Farmers Insurance Group is an American insurance company that offers insurance for vehicles, homes, and small businesses, as well as other insurance and financial services products. The company has faced accusations of Mormon discrimination in its hiring and employment practices. There have been several complaints and lawsuits filed against Farmers Insurance alleging discriminatory treatment of employees and agents based on their religious affiliation. These complaints include allegations of derogatory remarks, unequal opportunities, and unfair termination. The company has also been criticised for its handling of customer complaints and claims, with some cases resulting in legal action and financial penalties.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Farmer's Insurance Group | American insurer group of vehicles, homes and small businesses |
Number of exclusive and independent agents | 48,000+ |
Number of employees | 21,000+ |
Parent company | Zurich Insurance Group |
Co-founders | John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey |
Year founded | 1928 |
First customer | Charles Brisco |
First meeting of the board of governors | March 28, 1928 |
First headquarters | Downtown Los Angeles, California |
Current headquarters | Los Angeles, CA |
Number of complaints to state insurance departments in Washington and Oregon in 2006 | Highest |
What You'll Learn
- Farmers Insurance Group is an American insurer of vehicles, homes and small businesses
- The company was founded by John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey, who believed farmers and ranchers deserved lower insurance premiums
- In 2006, Farmers Insurance received the highest number of complaints to state insurance departments in Washington and Oregon
- There are several online mentions of Farmers Insurance Mormon Discrimination Complaints
- A website mentions a 'Farmers Insurance Mormon War'
Farmers Insurance Group is an American insurer of vehicles, homes and small businesses
Farmers Insurance Group is an American insurer of vehicles, homes, and small businesses. It is also known as Farmers and has been in business since 1928. The company has more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 21,000 employees. It serves more than 10 million households and has written over 19 million individual policies across all 50 states.
Farmers Insurance Group is the trade name for three reciprocal insurers: Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, and Truck Insurance Exchange. These insurers are owned by their policyholders and, together with their subsidiaries and affiliates, comprise the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. This group is one of the largest insurance providers in the US.
Farmers Insurance offers standard home insurance coverage options, along with six add-ons for added protection. They also offer nearly 15 discount options for customers and have an extensive online resource center for homeowners. In addition, Farmers Insurance provides insurance for rental properties, vacation homes, and landlords.
The company also offers other insurance products, including auto, life, and business insurance. Their business insurance covers small and medium-sized businesses, including liability and property insurance, commercial auto, and workers' compensation insurance. Farmers Insurance also provides financial services and products such as mutual funds, variable annuities, and IRAs.
Farmers Insurance has a strong commitment to social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. They have contributed over $5.3 million to charitable causes and their employees have volunteered in their communities, making a difference in 235 cities. The company also sponsors a broad range of employee groups that promote diversity and inclusion.
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The company was founded by John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey, who believed farmers and ranchers deserved lower insurance premiums
Farmers Insurance Group, commonly known as Farmers, is an American insurance company that provides insurance for vehicles, homes, and small businesses, as well as other insurance and financial services. The company was founded in 1928 by John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey, who believed that farmers and ranchers deserved lower insurance premiums. Tyler and Leavey had both grown up in rural areas and knew from personal experience that farmers and ranchers had fewer risks with their vehicles and, therefore, better driving records than those in urban areas. Recognising that farmers, ranchers, and other rural drivers were an overlooked market, they decided to create their own auto insurance firm.
Tyler and Leavey used their own money to start Farmers, and they went from farm to farm to gain their first policies. They opened their first office in downtown Los Angeles, California, with just four employees, including themselves. Tyler served as president, with Leavey as vice president, alongside a sales manager and a secretary. In 1928, Charles Brisco insured his 1925 Cadillac Phaeton and became the first Farmers customer.
Tyler was born in a sod hut on the banks of the James River in South Dakota. His father was a farmer-turned-insurance salesman. After serving in World War I, Tyler found success as a paint contractor before partnering with Leavey to create Farmers Automobile Inter-Insurance Exchange. Upon his death, his widow established The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.
Leavey was born near Ferndale, Humboldt County, California, to Irish immigrants. He attended Santa Clara University and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He received a bachelor's degree from the Georgetown University School of Law in 1923 and moved to Los Angeles two years later. In addition to co-founding Farmers, Leavey shared his funds with universities, 4-H clubs, and hospitals, many of which now bear the Leavey name. He also co-founded the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation with his wife, which has donated over $100 million to support educational, medical, and religious institutions.
