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Todd of Lexington SC (08/26/08)
My wife and I have insurance with State Farm (2 cars and a house) and have had some bad luck. My wife does get broken windshields quite frequently and I have had some claims on my truck (a couple broken windshields, one back glass and I had to have a bed replaced) which was a run of bad luck. We have not had any claims that were the result of any moving violations, though.
The other day we got a letter from State Farm saying that our policies were being changed and we were being issued a new policy with a $500 deductible. After checking with our agent we were informed that our insurance was being cancelled and that if we wanted to we could keep our house insurance with State Farm (not happening, though). Like a good neighbor State Farm isn't going to be there, so don't bet on it.
Robert of Springfield OH (08/26/08)
I just recently bought a 1991 Honda Civic to get back and forth to school. I called State Farm to get a quote on Auto Insurance, since my family has used them for years. Thinking that, since this vehicle has a tiny 1.3L 4 banger in it, insurance will be pretty cheap. NO. They originally quoted me at $60.00 per month for liability only coverage. GREAT, I thought to myself. Two weeks later, after purchasing the car, they run the full run of questions on me.
For some reason, the quote, after three different discounts (multi-car, good driver, etc), the quote skyrocketed to $148 per month for LIABILITY coverage! And they want to charge me $150 per month for liability on a car that struggles for 80MPH? I have since bought a comprehensive coverage policy with Progressive and am now paying $86 per month for that policy...
Susette of Williamstown KY (08/19/08)
I went into State Farm looking for car insurance thinking it would be the same as any other place. I thought I would give the the information on th car and myself, give them some money and insured I am. Not exactly. Beacause I had car trouble and let the car sit undriven, they wanted all my car repair reciepts, my title and the bill of sale. They also were asking all sorts of personal questions about how I have been getting around and what type of car insurance my mother had. I felt as though I was being treated like a criminal...not just by the way they wanted my proof of everything, but by their attitude towards me as well. But because they gave me the cheapest quote I decide to jump through their hoops and track down all the reciepts.
In the meantime I decided it would be a good idea to buy a more dependable vehicle and leave the car alone for while, I called them and asked them how much it would be they quoted me, but then once again asked me how I was getting around and who was insuring me, which Ifelt was none of their business. I liked the quote regardless and asked them if I should just leave the car alone and just insure the truck, they told me that it would be up to me, but I still would have to bring in all my repair recipts on the car even though I wouldn't be insuring it. They also informed me that if i wasnt insuring I will have to turn in the tags to the court house. I told them that there wasnt any tags on it and it wasn't any of their business if they werent insuring it anyway. I will gladly pay a higher payment just so I dont have to be treated like a criminal.
Richard of Broomfield CO (08/17/08)
I have been with State farm for several years. I went out of state and my truck was backed into while I was at a movie with the family I was visiting. State farm fixed my truck for over $4000.00 in damages for my $250.00 deductible without a police report. My insurance rate didn't increase at all and my deductible is back to $250.00 after 1 year.I still get discounts after every year that I am a good driver.I hope they keep up the good work !!! Thanks State Farm..
Bill of Boise ID (08/15/08)
State Farm Insurance listed a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Ebay. The add stated the bike was a theft recovery with missing parts. The truth is the bike had been submerged, causing the cylinders to rust in the pistons. The motorcycle does not run and there are numerous missing parts. It appears that any usable parts of the motorcycle were stripped off.
I paid $4,800 for the bike plus the cost of going to Kansas City to pick it up. It will require over $6,000 in time and parts to make it functional. The Harley sells for $12,000 new. It is my opinion that State Farm fraudulently misrepresented the condition of this motorcycle.
Amber of Lincoln NE (08/08/08)
State farm has been incredibly good to me. I got auto quotes from about 13 other companies and no one beat State Farm. They also provided me with discounts that no one else offered such as Steer Clear Discount, Good Driving Discount, and Good Student Discount. My agent and everyone in his office has always been very kind and helpful-not to mention friendly beyond business expectations. I plan to stay with them for a long time.
Tim of Burlington NC (08/07/08)
I own a 2000 Acura that is Insured with State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance. I've never filed a claim on this vehicle with State Farm since it was bought new in 2000. On 07/25/2008 I was traveling north on a two lane road when a dump truck was traveling south showered my vehicle with rocks and dented, chipped, and broke windshield and severly damaged the drivers side of the vehicle. Upon contacting my State Farm Agent and advising him of the incident. I advised the agent of a body shop I wished to use, however I was told that the body shop I requested was not in the Approved Network of body shops but he stated that was ok because an adjuster would be assigned to come out and look at the vehicle.
Since the agent knew my windshield was broken during this event, I advised the agent that I'd like to have an original OEM (original replacement). The 3rd party that works with State Farm in glass replacement is Linksys. Linksys contacted me again advised them of an OEM windshield, no problem with getting the windshield. I didn't wish to have the windshield replaced until after the insurance adjuster had seen the damage. On 08/06/2008 the adjuster from State Farm finally decided to take a look at the vehicle in the body shop. Upon taking 1 1/2 hours to look at the car, the adjuster wrote the estimate and excluded a lot of the damage and indicated on his estimate that the damage seen at this time is from previous damage.
The damage from this incident was isolated to the front end, front bumper, windshield, side glass drivers door, outside mirros were chipped, fuel door scratched by flying rocks, front end of vehicle ran off of road to miss hitting other vehicles, the vehicle is pulling to the right while driving and the tires are cupping out since the vehicle swerved to miss other vehicles Now the Adjuster made a comment to the Body Shop Manager stating He Thinks He Will Get An OEM windshield That's not going to happen was the comment directed towards myself.
I've had lost time from work in order to meet with Body Shop Manager, I've spent money on supplies to keep the windshield in tact so that glass will not come inside of vehicle and contact myself or passengers riding in the vehicle. I was told by State Farm that a Rental Car could not be paid for until the vehicle was placed in the shop for repairs to begin. Front end alignment, possibly bent reim and now 2 tires cupping out. And last the economic impact which my vehicle will suffer once all of the repairs have been made involving this incident.
The premiums have been paid for on Comp and Collision with State Farm for 8 years and this claim is being challenged because of the wording in which the Adjuster feels has weight in paying for this claim, the words used are previous damage.
William of Dayton OH (08/04/08)
State Farm Ins. Deigned my claim against their client. (Cause of accident) based solely on the word of mouth that He hit Me. (State Farms client own words) After the police report witnesss and several evidential factors pointed into the opposite direction. The local police cited the other car driver for the accident & not me. I had to endure 14 days of phoning State Farm for answers. Only to find at the end of 2 weeks they (State Farm) didnt feel as though their client was in the wrong. (All this even with the local police report stating the opposite)
After sending photos emails and dozens of phone calls, I contacted my agent, He then told me that Many Ins. Agents LEAVE State Farm, Just for that reason. This is all over 419 dollars worth of damage. HOW PATHETIC of State Farm to force me to sue them, Knowing that they are in the wrong.
Wrecked car, Lost wages, emotional damage, Lost deductable: 500.00
Keith of Port Orange FL (07/25/08)
I drive about 40,000 miles/year and I get cracked windshields often. I get them replaced without incidence. Florida has a zero deductible on windshields. I have not been cancelled nor rate increased due to this. I also have had great customer service. I would recommend State Farm on this, but I have not had the opportunity to compare pricing with others because of the trade off of customer service.
Brian of Blair NE (07/24/08)
My truck insurance went up from a accident that was caused by a man in a truck rear ending my truck!
My monthly insurance payment went up 25.00 dollars a month. This equals 300.00 dollars more a year from something that wasn't even my fault! There was no damage to the guys truck that hit me. My tailgate was damaged and I paid for the repair myself, cost me 300.00 bucks to repair my truck. cops gave me the ticket for Failure to Yield! Figured paying the 60.00 ticket was cheaper than taking the day off of work (185.00) and paying for the repair work myself. This cost State Farm NO money, and this alone gives them the right to charge me 300.00 bucks a year more?
Deborah of Jacksonville FL (07/24/08)
I was a passenger involved in an auto accident on 05/08/08. I was wearing my seat belt and upon impact, the air bags deployed. Unfortunately, I fractured my right foot. The driver (my husband) sustained multiple superficial abrasions and jammed his left wrist. This was the first accident that my husband has ever been involved. My husband and I followed all the rules and regulations for notifying our auto insurance, obtained the necessary forms, contact people and telephone numbers, fax numbers and addresses.
From the very beginning, I have had to constantly call State Farm for distributon of disability benefits, which, as stipulated in my contract, I am entitled to receive. Even though I have mailed, faxed (all requested paperwork) and called multiple times, the Claim Rep ignores my calls (I have already called 3 times just this week). Initially, I had to ask to speak with a manager just to get the Claim Rep to discuss the situation with me, yet he constantly sends out form letters telling us he has been trying to get in touch with us but we have not received any phone messages or any other messages from him indicating that he has attempted to call us.
As of now, I am owed nine days of diability benefits and I have tried several times again to reach the Claim Rep as my bills are now due (I was out of work for over 8 weeks). I am not trying to be a trouble maker or seek services/benefits that I am not qualified to receive. I just want my disability benefits automatically processed and mailed when they are rightfully due. State Farm's Claim Reps are terrible and they do not treat their customers with respect, nor do they appear to consider the hardship placed upon their customers whose lives have been interrupted by an unfortunate auto accident (regardless of who is at fault).
