“We know from experience.”
“We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.”
Farmers Insurance wants you to trust them. Their commercials feature Academy Award-winning actor J.K. Simmons, making you believe that they are experienced in what they do. However, this changes once you file a claim with Farmers. In reality, Farmers Insurance is mainly focused on making money, and they know how to avoid paying car accident claims to maximize their profits.
If you find yourself dealing with a Farmers Insurance auto claim after being injured in a car accident, don't let them take advantage of you. Stand up for your rights and seek compensation to get your life back on track. Turn to an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight for you.
We can help you protect your rights. Our dedicated car accident attorneys have learned seven secrets through years of dealing with Farmers accident claims. We are a national law firm based in Houston, with multiple offices across the country. We also collaborate with affiliate law firms in most states that share our commitment to excellence. Regardless of your location, we may be able to assist you. Contact us now by calling 866-935-1455, as we are available 24/7, or submit your case for review online.
How Farmers Insurance Company Became So Profitable
Over the years, Farmers Insurance Group has become the third-largest insurance company in the United States, and car insurance coverage is a huge piece of its business. Millions of people buy car insurance policies through Farmers. Each year, Farmers earns billions of dollars in revenue—and its success depends on limiting the amount it pays for settlements on Farmers claims.
You may think it’s ironic that an insurance company, whose purpose is to cover losses, tries to pay as little as possible. However, insurance companies have the same goals as any other massive corporation: profits, profits, profits!
Where do those profits go? Right to the very top! Farmers Insurance Company executives frequently get six-figure raises on top of six- and seven-figure salaries, all while Farmers frequently tries to avoid paying fairly on car accident claims. Academy Award-winning actors starring in your national television advertising campaigns don’t come cheap. So, how do they pay for their large marketing budget? They shortchange the innocent injury victims instead.
Farmers is no different than any other insurance company. When you make a Farmers claim, you may run into complications, delays, and disappointments at every turn. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you avoid or end these issues.
Millions of people in the United States have Farmers Insurance or policies through its subsidiary, 21st Century Insurance. As one of the country’s largest auto insurance providers, a Farmers-insured driver may be at fault if you are in a crash. Then you'll have to deal with this company and its shady policies. Here are some secrets to help you gear up for the battle ahead.
Secret #1: Despite Their Advertising, Farmers Insurance is One of the Worst in the U.S.
In recent years, Consumer Reports gave Farmers Insurance a “Worse” rating for both “Problems with Claims” and “Delayed Payments.” Consumer Reports also said that Farmers was one of the “poorest performers” among many major insurance companies in terms of paying off automobile claims in 30 days or less.
In a JD Powers Collision Repair Satisfaction Study, Farmers was given the lowest possible ratings for claim settlements, the claim process and procedures, claim representatives, and overall experience for claimants and policyholders.
Additionally, the American Association for Justice (AAJ) ranked Farmers on the Ten Worst Insurance Companies in America report. One of the reasons for this ranking was its strategies to increase premiums and policies to limit payouts whenever possible.
Injured Car Accident Victims Suffer Because of its Policies
The report gives an example of a shameful denial of a valid Farmers insurance auto claim: A 60-year-old policyholder was in a coma for nine days following a devastating car accident. She suffered permanent injuries that required her to use a wheelchair. Farmers, however, denied her any coverage at all, claiming that the accident occurred due to purposeful road rage on the part of another driver and, therefore, was not covered as an “accident.” This case led to widespread publicity and anger against the company—rightfully so!
The even sadder truth is that the case above is not an isolated incident. Farmers Insurance regularly treats claimants and policyholders unfairly, leaving many injured accident victims to fend for themselves.
After a car accident, you’re probably feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. The good news is that you don’t have to file a Farmers claim and face the insurance company alone. Trust Guss Injury Lawyers can help.
We’ve dealt with Farmers claims many times, and we’ve seen every trick in the book. We know firsthand how this company plots to lower claim payments and increase profits, and we’re ready to fight for the rights of our clients against Farmers’ unfair system.
We regularly receive calls from people who started a claim on their own, only to realize how stressful and frustrating the Farmers claims process can be. As soon as we get involved, you can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on healing from your injuries instead of fighting the insurance company. We can help from the very start of your claim or become involved after you’ve already filed a Farmers claim. In either situation, you shouldn’t wait a moment longer to call our office for a free evaluation today at 800-898-4877 or contact us online to discuss your case for free.
Secret #2: Farmers Insurance Adjusters Are Highly Motivated to Not Pay Claims
You don’t have to rely on the horror stories from claimants to know that Farmers claim adjusters use tactics that work against the best interests of claimants and policyholders. In fact, a few years ago, leaked internal documents exposed the policies of the company. Former employees also testified that they were given specific incentives to limit payouts.
