I think State Farm just tried to screw me

[joeglow3]

4 years ago, my car was t-boned and I hit my knee. Nothing too big, but it was tweaked, so I had it looked at. I just now got a call from their claims department, informing me they have reviewed my case and they did not explain my medical coverage to me. Apparently, I am entitled to reimbursement for a $263 bill, plus 12% interest. Why the hell would they agree to pay twelve freaking percent interest.

The lady asked me if I would be interested in them cutting me a check. My response was "what would happen to my current coverage. Does me no good to get a check for $300 and then be hit for filing a claim and pay $1,200 in additional insurance premiums."

She froze and then told me she would call my local agent and have them talk to me. Freaking scammers.

[badtoworse]

1. You must have filed a claim or they wouldn't have called you.

If they were going to raise your rates, I think it would have happened by now.

[Aerows]

5. Because State farm

is always fair. I mean there. I mean having a glare. Or a stare.

[liberal_at_heart]

7. Actually State Farm is the only insurance company I have ever dealt with that I have felt

have treated me well. I have been with State Farm for 22 years. I had a few wrecks in my early driving years. My rates went up temporarily and then always went back down. I haven't had a wreck that was my fault in years and therefore I have a very low premium right now. Last month someone hit my rear bumper as they were pulling out of a parking space. I called State Farm. They said my rates would not go up and after my deductible they would take care of the repair. We've had some other pretty serious family issues going on so I haven't gone to get if fixed yet, but I'm not worried about it. I guess we shall see, but they did say it would not raise my rates. So, that I am definitely happy with.

[laundry_queen]

8. My parents have been with State farm for eons

They had a huge claim in '97 with a huge storm/sewer back up that destroyed their finished basement. Their agent was absolutely the best and my parents rave about how good the service was and how quickly their claim was processed, and their premium barely went up for a few months then went back down. At the time my parents only had their home insurance with State Farm. After their claim, they moved everything auto, life, etc to State Farm. When it was time for me to buy a house, I also went with State Farm. Unfortunately, here in Canada, State Farm got bought out. I'm SO not happy about that, but am staying with the same agent for now. Hopefully rates won't go up. But anyway, yes my parents also were impressed with State Farm.

[Blue_In_AK]

10. We had our homeowners' with State Farm

for years and recently bundled our car insurance with them, too, which lowered all the premiums. I love our agent. He's a good democrat.

[joeglow3]

9. I was hit by another driver who had state farm

The claim was all paid under his policy, as he was 100% at fault. They are trying to get me to file a claim under my policy.

[badtoworse]

11. Your situation is a new one on me. See what the agent says

[joeglow3]

14. I am hoping it is all on the up and up

Just seems odd that four years later, they call me and offer to pay me $263, plus 12% interest for 4 years, if I file a claim. My trust in my local agent is what drove me to divert it through him and his staff.

[elleng]

2. Not if you have a decent 'local agent.'

We did for years, and were pleased with their service.

[joeglow3]

13. I love my local agent

Which is why i prefer to deal directly with him and his staff over the national people.

[elleng]

18. Good

[DURHAM D]

3. The woman who called works in claims and

has no idea how to respond to you. Rate changes are just simply not something she knows about. Your response is pretty weird actually. 12% would be ~3% a year and that sounds about right.

If you have not had any other claims on your auto policy there should not be any rate change. Why did you file a claim in the first place if you don't want it on your loss record? They are not scamming you. btw - whether you take the money or not it is still on your record.

[joeglow3]

12. The driver who hit me also had state farm

Everything was paid out under his policy. I never filed a claim under my policy, but they obviously have record of everything. But, they are trying to get me to file a claim now.

And the 12% was not 3% per year. It was 12%, compounded annually, from the date of the accident.

[Aerows]

4. Be prepared for posts like "I know they did

but Allstate would have screwed you harder." Like that is consolation.

[Aerows]

6. And like a good neighbor

Stay over there.

[fadedrose]

15. What was she wearing, State Farm ? :) :)

Not funny like on TV . . .

[randome]

16. I'm sorry, what's the problem again?

You're worried that State Farm is paying you money? I don't get it.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."
Leonard Cohen, Anthem (1992)[/center][/font][hr]

[joeglow3]

17. Are they paying $300, and charging me $1,000 in increased premiums over the next 3 years

since I would now be filing a claim. Seemed a reasonable question from my standpoint and their silence when asked it was not comforting.