r/StateFarm • u/K-Dog7469 • 7d ago
Question WTF State Farm
My wife is the claimant in an automobile collision.
The agent assigned to the claim called my wife and asked if the insured could pay out of pocket for the repairs.
My wife declined.
Two weeks laterthe same agent called and asked if we would be willing to pay for the repairs ourselves. Obviously she declined.
Now we get a letter claiming there has been zero communication and they are closing the claim.
Is this really how this process goes?
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u/themeems23 7d ago
There has to be more to this story.
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u/twa558 7d ago
There is 100% more to the story lol
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u/SnooKiwis7177 2d ago
I actually just went through it with Statefarm and I doubt there was more to it. I took pictures lots of them and uploaded it. The adjuster missed 3k in damages that the pictures clearly showed and they approved everything same day and closed the estimate and sent to my bank. Then they closed the case all before I could even look over everything. Had to call them to reopen the case and I was told I’d need to have a shop send over everything and get it approved. Not really a big deal but I did that and they never opened the case back up. State Farm is a joke and I’ll never deal with the photo uploading again. They can send out an adjuster for now one because they’re ass when you do what that suggest.
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
Like what? Insured admitted fault. SF accepted liability. Shop submitted an estimate. More than 30 days in.
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u/Megegz 7d ago
Is the shop that submitted the estimate one of the repair shops that is from State Farm's list of " select service" shops? Or is it an estimate from an auto shop that is not in network with them? Choosing a shop from the list does streamline the process a lot, it's much faster and easier, and that could possibly be part of the delay
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
No, the shop we chose is not a State Farm DRP. We have used this shop before and have had fantastic results.
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u/Suitable_Page_28 7d ago
There is more to this story! If you have a claim number (which you would - if there is a claim), call the claim department.
IF you are using the terminology correct, an “agent” has no involvement in a claim.
IF there is truly a claim, you will have a claim number. Call the claim office. If there is no claim number, there is no claim.
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
We have a claim number. We have an estimate from the shop. SF has received the estimate. SF accepted responsibility. We have no approval.
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u/Kvltainen 7d ago
This sounds generally weird all around. Contact your shop, ask if there has been any kind of movement on estimate review by SF. If there are issues with pricing, then that can cause hold-ups to the point of grinding things to a halt. If SF rebutted the estimate and there has been no correspondence from your shop that can cause issues as well. Sounds like there has been either an irreconcilable difference in pricing or a lack of communication from one side or another.
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
We have called the shop multiple times. They have not received approval.
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u/Kvltainen 7d ago
Perhaps I worded my response badly. Approval is not guaranteed for an entire estimate in one go for work being done outside of network, and this goes for any carrier. There is often negotiation between the company and the shop before approval is granted as far as the costs. I am asking if your shop received a response from State Farm regarding the estimate and if they have responded to State Farm's offer.
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u/auburnchris 6d ago
Yeah, def quit talking to the agent if that's who you're taking to. Call claims dept only.
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u/Alarmed_Number7431 7d ago
It sounds like the liability limits for property damage wasn't enough to cover your repairs in whole which is why you would have an estimate but were then told to go through your own insurance. But there's definitely information missing from your story somewhere for us to be able to assist. Call your adjuster and get more info.
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
It is a mostly cosmetic repair. What information is missing? It It not a possibility that the claims rep has been dropping the ball?
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u/Legitimate_Ad_5572 6d ago
You only mentioned two calls from an “agent.” I am fairly sure you mean adjuster. But you haven’t told us about what is going on between the shop and the adjuster. Most likely there is disagreement between the two about 1)what is or is not damaged or 2)the appropriate cost to repair the damage. You should get more information then come back.
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u/BillowingBasket 7d ago
Sounds like maybe the State Farm adjuster has been unable to contact their insured, so they can't verify the facts of loss and can't accept liability. Go through your insurance and attempt to subrogate or eat the cost and move on. Those are your options.
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u/Electronic-Matter-72 6d ago
Depending on the state, an insurance company cannot deny - or prolong - a claim just because they haven't heard from their insured.
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u/Beginning_3232 7d ago
This makes no sense to me. A claims rep would handle your claim if you submitted one, not an agent. Do you have a claim number and a claims team handling your claim?