The Farmers Insurance “Quest for Gold” program provided pizza parties and gift certificates to the adjusters who tricked or lied their way into the lowest possible payouts on their claims. Employees also received raises and positive evaluations based on their abilities to keep their car accident claim payments at rock bottom – no matter how they did it. Emails were sent instructing Farmers adjusters to keep settlements low—even for valid claims—and stating that employees would get paid according to their payout records. Shocking, isn’t it? The less those adjusters pay you, the more they put in their pockets. In other words:
Farmers Adjusters Put Pizza Parties Above a Car Accident Victim’s Needs!
Even though these whistleblowers tried to expose Farmers for its shameful tricks and games with claimants, our experience is that Farmers didn’t change its policies one bit. Farmers Insurance continues to reward employees for not doing what insurance companies should do—paying valid claims! This includes claims for property damage and Farmers accident and injury claims.
By now, Texas regulators and those from many other states have taken action against Farmers numerous times, alleging violations of consumer protection laws and standards.
Still, despite all of these issues, millions of drivers still carry Farmers auto insurance. This means that many car accident victims will have to deal with the frustrating process of filing a Farmers Insurance auto claim.
The First Offer Will Be the Worst
When an adjuster has a motive to lower your claim, you can bet you’re not going to get the settlement offer you expect right out of the gate. In fact, many people who don’t have legal representation never receive the offer they deserve from Farmers.
The best way to deal with this company is to partner with a law firm that understands how to protect your rights and knows how to stand up to the tactics of this insurer.
We can help you fight back against the Farmers claim adjuster, deny them their “pizza party,” and get the full value for your claim!If you are dealing with Farmers Insurance, call us right now for a free consultation at 866-935-1455 or contact us online to discuss your case for free.
Secret #3: Farmers Claim Adjusters Have Many Tricks Up Their Sleeves!
Even with all the information about Farmers coming out into the open, the company keeps finding new ways to keep money in the company’s accounts and out of the pockets of injured accident victims. Instead of focusing on how they can help their customers, Farmers adjusters focus on minimizing your claim.
Some ways that Farmers adjusters work to limit or deny claims include the following.
Demanding a Recorded Statement
Farmers Insurance auto claim adjusters will pressure you into giving them a recorded statement, then they will bait you into accidentally making statements that help them deny or reduce your claim. Too many people agree to recorded calls, allowing adjusters to twist their words against the claimant’s interests.
Most people don’t realize they’ve said anything that may be misinterpreted until much later in the claims process! The truth is you are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement.
Convincing You to Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance adjusters might try to tempt you by saying they can fast-track your claim if you accept the first offer. It may be tempting to take this deal. With so many bills piling up, it’s only natural to want payment as soon as possible after a car crash. Avoiding delays may sound beneficial, so you may agree on the phone to accept the first offer. Once you realize the first offer is much lower than you need or expect, the adjuster might claim your recorded agreement is legally binding!
Challenging Liability for Your Accident
If a Farmers policyholder was 100% responsible for your crash and injuries, Farmers should cover 100% of your losses. However, if Farmers decides that you also contributed to the accident in any way, they can limit the claim amount by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you claim $100,000 of losses and Farmers alleges that you were 40% responsible for the accident, they will automatically slash your settlement by $40,000! This is a common tactic the company uses to try to convince you that you deserve much less than you claimed. Don’t accept blame for a wreck you did not cause.
Disputing the Cause of Your Injuries
In order to collect money for injury-related losses, you must show that the car accident directly caused your injuries. The best way to prove a connection is to head to the emergency room or doctor immediately after the crash.
This is especially important because you may not immediately realize you suffered injuries. You might not notice symptoms of an injury right away because of the adrenaline that rushes into your body during a traumatic event like a car accident. Many accident victims wait a couple of days, a week, or longer to get a diagnosis. This can result in Farmers adjusters questioning whether your injuries were accident-related or whether another event hurt you.
Denying the Severity and Effects of Your Injuries
A car accident can impact many areas of your daily life. You understand how much pain you feel and how your injuries restrict you from working or completing everyday tasks. However, Farmers regularly challenges the claimed severity of accident injuries to try to reduce losses. For example, the adjuster may challenge the extent of your medical treatment and question whether it was necessary. Or they may allege you shouldn’t have missed so much work. They also regularly reduce damages for pain and suffering and other less-tangible, noneconomic losses. It can be difficult to prove the severity and effects of your injuries, but our attorneys know how to put value on intangible losses, and we fight for every penny our clients deserve.
