Farmers Insurance Group review: Massive mishandling, denial despite plumber report

I filed a water damage claim on Nov 13, 2025 after discovering standing water at the base of my toilet in my first-floor condo. I submitted photos immediately and followed Farmers’ process. A licensed plumber inspected and issued a report showing the cause was a sudden failure of the toilet flange. Despite this, Farmers denied my claim citing “long-term seepage” and closed my claim — even though the condition visibly worsened during the time Farmers failed to act. I have repeatedly asked for written communication and policy clarity; the adjuster and supervisor instead delayed, asked for phone calls, and ignored written requests. This is unacceptable.

Detailed Timeline:

11/13/2025 — I discover standing water near toilet; file claim same day (Claim #[protected]). I photograph the area and notify Farmers.

11/14/2025 — I upload initial photos showing darkened subfloor to ClaimXperience. No immediate guidance or mitigation instruction was given in writing.

~11/20/2025 — Licensed plumber (D&D) inspects and issues a written report: cause = sudden failure of toilet flange. Report and photos uploaded to Farmers’ ClaimXperience. Contractor estimate (~$12,000) uploaded.

11/21/2025 — I receive a denial letter from Farmers. The denial cites policy exclusions for water present “over a period of time” and calls the condition seepage. I dispute the denial and request the exact policy language used; I also request that all communication be in writing.

11/22–11/23/2025 — No response (weekend). My unit remains in damaged condition while Farmers takes no action.

11/24/2025 — Supervisor calls and leaves voicemail requesting a phone call; I reiterate in writing that all communication must be written. Later that day I receive a second denial email repeating the seepage rationale and stating the claim is closed. I formally demand the claim be reopened.

11/24 & 12/04/2025 — I escalate to Farmers corporate via email demanding re-evaluation and written response from senior management. I requested written confirmation and an action timeline. No substantive resolution from corporate has been received. Claim still shows “closed.”

Why this is wrong:

A licensed professional (plumber) concluded the cause was a sudden failure — the very type of event the policy’s “sudden, abrupt, accidental” water coverage exists to protect.

Farmers’ adjuster delayed inspection and guidance for over one week, during which water accumulated between the vinyl/tile and wood subfloor, causing darkening/rot. Farmers is now using the worsened condition — which occurred while they were inactive — to claim “long-term seepage.” That is fundamentally unfair and poorly handled.

Farmers repeatedly refused to provide the exact policy definitions in writing and attempted to shift conversations to phone calls (which I declined specifically to maintain a written record).

Because of their handling I had to pay out-of-pocket to mitigate further damage and prevent potential mold growth. I have receipts and documentation.

What I have provided to Farmers: plumber report, photos (before & after), contractor estimate, all communications, and written requests for reconsideration and reopening.

Desired outcome: Claim reopened, full re-evaluation in writing, coverage for repairs per policy if the plumber’s finding of sudden failure stands, reimbursement of out-of-pocket mitigation costs, assignment of a competent adjuster (not the current adjuster/supervisor), and written explanation of any final denial with exact policy citations.

This is a warning to others: If you file a claim with Farmers, be relentless about getting written documentation and escalate immediately — their delays can and will be used against you. I am pursuing regulatory and corporate escalation and will update this post as the situation progresses.