All American Hallmark Insurance weathers the storms

When news of Hurricane Harvey’s imminent arrival first hit, Alma Rosa Castillo immediately prepared for landfall — and after. As the owner of All American Hallmark Insurance in Corpus Christi, she and her team were already devising strategies to help their insurance customers submit claims in case of electricity or internet outages.
“Before evacuating to Edinburg, I made up a complete list with all the necessary information and took it with me down south,” Castillo told Corpus Christi Business News. “I had never been through a hurricane before, and as a business owner, I made certain that my business lines were rerouted to my cellphone.”
Just like clockwork, her cellphone began ringing with calls from customers the day after the storm dissipated.
“I first helped my customers by providing emotional support, listening to their main concerns and making sure they were okay,” Castillo said. “Afterwards, I reassured them by giving them peace of mind regarding their damages. Third, I started filing claims for them.”
When Castillo returned home to Corpus Christi two days later, power was still out at the office as were internet and phone lines. Armed with laptops and cellphones, Castillo and her staff worked out of Castillo’s house for a week, taking calls and reporting claims.
“We were able to put them in front of the line to get them a faster claim process,” she said.
The vast majority of property damage claims in Corpus Christi were from downed fences and trees, shingles blown off roofs and food spoilage because of power outages. Many customers living in Rockport, Port Aransas and the surrounding areas experienced a total loss of their homes and property.
Property owners have to weather more than the storm, however. Once the wind, rain and storm surges are gone, the real work begins.
“The issues customers are now facing vary,” Castillo said. “Some had a high deductible on their windstorm insurance; consequently, the settlement on the claim was not enough to take care of the repairs.”
Others applied for financial help from FEMA, which has been slow in processing information and delivering help. Others are having a difficult time finding contractors and roofers to make the necessary repairs.
“When they do find someone, the wait has often been longer than a month,” Castillo said.
With all those problems in mind, Castillo has some crucial advice for anyone filing insurance claims.
“Your insurance agent should always be your first contact even though we are not licensed adjusters,” she said. “We can listen to your chief concern, put your mind at ease and then give you information regarding the claim process.”
Before starting any repairs or cleanup, take photos of all the damages, protect the property from further destruction and never begin repairs without the adjuster’s approval.
“If repairs cannot wait, then get a couple of written estimates and save all your receipts,” Castillo advises. “Insurance companies like a dated paper trail.”
All American Hallmark Insurance has been serving the Corpus Christi area since 1986. Originally owned by American Hallmark, Castillo purchased the establishment in 2003, only slightly modifying the name by adding the word “All” as the business became an independent agency. She offers a variety of insurance through different companies, including Progressive.
“Nothing else as has changed in terms of quality customer service,” she said. “My primary goal and concern is to provide a great product with the best service possible.”
All American Hallmark offers property and casualty insurance to all the Coastal Bend and beyond, including home, windstorm, flood, auto, motorcycle, RV, boat and ATVs. The agency also offers insurance for any type of commercial need, from auto to trucks to business property and liability.
According to Castillo, several  clients have been with the agency for 20 years.
“We know their children and grandchildren,” she said. “It’s hard on us when we discover that a client has passed away because they are like family to us.”
Treating not only the customers but also the employees like family is not difficult as All American Hallmark Insurance is a family-operated business.
“My son, Johnny Van Meter, works alongside me as an agent,” Castillo said. “When he married his wife, Jessica, I became close to his parents-in-law, Benjamin and Velma Garcia. Benjamin had worked with Walmart for decades, and when the time came and I was looking for a manager, he was looking for a different career path. It worked out perfectly.”
Now, Garcia works as a manager and agent. His wife, Velma, serves as receptionist. Castillo’s philosophy is that working together as a family creates a dynamic of trust and care for the business and its clients.
“Everyone is more invested in the business,” she said. “They’re not just here to make a paycheck. They are concerned about running a successful agency by treating our customers well.”
All American Hallmark Insurance listens to its clients and their concerns.
“Once we know what is important to the client, we find the best price to fit their budget,” Castillo said. “We are fully aware that Nueces County insurance rates have been rising every year, no matter what company or policy you go to, because we ourselves are required to purchase insurance for our own homes, autos or personal property. We advise customers to give us a try and see if we can help save them some money. We guarantee you will find a friendly staff, ready to earn your trust and your business.”
All American Hallmark Insurance is located at 4510 Weber Road.
For more information, call (361) 993-6643 or visit allamericanhallmark.com.