Believe us—the adjuster will do anything and everything they can to limit the amount the company pays for your Farmers claim. People in the middle of a Farmers claim often realize that proving the full extent of their damages may be more challenging than they thought. Having the help of an experienced lawyer right from the start can only benefit you.
Be Prepared For Any Contact With a Farmers Claim Adjuster
Shortly after the accident, an adjuster will call you and encourage you to make statements about the accident and your injuries. Be warned: they are listening for anything they can use against you. Even the simplest offhand comment can come back to haunt you later on down the road, so it’s always best to say as little as possible. To be safe, let our lawyers handle all communications with the adjuster.
The adjuster might also tell you you don’t need a lawyer. That’s because they don’t want you to have the advice and help of a lawyer. They know that a good lawyer will fight for the payment you deserve and put pressure on them. They’ll tell you that you can trust Farmers, and they’re on your side, so there’s no reason to get legal representation.
However, too many people learn very quickly that Farmers is not on their side at all.
Adjusters will also use tricks to get you to accept the first offer they put on the table. This offer is almost always far too low. If there’s a chance you may take an offer, why would Farmers not start low? The following are some ways they try to trick you into accepting far less than you deserve:
- Delaying your claim, causing frustration, and forcing you to accept any offer just to get a check in your hand.
- Getting you to agree to accept the first offer if they fast-track your claim.
Don’t trade tens of thousands of dollars for a quick resolution. Get the money you deserve for your injuries. If Farmers is causing delays or making empty promises, you can bet their offer will only cover a fraction of your losses! Don’t fall for their tricks! Instead, call us right now for a free consultation at 866-935-1455 or contact us online to discuss your case for free. We’re here 24/7 to help!
Secret #4: When You File a Farmers Insurance Auto Claim, a Computer Decides Your Fate!
Farmers is also one of many insurance companies that uses a computer program called Colossus to determine settlement offers. This program is designed to minimize personal injury claims, but Farmers claim adjusters are forced to use the calculations due to company policies. The program analyzes medical records and financial statements and then recommends a settlement for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This amount is often much lower than the true value of your claim.
How Farmers’ Program Fails to Meet the Needs of the Injured
The computer program does not account for the fact that every accident victim will have a different experience. Even two people who suffer traumatic brain injuries in car accidents will likely differ in the following:
- Length of time in the hospital
- Medical concerns, which may include cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments
- The time needed for recovery
- Effects of symptoms and impairments on their ability to work
- Types of rehabilitative therapy required
- Permanent disabilities from brain injuries
- Emotional effects of living with a traumatic brain injury
When determining an insurance settlement, adjusters should evaluate each claim on an individual basis, including the specific short-term and long-term effects of the injury on the car accident victim.
We know a computer program cannot take into account personal details, such as an individual suffering from PTSD after a car accident or depression as a result of permanent injuries and disabilities. Car accident injuries are subjective and unique, but computer programs treat them as objective and one-size-fits-all situations. A computer can never understand your pain—but Farmers uses these programs regularly.
At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, our client-first approach is the foundation of our firm. We treat every client with the respect, patience, and compassion they deserve. Don’t get tossed aside by an insurance company that sees you as just another line of computer code. Your situation is unique, and you deserve unique legal advice to help resolve your specific issues.
The computer calculations can be far off, especially if your injuries are serious. Computer or not, remember that you do not have to accept Farmers’ low offer, nor should you! Quite frankly, before you even speak to a Farmers claim adjuster, you should immediately contact an auto insurance attorney who knows how this company works. And always consult with a lawyer before you sign anything!
If you accept a settlement offer, that’s the amount you’re stuck with. Once you sign on the dotted line, you agree to waive your rights to file an additional claim, request more money, or take any further legal action regarding that particular accident. Imagine the following:
- Farmers makes an offer that seems reasonable to you at first, and you just want to get the process over with and pay your bills.
- You accept the offer and receive a check.
- You soon realize that the offer doesn’t even come close to covering all of your losses, including future medical expenses, lost income, incidental expenses, and more.
- Because you signed the agreement, you cannot seek more compensation to cover your losses, and you’ll have to pay all future expenses from your own pocket.
It’s always nice to resolve the Farmers claim process as soon as possible, especially as the bills are piling up. However, we always advise our clients that receiving the settlement they need is much more important than speeding through the claims process. A Farmers insurance auto accident claim can be a waiting game, and our lawyers need time to provide the evidence necessary to negotiate for a higher offer. Never rush to accept a settlement. Instead, contact our office, and we’ll handle the entire process for you, keeping you informed every step of the way in your Farmers claim.
Secret #5: You May Have to File A Lawsuit To Get What You Deserve
When the computer tells the Farmers Insurance adjuster to make a ridiculously low offer, the adjuster may not budge from that amount. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. While this lawsuit is technically against the driver, you can bet that Farmers is covering any judgment award up to the policy limits. For this reason, Farmers will still very much stay involved in your lawsuit.
