Mercury is a very good company. I worked for the competition when I lived in CA and I can say without hesitation that I would work for that company. I would not, however, ever work for Farmers and in fact operated as a non-disclosed expert in a bad faith case against them. I had never agreed to work as an expert against an insurance carrier before nor have I since that claim. The result was a $5M verdict. I took absolutely NO FEE for my efforts. I simply wanted a more professional environment in which to operate.
Thanks Mr. CC…Mercury didn’t get to be where they are in just 46 years by mistreating their clients…agents…body shops…adjusters, etc. Plaintiff attorneys hate them and that’s a good sign IMO.
Despite protestations to the contrary earlier…my files are full of ex-Farmers accounts. Many are here because of billing issues, not primarily claims. Their 1 car per policy has to lead to confusion, errors and claims problems. Though not with State Farm.
Those that did have claims issues were people that didn’t understand how claims are handled and settled. I fault their agency force for not spending the time to explain coverages and educate their clients on claims procedures.
You get what you pay for! It’s just too bad that innocent people have to suffer. Everyone makes money at the client’s expense. Do it the right way, charge the appropriate premium, and all is well!
Mercury has a long standing, well deserved reputation of being the best consumer buy for auto insurance in the state of California. Carrier and agent retention of polilcyholders is high, year after year, after year, after year, after year. You don’t see that kind of retention and sustained growth if consumer care and claims handling is shabby. Every carrier in the state is guilty of poor claims handling from time to time. I’ve witnessed countless instances of fast and superior claims handling of Mercury policyholders. A significant number of our new business accounts come from referrals, resulting from superior customer service and a fair premium rate. Anyone who criticizes Mercury is just jealous and would secretly like to have the appointment. Signed: A Proud Mercury Agent
Mercury has low rates, but is a LARGE E&O potential for any agent that sells their bare bones policy. If you’d put yourself in their limited coverage policy, then you don’t understatnd that all auto insurance policies are NOT equal, and, certainly Mercury’s is not on par with 95% of the admitted carriers in california
I would agree if you are talking about the Standard HO-3, and I doubt anyone is still selling it. We converted all ours to the Superior plan years ago. They’ve also announced a major rate reduction in HO lines in August. Keep in mind they haven’t been in HO lines that long…they started very conservatively.
Mercury dropped the 15/30/10 limit on permissive users on auto back in April…but personally I always liked it. It was just used against them by competitors…who were probably tired of picking up the excess losses.
I’m a 37 year Mercury agt. and handle all their claims complaints myself. I average 1 a quarter.
Any Mercury agent will tell you that their Claims Dept. is waking up to the new reality of speed of service and friendliness with clients.
It does take a while to turn a corporate ship…but if you know of a more agency oriented carrier with only one means of product distribution…us…let me know.
Only one complaint per quarter on average? I’ve been a Farmers agent for nine years now and have not had a single complaint yet- much less a formal complaint with the DOI. In addition, I have a lot of clients who were with Mercury before a claim and came running to my agency after their claims experience with Mercury.
Farmers is the WORST carrier in the world when it comes to claims handling. This coming from someone who works in claims at Farmers for 10 years. Fly-by-night insurance carriers have better claims handling than Farmers. Your post kills me!!
To answer the gentleman’s question, I don’t smoke. Further, my “blinders” are 7 million in premium volume, a 95% retention rate and consistent loss ratios in the 50s. Somebody must be doing something right! I’d tell you my commission rate, but then I’d have to kill you. Sorry!
I don’t know how to respond to you Grace other than the fact that we continue to grow our PIF and that is mostly due referrals from existing clients- CASE CLOSED
Funny…….. I only get about 1 complaint a qtr also. Most complaints are because Mercury is waiting for somebody else to get them documents to be able to make a fair settlement. This is just a DOI power trip…….. and those negative people………..as if St Farm & Farmenrs & Allstate acted in good faith for those in New Orleans, La…. lets not go there.
I’m open to debate this all day long.
