Informational and hopefully helpfull

Greetings, I came across your site some time ago, and appreciate the information. I live in MO, and currently have Farmers for my house and cars. Fortunately, my agent (about 15 years or so) is pretty good and my premiums are not too bad, but that does not mean that the company is overall good. They made the top 10 worst list in 2010 (number 7) and after reading this (combined with other information) am considering checking into another company. When we bought our house in 2007, my agent sent me an addenum page "subscription agreement" for me to sign and return to him. I read it and it was actually an assignment agreement assigning my rights to Farmers to be my attorney-in-fact for several things. I never sent it back, and therefore chose not to have that apply. Not sure what happened, (maybe others caught on-or they did not like the idea-who knows) but the next year or so later, I read their renewed policy and see that the "agreement " was auotmatically part of the new policy and if the premium was paid that you automatically assign the rights to them. Several other things also come to mind. Within the last (10 years? or so) they base a part of your premium on your credit score and (always) have part on your CLUE report. I am very fortunate to have stellar credit and no accidents, but I feel for those who are poor (no bad credit-just not a lot and no accidents or claims) and what that kind of policy does to bloat their premiums. Other companies followed suit with the credit report. I would also recommend everyone ask their agent what is on their CLUE report as there can be inaccuracies. I also see your notation which I list below and offer a document I found and saved a PDF copy of as a possible reason why they have become rather insideous. Look on the web for the REPORT OF EXAMINATION OF THE FARMERS INSURANCE EXCHANGE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006 which was filed June 23, 2008 by Gary W. McMurray, CFE Examiner-In-Charge-Contract Insurance Examiner-California Department of Insurance
>>>>COUNTRY Life and COUNTRY Investors Life earned membership in the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association.To gain membership, companies must meet standards to prove they have policies and procedures which commit them to treating customers fairly, honestly, and with integrity in advertising, sales, and service for life and long-term care insurance and annuity products. Web Site (I noticed Farmers Insurance IS NOT a member as of 8/3/2006, I wonder why?)<<<<

Anyway, I think I have said enough for now. Thank you for your forum and hope this helps.