Richard of Sartell MN (07/15/08)
During the Home Run derby in tonights game, an announcer commented on how he disliked the fact that not enough ball players of color were involved with this event. He specifically sigled out Justin Morneau as an example of what He (the announcer ) disliked. Justin Morneau did nothing wrong but participate in an event that State Farm sponsored. Justin is a great role model for our state.
If anyone ever made a comment like this in reverse, they would lose their job. I, for one, feel sorry for the damage this will cause for your company and ESPN. I will not watch any ESPN or buy any STATE Farm Insurance unless there is an appology to Justin and Major League Baseball for this uncalled for comment.
Maria of Chicago IL (07/15/08)
customer service is not the best was pretty much left on hold for about 15 minutes. also the agent does anything just to get business, meaning she will insure anyone even if they dont have a valid dl, she insures people from the area that have a mexican dl, the state farm policy states that you are able to insure foreing drivers as long as they have the intent to get a valid illinois dl, does she let them know this? no she insures them and after thge 3 months they are under the impression that they will keep on being insured, however they start to receive letters from corporate and then she acts as if she does not know anything.
other than that i have also noticed that she has had 4 people quit in the past year, they all seemed like perfect workers and every single one of them have said they left because of her mental and verbal abuse. when is someone going to take a good look at that agency and what they are doing in order to make the numbers meet?
my father had an accident and was not covered because elvia never told him about the 3 month rule. now we have a lawsuit and also we are in the verge of loosing everything because the impact of the accident.
Johan of Hammond LA (07/01/08)
I got an auto accident on Friday morning, April 27, 2007 at Hammond, Louisiana. At the intersection, I moved forward after I got a green light. The other truck crossed my car and made damage at the front of my car. It was a T-bone accident. Although I did not get any serious injury, my lip was swollen and I got a pain on my neck in the next day. The police came and investigated the incident. According to the police report, I am on the right way and the police blamed the other driver.
I called the other driver insurance company (State Farm) to cover my losses. They asked me if I got any medical treatments. I did not claim any medical treatment, so it becomes a small amount of money. However, State Farm rejected my claim. In their opinion, my case is weak. They said that the police report is not enough to prove that I was on the right way. Certainly they just want to escape from any liabilities. When I said that I will continue this case to the court, they replied that to go ahead if I can get any attorney for this small case.
Certainly they think this is just a small case without a medical claim, and many attorneys are reluctant to accept a small case like this. Luckily, after trying to contact several attorneys, I found an attorney who is willing to support me. It is about the truth, justice and my right. I will fight and fight for my right! To State Farm, if you think that you can collect insurance income without paying any coverage, I will prove that you are totally wrong!
May of South Milwaukee WI (06/18/08)
I was referred to this State Farm agent by a former co-worker when I worked in nearby Downers Grove. Although I phoned, I never saw or spoke with him until last week. I elected above average coverage for our then 3 cars with rental insurance. In March or April of 2008, my husband and I decided to separate. Sometime the end of April or beginning of May 2008, I called State Farm and advised them of the situation, that I was moving to Wisconsin and needed to cancel the prior agreement as I would only need coverage for my vehicle (Jeep Liberty) and rental insurance.
I was advised that they did not have license to continue coverage in Wisconsin and that I needed to contact a local agent there to continue coverage. I advised them that I previously told them I was dissatisfied with their service and had plans to switch to another carrier. No significant response from them.
A few days later, I had spoken with several carrier agents in Wisconsin (including State Farm) and decided to go with Allstate. I contacted State Farm and advised them first of immediate coverage elsewhere and asked for a full or prorated refund of the $240 deducted from my account each and every month. Regardless of the advance notice, they took the money on 5/17 anyway.
I phoned them a week ago and Bob answered the phone. I voiced my amazement at never having spoken to him in the 2-3 years I've been his customer and he simply stated he had 3,000 customers and no time to speak with them. I then tried to explain the situation and we went round and round about the matter. He then said the policy was in my name and he would debit my account for coverage on the remaining 2 vehicles (my husband's) and former rental insurance.
Instead of cancelling the policy/coverage, he only removed my car! In his mind, I was not due ANY refund and when I asked to speak with someone else, HE HUNG UP ON ME!!! I was so outraged that I wanted to visit his office. Instead, I waited to calm down and review my options. Once I calmed down, I realized that this man treated me horribly during our first meeting as though I had no business calling him at all. He stated that the situation was becoming too complicated just before he hung up. I was astonished to realize that he was still debiting MY account for the premiums so I was still his customer.
I want State Farm to know how this guy is representing them, to register a complaint against him and State Farm in particular, and to have someone go over his books. I think they were over charging me and/or collecting money well in advance of coverage periods because they deducted $240 every month. That suggests that my premium was over $2400/year! Help?
Iva of Bean Station , TN (06/17/08)
Iwas in an auto accident 3- 26/ 08 hit from behind an injuried. they paid me for my car. but thats it . they just give me the run around every time i call about my pain and suffering and loss of work.i'm beginning to think they are a bunch of crooks.
i have a bronken ankle wont be able to walk for a long time.yet they haven't paid me 1 cent for loss of work or my pain an suffering.i am getting ready to file a suit.
Dennis of Corona CA (06/15/08)
May 23, 2008 - I was in the city of Anaheim and I was rear ended at a stop light by a commercial truck. I pulled over across the intersection, I called 911 and the city of Fullerton police arrived. While waiting for the police the truck driver that hit me and I exchanged insurance information. I had State Farm, he had New Hampshire Insurance. When Fullerton police arrived and asked where accident occurred, I was told it was in the city of Anaheim not their jurisdiction. But since the other driver and I had already exchanged information, the car was driveable and I did not have any serious injuries other than a sore neck I decided that the police did not need to be involved.
When I got back to my office I called State Farm to report the accident. The person at my agents office was courteous and gave me some assistance on how to proceed to get my car attended to. I could either wait for New Hampshire Insurance or I could go through State Farm and have the other insurance company reimburse State Farm after repairs were completed. I decided that I would go through State Farm; I was given a claim number and told them which body shop I was going to bring the car to. I needed to arrange to have the car at the shop so the investigator could go over the damages.
I called State Farm on May 27th the day after Memorial Day to inform them I was dropping the car at the body shop. I was then told that the investigator would not be able to view the vehicle until June 2nd so I informed the body shop I would drop the car off on June 2nd and rent a car from that point, I would still be driving my car until that date. I dropped that car off and rented a car on June 2, 2008, the State Farm investigator came to review the vehicle later that day. I got a message on June 4th from a Ms. Alberta Moore from State Farm stating that it appears that the car will be a total loss but she will be contacting the body shop for any additional damages.
After not hearing back from Ms. Moore since the June 4th message, I called her on June 12th and left a message for her. I called again on June 13th and got confirmation that State Farm was totalling my car. Now why would MY insurance company total my car if the other insurance company is liable for the damages to my vehicle? And to add to my confusion along with the discourteousness of Ms. Moore, the added out of pocket expense of the car rental, I was told that I needed to file a claim with the other insurance company myself. What actual claiming does the State Farm Claims Department actually perform? Are they not supposed to represent you on your behalf to the other insurance company so that you do not have to deal with such issues/problems?
But getting to the point of the complaint is why State Farm (MY insurance) is totalling my car when they should be working with New Hampshire Insurance (other driver) to pay for the damages to my car. I do not have another car to fall back upon; I had completely paid off my car and purchased a new car for my wife last year so I cannot afford another car payment at this time. My frustration stems from the dehumanizing of the situation and Ms. Moore's lack of Customer Service.
The claim is still open, I am trying to figure out my options. I will be calling my State Farm agent on Monday to get some clear answers. And I will also be calling New Hampshire Insurance on Monday to see about the claim from their side. This situation has added stress to my life that the stiffness in my neck from the accident has returned and I will be seeing my doctor Monday morning to be reassessed. As soon as I get past this debacle I will be changing my insurance company immediately.
Kim of Napa CA (06/11/08)
On May 1st 4:15 pm I was hit by another car that ran a stop sign, the fount of my car was totaled and could not be driven away from the accident. The person who hit me has state farm insurance.
Upon contacting state farm every thing seamed fine, well up until the time my car was estimated. The estimator came out with in a few days, and then called me to let me know I would be contacted with in 2-3 days with the estimate. The days went by and I called the agent I was dealing with he assured me that he would get the results any day now, a week went by still did not hear from any one so called again, the agent again assured me he would look into it. More days passed, and then the next time I called I was told that my paper work had been lost in the computer and that they are looking into it.
Well exactly on May 30th I was told they found the paper work one month later. Great I thought now we can settle so I spoke with a new person that was handling the settlement part I explained to her I needed the money ASAP to go buy a new car and that it took forever to get to this point. she let me know she could over night the paper work and send me a prepaid envelope to do the return and to have my settlement check sent out over night.
Well she did send paper work over night but to the Wrong zip code so I did not get the paper work until 4 days later, with no return envelope The rental car they got for me to use was to be turned in she extended it for 2 more days wow. Still dont have money.
So I paid almost 13.00 to have paper work returned back to them. I just wanted to get this over with. They received my paper work on time spoke with a new rep about check going out she assured me it would be over nighted , with a prepaid envelope to return to them one more paper they needed. Well my check arrived on June 10th, guess what no return envelope. I now had to pay out 160.00 for the rental so I had a car to drive. This is the worst customer service I would never recommend STATE FARM to anyone.