Chairmens Club member is right @ is laffing all the way to the bank……….. They are a Good Carrier
Having represented multiple carriers, including Mercury, I can tell you that there are much better companies when you look not only at claims but the whole picture. I used to think that MIC was the best until I started representing Travelers, Kemper and Safeco and when you speak to these agents they all have the same opinion of Mercury. Yuck…the dump their garbage on MIC and put their better clients with the true preferred markets who offer a better contingency program(not a 3 year rolling average sham), a quality service center and a claim handeling department that has brought me complements. I am sometimes concerned in how quickly they handle these claims but they are much more concerned about reputation than a few extra bucks being paid out. If you as a Mercury agent have not represented Travelers, Hartford, Kemper, Allied, Travelers or Safeco, than you DONT KNOW what it is to be truely pleased with who you represent. Mercury has become the “punching bag” for the DOI. Why does MIC still require all that paper to be sent in on each app? Do they realize that their competition allows their trusted agents to keep all the docs in the file and they dont have to mail anything in but the check? George Joseph either does not trust his agents or he is slow to learn what his competition is doing. Go ahead and lower your rates again George. Your agents love to earn LESS as you scramble to show premium growth. We got your number Joey and doin quite fine without you. Excuse me. I need to go deposit my sweet contingency and premium growth check with Travelers…
Read some of the later posts since they reflect a much larger feeling. I applaud your efforts & volume (please, don’t tell me your commission rate) and if it works for you, so much the better. Mercury does seem to changing for the better, but it will take time to convince most of us.
Mercury is terrible here. You know what agents use them for here? To write the customers they know will file claims. Mercury gets the cream of the crap in Texas because they’re the most annoying company for an agent to deal with. Their underwriting is overkill, and they’re high maintenance hell. I once had to have a customer sign a driver exclusion for their 3 YEAR OLD SON. I don’t have time for stuff like that in my agency.
Love all the comments from the “agents” on this “Claims Journal” website. As with anything – you get what you pay for. Most insurance companies that I have had experience with (including my own) have the mindset that claims adjusters are at best a necessary evil and are treated as such. Most of us are extremely overworked, little appreciated and have few opportunities for advancement either professionally or financially. Underwriters take on questionable risks, Agents write everything and anything with the hope that something will be accepted so they can collect more commission, but when the loss ratio’s go south, where does the axe fall the hardest – the claims dept.
Tell me Mr Agent – is it true that the harder you work the more you can expect to be rewarded (commissions)? Do you understand the reality of claims adjusting is the harder you work the more work you get – with little to no reward for doing an excellent job except the rare condecending pat on the back from some agent for saving his renewal commission, and if you are lucky a yearly “raise” that is typically less then the cost of inflation.
Bonus’, incentive programs/rewards for “quality claims handling” simply do not exist anymore except at the very top which is usually staffed by marketers who do not like to share wealth or power. Despite all that, the vast majority of adjusters take great pride in doing a thankless job well, and look forward to the day when we no longer have to put up with arrogant agents, hostile plaintiff atty’s and threats on our lives by claimants.
Mercury Insurance may be a excellent or they may be bad – I don’t know anything about them. But to sit back and comment about how well adjusters are or are not doing a good job without walking a mile in their shoes is simply another example of Marketing’s arrogance and greed.
Interesting comments, Demos. Some out of frustration and some well-founded.
But let me ask you a question; have you ever walked a mile in an agent’s shoes? Found out how hard it is to find, propose, get and keep a client only to lose them because of poor claims handling?
If not, then don’t be too swift to blame the marketing department.
Remember, NOTHING happens until someone sells something.
Now, for you and your kind (claims adjusters) to be treated poorly and be unappreciated is just plain wrong. Your services are what agents sell (and why carriers are in business).
Yours may be the most important job on the company side. Often, you are the only member of the insurance company clients ever see; making you “the company.”
Adjusters are no longer trained or cared for as well as they were in days past. As you said, treated as a necessary evil.
The fact seems to be that no one on the company side is afforded the necessary education, training and respect necessary and deserved and are rather treated as a commodity.
The carriers need the agents; agents need the carriers; and both need good underwriters, claims and loss control personnel.
