1 /5 Kaitlyn Shields: I never thought I’d write a negative review about State Farm, but I feel like I need to warn others about the Bainbridge Island office specifically.
I’ve had a mix of State Farm renters and homeowners insurance for over a decade and was always happy with their service that is until l I switched to the local Bainbridge agency. What happened recently has left me shocked and incredibly disappointed.
I had a renters insurance policy through this office that covered both myself and my fiancé, as required by our property management company. While attending a dinner party in West Seattle, I came back to my car to find the window smashed and over $1,200 worth of personal belongings stolen. I’d never had a break-in before and didn’t realize that renters insurance—not auto—covers theft from a car.
I filed a claim through State Farm, and they issued a check for only $600, which already felt low considering how much was taken. But I figured it wasn’t worth the fight because everything could be replaced, and this wasn’t a common occurrence for me.
Then, several months later, I received a letter from the Bainbridge office stating that my policy would be canceled in 45 days and would not be renewed. The reason? “Excessive claims.” I was stunned. That break-in was the first and only claim I had ever filed in more than ten years of being a loyal, paying customer. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
I called the office and pleaded with them to reconsider. I was treated like a number, not a person. The agency owner flat-out refused. I was being punished for using the insurance exactly as it’s meant to be used.
This experience has made me lose all trust in this local agency. I would strongly caution anyone thinking of working with this office. I never expected to be treated this way by a company I had relied on for so long.
Update: I returned Paula’s call, but she was unavailable and did not call me back. I also responded to her email. Overall, the customer service from this office has been disappointing and confusing.
