One of the largest and most well-known agencies in the Chicago area is Talro Insurance. The large agency has found a niche serving higher-risk drivers, notably with those needing SR-22 filings. Talro’s longevity underscores its commitment to providing accessible and affordable insurance solutions to the greater Chicago community.

Talro Insurance Agency, Inc. was established in the early 2000s and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates as an independent insurance broker, which means it is not tied to one specific insurer. Instead, Talro works with numerous national and regional carriers to find clients the best and cheapest coverage that fits their budget. 

Core Values & Mission

Talro Insurance Agency has positioned itself as a customer-centric business, emphasizing affordability, flexibility, and personalized service. The agency’s primary market includes budget-conscious drivers and homeowners seeking affordable insurance options. 

One of the numerous advantages Talro has is that most representatives are bilingual and can speak both English and Spanish. Talro has grown in the Hispanic community in Chicago through word-of-mouth advertising.  

Key Benefits Of Talro Insurance Agency 

• Offices across the Chicago area
• Staff fluent in English and Spanish
• Special focus on auto insurance policies
• Serves high-risk drivers and clients needing SR-22 filings

Talro Insurance Customer Service

One of the most praised aspects of Talro Insurance is the agency’s in-person customer service experience. Many reviews name specific helpful, patient, and thorough agents explaining policy details. The company also has a large multilingual staff, which is highly appreciated in the Hispanic community. 

Talro Insurance Agency Policies

Talro primarily focuses on auto insurance, but also offers additional coverage types through partner insurers.

1. Auto Insurance

Talro’s core product is non-standard auto insurance, designed for high-risk drivers, people needing SR-22 filings, and those with poor credit or a DUI history.

Coverage Offered:

• Liability-only policies
• Full coverage (collision + comprehensive)
• Uninsured motorist protection
• Medical payments
• Roadside assistance (varies by provider)

2. SR-22 Insurance

Talro is a major provider of SR-22 certificates, required for drivers with:

• DUI convictions
• Suspended licenses
• Uninsured accidents

3. Other Coverage Offered:

While less emphasized, Talro also offers:

• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance
• Commercial auto
• Motorcycle insurance

Talro Insurance Pricing

As an independent agency, Talro doesn’t set its own premiums, it pulls quotes from various providers. Many reviewers mention finding competitive rates, especially for high-risk auto coverage.

However, clients must be cautious. Some reviewers claim they were quoted low initial rates that later increased unexpectedly, often due to lapses, miscommunications, or unclear billing structures.

Claims Process

This is where Talro has mixed feedback: Since Talro is a broker, it does not handle claims directly. Instead, clients must work with the insurer that Talro placed them with (e.g., Progressive, Dairyland, or other insurers).

General Claims Workflow:

1. Accident occurs
2. The customer contacts the insurer directly
3. The claim is processed by that insurer
4. Talro may assist if communication issues arise
   

Customer Reviews and Feedback

With over 3,000 reviews across platforms, Talro’s reputation is highly polarized.

1. Birdeye (Average: 4.6/5)

Strengths:

• Named agents like Sally Valentin receive dozens of direct commendations.
• Positive feedback about bilingual service and quick quotes.
• Customers appreciate the effort to explain policies clearly in Spanish.

Weaknesses:

• A few complaints about policies not being fully explained, leading to confusion at renewal or claim time.

2. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Rating: D- (as of latest report)

• Not BBB Accredited
• Over 40 formal complaints have been filed in the last three years.

Top issues:

• Billing disputes
• Policy cancellations without adequate notice
• Poor communication after policy initiation

3. Yelp (Mixed to Negative)

• Talro has a 3.5-star average on Yelp.
• Repeated complaints include:
  • Long hold times
  • Difficulty canceling policies
  • Confusion around premium increases

Example Yelp Review Snippets:

“They were great at first. But after I paid, it was like pulling teeth to get someone to answer my questions.”

“They canceled my policy without notice, and I had to get a new one on the spot. Huge headache.”

BBB Accreditation and Ratings

Talro is currently not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a D- rating, which suggests a pattern of unresolved customer complaints.

Key BBB Insights:

• Many complaints cite the lack of clear communication about:
  • Payment due dates
  • Policy lapses
  • Refund eligibility
• Some customers were surprised by mid-term policy cancellations, which they claim were never communicated.
• Talro has responded to some BBB complaints, but often in a templated manner without full resolution.

Why it matters:
While not being BBB-accredited doesn’t automatically signal a bad company, the D-rating paired with a pattern of unaddressed complaints raises concerns about their internal processes and customer resolution policies.

Talro Insurance Comparison With Competitors

Feature	Talro Insurance	Freeway Insurance	The General	Geico (via agent)
Independent Broker	✅	✅	❌	❌
SR-22 Filing	✅	✅	✅	❌
Bilingual Agents	✅	✅	❌	❌
BBB Accreditation	❌	❌	✅	✅
In-person Locations	✅ (Chicago-focused)	✅ (National)	❌	✅ (limited)
Online Management	❌	✅	✅	✅

Summary:
Talro is most similar to Freeway Insurance, as both target high-risk drivers and offer bilingual in-person service. However, The General and Geico may offer better digital experiences and a more streamlined claims process, especially for tech-savvy users.

Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How To Get a Talro Insurance Quote 

Getting a quote from Talro is relatively simple, but it’s more manual and agent-driven than modern digital insurance platforms.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Call or Visit a Local Office

Talro prefers in-person or phone inquiries. Walk-ins are welcome, and many customers say they received immediate attention.

2. Provide Basic Info

Be prepared to give:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle info
• Driving history
• Address and contact details
• Prior insurance history (if any)

3. Choose from Multiple Quotes

Because Talro is a broker, they may offer several different quotes from different carriers. This can help drivers compare rates, but they should dig deeper and ask about:

• Monthly vs. full-term cost
• Fees for setting up the policy
• Cancellation fees
• Hidden charges

4. Make Your First Payment

Once you agree to a policy, you’ll typically need to:

• Pay the first month or the full term
• Sign documents (paper or digitally via email)

5. Receive Policy Documents

You should receive a copy of your policy via email or a physical printout. Always double-check your coverage limits, start date, and insurer name.

The Final Word On Talro Insurance Agency 

Talro Insurance Agency fills an important niche. The agency offers affordable, accessible insurance, especially for Chicago’s high-risk, working-class, or non-English speaking customers. If you prefer face-to-face service, need SR-22 coverage, or want someone to walk you through your options in Spanish, Talro may be a solid choice.

However, prospective clients should be aware of the numerous complaints about billing issues and unclear cancellations. Additionally, Talro’s lack of digital tools and poor BBB rating indicate some operational shortcomings.

Talro Insurance can work well if you’re proactive, read the fine print, and communicate closely with your assigned agent. But if you’re seeking a seamless digital experience and a highly reputable provider, you might want to consider competitors like The General or Geico.  

Now that you know the ins and outs of Talro Insurance Agency, it’s time to compare quotes online. Get up to 10 direct quotes in less than five minutes. Save more money today on the coverage you need that fits your budget.