In a recent tense and highly charged Senate hearing, the ranking member, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and others took aim at top insurance executives from Allstate and State Farm for allegedly cutting disaster-related insurance payouts, leaving countless American families struggling after hurricanes, wildfires, and other catastrophic events.
The Senate Homeland Security subcommittee on disaster management grilled executives from Allstate and State Farm. Senators expressed outrage over what was described as systemic failures to support policyholders during times of crisis.
“We’re talking about moms hauling water because pipes are gone, grandparents sleeping in cars, and families maxing out credit cards because their insurance companies won’t pay out,” Hawley said in his opening remarks.
A Spotlight on Real-Life Struggles
The hearing included powerful testimony from whistleblowers and affected homeowners, including Natalia Migal of Georgia. She recounted her experience with Allstate after a massive oak tree collapsed her home’s roof. While an initial adjuster confirmed a significant loss, Migal claimed the insurance company replaced that adjuster with one who minimized the damage. Ultimately, Allstate offered a payout of less than $100,000, despite her independent assessment valuing the damages at nearly $500,000.
The Insurance Companies Response
Mike Fiato, Allstate’s vice president and chief claims officer, defended the company’s actions, highlighting the insurer’s vast operation—23,000 claims professionals serving 8.4 million claims annually—and its $37 billion payout in 2024, including $4.6 billion for 132 disasters.
Fiato insisted that Allstate covered all structural damages in Migal’s case, stating the main dispute was over cosmetic damage. He also emphasized the industry’s heavy regulation by state insurance commissioners.
State Farm’s Operation Officer Michael Keating, avowed that State Farm was made up of “people” and they make mistakes. Keating stated that State Farm will do what it can to address the mismanaged claims that were discussed at the hearing. He claims that State Farm is focused on the long term interest of the policy holders and not profits.
But Senator Hawley was unconvinced.
“It sounds to me like you’re running a system of institutionalized fraud,” Hawley declared, citing sworn testimony from former Allstate adjusters who alleged they were pressured to alter reports and downplay damage estimates.
A Battle Over Trust
Hawley didn't mince words when challenging Allstate’s corporate ethics. Referring to the company’s motto, he quipped:
“You should change your slogan from ‘Our customers’ worst day needs to be our best’ to ‘Our customers’ worst day is our big profit opportunity.’”
He also criticized Allstate CEO Tom Wilson’s $26 million compensation package in 2024, contrasting it with the struggles of homeowners like Migal still waiting for fair settlements.
Allstate responded with a statement asserting that it serves one in 10 U.S. households and has paid over $20 billion in weather-related claims in the past five years.
Looking Ahead
This hearing signals bi-partisan growing scrutiny of the insurance industry’s role in claims handling—and the accountability gap many Americans feel when navigating claims processes after life-altering events. Insurance Companies in Oregon rarely face accountability, because in Oregon there is not a statute with any real consequences that will address “bad faith” when an insurance company wrongfully denies a claim. Currently Oregon Lawyers, such as Jeremiah Ross, have to rely on court decisions to force Insurance Companies to do the right thing and accept coverage for losses. Oregon’s remedies are not sufficeint to ensure that Insurers do not take advantage of Oregonians in their most vulnerable times. It is hopeful current legislation in the Oregon House passes and that there is Federal Law to prevent insrurers putting profits over people.
If you or someone you know has been subjected to an unfair insurance denial in your automobile crash case or homeowners insurance claim please contact an Oregon insurance lawyer, such as Jeremiah Ross, at 503.224.1658. Ross Law has represented numerous clients in insurance denial claims with great success. However, please remember that each case is different and Jeremiah Ross cannot guarantee any outcome.
