State Farm Executive Fired After Controversial Rate Hike Comments
State Farm fired a top executive, Haden Kirkpatrick, following the release of an undercover video showing him making disparaging remarks about California homeowners and admitting to manipulating the company’s rate hike request. Kirkpatrick stated that State Farm strategically used the threat of policy cancellations to pressure the Department of Insurance into approving a substantial rate increase following recent wildfires. This follows the Insurance Commissioner’s rejection of State Farm’s initial 22% rate hike request, pending further evidence. State Farm denies Kirkpatrick’s assertions, stating they do not reflect company policy.
John Q. Hosedrinker