Divorce papers

Editor's note: This letter was addressed to Edward B. Rust, chairman, State Farm Insurance Company, Bloomington, Ill., and is reprinted here at the author's request.

I am 66 years old. I have owned four homes since my late 20s. All have been insured by State Farm. My automobiles were also insured by State Farm.

Routinely, I have received solicitations in the mail seeking my business for automobile insurance. Routinely, I have thrown them in the trash because State Farm made me aware that if I kept cars and home with them, I would be eligible for certain discounts. In error, I believed that "Like a Good Neighbor," State Farm would always be there.

This year, State Farm's rate increase request was denied. This letter is not to debate the issue of whether or not the increase was justified. The point I wish to make is that State Farm took a back door, underhanded response to that denial by canceling the discounts that had been given (we assumed in good faith) by our insurer in order to secure all of your customers' insurance business.

Clearly, State Farm has made me aware that it makes no difference how long I have been a customer. Clearly, I am just a number. Try my shoes. Here again, I am just a number.

You will find enclosed various papers that I have received from State Farm over the years. My returning them to you is purely symbolic. To me, they represent our "divorce papers." You will also see that I have copied major Florida newspapers on this letter. Perhaps it will be a driving force to cause more of your "neighbors" to do as I have done.

Over 40 years ago, my father, an Aberdeen Angus cattle breeder, made an agreement over the phone with a Mr. Rust, who was probably your father or grandfather. That telephone agreement bound both parties. My, how times have changed. Thus ends our relationship.

You win?

David Miesch

Brooksville