One benefit of a lawsuit is that it will force Farmers to realize that a jury will take into consideration the subjective circumstances of your car accident injuries, unlike claim estimation computer programs. Juries also don’t have any incentive to limit compensation like Farmers Insurance employees have. Juries don’t get “pizza parties” for denying claims.
In fact, juries often favor injured accident victims over big business insurance companies. For this reason, Farmers will probably want to avoid a trial and may increase its settlement offer once you initiate litigation. They usually want to end the process before you ever make it into the courtroom!
Farmers and similar auto insurance companies do not want you to consult with a personal injury attorney. They know that a skilled car accident attorney will inform you of the full value of your claim, advise you when a settlement offer is insufficient, play hardball for a favorable settlement, and file a lawsuit when necessary.
These are all important reasons why you should always consult with a car accident law firm before you file a Farmers claim!
Our legal team will not hesitate to file a lawsuit when it’s in your best interests. However, because Farmers will likely be paying the judgment, they will aggressively defend against your lawsuit and try to reduce your award.
Our lawyers handle these tasks and more during the litigation process:
- Preparing a persuasive complaint that explains liability for the crash and the extent of your losses.
- Filing and responding to motions to dismiss and other motions from Farmers' attorneys.
- Gathering evidence, including specific items from the defendant during the discovery process, including depositions, interrogatories, and written requests for production.
- Building a strong case in your favor and challenging any defenses presented by Farmers.
- Negotiate with Farmers’ attorneys throughout the process to attempt to reach a settlement agreement in your favor.
Sometimes, simply filing the lawsuit is enough to get Farmers to make an appropriate offer. In other cases, Farmers Insurance will play hardball during the litigation process to try to force you to drop the case. Don’t worry – our lawyers also know how to play hardball in court, and we'll fight for your rights!Call us right away to discuss your legal options at 866-935-1455, or contact us online to discuss your case for free.
Secret #6: Farmers Insurance Lowballs Its Own Policyholders on Uninsured Motorists and PIP Claims As Well
If you are a Farmers policyholder and need to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim or turn in a PIP claim for your medical bills, you may think that Farmers will make the process easier for you because you pay premiums as their customer.
Think again.
Farmers—like other insurance companies—will often fight against the claims of their own insureds. Their profit margins are more important than their loyalty to their customers.
If you were in a hit-and-run accident or an uninsured driver injured you, you will still need to fight an uphill battle even though you are filing a Farmers claim with your own insurer. Yes, even if you’ve been a customer for years and made every payment on time, you cannot count on the insurance company to be there when you need them. While you might still owe a deductible, Farmers Insurance Company should happily pay valid claims to their own policyholders. However, they often do not.
In some cases, you may even need to file a lawsuit against Farmers if it refuses to offer the full amount of your uninsured motorist claim. Anyone in this situation should seek assistance from an attorney who has experience dealing with Farmers Insurance auto claims.
Secret #7: Not Every Lawyer Knows How to Handle a Farmers Claim
Each insurance company is different its policies and protocols regarding handling claims. For example, your lawyer may have to use a different approach when handling a Farmers claim than they might use for a GEICO claim. You must seek help from a law firm that regularly goes head-to-head with Farmers Insurance.
Having the right lawyer who often plays hardball with Farmers sends the message that you won’t back down and accept a low offer. Farmers claim adjusters know which attorneys have experience with the company and which attorneys don’t. Don’t just call a lawyer for help. Call the right car accident injury lawyer to handle your Farmers claim!
Our firm regularly handles claims with all major insurance companies, including Farmers. We know how to challenge the adjuster’s allegations and the computer program’s one-size-fits-all calculations. We are highly experienced litigators who know how to stand up for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
While each case is different, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed, you can greatly improve your chances of a favorable settlement by calling our law firm right away after a crash. We take the stress of an insurance claim off your shoulders so you can focus on your health and recovery. Let us do the work for you!
Call a Lawyer Who Knows How to Fight Farmers Insurance Auto Claim Adjusters
While you may want to believe that an insurance adjuster has your best interests in mind, this is likely not the case. Insurance companies often have policies in place to increase profits by reducing payouts whenever possible.
The dedicated attorneys of Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, are nationally recognized car accident lawyers who have protected the rights of injured car accident victims for more than 20 years. If you were injured in a car wreck and are dealing with a Farmers Insurance claims adjuster, call our office right now to schedule a free consultation.
Because we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year, so call us right away for a free case evaluation at 800-898-4877 or contact us now online. We’re here for you when you need us!