Mississippi Farm Bureau and Southern Farm Bureau Insurance
Deciding which insurance to buy has become a much more complex issue than it once was. There are scores of companies to choose from, each one advertising they are the best. Not only do these insurance companies advertise they are the best, they tell you they will be there for you, they are on your side, and they are your friend. When you find yourself in the unenviable position of having to actually file a claim, you may find few of those statements are accurate. In the end, insurance companies are interested in one thing—how much money they have made at the end of the year.
This is not to say that some insurance companies don’t have better customer service than others, only that you should temper your expectations when filing a claim, and you should protect your rights—or have an experienced attorney protect your rights—because it is highly unlikely the insurance company will do it for you. If you are like the “average” American, you will file an auto insurance claim approximately once every 18 years, and a homeowner’s claim every decade or so. Keep in mind that homeowner’s claims include not only damage to your home, but also injuries which occur to others while at your home, or such things as dog bites on your property.
Can the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuse to compensate me because I was driving without insurance?
Mississippi Farm Bureau
Mississippi Farm Bureau is a subsidiary of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, which began operating on September 30, 1947, after the leaders of five Farm Bureau Federations followed through on their goal of meeting a widespread need of Southern farmers—life insurance. Southern Farm Bureau began operating in an old, two-story building in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The original mission was to provide affordable insurance to farmers, ranchers, and their families. Mississippi Farm Bureau is the second-largest issuer of inexpensive home insurance in Mississippi.
Southern Farm Bureau is now found in 11 states—Arkansas, Colorado, Virginia, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky. Mississippi Farm Bureau provides home insurance, flood insurance, farm liability, farm property, standard fire, inland marine policy and auto insurance for Mississippi residents. Mississippi Farm Bureau is currently the second largest automobile and homeowner writer in the state. Mississippi Farm Bureau was licensed September 1, 1986.
Mississippi Farm Bureau and the Better Business Bureau
Mississippi Farm Bureau received a “B” rating from the Better Business Bureau. Mississippi Farm Bureau is not BBB accredited, however businesses are not obligated to seek BBB accreditation. The BBB rating is based on 13 factors. One factor which lowered the ratings for Mississippi Farm Bureau was that eight complaints were filed against the business, and one of those complaints was not resolved. A factor which raised the rating for Mississippi Farm Bureau was the length of time the business has been in business, and its response to the eight complaints filed.
Tips to Help You File an Automobile Insurance Claim
The first steps following an automobile accident include moving your car out of the way of oncoming traffic when possible, make sure everyone who was involved in the accident is okay, call the police, take photographs of the vehicles and the scene of the accident, exchange information with the other party, and call your insurance company. Most people are aware of these procedures, but less certain of what happens after you have accomplished all the above. When a claims adjuster calls you, they will ask you some general questions such as where your car is located, whether your car is damaged, how the accident occurred, and whether anyone was hurt. The claims adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement, however you are absolutely not required to allow them to record your statement. In truth, it is usually better not to allow the adjuster to record your statement, simply because you might innocently make a comment which is later taken out of context and used against you to deny you a fair settlement.
Give the adjuster the basics of the accident, then tell them you want to speak to your attorney before you comment further. If the other party was obviously negligent in your accident, you will likely be forced to talk to both insurance companies, and the rules apply to both. If an insurance company offers you a quick settlement amount, be very cautious. This is another area where you would be wise to speak to a Mississippi personal injury attorney before accepting the settlement. You may find out later that your injuries are more serious than you thought, or that your vehicle is more badly damaged, and if you accept the first settlement offer, you could be stuck with the extra expenses.
Remember there are statutes of limitations to consider (the time limit you have in which to file a lawsuit against the negligent party) and this is another reason to have an attorney looking out for your rights in your auto accident case. Some adjusters may tell you the computer gave them a specific value, however software cannot, on its own, determine what your case is worth. The software determines the value based on what the adjuster puts in. Remember that the goal of any insurance company is to save the company money, and your goal will be to receive an equitable settlement. Your attorney can ensure this happens.
Filing a Claim with Mississippi Farm Bureau
If you have an accident and need to contact Mississippi Farm Bureau to report your claim, you can call (866) 275-7322, toll free, 24 hours a day. If you would like to report your automobile claim on the web, go to https://msfbins.com/about/contact-us/.
Getting Legal Help
If you have suffered an auto accident or other type of personal injury in the areas of Southaven, Horn Lake, Hernando, Walls, Tunica, Olive Branch, Desoto County, Memphis TN or Shelby County TN, contact the Stroud Law Firm as soon as possible at (662) 536-5656. We will be your advocate and will do our best to ensure you receive equitable compensation for your injuries.