Farm Bureau Insurance, Dean Bishop Agency Sending statements to the wrong address, refused to pay claim, they reported the false claim to Choicepoint Adrian Michigan

When I used to live in the Adrian area I purchased insurance from Farm Bureau insurance (Dean Bishop agency) in Adrian, MI. About 6 months later a storm blew power lines onto our car and caused a couple thousand dollars in damage. I called and visited with Dean Bishop and he stated that we needed to get three estimates and send them in to him. We faxed in the estimates and then called a few days later and asked when we should expect a check for repairs.

He stated that because we had not paid our premiums our policy had expired three days prior to the accident, we had no coverage. I verified our address and found that it was wrong. When the receptionist typed in all of our information she got one number wrong on our mailing address, The statements were never returned to Farm Bureau because the mail box that the statements were being delivered to had no one living there. No responsibility for the error was taken by Dean Bishop. Farm Bureau Insurance corporate office stated that it was up to the agency to make it right. Dean Bishop refused to pay any part of the claim.

I needed insurance so I called Progressive and they told me that the information they received from Choicepoint states that I had a claim on that car from a previous accident and I would be paying a higher premium for insurance because the accident was on my record. I contacted Choicepoint and they sent me a report that stated that it was a claim paid from Farm Bureau on the power line accident. I had to send Choicepoint the police report that stated that it was a storm and not an accident and the Farm Bureau letters that stated the denial of the claim. Then I could get insurance for the lower rate.

When I asked Dean Bishop why he told me to get estimates when he knew that I had no insurance, he stated that it was their policy to first get estimates. I even tried to make the payment and was told I couldn't on a closed account.

This agency has no integrity and will not take responsibility for their actions. Farm Bureau just passes the buck onto their agents. Do not purchase insurance from this agent if you want to be treated fairly.

Jim
Richmond, Michigan
U.S.A.