Talk about a smoking gun. After fighting with State Farm for almost two and a half years, one of the documents I signed to accept State Farm's salvage offer (prior post, see 9/22/2015 update) stated that the damages to my car were less than 75% of market value. I blogged about this repulsive charade in my initial post - see 11th and 12th paragraphs.
South Carolina law did not require State Farm to total my car. They did so of their own accord - which paid-off stooges in the state legislature have made it legal for insurance companies to do - as part of a desperate, dishonest, and ultimately costly effort to take possession of my car. Nobody can be blamed for concluding that someone at State Farm simply wanted a beautiful MR2 Spyder with a rebuilt engine.
Because State Farm's lies about additional damages were so outrageous, they apparently backed off when when it came to maintaining such lies in official documentation. Of course, it was never "supposed" to get to that point. I was "supposed" to be bullied into giving them my car - along with all those brand new OEM parts they directed Suddeth Automotive to install - rather than keep the vehicle with a salvage title. Then I was "supposed" to go buy a new car so State Farm could increase their premium. What a racket. And of course consumers have no viable recourse because state insurance commissions are owned by the insurance industry.
Because I elected to keep my car, State Farm had to pay Suddeth Automotive in addition to paying me the full amount of their salvage offer, which means I'll have about $3,500 left over after remaining repairs are completed. A claim which should have cost State Farm $5,000 wound up costing them about $12,000, and I'm a happy camper except for the salvage title, which at least I got paid thousands of dollars to accept. I hope Lester Walker - State Farm's bigshot claims manager in Atlanta - knows how to add and subtract.
How much longer are Americans gonna tolerate paid-off slobs - Repukes and Demagogues alike - passing laws that favor the interests of corrupt corporations? I quit participating in America's two-headed, one party SHAM of an electoral system years ago.
Update 12/16/2015 - Since America's perverse power structure is so intent on lowering the value of my property by branding salvage on the title, I've cancelled my comprehensive coverage and that saves me a bundle. I don't plan on selling my MR2 anyway.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
State Farm now refuses to pay their own written offer
Update 9/22/2015 - Thanks to the SUPERB efforts of State Farm agent Nick Shelly and his associates, last Friday State Farm paid me what they offered.
Four months ago, I sent State Farm an e-mail agreeing to accept their salvage offer. I've done extensive research, consulted with attorneys, and that's the only viable option if I wanna keep my MR2 Spyder. It's been two years since the mechanical repairs were completed, the car continues to run like a dream, and I have no interest whatsoever in turning the vehicle over to State Farm.
Four months ago, I sent State Farm an e-mail agreeing to accept their salvage offer. I've done extensive research, consulted with attorneys, and that's the only viable option if I wanna keep my MR2 Spyder. It's been two years since the mechanical repairs were completed, the car continues to run like a dream, and I have no interest whatsoever in turning the vehicle over to State Farm.
State Farm acknowledged receipt of my e-mail but refuses to take any further action. Except for acknowledging my e-mail, I haven't heard one word from the "good neighbor."
From the get-go, State Farm has tried every trick in the book to get possession of my car. Perhaps they're now trying to delay things past the three year time limit for settling claims. Wow - what lousy, inexcusable "service" these thugs dish out to their customers. Of course, if we had a government that looked out for consumers instead of catering to crooked corporations, State Farm wouldn't dare to behave in such a manner.
Maybe Americans will eventually get tired of being kicked around by the likes of State Farm, Toyota, GM, AT&T, and the list goes on ad nauseam. Meanwhile, I'm back to picketing in front of State Farm offices.
Just for the record: My agent when I was with State Farm was Mark Rouse, whose slogan is "Don't worry, you're covered." Mr. Rouse and Liz Portee - the State Farm agent who charged out and tried to take my sign away from me - might do well as comedians. Mark's slogan should be "Don't worry, you've been suckered."
