Customer Review - State Farm

Know What You're Doing!

I'm wondering how many of the complainers on this site who have State Farm insurance actually have read their policies or thoroughly discussed their coverages with their agents. I've seen a few times already where people have said, "I was told I have full coverage, but they said now they won't cover it!" Full coverage in some states (maybe all of them - I only know Michigan, which is where I live) is the bare minimum you need to carry on your vehicle. From the law's standpoint, your car would have full coverage if you only carried PLPD. Collision & comp are optional (again, this is Michigan, not sure about elsewhere). Know what you are getting into! I know that insurance can be confusing and that not everyone will be able to understand their policy lingo, but that is why you ask your agent for clarification. Don't wait until you file a claim to research what you carry - know ahead of time. And for those who were upset about the quality recycled/refurbished parts being used in the repair - this is a standard practice by every insurance company. It's part of an environmental effort as well as a cost-effective procedure. It doesn't mean that State Farm or the other companies want to skimp out on what is paid, but that they are operating within the prevailing competitive pricing out there today. In today's economy, if you're not competitive, you're nothing as a company. I can't speak for other companies, but I know that State Farm will not use aftermarket sheet metal or used parts that would compromise the safety of the vehicle. Any of the recycled parts they use are satisfaction guaranteed and do come with a warranty from State Farm for as long as you own the car. That doesn't sound like a 'screw you over' company to me.

Also, every state has its own individual claim handling network so everything is state-specific. My claim was handled with by people who live in Michigan, and the claims building for my state is about half an hour away from my home. No dealing with people on the other side of the world - everything is local. And from what I have experienced, it is a very racially sensitive, diverse, equal opportunity company. I am thankful I have State Farm and it makes me frustrated to hear others bash it when it sounds like they have little to no idea as to what all goes into a claim. Sometimes rates are changed because the State legislation mandates those hikes, and sometimes the ruling of a case is determined by courts rather than individual claim handlers. I don't know about you, but if a court case ruled against me I'd feel foolish blaming an insurance company when they weren't the ones who made the ruling in the first place.

JMHO.