Although its true that “nothing happens until something is sold” – it’s also true that you have nothing to seel without the “service” proivded by the claims dept – correct? I understand it is difficult to find and keep clients, but agents have significant rewards to do just that – not true for adjusters. Just ask any one of them on the front lines. Ask yourself, when was the last time you called an adjuster directly to compliment them on their hard work instead of calling an Insurance Co contact (ususally their Marketing Dept). Bad news and sh** roll down hill fast and we will hear about it immediately – doesn’t seem to work the other way when good news comes in. Again, just ask any adjuster on the job for a while.
Enough venting – we need each other, but I for one am very tired of being blamed for all the bad things that happen as well as being treated like dirt by Agents.
Glad the venting is over. Now, to be fair, I always thanked my adjusters.
Not all claims are covered and when they are not, I expected them to be denied. But when there was the possibility of coverage or enough gray area I took the adjuster to task not to take te easy way out. But it was not a yelling match, just prove to me you looked for ways to cover the claim – if there is no reasonable way to find coverage, I’m fine with that.
Either way, the adjuster and I ended the conversation on the same page – no unkind words, no animosity; we’ll be working together again some day.
I’ve always believed everyone is due the respect I want; if I don’t give it, I don’t deserve it. Sounds like you’ve been steped on by those who don’t practice that and think they are above the need to respect others.
At the end of the day I feel that by placing an Insured with Mercury I have not only helped them afford their insurance I have placed them with a quality carrier.
Sorry for those that can’t get a Mercury appointment. Don’t give up…keep trying & don’t step on any toes, And sorry for the agents that don’t get the proven underwriting practices of the 2 largest auto insurer in California.
Like many things in life after some thought you get it….obviously those with the negative comments have some thinking to do…. What does 20% commission & a high 90% retention do? $$$$$$$$
Botton line is Good carrier, generous compensation, and happy clients
Excuse me I need to cash my Monthly commission check….oh ya then in October I need to get a extra bonus to pay down my mortgage on a 4000 sqft house in So. Cal. & travel to Europe……
Keep thinking about that!
Problem with the occupation of an insurance agent is it doesn’t require a degree so alot of agents haven’t been taught to critically think!
Most company employees (claims & underwriting, top executives) are college educated they know what their doing & wont act hastily. Mercury’s claims practices has afforded them longer investment income time…………as so to pay off this pocket change.
To answer your question what am I smoking………….? The tires of my exotic sports car paid for in full…..Thanks Joey we will ride into the sunset and laugh all the way to the bank.
I am currently in product development but was a claims Adjuster for 5 years. I have walked in Demos’ shoes and agree 100%. I did not have to deal with agents since we were a direct writer, but understand and emphasize with the lack of respect and thanks. Every claims dept is always trying to squeeze 2 ounces of orange juice out a 1 ounce orange. The net result is a long day at the office for the adjuster.
Kudos to adjusters. It seems that the blasted company officers are the ones that view them as a drain on assets. Hope $agent$ enjoys those tires. I’ll think of you while I drive home in my Yugo. You are certainly in the minority about Mercury.
Good for you that Mercury shares the wealth with you. You seem to be doing good at the expense of your policyholders. I have never been agent and I would never work for Mercury. I would hate to screw my clients. You enjoy it. There is no need to brag, but that shows your ignorance and low self steem to go out of your way and tell others what you have so you could feel good. Talk about having insecurities. Get a real job! To sell an auto policy, you don’t need even a high school diploma you idiot!
To drive a car and buy auto insurance you don’t even need an education, so be careful.
Keep one thing in mind (but I know you won’t believe me), without insurance, you wouldn’t even have a car; much less a house, a job or a place to go on vacation.
Insurance and even agents make all we have possible – unless you want to do away with the free market economy and let the government “take care of us.”
Any agent worth his weight takes great pride in… knowledge. How best to structure coverage (even recommending non-insurance fixes).
Any agent that takes advantage of his customer should be kicked out of the profession.
Litte do you know me! But it is okay. Thank you for your reply. You are also a customer.
Insurance is essential in our society. I agree with you. I have enough coverage to cover my assets. However, the topic is about Mercury as a company and the way they handle claims according to the DOI.
