Key Takeaways:
- A Louisiana Air National Guard member and paramedic is facing a denied insurance claim from State Farm following a car accident.
- Justin Crochet alleges his State Farm agent failed to reinstate his full coverage after he returned from military deployment.
- Crochet claims he notified State Farm of his return with supporting documentation.
- State Farm acknowledges the claim is being processed but cites privacy policies, limiting the details they can share.
- Crochet is paying for insurance on a vehicle he cannot drive and is relying on friends for transportation.
Summary:
Justin Crochet, a paramedic with East Baton Rouge EMS and a member of the Louisiana Air National Guard, is in a dispute with State Farm after his insurance claim was denied following a car accident in October. Crochet believes the denial stems from the insurance agent’s alleged failure to reinstate his full coverage after he returned from a military deployment. The accident occurred on October 23, and the other driver was uninsured, leaving Crochet responsible for the damages.
Before deploying with the Air Force in June of the previous year, Crochet arranged for State Farm to reduce his coverage to liability, as his car would be parked in his garage in Denham Springs. He claims he was instructed to notify the agency upon his return to have the full coverage reinstated. According to Crochet, he sent an email to State Farm in January 2025, attaching his return paperwork and indicating his return to Louisiana in February. State Farm responded to this email, also requesting him to complete a military discount form, which he promptly filled out and returned.
Crochet assumed his coverage had been updated, especially since he noticed an increase in his insurance premiums. However, State Farm did not switch Crochet from liability coverage back to full coverage, which is why his claim has been denied. The damaged vehicle remains at his home in Denham Springs, awaiting resolution. Crochet is unable to drive the vehicle and cannot obtain an estimate for repairs until he receives further communication from State Farm.
Crochet expresses frustration with State Farm, stating, "They’ve been fighting me ever since, ‘You never told us you were home,’ I was like, I sent you the email with my federal orders saying when I’d be home." This situation has caused him significant stress, as he seeks to have his car repaired. In the meantime, he is still paying for insurance coverage on a vehicle he cannot use. Fortunately, a friend has been providing him with transportation to and from work.
State Farm has acknowledged the situation but is limited in what it can disclose due to its privacy policy. The company stated that it is still processing the claim and is in active communication with Crochet. However, the specific details surrounding the denial and the progress of the investigation remain unclear.