Complaint / Review
Farm Bureau Insurance
Ripoff unfair settlement practices misleading claims agent

I was involved in a a car accident a few days before Thanksgiving in 2004. I was rear ended by a young man who carried auto insurance from Farm Bureau Insurance. I could tell the young man felt bad about the accident but he was speeding on a rain slick street.

I recieved some back injuries and also damage to the rear bumper of my car.in dealing with his insurance company, I found them wanting to settle the incident as quickly as possible. They offered me about one thousand dollars over and above the estimated car damage. I was wary of this and declined their offer.

After I got an estimate to have my car repaired, they said that my estimate was higher than their estimate and they would not be willing to pay any more than their estimate. Again I was wary of this but the repair shop assured me that they would get paid by a 'supplemental' should the cost go over the insurance company's estimate.

As expected, the actual cost went over the estimate. The body shop did get paid but I ended up paying for my own rental car.

Several months later and after numerous phone calls we agreed on a settlement figure for my medical injuries. After much back and forth I agreed to a dollar figure for reimursement for said injuries and pain and suffering. They mailed me an agreement, I signed it and returned it. The adjustor called me and told me the check had arrived inb the mail from the head office and I could come and pick it up.

When I arrived I recieved three checks. One for the doctor, one for the Physical Therapist/Rehabilitation Company, and a 3rd check made out to me. As I looked at the checks, I saw that the checks totaled our agreed upon amount but that they expected me to pay ALL the medical bills out of that. This left less than 15% of the total settlement to pay for 2 months of missed work for doctor appointments, physical therapy, and being in physical pain throughout the holidays (over 2 months). This was completely different than our agreement and I now have to hire an attorney to litigate.

I am getting RIPPED-OFF!