Then we get and agent that works for Mercury and brags about how much money he makes and talks bad about his competition or those who have applied for Mercury. That one agent is Mercury looking bad. Who cares what he has. How about he confirms or makes an argument back about Mercury’s good service and so forth.
There are good agents and bad agents. Just like good cops and bad cops. Mr. $$$$ Mercury agent claiming having all the $$$$$ is anoying.
Like you said: “Any agent that takes advantage of his customer should be kicked out of the profession”.
I am not convinced that Mr. $$$$ agent is practicing ethical standards. I have no proof, but his comments do create doubts.
I smell Jealousy…. Mercury doesn’t charge more they actually have better rates & pay their fore front underwriters(Their Agents) better. So you are the one that is …..? Proud is exactlly what I am. My clients get full discloser of the compensation I receive. So all your are is……?
I agree with you. As a former agent I was quite ticked (to use a word that can be printed if kids are reading)any agent would “advertise” what stuff he had amassed.
I did well, but it ain’t nobody’s business what I got.
His ethics are in question. Though, as you say, nothing is provable.
No one is jealous! I am not even going to argue with you because if I do, I would be going down to your level.
Again! Is insurance a profession? Where is this agent’s professionalism and whatever happened to the code of ethics? You guys got off the subject. One bragger and another telling me I am jealous.
The issue here that the DOI thinks Mercury is mishandling claims or low bowling the claimants or policyholders. Mercury got penalized. That is it. The DOI claims that the complaints have been justified and I am sure Mercury had an opportunity to rebuttable on each complaint. Mercury is very powerful and has the means to hire extremely well established attorneys to fight back the DOI. Even then, Mercury was found liable. Doesn’t this tell you something? Again, based ignorant remarks from some individuals, I conclude that ignorant arrogant and intellectual people are all over the place and some landed in Mercury to make things worst. Thanks to the former agent, he has shown to be ethical and respectful.
Farmers 1,630,248 4th
State Farm 2,927,730 1st
Allstate 1,450,144 5th
Mercury 2,125,922 2nd
Geico 179,259 Last
CSAA 1,775,345 3rd
Looks like from the size of business being the second largest insurer a company like Mercury would get more complaints. They have 3 companies Cal. Auto, Mercury Casualty, Mercury Insurance Co.
How much are the going to fine Farmers Insurance?
Very Interesting……..this is like taking GOD to court and arguing death…..u can’t win!
The DOI audits all carriers, but the big boys make the news. This is a price for being a large company. Not my problem. This is no excuse to be exempt from being found responsible. Even if the DOI was targeting only the big boys, the big boys are in violation! Again, that is no excuse for the big boys to continue mishandling claim practices set forth by the code. Everyone should get penalized including big and small carriers.
The issue in this article is that Mercury is responsible and now the defense is that DOI is only picking on the large carriers. Think for a moment, there are so many cops out there given traffic tickets. If I get I ticket, I cannot go to court and tell the judge: “Your honor – how about those other guys that were not caught”. I cannot do that. That is not a legal defense. Perhaps a problem for the authorities! Maybe with the fine the DOI gets from Mercury, the DOI will hire more agents to go after more carriers.
Posted by Just the facts: read it moron. Facts state Farmers & others have same complaints…….they are picking on them. Get a clue…before you speak. Retard!
Karma will get you! You could be the agent let go due to the $250.000. Stick to the facts not your opinions. The company lost and is paying monies due to hard working people who trusted they would be professionally handled. good luck to ya!
Well, I’m starting up this thread again. I am due about $45,000 in legal fees that Mercury was supposed to reimburse me. We are going on 7-8 years now. If there was an attorney involved in any of these cases, I’d like to get their name. My case is just abusive as to how they’ve treated me.
Mercury is a very good company. I worked for the competition when I lived in CA and I can say without hesitation that I would work for that company. I would not, however, ever work for Farmers and in fact operated as a non-disclosed expert in a bad faith case against them. I had never agreed to work as an expert against an insurance carrier before nor have I since that claim. The result was a $5M verdict. I took absolutely NO FEE for my efforts. I simply wanted a more professional environment in which to operate.
