Reviews
I have had a policy with Michael's agency since I moved to Portland in 2009 - first renters, and then auto and home. I have never once spoken with or interacted with Michael - he has never scheduled a meeting and I have not seen a need to sit down with him. Which is fine - I don't need to be buxom buddies with my insurance agent. I pay for a service - the agent provides it. Except: other than cashing my checks, Michael Holton DOESN'T actually provide anything. Quite unlike State Farm's ad campaigns of calling out for your agent and them being there to assist you in your time of need - when you call or email Michael in a time of need: he doesn't even bother to respond. In September 2014 I had a house fire. The only assistance I got from Michael's office was to connect me with the Loss Department at the State Farm corporate office. That's it. It's been over a year since the fire and not one call or email - nothing. No following up and seeing how I am or how the service was or if I was properly taken care of. Well, that's not the entire truth: in that time I did receive a call from one of his office minions offering to sell me more services. Oh, and there is the, now trite, automated birthday card delivery. I recently emailed Michael one last time hoping that I might get some assistance with an ongoing problem with the construction contractor that did the fire repairs and, by the way: if you live in/around Portland, OR and ever need insurance repairs performed on your home: stay as far away from OHI Construction as possible. That email was sent a few weeks ago. Michael still has not responded. If you plan to pay money for your insurance with the prospect of getting ANY level of service - and let's face it, when it comes to insurance that IS the reason why we pay a little more: to have an agent rather than some call center attendant - then my suggestion is to find another agent to give your money to; there's plenty others around.
Michael Holton's agency has handled our home, auto and business insurance policies for over a decade. They've seen us through multiple new homes and been there as our family and insurance needs have grown. The staff and Michael take a true interest in our personal and professional insurance needs and we recommend them for anyone looking for the best level of customer service and insurance needs possible.
There should be negative stars: do not use this agent. I transferred my policies car, renters, and life from Kentucky to Oregon. Yes, this is a big transfer, but that does not excuse leaving a single woman stranded at 8PM at night when she has been told she has a policy because the agent has the wrong vehicle on file wrong make and model I have never owned. I am new to Portland and most if not all of my support system is in Kentucky meaning across the country. I do not understand why I have insurance if they are not going to help me when my car isn't working properly. Not only was I completely deserted and had to resort to police assistance for a mere light being left on in my car that wore my battery down, but they didn't even care the next morning. I understand to a degree that this happened after hours, but to not even reach out the next day was outrageous! I have been with StateFarm for ten years. I adored my agent and her staff in Kentucky. They were the model of "like a good neighbor... Statefarm is there." The next day, I had an email from Chandany at Michael Holton's office telling me I should be careful using the service to jump my battery because it is considered a claim. If they had checked in with me at all they would have found out that they was a wire short in my light so it wasn't going off. An easy fix, but my insurance should have been a comfort and security, not scolded me for USING my coverage. Worse yet, I reached out to Jarred at Gina Hopper's office in Kentucky to tell him about it. Hopper's office went above and beyond; they even reached out on my behalf to Michael Holton's office. Gina tried multiple times to reach out to Michael Holton, leaving messages and had no response. Needless to say, I have gone to another agent here in Portland. So if you ever need an agent in Kentucky, Gina Hopper and her associate Jarred are truly "like a good neighbor," but Michael Holton's office is like the obnoxious neighbor that sneaks into your garden, steals your tomatoes, and then blames you for it.
I’ve been using Michael Holton State Farm for my business & personal needs for over 10 years. Michael & his staff are extremely knowledgeable, transparent and professional. I highly recommend this agency.
Michael's employees always put their clients first.