Besides paying out 160.00 for rental car and 13.00 for postage.I was really stress out and I am really glad it over with.
Christy of Fayetteville NC (06/07/08)
State Farm's client ran a red light and T-boned me. Police and EMT's told everyone to leave the scene without gathering information so no ticket was issued. I luckily had the number of a lady who volunteered her daughter who talked to State Farm, the other drivers insurance. They confirmed she ran a red light. However, they asked if I had paused and apparently the witness had not seen me stopped in the intersection although her own mother had stated they wondered what they were stopped for.
North Carolina has a law, apparently, that if the injured party was 1% at fault they could deny the claim. Barry claimed that since I went through the intersection without seeing if the way was clear I was at 1% fault and so denied my claim. The lane the other driver was on was the 3rd lane in a line. If I had run the red light or not checked, someone in the first two lanes would have hit me instead of her. So, instead, when I heard someone honking, we all stopped and when I spotted no one moving and heard no sirens I proceeded no. My vision of the 3rd lane was impaired by the driver to my left who thank God, was not involved in the accident.
Apparently finding the victim at 1% fault has been a reoccuring theme for them and no doubt asked leading questions to the unsuspecting witness as to how to answer properly for them without disclosing what would happen. When I stated I had the green and his client had the red, Barry's answer was that a green is not necessarily giving me the right to proceed on.
I am now left paying for a rental car out of my own pocket, which I can barely afford, having to get my car out of 'hock' at the local lodgings where it has been resting, which I cannot afford, having a trashed car which will have to be totaled but no monies coming forth on that, and having to purchase another car which again I cannot afford.
I never asked for help with medical or asked for compensation for the days I missed which would now go a long way to helping me now. I cannot afford this on my own so my mother has been helping me out which has put tremendous strain on her finacial status as well. The only thing that is good and sad at the same time is that I was not seriously injured in the wreck. The sad part of that is, had I been, a lawyer would have actually helped me out.
Christy of Fayetteville NC (06/07/08)
State Farm's client ran a red light and T-boned me. Police and EMT's told everyone to leave the scene without gathering information so no ticket was issued. I luckily had the number of a lady who volunteered her daughter who talked to State Farm, the other drivers insurance. They confirmed she ran a red light. However, they asked if I had paused and apparently the witness had not seen me stopped in the intersection although her own mother had stated they wondered what they were stopped for. North Carolina has a law, apparently, that if the injured party was 1% at fault they could deny the claim.
Barry claimed that since I went through the intersection without seeing if the way was clear I was at 1% fault and so denied my claim. The lane the other driver was on was the 3rd lane in a line. If I had run the red light or not checked, someone in the first two lanes would have hit me instead of her. So, instead, when I heard someone honking, we all stopped and when I spotted no one moving and heard no sirens I proceeded no. My vision of the 3rd lane was impaired by the driver to my left who thank God, was not involved in the accident. Apparently finding the victim at 1% fault has been a reoccuring theme for them and no doubt asked leading questions to the unsuspecting witness as to how to answer properly for them without disclosing what would happen. When I stated I had the green and his client had the red, Barry's answer was that a green is not necessarily giving me the right to proceed on.
I am now left paying for a rental car out of my own pocket, which I can barely afford, having to get my car out of 'hock' at the local lodgings where it has been resting, which I cannot afford, having a trashed car which will have to be totaled but no monies coming forth on that, and having to purchase another car which again I cannot afford. I never asked for help with medical or asked for compensation for the days I missed which would now go a long way to helping me now. I cannot afford this on my own so my mother has been helping me out which has put tremendous strain on her finacial status as well. The only thing that is good and sad at the same time is that I was not seriously injured in the wreck.
Deb of Caldwell ID (05/29/08)
My two kids were rearended, my son received a broken back/compressed vertebrae, my daught spinal cord injuries. Not only did we have State Farm but so did the people that hit us, within days State Farm tried to get us to sign off for pain and suffering we told them no, not until the kids medical treatment was done.
Even though the damage was minimal to our car, State Farm Totalled it and under their argument, they only have to pay us what they deem is fair, not fair market value. What they deem was fair wasn't even 1/4 of the car's value.
It has been nine months, none of the emergency and other medical bills have been paid by them. We have not been compensated one dime for our car or reimbursed fo prescriptions. We have been turned into collections. Here we, both parties have insurance - the same insurance, and what good has it done. Why do the laws require we have auto insurance and yet there is no enforcement that insurance companies do what they are supposed to.
Wilma of Newport Richey FL (05/14/08)
I wrote to State Farm requesting a rebate for the unsed portion of the money I paid for,but like every other insured motorist in the state of FLORIDA did not receive coverage for.The state of FLORIDA discontinued coverage of PIP effective 10/1/07 through 12/31/07.That equates to three months worth of payment for NO COVERAGE! How many millions of FREE dollars for the auto insurance companies are involved? Call, write,fax,e mail your agent and demand that the company he represents return the overcharge that they want to keep! This 'hold back' effects ALL INSURED MOTORIST IN THE GLORIOUS STATE OF FLORIDA.
Vicki of Chico CA (05/14/08)
I have been insured, thus far, with State Farm Insurance from 1975 to 2008. If you are a good driver without tickets or at-fault-accidents, and have other lines of insurance with them, their car insurance rates are unbeatable.
They have always paid all claims submitted in the past thirty-two years. My parents, grandparents, and grown children are insured with them too.
Clifford of Cleveland GA (05/09/08)
On 4/23/08 my wife was stopped at a traffic light when a car hit her in the right rear portion of our bumper. It wasn't major damage mostly cosmetic but it did come to $1050.00 in damage. I called my insurance company and informed them of what had happened the day before. My insurance company [Nationwide] told me that State Farm should be contacting me soon as they were the insurance company of the driver that hit my wife. Thirteen days later and still no word I called my company and they said they would find out what was happening. Natinwide called me back with an 800 number to call State Farm.
When I called State Farm to inquire about what they planned to do they informed me they were waiting for the accident report from the police. The report was ready 2 days after the accident and we had a copy of it. I had to fax a copy to them to get them off their lazy backsides to start the claim. I had to fight and argue to get them to get out and appraise the damage to my vehicle. The people I was dealing with in State Farm's Atlanta office are some of the rudest people I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. When I asked about the deminished value of my vehicle they said they would get back to me.
Several hours later the person I was dealing with called and said the diminished value would be $63.00. This was on my 2006 Mercury Mountaineer with under 40,000 miles on it. I told him this was not going to work at all. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he told me that he knew I would not be happy with $63.00 so he had already gone to his supervisor but was told they would not due any more. After about 10 more minutes on the phone with him he finally gave me to his supervisor a Randy Spence who told me they had a proven method for determining the diminished value of a vehicle in which they take the current value and the miles and the amount of damage to come up with a figure. I asked him how he came up with the current value of my vehicle. It took him quite some time but then finally said they used NADA for the values.
By the way I have over 15 years in the auto industry as finance manager new car manager used car manager and general manager of car dealerships. I think I am well versed in determining what a vehicle is worth on trade and retail value. I told him I was well aware of NADA values and I asked him what options did he include for my vehicle. After quite some time of him stalling and trying to change the subject and trying to state that I was not qualified to determine a vehicles value he finally admitted he did not know what options if any were included to determine it's value. I asked him how they could state the value of my vehicle without knowing it's condition or equipment. I knew I wasn't getting anywhere with Randy Spence so I asked to speak with his supervisor. Eighteen hours later a Joe Fenton called and left a message on my phone that he was calling me because I wanted to talk with Randy Spence's Boss, He came across on the phone like he graduated from Bubba University. Hey State Farm you must be dragging the bottom of the barrel with your Atlanta employees. When I was able to finally speak with Mr. Fenton he said after reviewing the situation he decided not to pay any diminished value on my vehicle and that I should just take it to court. Folks the reason insurance companies are required to pay for diminished value is because in this day of technology when a police or accident report is filed then a report is sent to carfax. If I wanted to sell or trade in my vehicle in the near future and the prospective buyer or dealership ran a carfax it would show that my vehicle was in a car accident and body work had been performed on it.
Being a sales manager for car dealerships I can tell you whenever anything like that shows up on a carfax the trade appraisal goes way down. If a buyer see's it on a carfax report most times they will walk away from that vehicle no matter how minor the damage is. Therefore no matter how minor the damage to a vehicle when someone else damages your vehicle you are entitled to diminished value caused by that person. In my case the diminished vales is far greater then $63.00. I have tried to contact State Farm's corporate offices to complain about their Atlanta office but I guess they don't want to hear about the problems they have out there. There is no place on their web site for any sort of customer service complaints.....does that tell you something about State Farm. If you need insurance run don't walk as far and as fast as you can from State Farm.
I have spent hours on the phone with State Farm's Atlanta office raised my blood pressure having to deal with complete idiots and would love some help getting my diminished value from them.
Atul of San Jose CA (05/05/08)
I had filed for an accident claim when The person who had their policy banged my car in a parking lot. While exchanging insurance information, the lady accepted her fault but probably in the meantime, after me filing a claim. The state guys approached her and changed her statement. And they reached a 50% liability decision with no fault of mine. This is stupid! I also had their claims representative (by name GIGI) talk unprofessional language with me. She was saying that I was a liar and people like me go after insurance companies and make big money!
