State Farm Review

The State Farm Experience

       Am I an expert? No. But I am a licensed driver of 40 years and have been insured by State Farm Insurance Company just as long. I  also am a homeowner and yes, State Farm insures my home and the contents therein. As a matter-of-fact, I own two homes in two different states. Both are insured by State Farm.

        My first claim was the result of a minor automobile accident in which my child was involved. She was a passenger and was slightly injured. The local State Farm agent immediately advised me that I was entitled to $1000 to use at my discretion. At the time, I was not even aware of this benefit. I used the money for my child's care and related expenses.

         Next, from time-to-time one or the other of my cars required towing. Upon payment, the tow truck operator handed me a receipt and suggested I submit it to my insurance carrier for reimbursement. That is, if I had towing insurance. A quick call to verify I had towing and State Farm was "Johnny-on-the-spot," with a reimbursement check!

          One day we noticed water dripping from the ceiling in our living room after a family member had used an upstairs shower. A closer examination revealed moderate water damage. My State Farm agent asked a few important questions about the type and size of the damage and in a few moments gave me an estimate of what it would cost to repair. He said I could come by and pick up the check or he would mail it out that day, whichever I prefer.

         So far, my State Farm Insurance had saved me money and my monthly premiums never went up one red cent! I have had friends complain about their insurance companies raising their rates after one claim. Imagine my apprehension when I submitted my first claim. I had no idea State Farm was so thorough and embraced a humanistic perspective.

          Finally, the "big one" happened. I was involved in an accident right in front of my own home. I received a traffic citation (even though I considered it the fault of the other driver). That driver was not hurt, but once her friends and family talked to her, she suddenly had all sorts of medical problems. State Farm immediately paid to have her car repaired. Eventually, she sued me. I almost fell over when my agent and a representative of State Farm said she was demanding (through her attorney), in excess of one million dollars!

          A State Farm agent let me know that she was submitting old medical receipts not even related to the accident. She was trying all sorts of inappropriate tactics. It was then I was informed that State Farm had retained an attorney for me...and a good one too. He worked dilligently and thought we had the case in our favor. Unfortunately, the other driver was represented by one of these television celebrity lawyers whose tactics left alot to be desired.

           To make a long story short, my attorney felt it would be in my best interest to settle and move on. We did and State Farm Insurance Company paid it all, including attorney's fees. I will be honest. I was worried I would be dropped from State Farm. They paid out a great deal of money for me. Friends were telling me how they heard of cases where this or that insurance company dropped a client after one claim. Someone even told me he heard of a client being sued for the money his insurance company paid out! Yes, I began to worry.

            Was I dropped? Not at all. In fact, my agent and other representatives of State Farm Insurance Company have been like old chums. I am treated quite nicely each and every time I interact with a State Farm rep. In fact, they are extremely nice. Did my insurance premium go up? Yes, but not very much. I would expect an increase of that amount just based on the current economic shape of our country.

             I called State Farm several days ago to report I sold a car. Not only did the representative ask me how I was doing and how I was enjoying the unusually warm weather, but asked about my family as well. Then she immediately cancelled the insurance on that car and gave me a short list of steps I needed to take with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the county tax people. All of this by telephone. No inconvenience. No increase in premium. No robotic responses to questions. No cold, curt dialogue. Just a warm, friendly voice offering help in any way I needed. The State Farm Insurance Company is thorough and without fail, has always considered the human factor in any business proceedings. They have my highest regard and recommendation.