpful and were able to facilitate what I needed to be done. In fact, it's been month since Allstate helped me with this and I've not once had Nathan Marcus' agency reach back out to check on me or see if I need anything else from them.

That's not alone why I'm giving them the 3 star review, but instead, the tone and type of response I received from my requests from the reps at the agency just weren't the type of customer service that I would expect from a company that I pay thousands of dollars a year to. When the reps were unable to help me, Nathan himself got involved, and his response actually made things worse! Very cold and direct and I ended up just leaving them out of it and going around him to Allstate corporate who was able to get what I needed done.

The problem now is that once the claim is completed, corporate said I will need to get additional information from the Nathan Marcus agency and my faith in their ability to serve me has diminished to a point that I am not looking forward to that interaction so based upon this incident, Allstate is 5 stars but the Nathan Marcus agency is at 3 stars but their response will determine whether that increases them to a 4 star or drops them down to a 2 star review.

I'll keep you posted.

Update as of 11/9/22: I’m changing my review and increasing the star from 3 to 4. Not because of Nathan (I still think he was the absolute weakest part of the entire interaction) but because of his stellar team, specifically Bridgette. Anytime she is involved, she goes above and beyond to figure out what is asked and makes me feel like my business is valued. She was able to help me figure out what I needed come renewal time and is a big reason why I kept my business with this agency. Thankfully I deal with this agency’s staff way more than its owner.

Edit 2, but still 4 stars: I will say that the response from this agency in the reply below doesn’t really address the issue in my original review. The response made it seem like they were finally able to do what I was looking for answers on and it was All State corporate that wouldn’t allow it. My understanding is that it was the opposite and this reply doesn’t make things better: I wonder if Nathan wrote the review.

Brenda S.

My husband had a blow out on his truck. He was stranded on interstate 65 southbound. After calling to request roadside assistance I was told it would probably be an hour to an hour and a half. Well low and behold within 30 minutes GHRN - EARNEST ELMORE* arrived after calling to confirm that he was in route. He was very professional, he did his thing and we were on the road again. Outstanding service!! 👏

Jonathan R.

I highly recommend The Marcus Agency! All of them are courteous, helpful, and willing to accommodate any of your needs. My family and I use them for all of our insurance needs. They are always there when I have a question or need to make a change. They make sure you are happy from the very first moment you first call them to even making a claim on your insurance. Definitely would recommend them to anyone wanted to swap or just compare rates!!!!

Michael H.

I moved to the Birmingham, AL area 4 years ago from another State and needed to find a new insurance company. After shopping around, I choose the Marcus Agency.

From the first day, when I sat down in their office and met the staff to take out a auto policy, until now, they have far exceeded my expeditions!

Bridgette Carpenter is an outstanding agent and pleasant to do business with. She also helped me save me a considerable amount of money when I bought my first home, a new car and bundled it all together.

In fact, every person at the office I've talked with have been on point, to the point and able to provide solutions for all my growing insurance needs!

Debbie S.

The claim department initially only offered a little over $200 for a dent and long scratch to our Dodge Laramie- it was less than our monthly premium. After numerous back and forth communication, they came closer to the estimate. Mysteriously, even though it was a hit in run in a parking lot and no one was in the car, our premium rose for two months in a row, from $227 to $280. They randomly called one day for a "check in" and I verbalized all these concerns and they immediately dismissed my concerns saying they had nothing to do with claims. I just canceled my policy, effective Nov 1 and am now with Travelers. My monthly premium is now on $158.

Michael W.

I’ve had two significant homeowners insurance claims while I’ve been a client of Allstate and Nathan Marcus’ agency. In both cases the Allstate claims team handled my claim with perfection, but what really impressed me was the regular check ins Nathan Marcus’ staff did to make sure I was having an exceptional experience. Thank you Nathan and staff!!!

Alexis S.

Incredible experience using the Marcus Agency. They truly go above and beyond, from the complimentary moving van to the dog tags. I take great pride in supporting local and to know companies I support also hold those same values is extra special- like toys for tots around the holidays.