Thread regarding State Farm Insurance layoffs

I was a TM and left SF claims almost 2 years ago after over 22 years in claims and multiple household moves. I went to work for a competitor, who paid me not only a signing bonus, but paid to relocate me from the hub location I was in, to a much nicer place to live. I lasted 19 months. Workload was unrealistic, and this carrier had crazy, non-value-added things they expected on every.single.file. Furthermore, I was a salaried employee -- and neither I, nor any of my peers, worked less than 50+ hours a week to try to keep up. I knew people who actually took PTO to catch up their desks. I am now working as an independent.

All these big carriers are in the same boat -- scratching for customers, trying to find a way to reduce expenses, while expecting the claim handlers to handle more claims with more documentation and less support. When I was hired by this independent firm, the interviewer said something to me I'll never forget: "Carriers see their claim handlers as an expense. We see them as an asset and revenue generator." I am much happier, much less stressed,

My advice to everyone: brush up your resume. Get on Linked In. Network with your former SF colleagues who have left and found a better situation. Research independent firms handling BI and other non-catastrophe claims for carriers...you'll be respected for the work you do, and paid for the work you do. Independent firms KNOW long-time SF employees were well-trained in their day...and from the looks of things, it sure seems like IAs will be doing most of the field work for even the SFs of the industry. These carriers simply don't want the long-term obligation of benefits, salary, training and hiring of people they can't control in a large hub building.

Never, ever, ever, never answer any question from corporate soliciting ideas about changes. If the respondent thinks coporate does not have a plan in place of their own design informed by an outside consultant then, with all due respect, I question that BI manager's cognitive ability to dispose of a road side assistance claim. These questions are of probing nature to serve HR motives, not claims. Corporate is looking for certain managers to promote, demote, stagnate, or can. To be considered the former, know our company loves people who keep their mouth shut and heads in an affermative nod. By the way, never ask these people questions other than "where did you get those fancy clothes."