Florida Couple Fights State Farm Over Total Loss Claim Denial

Independent estimate shows repairs thousands less than insurer claimed

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Florida couple, Patricia Haddon and Barry Rebo, fought their auto insurance provider State Farm after their 2007 Lexus SC 430 was declared a total loss following a minor crash. Despite the couple's requests for a second estimate, State Farm initially refused and insisted the repairs would exceed the car's value. After a three-month battle, an independent inspection found the repairs would cost under $7,000, thousands less than State Farm had claimed.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about insurance companies potentially undervaluing vehicles and pushing customers to accept total loss determinations, even for older cars with relatively minor damage. Consumer advocates warn that insurance providers may steer customers to their own preferred repair shops, which could lead to biased assessments.

The details

After Rebo's Lexus was involved in a fender bender crash on Interstate 95, State Farm declared the vehicle a total loss, estimating the repairs would exceed $12,000. However, the couple repeatedly requested a second estimate, which the insurance company initially ignored. Three months after the crash, State Farm finally agreed to an independent inspection, which found the repairs would cost under $7,000 - thousands less than the insurer had claimed.

  • On the day after Thanksgiving, Rebo crashed his Lexus on Interstate 95.
  • Three months after the crash, State Farm agreed to an independent inspection.

The players

Patricia Haddon

A retired psychotherapist and one half of the Florida couple who fought State Farm over the total loss claim for their 2007 Lexus SC 430.

Barry Rebo

The owner of the 2007 Lexus SC 430 that was involved in the crash and declared a total loss by State Farm.

State Farm

The auto insurance provider that initially declared Rebo's Lexus a total loss and refused to provide a second estimate, until the couple persisted.

Michael Delong

An advocate from the Consumer Federation of America who warns that insurance companies may steer customers to their own preferred repair shops, leading to biased assessments.

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What they’re saying

“We really felt like we were bullied into options that were not real options, ignoring our requests for estimates, excetera.”

— Patricia Haddon (CBS News Miami)

“If you're dealing with an older car that's been in a minor crash, try to get an independent adjuster or auto body shop to assess the damage. Insurance companies often direct customers to their own preferred shops, which may be biased. Don't just take the insurance company's word for it.”

— Michael Delong, Consumer Federation of America (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The couple plans to file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation regarding their experience with State Farm.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance for consumers to be proactive and seek independent assessments when dealing with insurance companies, especially for older vehicles involved in minor crashes. It underscores the need for stronger protections against potential bias from insurers' preferred repair shops.