Rant against insurance agencies

[Joel/ak]

Got word beginning of last week they are totalling out our 2008 f350 after my wife wrecked it.

This whole process has been going on for 5 weeks. For the last week, they are giving us every reason in the world not to give us a pay out.

State farm has never done us wrong until now.

They told my wife, in no uncertain terms, that since we argued with them they will screw with us. They even told her that we will wait.

Sorry but they work for us, not the other way around.

It all started on day 1 when they wanted to total it on day 1 and have it dragged to a salvage yard an hour and a half away.

Told them no. It's my truck, send someone out to look at it, then determine the damage. I thought it seemed reasonable.

From there it's been a shidt show.

Sometimes insurance companies are worse than govt and lawyers.

Dropping state farm as soon as this done.

Like our new truck though.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I don't care to shop around for insurance as experts say to do yearly. I like being a loyal customer, as at times has its benefits. Recently, I paid my truck off, and my rates went up because my lack of debt went down. Sounds backwards.
Like you, I dealt with a different company when my car was stolen. The payoff was much less than book value, and I went through the ringer to prove it's mint condition. Yeah, I dropped them as soon as I got the check.

 

[Torvy]

The biggest problem is that you don't know which companies are best for actual coverage until you FAFO.

Buying on price for insurance is tough. Cheap usually ends up costing...unless you're lucky enough to avoid accidents.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I'll grant you that. Ours, Amica tends to pay out as it should. According to reviewing experts. And not drop you. You pay a bit more for that. What has changed in my lifetime is that you used to pay based on you and your claim record etc. Now, because they have to make up for catastrophic losses, we pay for everyone's loss now. home and auto. Our auto went up a significant amount, that was the reason they gave me. No claims or tickets except for a windshield in over 13 years with them. 2 newer cars 2019 and 2023, with good (not base) coverage is $2400 a year. AND, they don't do yearly policies, so they can change rates easier...

 

[deserteagle71]

Guess I've been lucky. When I moved to Nevada 52 years ago I hooked up with an Independent Insurance Agency. Been with them ever since because they have always taken great care of me. They handle all my insurance - home, auto, and they move me around from one insurance company to another as needed. Family business - the original owners have long since passed away but their grandkids run it now. Several times I've shopped around trying to beat their rates - and haven't even come close so I stay with them.

 

[ultrarunner]

The days of the family agent in town are fading fast… real fast here in Oakland anyway.

Insurance use to built on relationships and a Agent with low loss record had a lot of sway.

It’s all regulated to algorithms now and the business consolidated driving the long established firms out when the company buys their book of business and its not like the agent can refuse.

On moms car I bought it back at the auction yard by matching the bid but only after I got the TV station consumer reporter involved…

Seems not all publicity is good or wanted.

 

[Joel/ak]

That's why I'm naming state farm.

Accidents happen but this kind of treatment is unwarranted.

 

[ultrarunner]

I’d say advertising is false and misleading…

Like a good neighbor State Farm is there… You’re in Good Hands with All State… etc…

 

[rangerfredbob]

I haven't heard great things about State Farm when it comes to needing them. I ended up with Progressive for auto and haven't had any regrets in like 16 years...

 

[ultrarunner]

State Farm is one of the many canceling coverage and low balling claims in California…

Not what I would call a Good Neighbor