Randi of Louisville KY (04/21/08)
I have had full coverage auto insurance with the same State Farm insurance agent since pre-1999. I have never allowed my policy to lapse or have been late one time on a payment. I was due a payment in February 2008 but it appears I inadvertantly missed it because in March 2008 while traveling on business I realized I did not have my updated cards.
I called my agent and talked with Carolyne (secretary) and she said, Wait a minute and let me check to see if there is a problem. She then said, No problem I will mail you some cards from the office. I received the cards in the mail the following week showing coverage from Dec 07-May 2008.
Last week (4/16/08) when my car broke down at work and needed to be towed I called Carolyne again and asked if I had towing coverage. She said, Let me check your policy, yes you have coverage you can call one company and pay the bill or call this other place and they will direct bill us. She gave me the numbers and I called the second vendor.
I then proceeded to call her at least two other times to identify what the coverage would be if I sold my current car and bought another. I asked her about two other types of vehicles and she told me what the coverage would cost. During all these coversations she never once told me that they had not received my last payment so my coverage had lapsed. Now, since it's past April 2, 2008 I have to get a higher rate for the same coverage. I am in effect paying for her secretary being a ding-dong.
I now have to state I had a lapse in coverage and pay higher rates.
Richard of Carlsbad CA (04/13/08)
The defendant struck the rear right passenger side of my Infinity Q45 as I entered the 78 Freeway East from the San Marcos on ramp to the 78 Freeway East.This was November 15 /07. There were no witnesses.
State Farm Auto Insurance refused to pay the damages to my auto of $2846.00. I took the defendant to the Small Claims Court in Vista CA.The Judge awarded me the full amount of the damages.The judges wording:the preponderance of the evidence offered to the Court suggests that plaintiff's vehicle was damaged by the negligence of defendant driver. On 4/10/08 I got a Supreme Court notice: State Farm is appealing the Small Claims court's decision.They of course have engaged their their high powered lawyer. State Farm is noted for these bullying tactics. Any help would be appreciated.
Linda of Laurel DE (04/06/08)
i was in a car accident on may 17th 2006 in the food lion parking in laurel de.i was driving down the parking lot to get a parking space when a man backed out and hit the right passenger side of my brothers car.
i was thrown up against the drivers door which injured my left arm and knocked my prosthesis loose at my elbow in my left arm.i had to under go surgery at john hopkins hospital on august 29th 2006.i did get a attorney to sue state farm for my injury,pain and suffering but didn't seem to amount to any thing after a year and a half of battling with state farm and my attorney was not much help either.how can i sustain a injury like i had and only be offered 1,500 for all that i went thru in that year and a half .i have til may 17th of this year to refile a claim.if you can assist in this matter i have all documents and medical records for your reveiw if you need them.i will wait to hear from you if you wish to reply in this matter. thank you
Troy of Grant AL (04/01/08)
I was parked in a parking lot at a local grocery store when another car ran into the back of mine. I now have a lawyer from weber and Associates calling and threating me and calling me a liar on the phone and telling me I owe State Farm insurance $2200.00. I have offered to even give them the information to my insurance company but they have refused it, saying they know that I am an uninsured motorist.
Kathy of Frankfort OH (04/01/08)
We were at a dead stop, at a light in Grove City. The light had not turned, so we had not moved when a van that was probably going 35mph rammed us and pushed us into another van in front of us! Our car is totaled. We turned it in and they gave us a courtesy car from March 18th to Sat. 22nd. You would think they would let us keep the rental until they processed they claim. Today is April, we have no car, I've had to cancel some Dr. Appointments, they have not yet cleared getting our title from American General in Chillicothe, OH and of course they owe us about $1,800.00. I'm going to try and rent a car but living on a fixed income is not easy. I'm glad they are NOT my insurance co. I have the Hartford.
We can't even buy anything but junk with $1,800.00. We do not have good credit and haven't been able to get a loan for even $2,000.00, which put together will let us purchase another used van we saw that's for sale.
Carlos of San Jose CA (03/12/08)
I was the victim of a rear-end collision. State Farm, my insurance company of nearly 30 years is not handling the property damage matter in a professional manner. They are offering me below market value for my vehicle. When I requested an on site inspection of my vehicle by State Farm, I was denied this basic right. Wendy Fields informed me that State Farm's goal was to keep rates as low as possible. Forget being a good neighbor or taking care of their clients. Forget that State Farm will subrogate against the insurance company of the party at fault. It's all about collecting my premiums and not paying anything out in the event of a loss.
Vehicle is considered totaled and State Farm is offering below market compensation for the loss.
Brandie of Tekonsha MI (03/10/08)
I was going through a very bad divorse in the spring of 2007. I had a 2005 Kia and a 1996 Caravan that I had to transport my small children in because the Kia did not have room for all three carseats in the rear seat. I loaned my sister my Kia for what was going to be 2 weeks. My sister wanted to see her family in Detroit and then go to Ohio to see her mom. I had no problem letting her use the car. My sister called me one morning frantic from the detroit area saying that the car was missing. She made a police report because she was about 80 miles from me. I could not leave and go to Detroit.
The complaint was made to my insurance company as soon as I found out to make sure my soon to be ex did not take the car. I was contacted by a Miron guy, who was the investigator, who told me right off the bat that because I had low income and I was getting a divorce, they would not pay if the car was recovered. A month later miron called me and said the car was found and it was burned. Myron told me that he talked to witnesses who said I had the car burned. I told him I did not and my sister was just borrowing it. I was never told I could not loan it out. After a month the state police gave me a lie detector test which I had no problems with and passed. I was cleared legally of any wrong doing. State farm still refused, saying they had people (who they refused to tell me) say that I had the car stolen. I was interrogated for hours and so was my sister.
I am still making payments onto the car. My insurance was canceled, my name ruined and now I pay a higher rate. My children have to do without things and so do I because the finance company tacked on insurance to my payments. I can't afford it. I am going to lose every thing if they take money from my paychecks. My health is in bad shape and stress is making it worse.
Anne of Shreve OH (03/06/08)
We (my husband and I) moved from NC to Ohio last June. We have had insurance with State Farm for over 20 years. Initially we left the insurance out of NC while we were getting established. We had a checking acct still in place down there and it was automatic withdrawal every month. In October last year, we found out my husband had cancer and we have spent the majority of our time in hospitals ever since until last month. Today we went to get the insurance transferred to Ohio and discovered that it had been cancelled 2 months ago for nonpayment without anyone notifying us. Now State Farm apparently has a policy that flags you as high risk if you have had insurance cancelled for ANY reason and will not insure you. I understand that they can't provide insurance for free, however, how can they call all cancelled policies high risk automatically, and how can they cancel without notification?
We now will have to pay $20-30 more per month because we are considered high risk. We have also been driving on winter roads (our first real winter in 14 years) without insurance for 2 months without knowing it
Daniel of Pinson AL (03/04/08)
My wife got rear-ended by a customer of State Farm. We took the car to the local dealership to have an estimate done. The estimate was $2700. I called SF and gave the information from the police report. They looked up the claim number and got me in contact with Tina. In a non-direct way she said the quote I had didn't matter, that they would send out an estimator. Well, the estimator didn't even look inside the trunk, as he didn't even get with my wife while she was at her work place. His estimate was $1670. I didn't even know about this until they just sent me a check for the $1670. I called them and said If I need to get two quotes I can, but the estimator's estimate can't even be accurate if he wasn't able to look in the car. A dealership's estimate would be more accurate as they have the tools necessary to give an actual estimate. SF assured me that if the repair was anymore than the check they cut, they would pay the difference.
I want a check for what damages have been caused to my car, which is their liability to pay for. I was told I could either cash the check or file the claim with my own insurance company. I'm sure this is happening with a lot of people. There has to be some way of stopping companies like this from crooked practices such as these.
I will file with my two quotes with my own insurance company, and they will deal with SF. But in the meanwhile I am out my deductible of $750.
Edward of Eugene OR (02/22/08)
This agent repeatedly calls after 6 PM Fridays. Leaves no message. Fails to answer my return calls. Does not return my calls. I have no account with State Farm.
I am irked. I'm a night worker. He's disturbing my sleep.
Ching-Hwa of San Francisco CA (02/22/08)
On October 16, 2007, there was an accident where only the driven vehicle was damaged. The vehicle, a Mercedes SLK280, has been restored; however, State Farm is refusing to pay part of the claim--in particular, fixtures that are REQUIRED by Mercedes Benz to restore vehicles to original manufacturer specifications. I have documentation direct from Mercedes-Benz that these fixtures MUST be used, which have been submitted to State Farm. State Farm's position is that these fixture do not have to be used, and other body shops do not use them.
Who am I suppose to believe? The certified Mercedes-Benz collision shop or the insurance carrier trying to cheat me? Why is it that every other insurance carrier pays this (have documentation from the body shop) and not State Farm? I have heard so many complaints regarding State Farm's practices that it disgusts me. A law suit will be filed against State Farm.
Total loss = $1120.
Jim of Sallisaw OK (02/21/08)
My daughter was involved in a rear-end accident where she was stopped at a red light, and a women drove into the back of her car. Before the accident the brake lights worked - after they did not. The adjuster did not include that damage in the original estimate. Let me say it again - a REAR-END accident in which the adjuster didn't check the brake lights. State Farm will not pay since the part that malfunctioned is under the dash. They know they can get away with it because fighting over the repair would cost more than the part. Pure insurance thievery.