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
At last: State Farm pays Suddeth Automotive
First of all, lemme jus' say that my MR2 Spyder sure is runnin' fine. In fact, it's never run any better. Flawless handling - thanks to the superb worksmanship from Suddeth Automotive - sheer music from the engine. Been takin' it on ski trips this winter - six so far - and the driving has been a delight.
The "good neighbor" - after many months of wrangling - has finally paid Suddeth Automotive's bill of approximately $4,000 for mechanical repairs completed about seven months ago at State Farm's behest. But the "good neighbor" still refuses to have my car's remaining damages (cosmetic) repaired. In fact, it's been almost four months since I last heard from the "good neighbor."
Corporate and legislative slobbery at its best. Allowing for my $2,000 deductible, State Farm would rather harass me than pay an additional $2,500 to complete the repairs. And I'm as determined as ever to keep my car, with a clean (non-salvage) title.
This is how State Farm, supported by bribed - er I mean "lobbied" -legislators and the S.C. Insurance Commission, treats a decades long customer, multi-line, with an excellent driving/claims record, including safe driver discounts. Live and learn.
Generally speaking, the insurance industry is out of control. That said, I continue to be well pleased, rate and service-wise, with Amica. They seem genuinely interested in helping folks. Unlike State Farm, I don't find a barrage of complaints, including comments, blogs, newspaper articles, etc., targeting Amica. When I left State Farm, I contacted a number of insurance companies, and Amica stood head and shoulders above the rest. So far, so good. Spread the word.
As my nightmare with State Farm continues, I urge consumers to study the Fight Bad-faith Insurance Companies' website. Check around. And never buy insurance from crooks and bullies like State Farm.
Update 5/1/2015 - Speaking of sleazy business practices, questions have now been raised concerning how much the "good neighbor" pays a neurosurgeon for "expert" testimony in court cases.
The "good neighbor" - after many months of wrangling - has finally paid Suddeth Automotive's bill of approximately $4,000 for mechanical repairs completed about seven months ago at State Farm's behest. But the "good neighbor" still refuses to have my car's remaining damages (cosmetic) repaired. In fact, it's been almost four months since I last heard from the "good neighbor."
Corporate and legislative slobbery at its best. Allowing for my $2,000 deductible, State Farm would rather harass me than pay an additional $2,500 to complete the repairs. And I'm as determined as ever to keep my car, with a clean (non-salvage) title.
This is how State Farm, supported by bribed - er I mean "lobbied" -legislators and the S.C. Insurance Commission, treats a decades long customer, multi-line, with an excellent driving/claims record, including safe driver discounts. Live and learn.
Generally speaking, the insurance industry is out of control. That said, I continue to be well pleased, rate and service-wise, with Amica. They seem genuinely interested in helping folks. Unlike State Farm, I don't find a barrage of complaints, including comments, blogs, newspaper articles, etc., targeting Amica. When I left State Farm, I contacted a number of insurance companies, and Amica stood head and shoulders above the rest. So far, so good. Spread the word.
As my nightmare with State Farm continues, I urge consumers to study the Fight Bad-faith Insurance Companies' website. Check around. And never buy insurance from crooks and bullies like State Farm.
Update 5/1/2015 - Speaking of sleazy business practices, questions have now been raised concerning how much the "good neighbor" pays a neurosurgeon for "expert" testimony in court cases.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Shiny new gov't spy machine? No, thanks.
Maybe there's even more to the total loss racket than one might think. Eric Peters, in an article published on the National Motorists Association's website, discusses the government's interest in turning motor vehicles into its own spy machines. The newer the vehicle, the more comprehensive the technology. This may further explain why State Farm - and the insurance "mafia" - is so anxious to declare vehicles a total loss. Frankly, I'd had similar thoughts, and it was good to see a few facts published relevant to my concerns.
Before continuing, here's a brief update on my case:
Suddeth Automotive has yet to be paid for thousands of dollars worth of repairs done at State Farm's behest, and State Farm continues to insist on declaring my car totalled, based on the inclusion of normal wear and tear items that had nothing to do with the accident. Mechanical repairs having been completed, I continue to drive my car. Runs like a dream - just needs cosmetic repairs.
