Customer service key to new Allstate agent

Belen

With three Allstate Insurance agencies already operating in Los Lunas, Phillip Blackburn decided to head for Belen, where he opened his Allstate agency in June at the corner of Main Street and Gilbert Avenue.

Blackburn, 52, has more than 15 years of insurance experience and thinks his agency, located in the same plaza as Dayspring Deli, offers unique insurance services that can be tailored to the customer’s individual needs.

“So many companies want to sell one-size-fits-all, but that’s not the way it works,” Blackburn said.

Auto, home and personal property insurance are the top three types of insurance offered, but Blackburn also assists people in financial planning. He wants to show people how they can best invest their money for the future, and part of the planning includes annuities and mutual funds.

“Yes, I sell insurance, but my job is to make suggestions that could help people achieve their goals,” Blackburn said. “And, of course, people have different goals.”

Allstate, best known for its “You’re in good hands,” slogan, stresses service and concern for the customer, and Blackburn takes pride in his personal involvement.

“I go out and talk to the people,” Blackburn said. “I get personally involved with people. They’re just like family. When they have a problem, I go out there.

“We’ll go the extra mile to help people. It’s of no value to anyone if they don’t get the best possible service,” Blackburn said.

When asked to summarize his business goal, Blackburn replied, “To provide the finest personalized service available to people for their insurance and planning needs.”

“Know thy coverage,” might best phrase one of Blackburn’s philosophies in running his agency.

“My personal goal is to make sure that everyone I come in contact with has a very solid, basic understanding of what the type of insurances they have can do for them, and to get the most for their dollar,” Blackburn said.

“Allstate has been a company that has lived by that concept for several decades, and I think they’ve been extremely successful at it,” Blackburn said. “There are millions and millions of people throughout the country who carry Allstate coverages, and many of them wouldn’t even consider leaving.”

For those people who might consider saving a few dollars by buying insurance with an unproven company, Blackburn offers some counsel.

“People will get in the mindset of saving a buck, and they’ll go with a company they’ve never heard of,” Blackburn said. “Then, when it comes to paying a claim, they don’t get a cent. It’s a shame.”

Blackburn, born in Grants, spent more than 10 years in the U.S. Navy and Army, including time in Vietnam. Having lived in Magdalena and Farmington, and currently residing in Los Lunas, Blackburn feels that he understands the nature of smaller New Mexico communities.

Blackburn started working in the insurance business in 1971 with the Aon Corporation. He worked eight years for Aon’s Albuquerque branch, selling accident and disability insurances. Blackburn has also worked for Bankers Life and Casualty Company of Chicago, and Family Heritage Life Insurance.