$454 for brake lights to function the same as before the accident. Negligent and possible criminal business practices of a legitimate insurance company.
Harold of Columbus OH (01/23/08)
I went online and changed my coverage, I received my policy and found nothing had changed. I called my agent and they didn't understand the change again. This is not the first time this happened. I called another agent and they did not respond to my request, but they did call my current agent. I called another agent and their office was closed despite the message that they were open. I called another office and they could not or would not transfer me to an agent in charge of the area. Again I was asked about my agent and put on hold while they contacted them.
My rates have not been adjusted for a 10 year old car that continues to cost me a rate far above market!
Wendi of Kings Mountain NC (01/13/08)
On a Sunday, I needed to rent a car for a severe business emergency. The rental agent needed to verify insurance coverage with State Farm Insurance; the agent called 800 line and operator refused assistance. I found out about the lack of assistance, then called back and requested to speak to the highest management person available. I spoke with a Tonya Warren and explained to her that this was a business emergency. She states that the individual agent, Stowe Parker, has chosen not to pay for the service of verification via nationwide number, but if this were a case of an accident, she could verify coverage for rental. Any other emergency did not matter. I pleaded with Ms. Warren to make an exception, and make a sound management decision to bend a rule in order to keep a customer of 15 plus years. She refused and gave no alternative to assist. State Farm is obviously all about the money, not the customer. This is the epitome of poor customer service.
Laurie of Rancho Cucamonga CA (12/14/07)
On Nov 26, 2007 I was rear ended on the 210 freeway by a State Farm insured driver. The guy said he fell asleep, and he hit me going about 40mph. I had to call State Farm repeatly over the next week to get a claim number, and they kept saying they couldn't reach their insured by phone. I asked how I was supposed to go to the doctor for my neck and have my car repaired. The agent told me to use my own insurance until they could contact their insured. I did use my own insurance for the medical treatment, I'm still in treatment. The agent finally sent me a letter 12-6-2007 with the claim information and where to take the car to be repaired. They also rented a vehicle for me. This last Wednesday, 12-12-2007 the State Farm agent called me to say since there was no damage to their insured's truck, I could not have been injured. His license place was imprinted, in mirror image, on my bumper. I told the agent he could have a copy of the x-rays of my neck, he actually laughed and hung up the phone. I have no idea where to go from here. Do I hire an Attorney? It's this kind business handling that has our insurance cost rising every year, in my opinion. All I want is to be put back as close as possible to where I was before I was read ended.
For over a week my neck was stiff and I cried for no reason at all, I was very depressed. I'm still in treatment 3 times a week and feel much better, not perfect, but I'm getting there. I don't know if my car insurance will go up because my insurance is paying the doctor. I didn't cause the accident and shouldn't be harrassed by State Farm. The call from the State Farm agent stiffened my neck right back up from stress.
Karen of Inkster MI (12/08/07)
We decided to purchase a new E-250 ford econoline cargo van, no passenger seats, for my husband's work. being new, we needed full coverage,so State Farm gave us a price of $480.00 every 6 months. We paid it, received a declaration page, and a week later we got another bill for $150.00. They are saying they changed the class to a personal vehicle, when it is strictly a commercial vehicle and was classed as a commercial vehicle on the declaration page. There was no notice of a change in policy--just another bill. They are saying also it is the body style, that is why they upped the policy. They took pictures of the vehicle on the outside but never bothered to open the back doors to take pictures in the inside; if they were to do that, they would have seen it is a work vehicle, cage and all. The underwriter is giving my agent all kinds of excuses on why they changed the class of the vehicle.
Annie of Fort Wayne IN (12/05/07)
I have been insured with State Farm for many years, I think it started in the 80's. I not only have car insurance with them, I also have homeowner's and life insurance. I was in a car accident on May 5, 2005. I had stopped for traffic so that I could turn into my place of business. As I was sitting there waiting for traffic to clear, I was hit from the back. The lady hit the car behind me and made that car hit me, she didn't have any insurance so that meant that I had to file a uninsured motorist claim with my own insurance company who is State Farm. I carry 100,000/300,000 coverage. I pay for this everytime I pay my insurance. I had $10,000 in medical bills and was told that I will have this problem the rest of my life. I have had some back problems and minor neck issues, and they put all of what happen to me on my past medical history. They said that I have degenerative disc disease, which I do, but what does that have to do with someone hitting me from behind causing me whiplash and additional back problems?
I went to court and had a juror trial, in which they don't care about a person health, they're just there because they had to be. I'm 50 years old with a 13 year old son that I can't do the thing that I use to do with him. Also I have 19 grandchildren that I can't play with. The juror only awarded me $9400.00 and that wasn't all of my medical bills, and they wanted $5,000 of that back, because they paid part of my treatment under my medical pay that I also, as the individual, pay for in my premium. State Farm shouldn't treat people the way they did me - when you are paying your premium and get hurt, no fault of your own, and they won't even compensate you with your own money. It seems they would rather pay an attorney than to pay their customers.
I have whiplash and back problems and it has been almost three years and I'm still having problems.
Michael of Cordova TN (11/14/07)
On May 15, 2007, I started executing the sale of my motorcycle which was covered by State Farm. Since it is not against the law to accept personal checks, I did so with proof of a drivers license and phone contacts. I told the couple that when the check cleared and the funds were in my account, I would forward the title to them. I allowed the son (his mother was supposedly buying him the motorcycle as a graduation present)to take the bike home and see how he liked it, sort of a test drive like any car lot would do. Since I was getting married in July and given the fact that I want to trust people and badly wanted to trust this couple, I was very eager to sell the motorcycle. The following day, I was informed by the bank that the check was in fact stolen and the account was closed. I immediately contacted State Farm and informed them what had happened and then the police department. To make a long story short, State Farm denied the claim and told me that there had been a revision to my policy and that they no longer cover fraud. Funny thing is, my coverage was reduced yet my premiums stayed the same. I hired a lawyer who shot off a couple letters to State Farm and State Farm, in turn, had me give a sworn statement. The sworn statement turned out to be merely a cherade because they still denied the claim.
I am still making monthly payments to the financial institution for the motorcycle and I am still making monthly payments to State Farm for insuring the motorcycle, yet I don't have the motorcycle and I will never see the motorcycle again.
Tim of Rockton IL (11/12/07)
A Sate Farm insurance client turned the wrong way down the highway and totaled my son's car. My son and a passenger were transported to the hospital for injuries. This person was cited for being 100% at fault as witnessed and documented to police. I contacted my own insurance company to make a report and let them know the other person's insurance info. Within 3 days my own insurance had processed the entire incident and was prepared with a settlement, in case State Farm did not. I contacted State Farm every week for 3 weeks to find out what was being done to process the claim. Every time they stated that their client was not in contact with them and that no claims had been made. They told me that it was my obligation to process this claim through my own insurance company and that I was dragging my feet! After 4 weeks they still have not processed the insurance claim and are telling my insurance that we have no claim with which to reimburse for medical, towing, car rental or injury costs.
Loss of 1 vehicle required a rental vehicle until the settlement could be completed and a replacement vehicle purchased. State Farm has refused to pay for the rental vehicle due to the "extended length of time" that we have had it (just over 2 weeks)! My own insurance does not cover rental costs in this type of accident, where the other party has been determined to be 100% at fault; it should be paid from the other party's insurance. There has been no settlement of the $3100 medical bills or the $5100 value of my son's car, nor any of the other small charges that go along with a wrecked vehicle. My own insurance is now pursuing this claim, but I am out my deductible ($500), rental car ($300 and growing), plus the towing and storage of my son's totaled car ($200). Funds to cover any future medical bills that may occur from my son or his passenger are in question.
Elisabeth of Columbus GA (11/09/07)
My husband and I have been with State Farm for about 26 years and had vehicles insured through them. We found out recently that State Farm was over charging us hundreds of dollars. We are a multicar family, but every vehicle we had, had it's own policy. The agent never once suggested that we put the policies together. My husband was paying over $600 every six months on his truck, while I was paying over $400 on my vehicle, every six months. Both of us were drivers on each other's policy. But we could have saved lots of money, if the policies were under one family member, multi-vehicles, multi-drivers.
I recently went to another company and put all the vehicles under my husband's name for $499 every six months for all the vehicles. My insurance was going to lapse this month with State Farm if I didn't pay $421.49 plus $2 handling charge. Where as, I just added my vehicle and myself to my husband's policy for just $121 with the other company. I just saved ourselves $300. Why couldn't State Farm do that?
Teresa of Rockford IL (11/05/07)
I was rear-ended on 10/30/07. I was the 3rd car hit which totaled my 05 Nissan Altima. My State farm agent was no help at all. On 11/5/07 total loss department called me and said your car is totaled and this is what we will $$ give you nothing else. You have 5 days to return the rental. My car had only had 21993 miles.They said they use NADA to come up with the price.
Barbara of Winter Park FL (10/26/07)
This is our first major claim with STate Farm Auto. The agent didn't seem to want to help us at all, though we've poured money into our policy on 2 older cars for over 15 yrs. We've gotten the runaround: No, it's not totaled, yes it is; call this #, talk to another person; no returned calls; lies to repair shop that they'd already called us and we're STILL waiting to hear just how long we have the privilege of renting a car to maintain our income!