The government has certainly evidenced a keen interest in folks getting rid of "old" vehicles. The "Cash for Clunkers" program - ostensibly created to aid the auto industry - may have included an even grander design. In a separate article, Mr. Peters gives an apt summary of the "clunker" program:
"(It) artificially stimulated demand for new cars by artificially making scarce (by destroying them) perfectly usable used cars and making more expensive those not destroyed, such that many people decided to go ahead and get a new car since the cost difference was no longer that great. Remember: People were paid to throw away their old cars — or put another way, the purchase of new cars was heavily subsidized."
And now there's this big push to declare readily repairable vehicles a total loss. Hmm...
With Big Brother's National Security Agency (NSA) making headlines for privacy intrusions, I won't belabor the point about a lousy little police state seeking further control over its citizenry. I jus' wanna emphasize that something is badly amiss, clearly demonstrated by the way State Farm is handling my case.
I'm not interested in buying a new car. Much less an Orwellian spy machine...
Before continuing, here's a brief update on my case:
Suddeth Automotive has yet to be paid for thousands of dollars worth of repairs done at State Farm's behest, and State Farm continues to insist on declaring my car totalled, based on the inclusion of normal wear and tear items that had nothing to do with the accident. Mechanical repairs having been completed, I continue to drive my car. Runs like a dream - just needs cosmetic repairs.
The government has certainly evidenced a keen interest in folks getting rid of "old" vehicles. The "Cash for Clunkers" program - ostensibly created to aid the auto industry - may have included an even grander design. In a separate article, Mr. Peters gives an apt summary of the "clunker" program:
"(It) artificially stimulated demand for new cars by artificially making scarce (by destroying them) perfectly usable used cars and making more expensive those not destroyed, such that many people decided to go ahead and get a new car since the cost difference was no longer that great. Remember: People were paid to throw away their old cars — or put another way, the purchase of new cars was heavily subsidized."
And now there's this big push to declare readily repairable vehicles a total loss. Hmm...
With Big Brother's National Security Agency (NSA) making headlines for privacy intrusions, I won't belabor the point about a lousy little police state seeking further control over its citizenry. I jus' wanna emphasize that something is badly amiss, clearly demonstrated by the way State Farm is handling my case.
I'm not interested in buying a new car. Much less an Orwellian spy machine...
Monday, December 23, 2013
State Farm? You're better off on a bicycle.
Ho, ho, ho, State Farm: How much are your premiums for insuring a bicycle?
The "good neighbor" has an ad that gets it right: Having insurance certainly isn't like having State Farm. It wuzza delight tellin' State Farm goodbye. If only I'd known years ago what a sleazy bunch they are.
As of today, the jerks still haven't paid Suddeth Automotive for those repairs State Farm directed way back in July before reneging on their agreement to fix my car. Apparently, State Farm sees the holidays as an opportunity to put a little more pressure on folks. Isn't it a shame that the government lets corporations kick folks around with such impunity? Bought-n-paid-for politicians - Repukes n Demagogues alike - kissin' up to corrupt businesses. Complete with so-called regulatory agencies runnin' roughshod over consumers. If state insurance commissions were anything other than complicit in rippin' people off, corporations like State Farm wouldn't dare behave the way they do.
Am I ever thankful for having an extensive background in bicycling. Hadn't ridden in about two years when State Farm reared its ugly head. After filing my claim, I walked to the grocery store for several weeks, then realized that the "good neighbor" thought they had me over a barrel and wuz gonna drag things out until I "cooperated." So I took a closer look at my 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur. Wonderful bike. Steel frame. Ten usable gears. Now a collector's item.
All I needed was a seatpost rack. 'Bout forty bucks.
