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.  

"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.