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.
Showing posts with label culture of disrespect toward customers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture of disrespect toward customers. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2015
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...
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.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Court: State Farm guilty of fraud
"While the decision was restricted to a single case of fraud, The Sun Herald reported it could potentially open a review of 'thousands' of other, similar claims..." ABC News
Another case of outright thuggery that made headlines in 2013. What kinda company have I been shelling out fat premiums to for decades?
Auditors say they saw State Farm supervisors "demanding damage reports be buried, replaced or changed so that claims wouldn't have to be paid." Sounds similar to State Farm directing a body shop - the body shop squealed on 'em - to submit a nonsensical supplement of damages regarding repairs to my car (see 9/18/13 post), not to mention keeping me in the dark from the get go by refusing to provide a written estimate. Close to half of the repairs have been completed, and I should be informed of all the details. After all, it's my car - not State Farm's.
Auditors say they saw special files marked "Do not pay bill. Do not discuss." Here again, that appears to be what's going on in my case. Why am I being harassed (see 10/7/13 post) with unitemized statements from Suddeth Automotive? My case is - or at least should be - a relatively minor blip on the accident radar screen: single car mishap, no injuries, and a readily repairable vehicle with legitimate repair costs that don't equal or exceed 75% of the vehicle's value.
I'm not about to turn my prized possession over to State Farm. I want to know why the "good neighbor" is behaving in such an inexcusable manner.
Another case of outright thuggery that made headlines in 2013. What kinda company have I been shelling out fat premiums to for decades?
Auditors say they saw State Farm supervisors "demanding damage reports be buried, replaced or changed so that claims wouldn't have to be paid." Sounds similar to State Farm directing a body shop - the body shop squealed on 'em - to submit a nonsensical supplement of damages regarding repairs to my car (see 9/18/13 post), not to mention keeping me in the dark from the get go by refusing to provide a written estimate. Close to half of the repairs have been completed, and I should be informed of all the details. After all, it's my car - not State Farm's.
Auditors say they saw special files marked "Do not pay bill. Do not discuss." Here again, that appears to be what's going on in my case. Why am I being harassed (see 10/7/13 post) with unitemized statements from Suddeth Automotive? My case is - or at least should be - a relatively minor blip on the accident radar screen: single car mishap, no injuries, and a readily repairable vehicle with legitimate repair costs that don't equal or exceed 75% of the vehicle's value.
I'm not about to turn my prized possession over to State Farm. I want to know why the "good neighbor" is behaving in such an inexcusable manner.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
State Farm employee robs customer accounts
"An employee of automobile insurer State Farm was fired after making purchases with customer credit cards, ultimately compromising their personal data." Adam Greenberg, SC Magazine
Wow. 687 looted accounts. Nothin' like a neighborly attitude toward customers.
I wasn't surprised when I read the article. State Farm has established a culture of disrespect toward the folks they're supposed to serve. Check out complaints about their auto insurance. Homeowners? Look at this. Banking? Visit My Bank Tracker. Peruse the Ripoff Report, then do a few searches of your own. There's no excuse for government allowing corporations to kick people around. State insurance commissions are a taxpayer funded farce.
Why would anyone trust a company like State Farm?
Wow. 687 looted accounts. Nothin' like a neighborly attitude toward customers.
I wasn't surprised when I read the article. State Farm has established a culture of disrespect toward the folks they're supposed to serve. Check out complaints about their auto insurance. Homeowners? Look at this. Banking? Visit My Bank Tracker. Peruse the Ripoff Report, then do a few searches of your own. There's no excuse for government allowing corporations to kick people around. State insurance commissions are a taxpayer funded farce.
Why would anyone trust a company like State Farm?
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