We've lost rental car fees, over $200/wk; and it will be 2 more weeks until our car is ready!
Kathy of Andrews NC (04/26/07)
We had coverage with them when my husband ran over a junk engine that was in the middle of the road at night where there were no street lights. Our van was in the repair shop for 4 MONTHS. State Farm provided only a 2 week rental. The repair shop had to replace the entire floor of the van. Everything under the hood except the engine had to be replaced. Everything under the body of the van had to be replaced. State Farm had the repair shop put used prices on the bill even though brand new parts were used. We had a chrome exhaust system on it and they replaced it with a cheap system that was not chrome.
When we called them on that fact, they claimed that we would have to pay half of the chrome system replacement. They claimed that a chrome system was $1,000 so we would have to pay $500. We checked with the repair shop and their price for the chrome system was $500! State Farm was trying to make us pay for the entire system even though they were supposed to cover everything.
Colin of Winston Salem NC (04/13/07)
We have had continuous coverage from State Farm Insurance for our Home and both cars since January 2006, On March 31st 2007, my wife had an accident with her car, we reported the accident just to find out that our Comp & Collision coverage was removed from our policy: Reason? They could not verify our home address, Please note that the same insurance company with the same broker covers the home and both cars, yet the could not verify the home address, It is also interesting to note that the Broker's Office is less than 1/2 mile away- walking distance. In addition, they were collecting for the home and cars, infact, I always paid the coverages well in advance. I paid the policy renewal on 11/29/2006 and it was not due till 1/12/2007, yet....up until today 4/12/2007 we still have not received our insurance cards, we called them several times, last month, they sent a temporary card in the mail, but we are not comfortable with these cards, and about my wife's Auto accident? We were told that they are not at fault, they shifted the blame to the Underwriter, who then shifted it to the regional manager. Bottom line? We have to find almost $3000.00 to fix her car.
Mark of Summerville SC (03/25/07)
Something is really wrong in the insurance industry. When one insured driver strikes another and totally disables their car you would think that they would AT LEAST offer you a rental.
The victim should not be treated like the insurer's client with nit picky details of an existing policy. I am a third party with the expectation of restoration back to pre-existing conditions, financial and health. I think the correct term to use here is due diligence on the part of the at fault party(s). It is as if they dare you to take legal action. Maybe it is because most people can not afford to, I do not know, but surely it is the best monetary result for them. Where are our lawmakers at on helping consumers who are victims? This is serious business.
My wreck was last week, I am still feeling pains, my brand new truck is trashed from being struck by a large truck. All State Farm adjuster said so far was we are checking for recalls on truck brakes to assign liability Well, I can assure them their client and it's parties are at 100% fault, and I have 0% fault, so this is WRONG for State Farm to do. My Allstate agent concurs. If State Farm wants to bill or sue Ford, let them, it's not my concern. In the meanwhile, they are seemingly unrestrained and unbound to cause financial pain to their client's victims.
By the advice of so many, I already have hired porofessional help. What a sad state of affairs when step #1 in a collision is to retain an attorney.
Ashley of Waukesha WI (03/24/07)
I needed full coverage for my car and we settled on a policy through them for 95 dollars a month. I enjoyed my car for a total of about 3 days when I get a phone call from one of State Farms associates who informs me that he misinterpreted what the dealership had sent to him. He was under the assumption that I had auto insurance on the car that I traded in. This was not the case, and I made this VERY clear when I bought the car.
He informs me that my payments would rise from 95 a month to 160 a month. He apologized and told me if I wanted to shop around for a better rate I'm free to do so. Of course I did. I found a new company within hours of his phone call. I gave him a call back and told him to cancel the policy. And he said that it would be taken care of, and the refund of the 95 dollars I gave to them would be refunded to me within the week.
They actually had the nerve to tell me that once I've had insurance with my new provider for 6 months, to come back to them and they'll give me the rate they originally offered to me. No thanks!
Dennis of Statesville NC (01/28/07)
I have paid auto insurance premiums to State Farm for 37 years. Recently, my son had an accident and they dropped him from coverage. This claim can't come close to the years of payments I have made to this company. I dropped them and now have a new company, better coverage, for less expensive premiums.
Michelle of Prairieville LA (01/06/07)
I've had State Farm since I started driving (7 years). I have my own policy which is totally separate from anyone else in my house hold. I've never been late paying a bill etc. My little brother got into and accident and got a ticket recently. So they sent me a letter saying they are canceling MY insurance due to my brother's driving records. I have nothing to do with his driving or his policy. And this letter was sent to me 4 days before my next payment is due. How convenient! I will never recommend State Farm. Now I'm stuck shopping around for insurances and forking up the money for a down payment etc. with other insurers.
Melinda of Greensboro NC (01/06/07)
I was in a wreck on 11/18 and have had trouble with getting help from State Farm Insurance since day one. I'm working on my personal injury claim and they want me to settle for some unruly amount for everything I've been through. I've been to several doctors' appointments and I've been on medication which has caused me to be unable to concentrate at work or my school. I can't pay my rent and other bills because I’ve been unable to work the hours I need to due to my injuries. Car damage $3,000.00. Personal damage - $4,000.00.
Kevin of Peru NY (11/07/06)
I was stopped on 11/01/06 by a state trooper who took a picture of my plate as i passed him. The plate can back to him as suspended. I was issued two tickets and my car was towed. He explained that there had been a lapse in my car insurance and as a result both lisence and registation were suspended. This took affect on 9/30/05 so i have been driving for almost a year without plates or license. I call my present insurance company and he looked to see the date that his policy took effect and when he cancelled the state farm policy.
From what i gather someone entered the wrong date for cancellation into the DMV system so it appeared i had a lapse. State farm says it was not there fault , my new company says it is not their fault in the mean time i have impound charges of $200 and other expences that neither company says is their responsiblity. State farm did reinstate me for the 92 day lapse which seems strange so that my car and lisence could be returned. I had to pay them for the 92 days of insurance.I did nothing wrong and paid both companies honestly but i am stuck with these bill that nobody seems to what to take responsiblity for.
I went five days without a car and seven days without a lisence. I paid $200 to get my car back. $200 for the back insurance and $20 to mail them the check.
Kathy of Arvada CO (08/23/06)
After 27 years of faithfully sending my premium payments to State Farm and having extremely minimal claims during that time, we found out about ourGood Neighbor's true colors. Our 18-year-old son lost his license for 90 days due to a point suspension for 8 points in a 2 year period. The three violations were minor traffic offenses and there were no accidents. When he got his license back, we fully expected that his auto insurance rates would go up significantly as a result of the suspension.
What we didn't expect was the cancellation notice we received from State Farm, telling us that unless we signed an endorsement excluding our son from all five of our vehicle policies as well as our umbrella liability policy, they would cancel us in 30 days. I was sure there had to be a mistake and called my agent immediately. He proceeded to tell me that State Farm only has a preferred company in Colorado and that they don't insure bad apples. I was shocked to learn that a couple of minor traffic violations made my son a bad apple despite the fact that he has never had an insurance claim of any kind. And despite our 27 year history and relationship with State Farm, they were about to cancel us, lock, stock and barrel.
The moral of the story is that State Farm is a great company as long as you never have a problem. But if you are in Colorado and have teenage drivers, I suggest you think twice before you give your premium dollars to State Farm. In our case, all's well that ends well and we ended up with American Family. American Family has a standard as well as a preferred company in Colorado. They put our son and his car in the standard company and the rest of us in the preferred company, however, our son is not excluded from driving any of our other vehicles. They also wrote liability limits of $500,000 / $1,000,000 which allowed us to get rid of the umbrella liability we had with State Farm. And they will never require us to sign a driver exclusion endorsement on any licensed driver in our household. And the best part of all, the rates on all of our vehicles except for our son's are better than what we were paying to State Farm!
Jean of South Bend IN (08/09/06)
On June 18th 06, I was involved in an accident with my two year old daughter. We were at a complete stop turning onto the street where we reside, when a Cadillac Suv struck us at an overwhelming speed of 65mph. The gentleman who hit us confessed to the accident and said, By the time he saw me stopped with my blinker on it was too late, he could not avoid hitting us. I had to be cut from the car and had neck, back, and head injuries. My daughter thank goodness did not have a scatch on her.
State Farm insurance company was horrible to me. I called and spoke with there claims department regarding a rental. I informed them that the car companies all require a credit card, which we did not have, I wanted them to pay the deposit for the rental. They said, They would not do that, and I was lucky they cut me a check in the first place. At this point I was just in tears because our car had been totally destroyed and I had no way to transport my family anywhere together because our other vehicle was my husbands work truck.
They also insisted right after the accident I give them a statement of what happened. When my husband told them I did not remember they insisted that I call. I did call and spoke with someone they asked what happened, I offered to read the narritive from the accident report and she rudely replied, I can read the narritive myself, I want you to tell me what happened. Clearly on the police report it says driver was unconscious and had to be removed from the vehicle. I have never been treated so poorly in my life. These so called Good Neighbors never once asked me, how my two year old was doing. They offered not one ounce of helpful information regarding my claim and I will be interested to see what sort of settlement they find will be relevent.