Thanks Mr. CC…Mercury didn’t get to be where they are in just 46 years by mistreating their clients…agents…body shops…adjusters, etc. Plaintiff attorneys hate them and that’s a good sign IMO.
Despite protestations to the contrary earlier…my files are full of ex-Farmers accounts. Many are here because of billing issues, not primarily claims. Their 1 car per policy has to lead to confusion, errors and claims problems. Though not with State Farm.
Those that did have claims issues were people that didn’t understand how claims are handled and settled. I fault their agency force for not spending the time to explain coverages and educate their clients on claims procedures.
But Farmers shortcomings works for me…
You get what you pay for! It’s just too bad that innocent people have to suffer. Everyone makes money at the client’s expense. Do it the right way, charge the appropriate premium, and all is well!
Mercury has a long standing, well deserved reputation of being the best consumer buy for auto insurance in the state of California. Carrier and agent retention of polilcyholders is high, year after year, after year, after year, after year. You don’t see that kind of retention and sustained growth if consumer care and claims handling is shabby. Every carrier in the state is guilty of poor claims handling from time to time. I’ve witnessed countless instances of fast and superior claims handling of Mercury policyholders. A significant number of our new business accounts come from referrals, resulting from superior customer service and a fair premium rate. Anyone who criticizes Mercury is just jealous and would secretly like to have the appointment. Signed: A Proud Mercury Agent
Mercury must be your only company. Either that, or you are wearing blinders.
Mercury has low rates, but is a LARGE E&O potential for any agent that sells their bare bones policy. If you’d put yourself in their limited coverage policy, then you don’t understatnd that all auto insurance policies are NOT equal, and, certainly Mercury’s is not on par with 95% of the admitted carriers in california
I would agree if you are talking about the Standard HO-3, and I doubt anyone is still selling it. We converted all ours to the Superior plan years ago. They’ve also announced a major rate reduction in HO lines in August. Keep in mind they haven’t been in HO lines that long…they started very conservatively.
Mercury dropped the 15/30/10 limit on permissive users on auto back in April…but personally I always liked it. It was just used against them by competitors…who were probably tired of picking up the excess losses.
I’m a 37 year Mercury agt. and handle all their claims complaints myself. I average 1 a quarter.
Any Mercury agent will tell you that their Claims Dept. is waking up to the new reality of speed of service and friendliness with clients.
It does take a while to turn a corporate ship…but if you know of a more agency oriented carrier with only one means of product distribution…us…let me know.
Only one complaint per quarter on average? I’ve been a Farmers agent for nine years now and have not had a single complaint yet- much less a formal complaint with the DOI. In addition, I have a lot of clients who were with Mercury before a claim and came running to my agency after their claims experience with Mercury.
Farmers is the WORST carrier in the world when it comes to claims handling. This coming from someone who works in claims at Farmers for 10 years. Fly-by-night insurance carriers have better claims handling than Farmers. Your post kills me!!
To answer the gentleman’s question, I don’t smoke. Further, my “blinders” are 7 million in premium volume, a 95% retention rate and consistent loss ratios in the 50s. Somebody must be doing something right! I’d tell you my commission rate, but then I’d have to kill you. Sorry!
I don’t know how to respond to you Grace other than the fact that we continue to grow our PIF and that is mostly due referrals from existing clients- CASE CLOSED
Funny…….. I only get about 1 complaint a qtr also. Most complaints are because Mercury is waiting for somebody else to get them documents to be able to make a fair settlement. This is just a DOI power trip…….. and those negative people………..as if St Farm & Farmenrs & Allstate acted in good faith for those in New Orleans, La…. lets not go there.
I’m open to debate this all day long.