Never had tried utility bicycling. Always suckered into viewing bicycles as toys. Wear weird clothes, see how far - my longest ride is 102 miles in one day - and how fast ya can go. Try to beat yer last "record." Then shower down, fire up yer motor vehicle, and embark on a whoppin' four mile round trip to buy a few items at the store. Keeps the auto, oil, and insurance industries very happy.
I cruised along (literally) for decades, not payin' much attention to the transportation ripoff. Carried way too much insurance, drove needlessly. Incredible waste, even with $2,000 deductibles. 'Course, I assumed there would be fundamental fairness if I filed a claim...
Slob industries in cahoots with a slob government are gettin' their comeuppance. I'm saving a ton of money - and havin' a ton of fun - usin' my bicycle 'steada my cars. Been at it almost seven months, pedlin' over 1,100 miles. All across the country, folks are catchin' on to the transportation scam. Bicycles designed for serious use are easy to find, harder and harder to resist.
Betcha State Farm didn't count on a soon-to-be-seventy-year-old ridin' a bicycle.
The "good neighbor" has an ad that gets it right: Having insurance certainly isn't like having State Farm. It wuzza delight tellin' State Farm goodbye. If only I'd known years ago what a sleazy bunch they are.
As of today, the jerks still haven't paid Suddeth Automotive for those repairs State Farm directed way back in July before reneging on their agreement to fix my car. Apparently, State Farm sees the holidays as an opportunity to put a little more pressure on folks. Isn't it a shame that the government lets corporations kick folks around with such impunity? Bought-n-paid-for politicians - Repukes n Demagogues alike - kissin' up to corrupt businesses. Complete with so-called regulatory agencies runnin' roughshod over consumers. If state insurance commissions were anything other than complicit in rippin' people off, corporations like State Farm wouldn't dare behave the way they do.
Am I ever thankful for having an extensive background in bicycling. Hadn't ridden in about two years when State Farm reared its ugly head. After filing my claim, I walked to the grocery store for several weeks, then realized that the "good neighbor" thought they had me over a barrel and wuz gonna drag things out until I "cooperated." So I took a closer look at my 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur. Wonderful bike. Steel frame. Ten usable gears. Now a collector's item.
All I needed was a seatpost rack. 'Bout forty bucks.
Never had tried utility bicycling. Always suckered into viewing bicycles as toys. Wear weird clothes, see how far - my longest ride is 102 miles in one day - and how fast ya can go. Try to beat yer last "record." Then shower down, fire up yer motor vehicle, and embark on a whoppin' four mile round trip to buy a few items at the store. Keeps the auto, oil, and insurance industries very happy.
I cruised along (literally) for decades, not payin' much attention to the transportation ripoff. Carried way too much insurance, drove needlessly. Incredible waste, even with $2,000 deductibles. 'Course, I assumed there would be fundamental fairness if I filed a claim...
Slob industries in cahoots with a slob government are gettin' their comeuppance. I'm saving a ton of money - and havin' a ton of fun - usin' my bicycle 'steada my cars. Been at it almost seven months, pedlin' over 1,100 miles. All across the country, folks are catchin' on to the transportation scam. Bicycles designed for serious use are easy to find, harder and harder to resist.
Betcha State Farm didn't count on a soon-to-be-seventy-year-old ridin' a bicycle.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
"BYE" to State Farm. I "BUY" Amica.
Amica sure beats State Farm. Lots lower premiums, increased coverage. The website "Fight Bad-faith Insurance Companies" recommended Amica, so I took a look.
Amica even offers a plan for those of us who choose to ride a bicycle instead of driving a motor vehicle. Premiums can be deducted each month from a customer's bank account (with State Farm, I had to log in every six months to pay online). Whenever ya wanna start ridin' yer bicycle 'steada usin' yer motor vehicle, give Amica a ring, and they start charging for comprehensive coverage only. Now get this:
My estimate for nine months worth was a TOTAL of SIXTY bucks. WOW!!!!!!!!!!