Rhea of Houston, TX (05/12/06)
I was parked in a garage at work next to a Ford F150. A fire started in the truck and it ultimately exploded. My car was damaged by the heat and flames, melting most of the ABS parts, blistering the paint, cracking the windshield, etc.
My insuance is paying for my damage, minus my deductible. I called State Farm to file a claim with them for the deductible, the excess rental car fees that my policy does not cover and to talk about diminised value since my vehicle will never be worth what it was before the fire. Plus, I want to trade it in since I cannot be certain it's systems have not been weakened/damaged by exposure to the extreme heat.
State Farm's position is that the fire is the not the fault of their insured. They say they had a forensic expert determine where the fire originated and they say it is not one known from a recall. They will not pay anything on any claim I make.
Suzanne of Brooklyn, NY (03/19/06)
So much for my “Good Neighbor”.
After paying my car insurance faithfully for 20 years, keeping a record free of accidents and moving violations, it finally happened. My car was stolen right out of my driveway.
My “Good Neighbor” insurance company has delayed settling with me for almost 90 days - well over the legal limit. They say they can’t understand how a thief can steal a car without a key???? (direct quote). They have investigated me, pulled credit reports,bank statements called my employer and treated me more as a criminal than a s a policy paying victim.
I need my car for work and this has been such a hardship. I have just had to hire my true "good neighbor", a lawyer , to try to help me. I feel like I am being victimized twice.
Jeff of San Mateo CA (03/18/06)
My wife's car was rear ended on 12/19/05. I took the car in to have the body work done on 12/23/05 and got the car back on 2/24/06.
During this time I repeatedly called my agent about my auto and he kept referring me to the claim's dept. The only information I could get from the claim's dept was that there was a lag from Jan 9th to 25th when nothing was done (communication problems between State Farm and the repair shop).
On 1/15/06 I asked Gordon, in claims, to check the status of my repairs and get back to me. I called him two weeks later when he didn't return my call. When I asked him why he didn't return my call he said "What do you want me to say?"
I find it interesting that when I bought a new car on Jan 6th I got the additional charge on my State Farm car insurance on Jan 9th, but he only time I hear from my State Farm agent is when he wants to sell me more insurance!
Matt of Battle Creek, MI (03/16/06)
State Farm insurance went to a credit rating system and did not notify me in writing that they would be utilizing my credit report.
My monthly bill went from $275 a month to $380 a month for the various policies we have with them.
Chris Rannals of Paragould AR (03/08/06)
On 12/18/05 my wife and I were passengers in a vehicle that was struck from behind by a drunk driver. Our vehicle was thrown into a ditch full of water and overturned twice. We did not receive help for more than 30 minutes.
My wife and I sustained substantial injuries and spent three days in the hospital. We were instructed to follow up with doctors but we could not afford to do this because we did not have health insurance and the doctors we spoke to wanted payment in advance.
I now have approximately $14,000 in medical bills and $1050 in lost wages. My wife's medical bills were in excess of $6000, with lost wages of around $800. These amounts would be considerably more, but we could not afford the follow up care prescribed.
We have provided everything State Farm has asked for and on March 6th we were offered a settlement of $20,000 for me and $10,000 for my wife. This is a joke as it almost does not cover the actual money we have lost. Pain and suffering does not seem to be a factor here.
Natalie of Ballwin, MO (02/21/06)
My car was in an accident in which State Farm's client was at fault. When I went to pick up my car from the repair dealership, they said that State Farm didn't fix all of the damage because they claim it was from a previous accident.
We purchased this car one month before the accident from a Honda Dealers certified used car lot. There was no damage on this car prior to the accident.
If State Farm refuses to pay, I'll be out my deductable and the difference between the rental car charge and what my insurance company allows. My company will subrogate, but this is total nonsense and should be resolved with common sense.
Larry of Bainbridge, GA (02/14/06)
A week before Christmas my car was backed into at a car wash by a client of State Farm Ins. Not only did she put her trailer hitch through my front bumper, her rear bumper buckeled my hood. She hit me hard enough to move the car, bend the wheel and knock the alignment out in my car. Now State Farm wants to claim that there is no visual proof of the alignment problem.
It is now February and I am still having problems with the completion of the repair. Not only are the claim rep's rude, but the claims adjusters are even ruder.
This is not the first time State Farm has given me the shaft on an insurance claim. I knew I was going to be in a fight with them from the time I was told that the other driver had State Farm.
Donna of Acworth, GA (02/07/06)
I was rear-ended by a person with State Farm insurance. State Farm paid to have my car fixed, and told me to submit my medical receipts when treatment was finished.
After several months of chiropratic care, muscle relaxers, physical therapy etc. I submitted those costs for reimbursement. I was then told because the accident was classified "Low-Impact" they would not pay medical expenses.
I am left with over $3,300 in medical expenses because State Farm told me they would pay my medical bills but then didn't.
Su of Vienna, VA (01/29/06)
An insured person with State Farm Insurance rear ended my car. The accident caused an exhaust leak, but State Farm refuses to reimburse me for the damages. They said that my exhaust pipe was already rusted and the impact from the accident probably caused a hole in the weakest point in the rusted pipe. Since there was no physical evidence that the pipe was bent and they claim the pipe didn't have much life left in it, they were not going to pay for the damages.
I am left worse off than before the accident and I don't know if I have any recourse.
Michael Shaffer of Cittenango NY (01/09/06)
A State Farm insured driver rear ended my daughter's car in Dec. Was was pushed 80 feet or more down the road, totaling my car and her friend in the back seat had to be cut out of car. Thank god no one was hurt badly.
My insurance company told me that the car was a total lost about $4000. I still haven't heard from State Farm.
I know that all they have to pay is the market value of car at the time of accident, but that is a far cry of what I owe. I have paid well over $9000 in payments, plus all the extra warranty stuff. After all of this, I'm left without a car and still have two years to pay it off.
Michael of Duncanville, TX (01/06/06)
The day before Thanksgiving 2005 I was involved in a motorcycle/car accident. The driver of the car, to my right, did not see me or signal and pulled into my lane. In effort to escape a collision I moved to my left, hit the curb of the median and lost control of my motorcycle. I was unconcious for about ten minutes and the left side of my motorcycle was cosmetically damaged (I had had it less than two months).
The police filled out a report and the driver admitted fault. There was also a witness on the report.
The local Suzuki shop estimated $2000 for repairs. I filed a claim with State Farm and was assigned to Stephanie. The bike shop has been calling me several times a week asking me what they want me to do about the repairs. Stepanie, up until today 1/05/06, has told me she was waiting to speak to the eye-witness.
After discussion with the eye witness, State Farm said they would only pay 70%. The eye-witness, who informed her he was a former motorcycle rider, said that at 35mph I COULD have moved out of the way or braked. So according to Stephanie, the fact that their driver not only came into a lane already occupied by me, was negligent in traffic observance and signalling her intentions to other drivers, that I am partially at fault because another driver, not involved, saw a method of avoidance.
I find this ludicris that she would put some of the blame on me when there would have been no accident if their insured driver had stayed in her lane and followed the basic rules of engaging traffic.
Steve Knotts of Bellevue WA (12/29/05)
In Nov, '05 I was involved in an accident. The gentleman that was responsible for the collision had State Farm insurance and that is where the trouble started.
I was honest and claimed no injures and didn’t even request a rental car (I assume both of these were a mistake), while my truck was undergoing its repairs but State Farm decided to low ball the value of my '89 Chevy. They’ve estimated the value of my truck to only be worth $2,200 (I've done repairs of more that $3,400 over the past 14 months) and they got that estimate from a single ad. Of course this is about $2,900 under the repair costs (by the way, they want me to pay them $600 for the scrap charge, so actually, I would only be getting $1,600 for my truck if I buy it back).
I’ve been able to find some 20 plus comparable trucks selling for $5,500 to $8,500 in the Seattle area. Anyway I’m disputing State Farms offer but it’s like pulling teeth.
The money is tight for my company at this time and I am not in a position to subsidize State Farm's profit margin. I need to keep my current Chevy truck and it needs to be repaired.
Jeri of Levering ,MI (12/21/05)
On May 12, 2004 my daughter and I were involved in a car accident. While pinned by the dash, my daughter begged me to help her but I couldn't free myself and my daughter died. I ended up with a closed head injury.
To add insult to injury, I ended up with a horrible man (Jeff) representing State Farm. He made it so my meds were cut off, and had the case manager torment me at home asking questions I couldn't answer. He wanted to know things like why I was coherent one time in the ER, how long was I going to stay in rehab and how did I pass a hospital eval. test. I was told by this case manager that he didn't believe I had a head injury.
I feel because of the 1 1/2 years of hell this man put me through I was not able to grieve the loss of my daughter properly. No one should have to go through what this man has put me through.
David of Saint Cloud, FL (12/17/05)
I was rear-ended on Nov.3rd by a person ticketed for wreckless driving. My 2003 Jeep Liberty with 21,000 miles was badly damaged and I was severly injured.
It is now Dec.17th. I am still seriously injured and have no idea where my vehicle is. State Farm and its employees should be ashamed of themselves for treating someone with serious injuries the way they are. They make my life a stressful, living hell everyday now.
Tammie of Apache Junction, AZ (11/19/05)
My husband was rear-ended by someone who is insured through State Farm. The lady received a ticket, admitted she was not paying attention and admitted to being at fault.