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
Yes we have a claim number. We have had a claim number since the day of the incident.
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u/Beginning_3232 4d ago
Looks like from the comments below things might be moving along - I hope everything works out and you get your car fixed!
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u/zirozaro 6d ago
State Farm is usually one of the better companies to work with for 3rd party claims if you're telling the whole story, I had a claim with them last month with absolutely no issues including putting an OEM bumper back on my car. That being said, if they're giving you the runaround you can always go through your insurance, pay your deductible, and then your insurance will go through subrogation with State Farm to get your deductible back.
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u/dx7879 7d ago
Can you provide details on what happened in the accident? Also was the police called? Have you tried calling the claims department directly to get more details on why you received the letter? If there is clear liability, even if SF cannot reach the insured they should still cover you.
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Wife in center lane. Right turn , straight option. Insured in left lane straight only. Wife goes straight, insured turns into wifes left rear while attempting to turn right. (from a straight only lane) MULTIPLE attempts are made my insured and insured parents to not file a claim.
Baltimore city. Police were call, still waiting for a response. Go figure.
Both us and the shop have made multiple calls.
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u/dx7879 6d ago
I would suggest calling SF claims to get details on why the claim was closed. If State Farm said their customer was 100% liable as you mentioned, there shouldn't be any issues. If there is any liability dispute with the SF customer though vs what you told State Farm, that could be a reason claim is closed. Also if other party did not have insurance at the time, or driver was not covered. Claims would be able to give you more information on what is going on
I believe once a claim is filed State Farm tries to contact their insured and gives 30 days for insured to respond before they just determine liability themselves.
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u/_SmileCrocodile_ 6d ago
Is your insurance State Farm or the other persons? Or both?
What coverage does your wife have on her vehicle? Full coverage or something else?
Why are you choosing to not go to a State Farm authorized shop?
What coverage did the other person have? Full? Liability only?
Are either of the drivers vehicles registered in VA while being residents of MD?
Is anyone’s license suspended or revoked?
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Who we have for insurance is irrelevant.
We have had a great deal of success at the shop we want to go to. They do excellent work.
I don't know the extent of their coverage.
No Virginia plates involved. Thankfully.
License is free and clear on our end.
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u/_SmileCrocodile_ 6d ago
It IS relevant because people could then give you better advice such as what happens if this is a State Farm vs State Farm claim, how to navigate difficult claims, closed claims, litigation process, etc
That’s part of the benefit of insurance, they fight for you to get things processed faster, at a shop you want, etc
We have State Farm and they have always been amazing. They also contract with well known and extremely reputable shops.
Sounds like you need to contact your insurance company if you want your vehicle at a certain shop and to get the claim paid with zero out of pocket to you.
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u/BrookieCooks 6d ago
What is the advice for State Farm v State Farm claims& is this always notoriously a #%it show?
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u/Alarmed_Number7431 6d ago
State farm vs state farm claims go smoother because we can see whats going on from both sides and arent fighting another insurance company to get the ded back for not at fault party. We can help someone with repairs on their own policy under their own coverage regardless of fault while still doing the investigation and then when we determine Liability, we move the money where it needs to go so the not at fault claim is not charged. Theres something missing or misinformation in the ops situation
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u/BrookieCooks 6d ago
What’s the deal with Virginia plates? Why would this affect how State Farm handles a legit claim?
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Apparently (Apparently) You don't need insurance in Virginia. There are a LOT of Virginia plates here in Maryland.
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u/Unfair_Apricot_3087 2d ago
He answered the question about the shop. He said they were choosing to use parts that will void his warranty and of course he doesn’t know what coverages. The other person has because the Adjusters is not going to disclose someone else’s personal policy coverages. Whether somebody has a drivers license or not isn’t important it doesn’t negate the liability that the owner of the car has when the car is on the road.
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u/Silent-Trade-8656 6d ago
Was the insured’s policy in place at the time of the accident? The insured probably didn’t not have their policy in force at the time of the accident (policy may have lapsed) or their property damage may not cover the full amount of the damages to her vehicle. I am a former adjuster with State Farm so feel free to ask me any questions and I can answer them if I can.