Chairmens Club member is right @ is laffing all the way to the bank……….. They are a Good Carrier
Having represented multiple carriers, including Mercury, I can tell you that there are much better companies when you look not only at claims but the whole picture. I used to think that MIC was the best until I started representing Travelers, Kemper and Safeco and when you speak to these agents they all have the same opinion of Mercury. Yuck…the dump their garbage on MIC and put their better clients with the true preferred markets who offer a better contingency program(not a 3 year rolling average sham), a quality service center and a claim handeling department that has brought me complements. I am sometimes concerned in how quickly they handle these claims but they are much more concerned about reputation than a few extra bucks being paid out. If you as a Mercury agent have not represented Travelers, Hartford, Kemper, Allied, Travelers or Safeco, than you DONT KNOW what it is to be truely pleased with who you represent. Mercury has become the “punching bag” for the DOI. Why does MIC still require all that paper to be sent in on each app? Do they realize that their competition allows their trusted agents to keep all the docs in the file and they dont have to mail anything in but the check? George Joseph either does not trust his agents or he is slow to learn what his competition is doing. Go ahead and lower your rates again George. Your agents love to earn LESS as you scramble to show premium growth. We got your number Joey and doin quite fine without you. Excuse me. I need to go deposit my sweet contingency and premium growth check with Travelers…
Read some of the later posts since they reflect a much larger feeling. I applaud your efforts & volume (please, don’t tell me your commission rate) and if it works for you, so much the better. Mercury does seem to changing for the better, but it will take time to convince most of us.
Mercury is terrible here. You know what agents use them for here? To write the customers they know will file claims. Mercury gets the cream of the crap in Texas because they’re the most annoying company for an agent to deal with. Their underwriting is overkill, and they’re high maintenance hell. I once had to have a customer sign a driver exclusion for their 3 YEAR OLD SON. I don’t have time for stuff like that in my agency.
Love all the comments from the “agents” on this “Claims Journal” website. As with anything – you get what you pay for. Most insurance companies that I have had experience with (including my own) have the mindset that claims adjusters are at best a necessary evil and are treated as such. Most of us are extremely overworked, little appreciated and have few opportunities for advancement either professionally or financially. Underwriters take on questionable risks, Agents write everything and anything with the hope that something will be accepted so they can collect more commission, but when the loss ratio’s go south, where does the axe fall the hardest – the claims dept.
Tell me Mr Agent – is it true that the harder you work the more you can expect to be rewarded (commissions)? Do you understand the reality of claims adjusting is the harder you work the more work you get – with little to no reward for doing an excellent job except the rare condecending pat on the back from some agent for saving his renewal commission, and if you are lucky a yearly “raise” that is typically less then the cost of inflation.
Bonus’, incentive programs/rewards for “quality claims handling” simply do not exist anymore except at the very top which is usually staffed by marketers who do not like to share wealth or power. Despite all that, the vast majority of adjusters take great pride in doing a thankless job well, and look forward to the day when we no longer have to put up with arrogant agents, hostile plaintiff atty’s and threats on our lives by claimants.
Mercury Insurance may be a excellent or they may be bad – I don’t know anything about them. But to sit back and comment about how well adjusters are or are not doing a good job without walking a mile in their shoes is simply another example of Marketing’s arrogance and greed.
Interesting comments, Demos. Some out of frustration and some well-founded.
But let me ask you a question; have you ever walked a mile in an agent’s shoes? Found out how hard it is to find, propose, get and keep a client only to lose them because of poor claims handling?
If not, then don’t be too swift to blame the marketing department.
Remember, NOTHING happens until someone sells something.
Now, for you and your kind (claims adjusters) to be treated poorly and be unappreciated is just plain wrong. Your services are what agents sell (and why carriers are in business).
Yours may be the most important job on the company side. Often, you are the only member of the insurance company clients ever see; making you “the company.”
Adjusters are no longer trained or cared for as well as they were in days past. As you said, treated as a necessary evil.
The fact seems to be that no one on the company side is afforded the necessary education, training and respect necessary and deserved and are rather treated as a commodity.
The carriers need the agents; agents need the carriers; and both need good underwriters, claims and loss control personnel.
Although its true that “nothing happens until something is sold” – it’s also true that you have nothing to seel without the “service” proivded by the claims dept – correct? I understand it is difficult to find and keep clients, but agents have significant rewards to do just that – not true for adjusters. Just ask any one of them on the front lines. Ask yourself, when was the last time you called an adjuster directly to compliment them on their hard work instead of calling an Insurance Co contact (ususally their Marketing Dept). Bad news and sh** roll down hill fast and we will hear about it immediately – doesn’t seem to work the other way when good news comes in. Again, just ask any adjuster on the job for a while.
