Customer Review - Farmers

No Ethics

Hi All,

I just want to put forth a problem I am facing with FARMERS AUTO INSURANCE. This would help you to be more aware of what to expect and maybe some of you can reply back if they are having similar problems with FARMERS AUTO INSURANCE.

When I moved to US from Australia and purchased a comprehensive auto insurance policy with FARMERS in California, they had given me a good deal. And that was in May 2009 and then I moved to Tennessee in October 2009 and I was asked to take out a new policy since it was a different state and different conditions. I agreed and went and met the concerned local agent (Tanaka McCoy). During the initial interactions my policy amount was increased from what was in California - the reason given was that Memphis TN was not at the same par as California. So I agreed for the initial increase which was like 10% to 20% to what I was paying out at California. I paid in full for six months along with rental insurance (as in California).

Now much to my horror and bewilderment I received a new changed policy from FARMERS insurance asking me to pay an additional 60% for whatever reason. I ran from the agent to the service desk representative wondering why the sudden increase. I was given a reason stating that I did not have adequate history of insurance and that back at California they had made a mistake. When I argued, they asked me to submit proof of prior insurance, which in turn would help them to drastically reduce the policy premium which they had increased without consent. I had to ring up my Australian Insurance agents and ask them to fax my record (which incidentally is a clean one with no claims or accidents since 2005). I should be thankful to them for acting promptly and sending the required fax to the agent (Tanaka McCoy). She in turn advised me that she has forwarded to the concerned people. But to my utter dismay there has been no roll back what so ever.

Even when I rang up the service desk they refused to speak to me on this matter directing me back to the agent as the right person to resolve. Now this is what makes the situation that much more frustrating and annoying. Because the agent had no clue of what was the status? After many a mails and phone calls I had an update stating that since I had added my wife as an additional driver they are not able to reduce. When I talked to the agent about this, even she agrees that it is a very flimsy ground but she is helpless.

This whole episode has left a bitter taste towards FARMERS INSURANCE as far as I am concerned. It’s just not the hike in the premium but also the treatment to the issue and the way it is being handled has left me as a most dissatisfied and angry customer. I am sure there would be many more similar stories to state with many of you. But if you want my advice then PLEASE DO NOT BECOMES A CUSTOMER OF FARMERS INSURANCE. If you are one, then maybe it is time you reconsider. I for one will definitely ask all my family members – sisters, cousins, uncles and Aunts to switch from Farmers. Incidentally it was my sister who introduced me to this agency so at least I will get her to switch as a start.

We have many migrants among us who come from different countries. That does not mean that we be treated like this and be charged like an irresponsible driver (I am a 40+ driver not an under 22 guy). I do not understand what they mean by lack of history. Is it like we have been driving around with no insurance for so many years? Just because we have come from a different country do we deserve this sort of a treatment? I would like you all to give your thoughts on this matter and let me know if I can take it up in certain forums.

Initially I thought the best way is to just move on to a new insurance agency and let my disappointment burn in silence. But I feel I should take some stand against this but did not know how, plus I do not want to be one silent customer that they lost and no one came to know about it. And it is back to business as usual for them. I have talked to a few insurance agencies and they seem ready to give a much better deal then what I am getting. But as far as FARMERS are concerned, I hope they take note.



--
Regards,

Solomon E Alagala