Comments on: It’s Time To Be A Good Neighbor To State Farm … http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/ The official blog of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:31:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: carole miller http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-39998 carole miller Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:55:00 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-39998 Note: This is a copy of the email I sent to Crist and other elected officials. "As a long time policy holder I recommend a good old sit down session with State Farm is in order and everything needs to be on the table. Prior to the session all emails to you regarding State Farm’s decision to pull out of the property insurance market in Florida should be weighed for the “pro and con” count so you have a clearer idea of what the policy holders want/wish the state to do. It goes without saying no one wants a rate increase on anything at anytime but somehow we learn to “suck it up” or take our business elsewhere. This should also apply to State Farm. The company should “suck it up” or leave Florida and by that I mean stop selling any of their wares in this state if it is impossible to reach a compromise agreement. There must be a compromise somewhere and all policy holders should be polled regarding any offers on the table from State Farm and the State of Florida. Out of the sit down session should come a list of compromise items and this list should be mailed to all policy holders (both auto and homeowners) for a vote. Those that care will fill out the form and mail it back even if they have to lick the stamp. Those that don’t care have already moved their policies. I may be way off base but I believe most policy holders do not shop for insurance every week like they do for groceries. Once they select a company they stay with it for years. If the rates go up for the most part we budget for it the same as we budget for our weekly groceries. Home and auto insurance are as necessary as food on the table. We also need to be wary of losing a “Good Neighbor” who does not pollute the air we breathe the way some other businesses may do. Let us do some more compromising! I am ready to be a volunteer." Note: This is a copy of the email I sent to Crist and other elected officials. “As a long time policy holder I recommend a good old sit down session with State Farm is in order and everything needs to be on the table. Prior to the session all emails to you regarding State Farm’s decision to pull out of the property insurance market in Florida should be weighed for the “pro and con” count so you have a clearer idea of what the policy holders want/wish the state to do.

It goes without saying no one wants a rate increase on anything at anytime but somehow we learn to “suck it up” or take our business elsewhere. This should also apply to State Farm. The company should “suck it up” or leave Florida and by that I mean stop selling any of their wares in this state if it is impossible to reach a compromise agreement. There must be a compromise somewhere and all policy holders should be polled regarding any offers on the table from State Farm and the State of Florida.

Out of the sit down session should come a list of compromise items and this list should be mailed to all policy holders (both auto and homeowners) for a vote. Those that care will fill out the form and mail it back even if they have to lick the stamp. Those that don’t care have already moved their policies.

I may be way off base but I believe most policy holders do not shop for insurance every week like they do for groceries. Once they select a company they stay with it for years. If the rates go up for the most part we budget for it the same as we budget for our weekly groceries. Home and auto insurance are as necessary as food on the table.

We also need to be wary of losing a “Good Neighbor” who does not pollute the air we breathe the way some other businesses may do.

Let us do some more compromising! I am ready to be a volunteer.”

]]> By: concerned citizen http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38804 concerned citizen Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:48:39 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38804 How can anyone say they want the profits of Citizens to come to the people? citizens, as far as I can remember, has received money from us, the taxpayers at least once, because it was not able to make a profit on the huge premiums it takes in. Citizens is a joke but ripping us off. It looks as if state realizes that State Farm rates are too low but FL does not want to admit that a 47% increase is justified. I would still be ahead if they raised my rates by that amount based on my investigation of alternatate rates available when I have to switch. State should not be involved in pricing of property insurance. We have competition to stabilize rates. State can't balance its own budget so how can they judge what is a fair profit for State Farm to make. I want State Farm to have a huge surplus to be able to pay our claims when they occur. People who think otherwise are drinking too much cool aid from the biased and incorrect state officials who are covering up their incompetence. This problem started when Bill Nelson (yes the Socialist Bill Nelson) was insurance commissioner. We are now losing from his errors of judgement. How can anyone say they want the profits of Citizens to come to the people? citizens, as far as I can remember, has received money from us, the taxpayers at least once, because it was not able to make a profit on the huge premiums it takes in. Citizens is a joke but ripping us off. It looks as if state realizes that State Farm rates are too low but FL does not want to admit that a 47% increase is justified. I would still be ahead if they raised my rates by that amount based on my investigation of alternatate rates available when I have to switch. State should not be involved in pricing of property insurance. We have competition to stabilize rates. State can’t balance its own budget so how can they judge what is a fair profit for State Farm to make. I want State Farm to have a huge surplus to be able to pay our claims when they occur. People who think otherwise are drinking too much cool aid from the biased and incorrect state officials who are covering up their incompetence. This problem started when Bill Nelson (yes the Socialist Bill Nelson) was insurance commissioner. We are now losing from his errors of judgement.

