It's hard to tell that they actually represent INSURANCE at all, regardless that they are a State Farm agency which also makes another negative to their AWEFUL customer service. They really don't know INSURANCE at all and there's plenty of other STATE FARM agencies in Manhattan and thereabouts that can do a much better job than this one. Stay away from this place. read more

Mr. Lavelle, I cannot "reply" to your "reply" to my posting, so here is my response: It took you two months for you to respond to the one-star review I left. And I still haven't heard from you on the email I sent to you on Sept. 19, complaining that I did not get the promised premium. Nor has the agent Joanne responded to a similar email sent on Sept. 18. To suggest you strive on communication is apparently, well, just talk. You want to help: respond to my complaint. I still have no answer. read more

Every company and agent I called was giving me a hard time and also super high quotes cause I had let me insurance lapse 4 days. Also I only had a car for 6 months (NYC living and no car ownership for 16 years prior) so many were trying to overcharge me as a new driver still with the lapse. I got my same coverage as the first 6 months at a $800 LESS price. Plus Leila was professionally, easy going, & pleasant. Overall the experience with state farm felt more honest and fair. I wish I had known sooner. I would shave skipped all the swindling with other agencies. read more

If you are in need of insurance this office is the place to come! I have been a client of James Lavelle for many years. I had to get another policy, and once again the office, staff and most importantly the policy does not disappoint. Thank you always, Statefarm read more

Very knowledgable staff, no hold times, prompt service, and they make placing life insurance very easy. They take the time so you understand the products, no pressure sales. Very happy with my choice in James Lavelle's office. Very easy to get renters insurance read more

I agree with all the reviewers, this office has no regard for their customers. They are absolutely horrible. No customer service skills whatsoever. They have made several errors with our homeowners and our car insurance. Raising rates with no explanation, cancelling policies without warning. Trying to get in contact with "James" is virtually impossible, I am starting to believe he doesn't exist, he's been away from his desk for about a month. I will be contacting corporate and I encourage everyone on here to do the same. Do not give these people your business. They do not value you as a customer or even as a human being. Oh, and Layla, don't even bother speaking with her if you have any issues. She is a bumbling idiot who can barely put together a sentence. In conclusion, this office is terrible, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!! read more

Agree with the 1 star - horrible, horrible - Lavelle could not care less about his clients - time to change! Dawn who works for him gave me all kind of stories as to why my insurance went up months ago. Never found / trusted what she told me. Tried to talk to Lavelle who was on vacation at the time. I did not hear back so I called again. He did not really care! So today I switched to a new agent and got action right away. My son was covered by Lavelle. Dawn cancelled his insurance because he moved from Williamsburg to greenpoint near the "water"!! I love and give a lot of great reviews when deserved. Not here for sure! A disaster! read more

I moved into NYC in 1977. My dad encouraged me to get apartment insurance even though I practically lived in a closet. I had no idea where to go as I was working days and going to school at night. I was looking through the yellow pages (yup, we used a book back then) and found James Lavelle, State Farm that was walking distance from my job. I never looked back. That was 1977 so it was James Lavelle, Sr. I have had 2 generations of Lavelle's helping me as I grew in my career with my apartment, home, car, jewelry and umbrella policy. I always enjoy speaking with their staff as they are friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. What else can you ask for after 43 years of outstanding service. Need insurance, call Lavelle as they have my vote. read more

I've had insurance on a small apartment for a few years through this agency, and I've never had a problem. I recently had to get new insurance for a new and improved condo that I'm buying, and getting new coverage was a cinch--immediate responsiveness (even on a Monday morning) and it was seamless, and everyone was very professional. I have no criticism whatsoever--this is excellent customer service. read more

Just the worst. At best, this office is unprofessional, incompetent and uninterested in assisting clients (with basic policy information, nothing complicated). Customer relations is exactly what this job is... If you cannot interact with and assist clients or answer basic questions about what the policy covers, what good are you as an insurance broker? That's your job description! I was a client with a renter's insurance policy for several years (maybe 6?) and I had the nerve to inconvenience them once after 6 years of paying for their services with questions regarding my policy details. I was moving and wanted to make sure my policy was still appropriate, and update/potentially add more coverage. Jessy Caballero is the employee my questions were forwarded to, and she either was not able to answer my basic questions regarding coverage limits, jewelry coverage, and how reimbursement would be made in the event of a claim, or just didn't feel like it. We exchanged 27 emails back and forth. In those 27 emails, I did not get a single answer to any of my questions about my policy, but did manage to change my address (which took 17 emails). Most of the emails I received from Jessy were single, incomplete sentences complete with emoticons. I lost all trust for these people, as they refused to answer any basic questions over email, insisting I come into the office or call, because Jessy "felt more comfortable that way". At that point, I could only assume she either did not intend to answer my questions honestly or didn't know the correct answers, which is why she would not answer over email. Sorry, but I no longer feel comfortable believing anything you tell me. James Lavelle did not feel the need to get involved himself (when the going got rough I cc'd him on all communications) as his employee floundered her way through losing him business. I have transferred my policy to John Garfinkel's office, and Magdalena has been nothing but professional and helpful. She has answered all my questions over email promptly and professionally, and is truly the only reason I did not cancel with State Farm altogether. This entire office should be ashamed of themselves, and State Farm should know how badly James Lavelle and his staff reflect on them. read more