Even though I now have my car and it's runnin' fine, I've been ridin' my bicycle about 95% of the time instead of driving. Utility bicycling can bear an acquaintance. Next year, I look forward to reapin' the benefits Amica offers folks like me.
Meanwhile...
State Farm still refuses to pay Suddeth Automotive and refuses to approve the remaining repairs on my car. This week, I got a letter from the "good neighbor." Sheer harassment. Playin' dumb (they're dumb enough as it is, without actin' the part) by acting like our dispute centered around the value they had placed on my car, and ignoring any mention of the fact that there's no reason whatsoever to declare total loss. Tried to make me think I was now required to hire an appraiser, etc. ad nauseum. Real slobs.
I wonder if State Farm realizes (or cares) how utterly ridiculous they look. Here I am driving my car, enjoying the fact that it runs as good or better than ever, while State Farm insists on declaring it a total loss, tries to pressure me into getting rid of it, and refuses to pay the folks State Farm directed to complete close to half of the repairs.
Let's face it. A corporation wouldn't dare behave the way State Farm is behaving unless it could do so with impunity insofar as governmental oversight is concerned. Read the "Fight Bad-faith Insurance Companies" website. Educate yourself about an industry - and a government - that's runnin' roughshod over consumers. And if you can't avoid insurance entirely - few can - at least take a closer look at Amica.
Update 12/12/2015 - Yep, Amica beats State Farm (who doesn't?), but their "comprehensive only" plan wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I no longer trust any part of the insurance industry, so I just shop around for the lowest rate. Went from Amica to Liberty Mutual, currently with Travelers and Travelers has been a bargain.
Update 6/14/2015 - recently renewed with Travelers.
Amica even offers a plan for those of us who choose to ride a bicycle instead of driving a motor vehicle. Premiums can be deducted each month from a customer's bank account (with State Farm, I had to log in every six months to pay online). Whenever ya wanna start ridin' yer bicycle 'steada usin' yer motor vehicle, give Amica a ring, and they start charging for comprehensive coverage only. Now get this:
My estimate for nine months worth was a TOTAL of SIXTY bucks. WOW!!!!!!!!!!
Even though I now have my car and it's runnin' fine, I've been ridin' my bicycle about 95% of the time instead of driving. Utility bicycling can bear an acquaintance. Next year, I look forward to reapin' the benefits Amica offers folks like me.
Meanwhile...
State Farm still refuses to pay Suddeth Automotive and refuses to approve the remaining repairs on my car. This week, I got a letter from the "good neighbor." Sheer harassment. Playin' dumb (they're dumb enough as it is, without actin' the part) by acting like our dispute centered around the value they had placed on my car, and ignoring any mention of the fact that there's no reason whatsoever to declare total loss. Tried to make me think I was now required to hire an appraiser, etc. ad nauseum. Real slobs.
I wonder if State Farm realizes (or cares) how utterly ridiculous they look. Here I am driving my car, enjoying the fact that it runs as good or better than ever, while State Farm insists on declaring it a total loss, tries to pressure me into getting rid of it, and refuses to pay the folks State Farm directed to complete close to half of the repairs.
Let's face it. A corporation wouldn't dare behave the way State Farm is behaving unless it could do so with impunity insofar as governmental oversight is concerned. Read the "Fight Bad-faith Insurance Companies" website. Educate yourself about an industry - and a government - that's runnin' roughshod over consumers. And if you can't avoid insurance entirely - few can - at least take a closer look at Amica.
Update 12/12/2015 - Yep, Amica beats State Farm (who doesn't?), but their "comprehensive only" plan wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I no longer trust any part of the insurance industry, so I just shop around for the lowest rate. Went from Amica to Liberty Mutual, currently with Travelers and Travelers has been a bargain.
Update 6/14/2015 - recently renewed with Travelers.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Suddeth Automotive STILL not paid
What kinda government allows an insurance company to refuse to pay a legitimate bill?
