Outrage directed at insurance firm

Thursday, October 20, 2005

By CANDACE HECKMAN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Neither Ethel Adams nor her attorneys complained to state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler about Farmers Insurance's initial denial of her claim.

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But dozens of outraged people, after reading about her and seeing her story in the news, contacted Kreidler on her behalf, demanding the commissioner do something about her case.

Here are some examples of their correspondence.

"The claim that they need not pay because the act was intentional and not an accident is both spurious and unethical ... I have notified my Farmers agent that if Farmers does not reverse its position in this case, I will move the several policies I have had with them for many years, not wishing to be at risk with an untrustworthy company."
"I am appalled that auto insurance coverage can be denied if someone intended to hit you."
"I'll bet she got sheets of paper with legal mumbo-jumbo that no one understands. Insurance companies should have to give clear, bullet lists with explanations of anything they are not going to cover."
"People are very angry about this. It was the talk of the water cooler yesterday. And I am sure people will be looking for a favorable outcome ... I am also calling my agent to make sure my insurance company would not pull something like this.

"This is so wrong. I have never met this woman, but she could be me or you.

"This is just outrageous! And don't give me any of this buyer beware B.S. As a public servant, it is your job to protect all of us against this kind of corporate greed and hubris that allows them to try this kind of stunt ... It is time for you to earn your money. As a trusted public servant, it is time for you to get off your keister and help this woman out, and maybe in the process, you can give the insurance industry a little spanking and actually improve an industry that many people feel is a bit shady in the way they operate."

And a copy of a complaint sent to Farmers:

"I am a Farmers client with three houses and two cars insured by your company. I was very disturbed to hear that you are trying to cheat Ethel Adams out of the benefits that are due her. Please explain two things to me: First, why should I believe that you would ever honor a claim from me? Second, why shouldn't I take my business elsewhere?"

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