My husband was off work for 6 weeks, we lost wages, had medical bills and State Farm does not want to pay. We went through arbitration, we won, but now they are appealing, taking more time, wasting the tax payers money by insisting this go to a jury trial. Their insured was at fault!
The one common thing I see and hear is how many times State Farm does this. I understand some attorneys have stopped taking SF cases because they take way too long, dragging out in court for 2+ years.
Thomas of Houston (5/14/02):
In late April I was involved in a auto accident with a insuree of State Farm . He was given two tickets and found to be at fault. He had driven through a stop sign without looking or stopping. My vehicle was considered totaled. I am still making payments on it. Although it's an older model it has a rebuilt engine with lower milage then odometer shows. The offer they made the lien-holder doesn't come anywhere near what is left on the note. The representative has been extremely rude and un caring.
They got us a rental to use until settlement is reached but have cancelled our rental and left us with no transportation. She said that because we were only buying it and have not got the title (which we wouldn't be getting til the note is paid) we were not entitled to a rental in the first place. I need to know what my options are if any? At the time I did not believe I was injured because of the shock of what happened, but have experiencing neck and back pain ever since. I don't have medical insurance and can not afford medical care. I can not afford an attorney and feel that State Farm has left me out in the cold with no transportation and insufficient settlement offer.
Without an attorney, Thomas will get nowhere. He should hire an experienced personal injury attorney who will take the case on contingency, meaning that the attorney gets paid a percentage of any settlement. Thomas can't afford not to do this.
David of Fort Payne AL (7/1/03):
I was rear-ended over a year ago. The driver was in a company truck and their company had State Farm Insurance. I received a "soft tissue" injury for which the emergency room doctor gave some muscle relaxers that did nothing so I started going to the chiropractor. State Farm not only refuses to pay some of my chropractor bills just because their was a "gap" in the treatment, but first offered me $1,350 for pain and suffering only to reduce that to $800 once I refused the $1,350. My wife received $2,000 several years ago for a similar injury that didn't hurt her for nearly as long as I. Not only has the pain been annoying, but I still get dizzy sometime from my neck if I turn a certain way.
My attorney told me to sue the driver in small claims court and State Farm would reimburse him. I was about to do that when I was told the driver would probably have to sue State Farm to get his money back since they are bad about reimbursing in cases like this. I am a Christian and the driver seems like a nice guy so I don't want to sue him. On the other hand, I don't want State Farm to get away with this since I understand they are known for screwing victims as they are trying to do me.
Anyone who is injured in an accident should immediately retain an experienced, aggressive personal injury attorney. David will get nowhere trying to handle this himself. Being a Christian has nothing to do with pursuing a legal remedy.
Matthew of Santa Barbara (8/7/02):
I recently moved to California from Washington State. In order to get California plates I needed to be insured in California transferred my insurance office to one near my home in Santa Barbara. The insurance agent looked up my record and informed me that I had 4 violations. Two speeding on my motorcycle and one speeding in my car and another in my car for running a flashing yellow turn arrow. Not the best record I admit but in Washington there is no traffic school to erase these tickets and I was supposed to pay about $550.00 for the next six months for Washington state insurance. In California they do have driving school and most people get their tickets removed this way.
My California insurance agent informed me it would be about $2,000.00 every six months with my poor record. I explained discrepancy in state regulations and said that I would be forced to choose another insurance company for all polices if this could not be reduced. He said there was no need for that and he would try and work something out after all I had been with State Farm since I was 16 (I am now 33)and have never been paid a claim. We had a meeting a few days later and he was able to get the policy down to $435.84 if I purchased my motorcycle policy, renters policy and added a medical policy to my account. I did just this -- paid cash and received and signed various documents from them that said all policies had been paid in full and I had insurance on my car (the most important part)for the next 6 months (this includes insurances cards, binders and a hand shake with the agent that I was covered).
A month and half later I received a notice of my 4 infractions, and a bill for another $1500.00 due in two weeks or I would not be covered. I couldn't believed it. Two days later another notice, a bill and new cards price but the due date was different. I called my agent and he said it was due to my traffic infractions. "You knew about the 4 infractions when you quoted it remember I paid for 3 other insurance policies" I said. He politely said there was nothing he could do except pull the collision to reduce the price. Since then I have received 5 different bills all with different dates pending all with new insurance cards calling out the 6 month coverage date. I have called repeatedly to find out the when my coverage will end and never get an answer. My agent will state "as of right now you are covered" and cannot give me a final date that I will be covered. I asked them if I did pay the premium again could I get a signed peace of paper they weren't going to charge me again until the policy was up, they said no.
Somebody made a mistake it wasn't me, however they expect me to pay for it. I am a professional engineer and sign contracts and work on $100,000.00 contracts with a mere handshake routinely and feel that placing some fine print "can be revised at any time" on every printed peace of paper dishonest. By law I must have insurance. They told me I was covered. I planned on driving to work for the next six months or I would have chose a different insurance company.
Jennine of Cumming GA (10/11/02):
I have had a car insurance policy (and homeowners) with State Farm for the last 20 months under my name and my mother's name only. I am the sole driver of the car (my mother now lives cross country, but is on the policy because the loan is in her name). About a month ago, my agent calls me out of the blue asking for my husband's drivers license so she could add it to the policy. I told her that he did not have a license, did not drive the car, and does not need to be on the policy.
She asked me why he did not have his license and implied by her tone that he had lost it because of him doing something wrong. In reality, my husband has never had a license to begin with because he was too expensive to insure and he had trouble passing the written exam anyway because he has a learning disability. I did not answer her question about why he did not have a license because I felt it was personal information they did not need to know. I didn't hear back from them after that (although, they didn't mind taking money out of my account) until I come home from work a month later to find a letter from them stating my policy was cancelled. I have never had a ticket, never had an accident, never filed a claim and never missed a payment.
How in the world can they cancel my policy for not providing personal information on someone who doesn't have a license, never drove my car, and was never on the policy? With a cancellation on my record, finding insurance is difficult and expensive. I deserve good rates and find this extremely frustrating.
Zoraida of Hallandale FL (10/3/02):
I was hit from the rear while I was 8 1/2 months pregnant. My car was totaled and I received severe lower back injuries. The lady that hit me only had the basic insurance and State Farm recovered from them $10,000. I attempted to claim against my uninsured policy for the full amount of $50,000 to which State Farm counter-offered a settlement of $15,000. Well State Farm said they would have to see my MRI.
Unbeknownst to me and the attorney I hired, State Farm had plans to belittle the injury to the extent of not fulfilling any payment under my uninsured policy. They requested the MRI and in good faith we turned it over to State Farm. We should have never trusted State Farm for an unbiased report. What happen next was a big eye opener and shock! They took my MRI to their specialist which of course redid the MRI report to their favor saying that I had no injury. This I found out is a common practice for State Farm. When they do not want to pay the claim they will belittle the claim and refer medical records to their specialists so they will in turn write reports denying claims and using phrases to belittle injuries to insignificance.
After speaking to several ex-State Farm employees that I have had the opportunity to discuss my case with, I have found that I am not alone and that this is a common practice for State Farm. State Farm will be prompt to collect your premiums but very hesitant to pay claims if you’re lucky if they even pay anything. Their claims adjuster finally told me that if I wanted to get any claim paid to me I would have to take them to court. This is ridiculous. I should not have to spend more money to hire an attorney in order for State Farm to pay their obligations.
I have had to waste work time to go to mediation that were useless. I have had to seek attorney help. Contact various governmental entities to assist me in getting what my insurance company said they would cover and they have decided not to pay me. In essence I paid for a coverage they were never going to provide to me.
There's only one time you can believe an insurance adjuster -- when he tells you you'll have to hire a lawyer and go to court to win a fair settlement.
Michael of Naples, FL, writes:
We have been insured through State Farm for 5 years. Our 89 Mazda truck was recently involved in an accident and we were told that it would be totaled. The adjuster told me they would give us $2200 for the truck.
We had a new engine installed in this truck by Mazda and current mileage is 64000. I asked how he based his figures and he told me by NADA. I also checked NADA and came away with price of $2700 for fair $3300 for good and $3800 for excellent. I informed him of this and he said that the figure he told me is all they would offer. This is not right. I had an excellent running truck in fair condition and I can't replace it for that.
Patricia of El Paso, TX, writes:
Back in 1990, my husband and I bought home, life, and auto insurance at Annette Haverly's State Farm Insurance Company. When my husband and I were divorced in 1993, he was court-ordered to pay my auto insurance for five years or until he remarried (whichever came first). Because he also had child support obligations which he did not entirely honor (specifically medical obligations), he and I agreed that since his wife did not drive, he would continue to pay my auto insurance instead of receiving constant billing/notifications of my son's medical bills.
At some point (and without my knowledge) he had my insurance cancelled. My complaint is that State Farm vindictively cancelled the insurance without notifying me, thereby leaving me unprotected for three months. They even reassured my auto lean holders that I was insured when I wasn't.
When I finally realized that I wasn't covered, I called to ask them to set up a new account that would bill me directly. They in turn told me that because I had been uninsured for the last three months, I was now considered a high risk and they could not cover me because they don't insure "high-risk" clients.
This was extremely unprofessional and seems almost deliberate, and my search for another insurance to cover me now that I was a "high-risk" was very scary and stressful (since I have never in 30 years been without auto insurance). I did finally find an insurance company to insure my automobile, but I think it should be made public what was done to me.
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