]]> By: Gigi Deneault http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38641 Gigi Deneault Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:25:50 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38641 To Bill Allen: Insurance companies are not 'unwilling or unable' to provide insurance. They are privately owned, privately run, businesses Mr. Allen. They don't operate on non-profit; No matter what company insures your home, let's hope they can PAY the bill when you need them; State Farm is responsible when they keep their promise to pay their bills; How long would any company stay in business when they pay out more than they take in? Just research the facts sir, before you so readily accept socialist insurance; The State of Florida will certainly NOT watch your dollars and spend them wisely! Let the people make the choice; you choose Citizens if you'd like; I'll choose State Farm. To Bill Allen:
Insurance companies are not ‘unwilling or unable’ to provide insurance. They are privately owned, privately run, businesses Mr. Allen. They don’t operate on non-profit; No matter what company insures your home, let’s hope they can PAY the bill when you need them; State Farm is responsible when they keep their promise to pay their bills; How long would any company stay in business when they pay out more than they take in? Just research the facts sir, before you so readily accept socialist insurance; The State of Florida will certainly NOT watch your dollars and spend them wisely! Let the people make the choice; you choose Citizens if you’d like; I’ll choose State Farm.

]]> By: Lisa http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38478 Lisa Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:45:58 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38478 Think about this....at least State Farm didn't ask the government to bail them out. I think they are doing what they need to do to keep a healthy company. It is not just Florida that they service. Hopefully more thought will be given to this by our officials. Think about this….at least State Farm didn’t ask the government to bail them out. I think they are doing what they need to do to keep a healthy company. It is not just Florida that they service. Hopefully more thought will be given to this by our officials.

]]> By: Yuli http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38378 Yuli Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:47:54 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38378 I've been int he insurance business for only 8 years and worked with other companies that you needed them.....oops.... you were on your own. They didn't want to pay pip claims or nothingelse.In the years I've been working for State Farm I haven't seen that. State Farm is one of the best companies in florida and I haven't hear a compaint about them paying claim.I really believe that we all should take action and don't let this Governor Crist destroy more of the insurance market. I’ve been int he insurance business for only 8 years and worked with other companies that you needed them…..oops…. you were on your own. They didn’t want to pay pip claims or nothingelse.In the years I’ve been working for State Farm I haven’t seen that. State Farm is one of the best companies in florida and I haven’t hear a compaint about them paying claim.I really believe that we all should take action and don’t let this Governor Crist destroy more of the insurance market.

]]> By: DENNY http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38335 DENNY Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:02:31 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38335 I HAVE HAD STATE FARM INS FOR 35 YEARS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TREATED FAIRLY LET ME DECIDE IF MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE IS TOO HIGH JUST LIKE WHO TO VOTE FOR IN THE NEXT ELECTION I HAVE HAD STATE FARM INS FOR 35 YEARS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TREATED FAIRLY LET ME DECIDE IF MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE IS TOO HIGH JUST LIKE WHO TO VOTE FOR IN THE NEXT ELECTION

]]> By: Bill Allen http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38255 Bill Allen Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:17:45 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38255 I support Gov. Crist. If the private sector is unable or unwilling to meet insurance needs i would favor a state run program with profits coming back to THE PEOPLE. I support Gov. Crist. If the private sector is unable or unwilling to meet insurance needs i would favor a state run program with profits coming back to THE PEOPLE.

]]> By: byron holcombe http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38089 byron holcombe Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:56:55 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38089 The 3 or 4 times I have needed state farm they have been there for me, no questions ask. Plus I would like to be the one to decide if the rates are to high. NOT THE GOVERNER. The 3 or 4 times I have needed state farm they have been there for me, no questions ask. Plus I would like to be the one to decide if the rates are to high. NOT THE GOVERNER.

