EDITORIAL: With neighbors like State Farm, who needs enemies?

News-Press--August 12, 2008

I know, “when it rains, it pours.” But in the midst of our economic storm, State Farm brings Noah to mind.

Amazingly, State Farm officials kept a straight face Tuesday in trying to defend their requested 47 percent increase for homeowners insurance. With 900,000 Floridian affected, state regulators could’ve grilled the officials for six hours instead of three.

And, by the way, the company also revealed intentions to cancel wind-damage insurance for 20,000 policyholders.

If State Farm thinks whooping hikes and dropped policies make it a good neighbor, homeowners would be better off living in seclusion.