'Bout a week ago, I got a call from the owner of Suddeth Automotive inquiring about the status of my claim and asking if I could give him any contact information for the appropriate person to talk to at State Farm. He submitted a bill to State Farm months ago, but has yet to hear from the "good neighbor." Mr. Suddeth - much to his credit - agreed that it was State Farm's place to pay the bill.
We're not talking small change. Suddeth's repairs came to almost $4,000. How would State Farm like it if they weren't paid for their services? What a pathetic, slob corporation. State Farm obviously sees the situation as an opportunity to pressure me into either turning my car over to them or agreeing to keep it with a salvage title. And if that sort of thing ruins the relationship a business had with a long-time customer, the "good neighbor" couldn't care less.
I've experienced nothing but a runaround from State Farm ever since the mishap - which occurred almost six months ago - and I'm not gonna be bullied into accepting State Farm's inane offer. The same day Suddeth Automotive called, I also got a telephone call from State Farm. Hadn't heard from 'em in months, and they wanted to know if I had given any thought to settling the claim. I assured them that my position (which they've been aware of from the get go) had not changed in the least - that I expected them to get my car repaired.
This matter sure has been an eye-opener for me about the insurance industry. In the future, I'll be spending a lot less for their lousy, misrepresented product.
Update 11/2/2013 - Wonderful nine mile bicycle ride this afternoon. Dropped off garbage, bought groceries. Yes, Virginia, you CAN live - quite well, if not better - without insurance. Er I mean without a car.
Update 11/4/2013 - A week ago, shortly after he spoke with me, the owner of Suddeth Automotive left a message for Lester Walker, Claims Manager at State Farm's regional office in Atlanta, but is receiving no response. Meanwhile, my car is runnin' fine - better, if anything, than it ever has. I've recently driven it on two out-of-town trips - now it just needs some bodywork. No excuse whatsoever for State Farm to declare it a total loss. At least the remaining damages have turned out to be a great conversation starter about the insurance industry.
'Bout a week ago, I got a call from the owner of Suddeth Automotive inquiring about the status of my claim and asking if I could give him any contact information for the appropriate person to talk to at State Farm. He submitted a bill to State Farm months ago, but has yet to hear from the "good neighbor." Mr. Suddeth - much to his credit - agreed that it was State Farm's place to pay the bill.
We're not talking small change. Suddeth's repairs came to almost $4,000. How would State Farm like it if they weren't paid for their services? What a pathetic, slob corporation. State Farm obviously sees the situation as an opportunity to pressure me into either turning my car over to them or agreeing to keep it with a salvage title. And if that sort of thing ruins the relationship a business had with a long-time customer, the "good neighbor" couldn't care less.
I've experienced nothing but a runaround from State Farm ever since the mishap - which occurred almost six months ago - and I'm not gonna be bullied into accepting State Farm's inane offer. The same day Suddeth Automotive called, I also got a telephone call from State Farm. Hadn't heard from 'em in months, and they wanted to know if I had given any thought to settling the claim. I assured them that my position (which they've been aware of from the get go) had not changed in the least - that I expected them to get my car repaired.
This matter sure has been an eye-opener for me about the insurance industry. In the future, I'll be spending a lot less for their lousy, misrepresented product.
Update 11/2/2013 - Wonderful nine mile bicycle ride this afternoon. Dropped off garbage, bought groceries. Yes, Virginia, you CAN live - quite well, if not better - without insurance. Er I mean without a car.
Update 11/4/2013 - A week ago, shortly after he spoke with me, the owner of Suddeth Automotive left a message for Lester Walker, Claims Manager at State Farm's regional office in Atlanta, but is receiving no response. Meanwhile, my car is runnin' fine - better, if anything, than it ever has. I've recently driven it on two out-of-town trips - now it just needs some bodywork. No excuse whatsoever for State Farm to declare it a total loss. At least the remaining damages have turned out to be a great conversation starter about the insurance industry.
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