Enough venting – we need each other, but I for one am very tired of being blamed for all the bad things that happen as well as being treated like dirt by Agents.
Demos,
Glad the venting is over. Now, to be fair, I always thanked my adjusters.
Not all claims are covered and when they are not, I expected them to be denied. But when there was the possibility of coverage or enough gray area I took the adjuster to task not to take te easy way out. But it was not a yelling match, just prove to me you looked for ways to cover the claim – if there is no reasonable way to find coverage, I’m fine with that.
Either way, the adjuster and I ended the conversation on the same page – no unkind words, no animosity; we’ll be working together again some day.
I’ve always believed everyone is due the respect I want; if I don’t give it, I don’t deserve it. Sounds like you’ve been steped on by those who don’t practice that and think they are above the need to respect others.
At the end of the day I feel that by placing an Insured with Mercury I have not only helped them afford their insurance I have placed them with a quality carrier.
Sorry for those that can’t get a Mercury appointment. Don’t give up…keep trying & don’t step on any toes, And sorry for the agents that don’t get the proven underwriting practices of the 2 largest auto insurer in California.
Like many things in life after some thought you get it….obviously those with the negative comments have some thinking to do…. What does 20% commission & a high 90% retention do? $$$$$$$$
Botton line is Good carrier, generous compensation, and happy clients
Excuse me I need to cash my Monthly commission check….oh ya then in October I need to get a extra bonus to pay down my mortgage on a 4000 sqft house in So. Cal. & travel to Europe……
Keep thinking about that!
Problem with the occupation of an insurance agent is it doesn’t require a degree so alot of agents haven’t been taught to critically think!
Most company employees (claims & underwriting, top executives) are college educated they know what their doing & wont act hastily. Mercury’s claims practices has afforded them longer investment income time…………as so to pay off this pocket change.
To answer your question what am I smoking………….? The tires of my exotic sports car paid for in full…..Thanks Joey we will ride into the sunset and laugh all the way to the bank.
Good Day
I am currently in product development but was a claims Adjuster for 5 years. I have walked in Demos’ shoes and agree 100%. I did not have to deal with agents since we were a direct writer, but understand and emphasize with the lack of respect and thanks. Every claims dept is always trying to squeeze 2 ounces of orange juice out a 1 ounce orange. The net result is a long day at the office for the adjuster.
Kudos to adjusters. It seems that the blasted company officers are the ones that view them as a drain on assets. Hope $agent$ enjoys those tires. I’ll think of you while I drive home in my Yugo. You are certainly in the minority about Mercury.
Good for you that Mercury shares the wealth with you. You seem to be doing good at the expense of your policyholders. I have never been agent and I would never work for Mercury. I would hate to screw my clients. You enjoy it. There is no need to brag, but that shows your ignorance and low self steem to go out of your way and tell others what you have so you could feel good. Talk about having insecurities. Get a real job! To sell an auto policy, you don’t need even a high school diploma you idiot!
To The Customer.
To drive a car and buy auto insurance you don’t even need an education, so be careful.
Keep one thing in mind (but I know you won’t believe me), without insurance, you wouldn’t even have a car; much less a house, a job or a place to go on vacation.
Insurance and even agents make all we have possible – unless you want to do away with the free market economy and let the government “take care of us.”
Any agent worth his weight takes great pride in… knowledge. How best to structure coverage (even recommending non-insurance fixes).
Any agent that takes advantage of his customer should be kicked out of the profession.
To Former Agent:
Litte do you know me! But it is okay. Thank you for your reply. You are also a customer.
Insurance is essential in our society. I agree with you. I have enough coverage to cover my assets. However, the topic is about Mercury as a company and the way they handle claims according to the DOI.
Then we get and agent that works for Mercury and brags about how much money he makes and talks bad about his competition or those who have applied for Mercury. That one agent is Mercury looking bad. Who cares what he has. How about he confirms or makes an argument back about Mercury’s good service and so forth.
There are good agents and bad agents. Just like good cops and bad cops. Mr. $$$$ Mercury agent claiming having all the $$$$$ is anoying.
