Farmers Insurance Addresses Adjuster Concerns Following Anonymous Letter

Farmers Insurance officials recently responded to an anonymous letter from a group of in-house adjusters accusing the insurer of severe understaffing and overworking claims professionals. The letter, sent on May 14 to Farmers and regulators in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, claims the current work environment contradicts Farmers’ core values of customer focus and integrity. Farmers, a subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group, reportedly faces challenges due to a substantial increase in claims following its acquisition of MetLife’s auto and home subsidiary, Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance, and subsequent layoffs of approximately 2,400 workers.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance confirmed receipt of the letter but refrained from commenting on potential investigations. Meanwhile, Farmers’ management scheduled meetings in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Atlanta to address employee concerns, although official confirmation of these meetings was not provided. Farmers’ spokesman emphasized their commitment to transparency and open dialogue with employees regarding workplace matters.

The anonymous letter highlights that inadequate staffing and resources have led to unmanageable expectations, significantly affecting the health and well-being of claims professionals. It also demands immediate action, including hiring more staff, retaining veteran adjusters, assessing workloads, complying with federal occupational safety guidelines, and allowing time for continuing education courses. These allegations come amid other challenges for Farmers, including a recent lawsuit by a California prosecutor and restrictions on new homeowners and auto business in several states.