]]> By: Michael Smith http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38072 Michael Smith Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:58:56 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38072 I will try and let you see my perspective on this....When I had an expensive sports car (by choice)I knew going in with my eyes wide open that everything associated with that car was going to be expensive, parts, service, tires and YES insurance. It was a conscious choice I made, not only to make the monthly payments on the loan, but the insurance as well. the car was valued at approx. $45,000.00 and my premium was approx.$1200.00 a year or about 3.5% of the payoff of the vehicle in the case of a total loss,and that is just to replace the vehicle, not to mention, heaven forbid any medical payments or liability coverage. Actually a very good deal considering the risk the insurance company is assuming. NOW lets talk about my homeowners insurance all told with all of the endorsements if my house burned to the ground or was completely destroyed including ALL of my contents the insurance company would pay out approx. $180,000.00 My premium for this service is approx. $1350.00 per year or WAY less than 1% per year for the insurance company to assume this risk, WHAT A DEAL! So you have a $400,000.00 home, sit down and figure out the ratio of insurance cost to the amount of risk (or payoff)and don't to forget to include the contents of your home which is typically 50% of the value of the home, and I think your eyes will be opened too. I think if you look at the true value homeowners insurance is, people would stop the moaning over the cost of insurance, it is really a pittance compared to other monthly or repeating bills we have. I agree with the folks above, let the free market system determine the rate, we don't tel Wal Mart what to charge, nor do we tell any other merchant how to price their goods. Price your goods at what the market can stand. Remember, long gone are the days when houses did not have a habit of getting up off their foundation and running into each other, our recent bouts with hurricanes in the state took care of that. I too long for the days when my homeowners insurance was only $365.00 a year, along with a $37.00 electric bill and a $19.00 water and sewer bill. Support ALL insurance companies in the battle with the legislature, and support a Florida wind pool or FHPP fund, it is the only way to keep a free and healthy insurance market in this state with the HURRICANE risk all of these companies are assuming. In closing remember this, ANY company can sell you a sheet of paper promising to pay for your destroyed goods when loss time comes around, but will they have the financial strength to make good on that promise if and when it does happen? State Farm does and will. I will try and let you see my perspective on this….When I had an expensive sports car (by choice)I knew going in with my eyes wide open that everything associated with that car was going to be expensive, parts, service, tires and YES insurance. It was a conscious choice I made, not only to make the monthly payments on the loan, but the insurance as well. the car was valued at approx. $45,000.00 and my premium was approx.$1200.00 a year or about 3.5% of the payoff of the vehicle in the case of a total loss,and that is just to replace the vehicle, not to mention, heaven forbid any medical payments or liability coverage. Actually a very good deal considering the risk the insurance company is assuming.
NOW lets talk about my homeowners insurance all told with all of the endorsements if my house burned to the ground or was completely destroyed including ALL of my contents the insurance company would pay out approx. $180,000.00 My premium for this service is approx. $1350.00 per year or WAY less than 1% per year for the insurance company to assume this risk, WHAT A DEAL! So you have a $400,000.00 home, sit down and figure out the ratio of insurance cost to the amount of risk (or payoff)and don’t to forget to include the contents of your home which is typically 50% of the value of the home, and I think your eyes will be opened too. I think if you look at the true value homeowners insurance is, people would stop the moaning over the cost of insurance, it is really a pittance compared to other monthly or repeating bills we have. I agree with the folks above, let the free market system determine the rate, we don’t tel Wal Mart what to charge, nor do we tell any other merchant how to price their goods. Price your goods at what the market can stand. Remember, long gone are the days when houses did not have a habit of getting up off their foundation and running into each other, our recent bouts with hurricanes in the state took care of that. I too long for the days when my homeowners insurance was only $365.00 a year, along with a $37.00 electric bill and a $19.00 water and sewer bill. Support ALL insurance companies in the battle with the legislature, and support a Florida wind pool or FHPP fund, it is the only way to keep a free and healthy insurance market in this state with the HURRICANE risk all of these companies are assuming. In closing remember this, ANY company can sell you a sheet of paper promising to pay for your destroyed goods when loss time comes around, but will they have the financial strength to make good on that promise if and when it does happen?
State Farm does and will.

]]> By: Terry Worthington http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/perspective/its-time-to-be-a-good-neighbor-to-state-farm/comment-page-1/#comment-38001 Terry Worthington Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:28:36 +0000 http://blog.winterhavenchamber.com/?p=823#comment-38001 Examples of the generosity of State Farm employees and their company are known to many of us. No matter how many acts of generosity that we have witnessed, many more profound contributions have been made behind the scene. The positive impact of State Farm reaches far beyond the business of insurance. Examples of the generosity of State Farm employees and their company are known to many of us. No matter how many acts of generosity that we have witnessed, many more profound contributions have been made behind the scene.

The positive impact of State Farm reaches far beyond the business of insurance.

]]>