Buyer Beware. As unprofessional a company as I have ever witnessed. Clearly Lavelle and his group do not care about his clients and it shows. Rarely if ever did I receive an email/call with regard to any concerns with my policy. Bills were botched each and every month for 6 months requiring hours of calls to the main office to clear the mess. To top it off, I was being billed for an additional policy I had not even signed up for. I am moving on starting tomorrow. And if I could enter zero stars I would. read more

Useless. Moved to NYC after 30 year relation with SF in NJ so did needed insurances with them. Have been unresponsive and unhelpful, and certainly neither my advocate nor good explainer of SF policies. Goodbye to SF and you soon as I can. New broker has quoted me less expensive with established companies looking for my business. read more

AWFUL AWFUL!!!!! This office should be closed due to crimes against insurance. This guy hires young people who have no idea about insurance policies or process. I guess they must be cheap to hire. Wasted four months to get a life insurance policy, with me doing all the agents leg work. After no joy, switched to liberty mutual and got same coverage and premium within 5 weeks:-) this state farm office sucks. read more

In an era where personalized customer service does not exist, it is so nice to be able to call my state farm office and have everyone that works there be familiar with me and my account. Whatever my needs or questions are they take care of it in an efficient, timely, and friendly manner. I would highly recommend James Lavelle and his team. read more

A few weeks ago I was in the market for purchasing renters insurance for my very first apartment on recommendation from a close friend I was referred to this office and I am so thankful I was! Throughout the entire process I was treated warmly and kindly by the knowledgeable insurance agent I dealt with. She went above and beyond to take the time and make sure I completely understood the policy and coverage options I had available to me. This being my first insurance policy experience the process could not have been made easier or smoother! I will definitely be returning and referring friends to this office regularly. read more

Best pricing compared to every other company. Best office service compared to previous locations I switched my polices from. Great customer service and due diligence from everyone read more

Very disappointed in State Farm and this agency, specifically Mr. LaValle (if he actually exists!) My wife and I have been clients since 1984 with policies in several areas of their business. We recently had two small water damage claims in our co-op apartment, neither of which was due to our negligence...State Farm dropped us! We found out about it from an impersonal letter from their corporate office...nothing from LaValle. When we asked them to intercede the response was slow and totally ineffective. Even as we prepare to move all of our policies from this agency, still no contact from James LaValle. AVOID THIS AGENCY. read more

James B Lavelle's office has been our Insurance Agent for about 20 years and I look forward to another 20 years! Every time you call the staff are courteous and attend to your needs promptly. State Farm also has the best rates in NYC. read more

Avoid if you can. If you're with them now, get everything in writing. They're very attentive when they want your business. Don't correspond over the phone or in person. I went in to cancel my insurance and now it's in collection because the agent won't tell the insurance company that I wanted it cancelled. read more

I agree with Glenn, Catherine and other 1 star reviews. I signed up for renter's insurance - the process was pretty quick and easy. After that however, I had several billing issues. They also auto-renewed my policy after I specifically asked when I signed up for a strictly one year policy. My biggest issue however, is that the person who answers phones/ deals with billing is rude and seems unable to answer questions directly. No need to deal with nasty people when there are plenty of polite people as alternatives :) I absolutely will not be getting my next renter's policy with this office. read more

We have used this office for 10 years, even when we moved out of the city. They are AMAZING. The staff is wonderful every single time we call. Absolutely no hassles with making claims or changing coverage. Although I have never spoken with James, there is no need to. This is the way insurance should work. read more

Awful agency, just posted the same review on google, only good to collect, if you have a claim, they are not helpful at all, despite several attempts to engage Jessica and James. Look elsewhere! read more

Was looking for rental insurance and a friend recommended this State Farm office. I found the emplyees to be helpful and knowledgable; helping me select a rental policy with additional coverage for jewelry, etc at a very affordable rate. Worked with Bridget and couldn't be happier with my choice. read more

I just had the easiest experience getting my renters insurance and the price was very fair. Joanne Devine was so pleasant to work with and I was done in under 10 minutes. I highly recommend read more

Amazing customer service. Leila Escoto offers the best support and care a customer could ever ask for. Thanks to her help it's impossible to buy insurance anywhere else. Highly recommended, thank you! read more

Terrible experience! I've been with State Farm for the past 14+ years and unfortunately have been dealing with Joanne Seemer since moving to NYC - she's unknowledgeable, unprofessional, and has the worst customer service. I strongly advise finding a new insurance broker. read more

I have been a customer of James Lavelle's for several years now. I have a Life Insurance and Renter's Insurance policy with them, and I have been more than satisfied. The customer service is great, and my agent Joanne, is the absolute best! I would highly recommend them to anyone for your insurance needs! read more

Excellent, responsive customer service; taking a while to get revised policy, but not a problem at this point. I have used this State Farm office for more than 25 years, first for a Co-Op and then for a house. Have dealt with a few different agents and found each one helpful. Have filed a few claims over the years, which were paid in a reasonable amount of time. read more

Insurance can be aggravating and I've always had the easiest time with this office and the people that work there. They are very efficient and don't waste your time with nonsense. I have recommended this office to others and would again. Joanne Devine is always especially pleasant to talk to. read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.i would like to take this time to thank the James Lavelle agency for saving me over a 1,000 dollars a year on my home owners insurance. I lived in what they considered a flood zone and Farmers insurance was one of the only companies who would insure my house. Representative Joanne Seamer had been checking my former policy at various times and State Farm finally returned to my area for insurance. Ms Seamer professionalism and expertise may dealing with insurance a pleseant experience. I highly recommend the Lavelle agwncy and his staff if you need the best rate on insurance. read more