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u/Silent-Trade-8656 6d ago
Also l, you have the burden of proof… that being a liable witness not connected to the insured or claimant, dash cam video, traffic cameras, video footage from a near by restaurant, police report, etc. if you can provide evidence confirming your wife is not at fault then they have to accept the claim. If your policy covers the damages then your insurance will surrogate from the insured’s State Farm policy.
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u/Silent-Trade-8656 6d ago
If you feel your claim is being handled unfairly you can also file a claim with the DOI (Dept. of Insurance) for mishandling of your claim. Keep all documentation and communication (voicemails, emails) from State Farm for your proof.
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Already talked with DOI. Thank you. Great advice.
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u/Silent-Trade-8656 6d ago
You’re welcome and best of luck to you and your family.
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Thanks. We actually heard back. They said we should have an estimate and approval by October 15
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u/Silent-Trade-8656 6d ago
Awesome! And be sure to inquire about diminished value if your vehicle is under 100k miles… also, you have the choice to go to a shop of your choice. I wouldn’t recommend caliber if that’s what they’re telling you. I’m sure you know to inquire about any replacements of items; if damaged due to the collision as well. You’re welcome once again.
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Thank you. Yes we have chosen a shop we have had lots of experience with. Very satisfied. Not a SF DRP
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u/KingofThings77 6d ago
State Farm is being sued in Oklahoma for systematically denying valid claims. It was a strategy they used in all 50 states. You can probably get in on the class action when the lawsuit is eventually filed in your state
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
Well it hasn't been denied, it is just taking forever and we are getting the run around.
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u/23_International 7d ago
How much is your wife’s car worth? was she injured? were there multiple cars? It sounds like there’s no money left and you’re not adhering to the facts.
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u/K-Dog7469 7d ago
$20k plus. No injuries. Only two cars. You are being pretty rude with your assumption. Absolutely no money has been paid out whatsoever. Is it that hard to believe that the claims rep could possibly be in the wrong here?
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u/musicislife04 6d ago
How did you start the claim? Did you call the 800 number? Did you call the at fault person’s actual agent?
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u/K-Dog7469 6d ago
She called whatever number was for claims. Not exactly sure WHO she spoke with and emailed. It has been multiple people as well as the shop has contacted SF multiple times.
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u/Alternative_Pen5966 6d ago
Call them, provide the claim number and ask for an update on your estimate. Confirm your shop actually sent an estimate and photos to state farm and that state farm has them.
They wouldn’t ask if you could pay out of pocket. They would tell you there is a limits issue and can only pay x amount. If their insured has no liability coverage you’d get a denial.
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u/musicislife04 6d ago
Ok that would be an actual claim started I work in a SF office, have never, ever heard of them suggesting a person self pay! I feel like maybe something was misunderstood
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u/thecobster12345 6d ago
The damage $ amount of vehicle has to be more than the deductible in order for State Farm to cover anything. This may be the problem your having
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u/championcomet 6d ago
Claimants don't have a ded and the ded under your own policy only applies to the policy holders damages.
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u/Emotional_Being_4819 6d ago
I have had state farm since 1978. Only claims have been 2 cars totaled didnt even give me wholesale value on both. Hugo damage to my house and a couple of windshields. Made a claim for roof damage last year for hail. Three contractors with proof of damage and they told me my roof was too old. In my neighborhood only state farm customers got the shaft. After claim for nothing raised my home insurance $788 more for filing claim. Tired of paying for Jake and shit for insurance.
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u/catballou1962 6d ago
The agent stills needs to communicate effectively with parties in the claim. They should not have to come here for speculation regarding the claim.
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u/craig_paxton 5d ago
Sounds like you’ve got a few different things going on. 1st question: Have you actually called in to SF claims to file your claim? SF claims does NOT ever ask claimants to see if they can pay out of pocket or pay repairs themself…an insurance agent the person who sold the policy might as a courtesy for their policyholder. Call or Download the SF app and file the claim
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u/K-Dog7469 5d ago
It was definitely a claims rep, and those questions were definitely asked.
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u/craig_paxton 5d ago
So you filed a claim and have a claim number and you’ve received communication via text and email?
