Complaint Review: Farm Bureau Insurance - Franklin Louisiana

I was in a wreck and the insurance company of the individual that slammed in to me was Farm Bureau Insurance (Louisiana). From day one I got the runaround from their adjuster, Paul Hebert.

My first issue was lack of communication (i.e. failure to communicate). I attempted to get in touch with him the day of the accident. I was told he was not back from lunch yet. I called a bit later (around 1:30-2) and was told he was on the phone. I left my name and number. No calls.

The next day I attempted to contact him in the morning. I was told that he lived out of town and he did not get in until about 10:30AM. Once again, I left my name and number. He did call around 10:15AM or so. I stressed to him the need for a vehicle as I needed a way to work. I explained that my job was a 30 minute drive away and I could not catch a ride to work nor catch a cab. He stated that he would get me a rental car and call me back.

No call that day (Tuesday). I called again Wednesday to check on the car, as usual, he was either out the office or on the phone. Once again, I left my name and number. I waited until the evening. No call back. So, I tried calling again. I had got ahold of him that evening. I asked him about the car. He stated that he was looking in to the matter. I called Enterprise that evening, still no reservation for a car.

Thursday, still no rental car. I called him and spoke with him again. He said that he did not know what happened. He said he thought he has put the request in (thought? don't they keep records?). He said he would call me when he makes the reservation (I heard that one before from him). Thursday evening, past 5PM, still no call. So, I decided to call Enterprise just to see if he did make the call. Well, he did call them, he just seemed to forget to call me, aparently. Enterprise said the a reservation was waiting for me.

Fine, I had Enterprise come and pick me up. I got the car. They asked about insurance. I stated that I had liability. They asked if I wanted full coverage. I stated that I was not paying for anything. I told them that I would contact Paul Hebert to see if Farm Bureau would be paying for it.

So, on a Friday, I called Paul about this. He stated that the insurance was only $10 or so. That is was no problem and they would cover the fee for the insurance. The following week I get a call from Enterprise wanting to know why I did not put full coverage on the vehicle. I stated that I had contacted Paul Hebert and he said they were going to cover it. She replied that Paul Hebert had not contacted them (this was either I beleive Tues or Wed of the following week).

The lady at enterprise stated that I needed to either give them a debit card number or put a $500.00 security deposit. I told her she was nuts. I explained that I was at work and did not have Paul's number with me. I asked if she could give it to me. She gave me a number, however, I knew it could not be the right number because the number I had was a 337 area code. The area code of the number she gave me was 504. She said that was the only number she had.

So, I called the number and an automated voice came on the line stating that the number had been disconnected or is no longer in service. I called Enterprise back and she kept stating that was the only number she had. I asked how they communicated with Paul. She said via a private messaging system.

Well, I was furious that Paul had not called and I was now being harassed, basically, by Enterprise for insurance. I ended up calling the head office of Farm Bureau. I explained to them how I was being lied to and given the runaround. They told me that they were sorry for how I had been treated and that they would look in to the matter.

I reminded them that if they persisted in giving me the runaround that I would seek legal action. They asked that I not talk to an attorney, that they would look in to the matter and would get back to me. Guess what? They never got back to me.

That day I decided to get an attorney.

Now, they are trying to settle on the property damage of the vehicle. Initially, Paul Hebert called me and stated they would settle for $1800. I told him that I had an attorney. I contacted my attorney to handle the matter.

Now, Farm Bureau is stating they will offer me $1296. They stated that $1800 is the bluebook value of the car in excellent condition. Because my car was in poor condition, they are only offering me $1296.

Well, in my opinion, they lied to me. They originally offered me $1800. Now they are using a technicality as an excuse.

My advise to anyone is to stay away from Farm Bureau. If you are in an accident and the other person has Farm Bureau, don't talk to them. Get an attorney ASAP. In my opinion, they are not to be trusted, especially the adjuster at the Franklin office, Paul Hebert.

Nicholas

Morgan City, Louisiana
U.S.A.