Controversy Follows Amigo Insurance Move On Jefferson St.

JOLIET, IL — The former Bob Martin Auto Sales used car dealership at Joliet's busy corner of West Jefferson Street and Raynor Avenue has been filled by Amigo Insurance. Last week, Amigo opened its insurance agency at 725 W. Jefferson St.

Employees told Joliet Patch that their hours of business at the new location are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It's closed Sunday.

Amigo Insurance also acquired the asphalt parking lot across the street, near Home Cut Donuts, that was also owned by Bob Martin Auto Sales.

Meanwhile, three blocks up the street, there are signs posted on the windows of the former Amigo Insurance at 1020 W. Jefferson St. that reflect negatively on the business.

"DEAR AMIGO INSURANCE Key Not Working Today? Let's Find Out Why? Have You Paid Your Rent On Time In The Last Few Months? Have You Sent $$$ Or Replied To The 30-Day Notice? Were You Notified To Clear Your Belongings By April the 10th Of Year 2023?" the sign reads.

The last line of the letter, signed THE LANDLORD, states, "So you thought that because your lease is up soon you will stop payment for months and I won't be able to do anything? Is this how (you) treat Amigo Customers when they have filed a claim? How sad!"

There is now a For Rent sign in the grass of the former Amigo Insurance building at 1020 W. Jefferson St.

On Friday, an Amigo employee at the new location said he did not know anything about a purported rent payment dispute. He referred Joliet Patch to Amigo Insurance representative Ana Palma. On Monday, she told Patch there are two sides to every story. She said that corporate lawyers for Amigo Insurance are now involved and handling the matter, and that she can't comment on the rent dispute because of that.

There are roughly 33 Amigo Insurance offices spread across Illinois, an employee noted. Other locations include Champaign, Rockford and two offices in Aurora. Joliet also has two locations.

There has been an Amigo Insurance on Collins Street for about 16 years.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Bob Martin Auto For Sale: Is This The Right Price?