Like you said: “Any agent that takes advantage of his customer should be kicked out of the profession”.
I am not convinced that Mr. $$$$ agent is practicing ethical standards. I have no proof, but his comments do create doubts.
I smell Jealousy…. Mercury doesn’t charge more they actually have better rates & pay their fore front underwriters(Their Agents) better. So you are the one that is …..? Proud is exactlly what I am. My clients get full discloser of the compensation I receive. So all your are is……?
Get a clue.
To The Customer,
I agree with you. As a former agent I was quite ticked (to use a word that can be printed if kids are reading)any agent would “advertise” what stuff he had amassed.
I did well, but it ain’t nobody’s business what I got.
His ethics are in question. Though, as you say, nothing is provable.
No one is jealous! I am not even going to argue with you because if I do, I would be going down to your level.
Again! Is insurance a profession? Where is this agent’s professionalism and whatever happened to the code of ethics? You guys got off the subject. One bragger and another telling me I am jealous.
The issue here that the DOI thinks Mercury is mishandling claims or low bowling the claimants or policyholders. Mercury got penalized. That is it. The DOI claims that the complaints have been justified and I am sure Mercury had an opportunity to rebuttable on each complaint. Mercury is very powerful and has the means to hire extremely well established attorneys to fight back the DOI. Even then, Mercury was found liable. Doesn’t this tell you something? Again, based ignorant remarks from some individuals, I conclude that ignorant arrogant and intellectual people are all over the place and some landed in Mercury to make things worst. Thanks to the former agent, he has shown to be ethical and respectful.
Haterrrr
Look up the data for verification for your self. DOI Website.
Looks like A Chairman’s Club Member is correct! DOI Pick’s on the big boy…..
Cal. Consumer Complaint Study 2007
Ratio for complaint years 2004,2005,2006
Justified Complaints:
2004: Farmers 95, Allstate 18,State Farm 43,Geico 6, Mercuy 56, AAA 20, CSAA 17
2005: Farmers 95, Allstate 24, State Farm 45,Geico 10, Mercury 66, AAA 31, CSAA 43
2006: Farmers 65, Allstate 20, State Farm 36, Geico 12, Mercury 49, AAA 28, CSAA27
Market Share / Exposer Count:
Farmers 1,630,248 4th
State Farm 2,927,730 1st
Allstate 1,450,144 5th
Mercury 2,125,922 2nd
Geico 179,259 Last
CSAA 1,775,345 3rd
Looks like from the size of business being the second largest insurer a company like Mercury would get more complaints. They have 3 companies Cal. Auto, Mercury Casualty, Mercury Insurance Co.
How much are the going to fine Farmers Insurance?
Very Interesting……..this is like taking GOD to court and arguing death…..u can’t win!
The DOI audits all carriers, but the big boys make the news. This is a price for being a large company. Not my problem. This is no excuse to be exempt from being found responsible. Even if the DOI was targeting only the big boys, the big boys are in violation! Again, that is no excuse for the big boys to continue mishandling claim practices set forth by the code. Everyone should get penalized including big and small carriers.
The issue in this article is that Mercury is responsible and now the defense is that DOI is only picking on the large carriers. Think for a moment, there are so many cops out there given traffic tickets. If I get I ticket, I cannot go to court and tell the judge: “Your honor – how about those other guys that were not caught”. I cannot do that. That is not a legal defense. Perhaps a problem for the authorities! Maybe with the fine the DOI gets from Mercury, the DOI will hire more agents to go after more carriers.
Posted by Just the facts: read it moron. Facts state Farmers & others have same complaints…….they are picking on them. Get a clue…before you speak. Retard!
Karma will get you! You could be the agent let go due to the $250.000. Stick to the facts not your opinions. The company lost and is paying monies due to hard working people who trusted they would be professionally handled. good luck to ya!
Well, I’m starting up this thread again. I am due about $45,000 in legal fees that Mercury was supposed to reimburse me. We are going on 7-8 years now. If there was an attorney involved in any of these cases, I’d like to get their name. My case is just abusive as to how they’ve treated me.