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In 2006, Farmers Insurance received the highest number of complaints to state insurance departments in Washington and Oregon
In 2005, Farmers Insurance refused to pay a claim on a car accident, arguing that the accident was caused intentionally by another driver. Despite their claims, the state of Washington ordered the company to pay the claim. This incident highlights a pattern of the company's reluctance to honour claims, which has led to numerous legal disputes and customer complaints.
In the case of Betty Jo Walker v. Farmers Insurance in 2007, the company was fined $3 million for failing to defend a pair of limited-income homeowners from a negligence claim. This case demonstrates Farmers Insurance's disregard for the well-being of their customers and their lack of accountability.
Another instance of Farmers Insurance's questionable practices is the 2008 case of Goddard v. Farmers Insurance, where the company was ordered to pay $2.5 million for handling a claim with bad faith and "stonewalling" during settlement negotiations. The original punitive damages award was $20 million, indicating the severity of the company's misconduct.
In addition to legal troubles, Farmers Insurance has also faced criticism for their treatment of employees. In 2015, the company was sued by current and former employees who claimed they were denied overtime wages and breaks. This lawsuit shed light on the company's internal practices and their treatment of their workforce.
Furthermore, female attorneys employed as in-house legal counsel at Farmers Insurance filed a class action in 2015, alleging discrimination in wages and promotional opportunities compared to their male counterparts. This class action was settled in 2016, with Farmers Insurance agreeing to pay $4 million to the plaintiffs and implement various employment policy changes.
The pattern of complaints, lawsuits, and negative customer experiences suggests that Farmers Insurance has struggled to uphold ethical standards and treat their customers and employees with fairness and respect. The high volume of complaints in Washington and Oregon in 2006 is indicative of broader issues within the company that have impacted multiple stakeholders.
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There are several online mentions of Farmers Insurance Mormon Discrimination Complaints
Additionally, there are reports of age discrimination lawsuits against Farmers Insurance, with former veteran agents claiming they were replaced by younger agents. These agents also allege that Farmers Insurance misclassified them as independent contractors for tax and legal benefits.
While religious discrimination in the workplace is prohibited by law in the United States, there have been instances where Mormons have been accused of discriminating against non-Mormons or even fellow Mormons who do not adhere to certain standards. This has resulted in lawsuits and complaints being filed against Mormons as defendants in employment discrimination cases.
In one specific case, a former employee of Farmers Insurance, Paul Drockton, filed a complaint with the Utah County Attorney. Drockton's wife, Mary Drockton, also complained about derogatory "Mormon" remarks made by Farmers Insurance employee Todd Brooks.
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A website mentions a 'Farmers Insurance Mormon War'
A website mentions a Farmers Insurance Mormon War. The website includes a presentation titled "Farmers Insurance Mormon War (Part 3)". It mentions "Bring Out the Heavy Artillery!" in its description. This is Part 3 of the presentation, with previous parts titled "Farmers Insurance Declares War on Mormons".
Part 2 of the presentation includes a description that reads:
> Farmers Insurance Declares War on Mormons! (Part 2)
> Part 2: of Imagine Being Good at Something ….
> You Are Friends with the CEO
> To be Continued….
The website also includes links to various other presentations and documents, including "Utah's Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Part 1", "One Word Change And The New World Order", "New L D S Apostle Quentin L", and "Book Of Mormon Prophecy 1. Jacob".
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Frequently asked questions
There have been complaints of Mormon discrimination by Farmers Insurance, as well as allegations of a "Farmers Insurance Mormon War". However, Farmers Insurance Group is an American insurance company that offers insurance for vehicles, homes, and small businesses and provides other insurance and financial services products.
There have been complaints by Farmers Insurance agents, such as Randall Tucket and Douglas Judd, about "Mormon discrimination". There are also complaints of derogatory "Mormon" remarks made by Farmers Insurance District Manager Todd Brooks.
The Farmers Insurance Mormon War appears to be a conflict between Farmers Insurance and individuals such as Paul Drockton, who filed a discrimination/retaliation complaint. Drockton alleges that Farmers Insurance went to war against Mormons and that Utah politicians and media outlets were involved.