As an investor, I have several policies and had never filed a claim until last year when I had hail damage to 3 properties and was subject to 1 copper theft (rampant last year in these parts) and had to file claims.

To my surprise, although 95% of the homes in the areas in which I filed have had their roofs raplaced, I was told I had no damage. I guess I am so blessed that God singled out my properties not to be damaged.

I protested and they sent a second adjuster who found “minimal damage” to both properties, (my personal home had a gazebo which had a shredded top due to hail) and I was sent a check for $382.00 to cover all my damage to two properties. Due to personal issues, I did not cash the check. Three weeks ago I left a message for the adjuster. Not getting a call back, I thoroughly inspected the check then deposited it (there was no expiration date on the check). It was returned as a ” stop pay”. This created havoc with my account, meanwhile, I received a letter that they had stopped payment because the check was over 120 days old.

I will find the CEO and will not stop until I am made whole.

Agreeing with William, State Farm is a cooperative and will refund money. I’ve experienced the same.

My only complaint with State Farm is that the rates vary significantly by location. I can only assume that has something to do with the potential for earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and extreme winter weather that I experience in Alaska.

The claim service is awesome. Once, before even discussing the accident the claim agent even wanted to make sure I was ok and if she needed to call anyone for me…even arranged to have my MOM picked up for her doctor appointment that I was driving to.

With all things, the agent at State Farm matters and you may want to interview a few before you decide. Don’t let them give you a quote nor should you release your information before you’re happy with the office and the staff because once you’re in the system–that is YOUR agent. Your agent can personally decide to give you preferred customer status opening up the best rates to you–something to strive for.

I can always reach my agent. He hounds me that I need life insurance, etc. Out here in NC, I don’t have as a close relationship with my agent as I did in IL. But Mr Cooper (my agent in IL) was almost like family…not being corny, he really cared about us.

Here is another little bit of craziness about State Farm. 3 times in the last 10 years I have actually been REFUNDED money because as a company, they took in much more than they needed and returned it to their customers.

I’m sure someone else can say just as many negatives about State Farm as I can say great things. As a matter of fact, my parents had a terrible agent that just didn’t give a shit..but then we met Mr Cooper.

I have had people tell me State Farm is expensive…To that I can say two things: 1) I have no idea if that is true. I have never even LISTENED to another quote. 2) I don’t give a shit. Whatever I am paying over and above some other company, i figure it is worth it every time I read a story like yours.

I hope you can find a good agent Buck. Good luck man.