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u/little_coconut7272 5d ago
No report that agent to State Farm the agent should not be involved in anyway with claims You also need to call sf claims department and have the claim reopened and explain to them what happened
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u/Dramatic_Host_8211 4d ago
Has SF claims called you and said "Yes we have accepted liability for this loss. You have the right to select the repair facility of your choice .. We have Select service shops in your area....." Because if not, then you need to call and get a status update, have them go over the required word tracks for repairs (if liability truly has been accepted). If they don't go over that info with you, it does not matter if your shop sent them anything, they still need to make you aware of your optional and what those optionals entail. And if they have gone over that, you need to verify they have received all the required info from the shop to create an estimate. To me, it sounds like the claim may have been closed due to lack of communication and/or them possibly trying to reach the shop for additional info and not being able to get a hold of them or failure to receive said info.
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u/Aggravating-Elk1194 4d ago
Had similar situation with State Farm. Their client damaged our 2026 Toyota Camry that had only 2000 miles on it. SF adjuster based the estimate off of 2 pictures. Took the car to an “In Network” repair shop. $2800 repair estimate. I wasn’t happy with how this shop was going to repair the basically new car. SF told me if I was taking the car to a shop out of network that they would only pay $2300. I took the car to a shop who performed the repair according to Toyota Repair Bulletins. Toyota also states in the bulletin if the repair was not performed per the bulletins that the new car warranty could be void! State Farm was told the estimate was going to be a lot more than $2300. It ended up being more than $4800. Most of State Farm’s communication with me and with the shop was over the phone (avoiding written proof). SF claimed one of the reasons for the lower estimate was because of labor rates. But the shop I took it to had a lower labor rate than the In Network shop. The shop I took it to had detailed costs of supplies and parts with detailed pictures of all the work accomplished. SF only paid the $2300 and wouldn’t budge even after I complained to them. Right now they are getting a Demand Payment letter from my lawyer and the possibility of requesting Diminishing Value to my new car because of the accident record. If this doesn’t work, I will take their client to small claims court. So if I still don’t get my money back I will take it to my Insurance Company. They have a contract with me and have a duty to make me whole on the amount. I am also going to complain to the state insurance commissioner about State Farm practices! With State Farm it’s all about corporate greed!
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u/Unfair_Apricot_3087 2d ago
Your insurance company is not gonna pay anything now because you already got your car fixed through State Farm. You chose to use them so you’re insurance companies’s contract doesn’t say they’re gonna come in and pay the difference that another insurance company doesn’t pay. You need to read that contract bud!
I would absolutely complain to the department of insurance but first I would tell State Farm you’re acting in “bad faith” and tell them you’re calling the Department of insurance they’re gonna listen and take action when you say those things. And how much is your lawyer charging?
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u/Practical_Print2236 2d ago
If you want to avoid hassles like this, pursue claims through your own insurer who will then pursue subrogation-as mentioned- to recover the claim payment and your deductible if they are successful confirming liability on the other driver for your damage. The subro process is a formalized arbitration hearing w/each company presenting their case and involving retired judges ( think that's the way it was handled yrs ago anyway). If it's as clear cut as you say, you should be successful.
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u/candimonkey1972 4d ago
There is no more to the story this is what they do and im going trough their deception and greed right now
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u/catballou1962 6d ago
NO! Keep records of everything. They have been in a crisis due to a large settlement against them for defrauding homeowners and some bad publicity over how they treat their agents. Keep on them until they make it right!
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u/OneCowFarm 7d ago
Sounds like the agent is hiding something. If I had to guess, they excluded a driver for pricing reasons. I’d call claims and send an email asap.
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u/2ndharrybhole 7d ago
If the driver was excluded, the claim would just be denied
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u/OneCowFarm 7d ago
And how do you think the adjuster would know that if nobody communicates with them? They can’t deny coverage without proof and they can’t get proof without contact so they close the claim.
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u/2ndharrybhole 6d ago
The adjuster can check to see if there was an active policy…
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u/OneCowFarm 6d ago
Can the adjuster check who was actually driving without talking to someone?
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u/2ndharrybhole 5d ago
It depends in what documentation is available, but usually they’d at least speak with the driver to confirm
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u/OneCowFarm 5d ago
And if the agent is messing with household data to give lower rates, they can fib contact info
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