Advocacy & Safety - State Farm commercial

http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/

lol, funny.

Let's not over-analyze this, guys...

Let's not over-analyze this, guys...

Too late.

http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/

Ahhh, the desperation of automobile insurance, trying to hold on in the twilight of the oil age....I love it! I just worry that they'll start trying to insure bicycles, or try to make us register our bikes...:o

Ahhh, the desperation of automobile insurance, trying to hold on in the twilight of the oil age....I love it! I just worry that they'll start trying to insure bicycles, or try to make us register our bikes...:o

I'm sure they will try it. Just like the government has been pushing for registering / license our bikes in some parts of our country. Here in Vancouver, WA they just passed a mandatory law helmet. Yes I have one on always when I riding but I hate to have big brother tell me I must have it or I'll get a ticket! I'm afraid mandatory liability insurance is just around the corner.

Ahhh, the desperation of automobile insurance, trying to hold on in the twilight of the oil age....I love it! I just worry that they'll start trying to insure bicycles, or try to make us register our bikes...:o


Ah the adolescence of the A&S forum, taking everthing as an attack, unable to comprehend that cycling to work doesn't suit everyones lifestyle.

not everyone's lifestyle or work requirements!
At a bare minimum, I carry roughly 500 pounds of tools and supplies for work. Other days I easily double that. Keep saying I'm going back to office work so all I have to carry is a pen, but then the sun starts shining and I say **** no, I'm not sitting in a box all day.

Riding for most isn't looked at it as something people -want- to do, it's looked at as a last resort.
Don't know how often I've been asked if I was riding because my license was pulled or if I didn't have a car

Ken.

Perpetuating the myth that only losers, the poor, HAVE to ride bicycles as a last resort. Pathetic.

And I take the ad at face value, I don't see any subliminal message that cycling is good. Its pure ridicule of cycling.

I don't wish bad things on anybody, but some of you guys actually need to experience hard times for a little while. Being a real victim and being perpetually offended are two totally different things. Anyway, I'm not offended by this ad, but I'd really like to be, so can someone explain why I should be?

Perpetuating the myth that only losers, the poor, HAVE to ride bicycles as a last resort. Pathetic.

Actually what's more pathetic is that people like you view television as reality. Most people can differentiate between the two.

And just in case: Lost - Those really aren't.

My favorite comment: "I just saved a bunch on my car insurance by switching to Shimano!"

My Message to State Farm:

To whom it may concern:

I recently received a letter from State Farm asking me to switch my auto insurance over to State Farm to save money. I was thinking about doing so until recently when I saw your commercial mocking people who commute to work via bicycle. I found this add to be insulting and distasteful. The add only perpetuates the stereotypes that people who ride their bikes to work are losers, poor, and can't afford a car. As someone who owns a car but also uses their bike often as a means of transportation to work, I will NOT be switching my auto insurance to State Farm. Believe it or not, many people who own cars (even professionals like myself!) bike to work for a number of reasons----to get fit, save money on gas, and/or help the environment. Given your other set of commercials touting State Farm as the "ethical," "do the right thing," "responsible" insurance company, I find it highly ironic you would run an advertisement mocking people for doing the same. At a time when society is concerned with fitness, helping the environment, and reducing dependence on cars, I can't believe your marketing department improved your add. Good Day.

My Message to State Farm:

To whom it may concern:

I recently received a letter from State Farm asking me to switch my auto insurance over to State Farm to save money. I was thinking about doing so until recently when I saw your commercial mocking people who commute to work via bicycle. I found this add to be insulting and distasteful. The add only perpetuates the stereotypes that people who ride their bikes to work are losers, poor, and can't afford a car. As someone who owns a car but also uses their bike often as a means of transportation to work, I will NOT be switching my auto insurance to State Farm. Believe it or not, many people who own cars (even professionals like myself!) bike to work for a number of reasons----to get fit, save money on gas, and/or help the environment. Given your other set of commercials touting State Farm as the "ethical," "do the right thing," "responsible" insurance company, I find it highly ironic you would run an advertisement mocking people for doing the same. At a time when society is concerned with fitness, helping the environment, and reducing dependence on cars, I can't believe your marketing department improved your add. Good Day.

change "add" to "ad" or better yet, "advertisement"

It will increase your credibility. ;)

Be sure to post the automated form e-mail you get by way of reply.

change "add" to "ad" or better yet, "advertisement"

It will increase your credibility. ;)

Yes--well, one does not often have the luxury of spell-checking posts on the internet while at work. ;)

Yes--well, one does not often have the luxury of spell-checking posts on the internet while at work. ;)

Spell check won't find word errors... "add" is a legitimate word.

Just a word to the wise... Oh BTW, use Firefox with the spelling plug-in... sure makes me look brighter. :o

Ahhh, the desperation of automobile insurance, trying to hold on in the twilight of the oil age....I love it! I just worry that they'll start trying to insure bicycles, or try to make us register our bikes...:o

No worries there, mate! There is no such animal in the USA, and until some insurance company develops "bicycle insurance" it can't be mandated.

I am car free, and I rent, so that means that I am unable to get coverage to protect me from an accident with someone who is driving without insurance. The insurance you fear will be mandated does not exist.

My Message to State Farm:

To whom it may concern:

I recently received a letter from State Farm asking me to switch my auto insurance over to State Farm to save money. I was thinking about doing so until recently when I saw your commercial mocking people who commute to work via bicycle. I found this add to be insulting and distasteful. The add only perpetuates the stereotypes that people who ride their bikes to work are losers, poor, and can't afford a car. As someone who owns a car but also uses their bike often as a means of transportation to work, I will NOT be switching my auto insurance to State Farm. Believe it or not, many people who own cars (even professionals like myself!) bike to work for a number of reasons----to get fit, save money on gas, and/or help the environment. Given your other set of commercials touting State Farm as the "ethical," "do the right thing," "responsible" insurance company, I find it highly ironic you would run an advertisement mocking people for doing the same. At a time when society is concerned with fitness, helping the environment, and reducing dependence on cars, I can't believe your marketing department improved your add. Good Day.

How thin is your skin? When people say "How you doing" do you go ballistic and accuse them of inferring that your less than fully capable? If somebody say "Bye" do you break down in tears at the though they never want to see you again?

Grow up. It's a ****ing commercial.

of course the irony lost on the company and it's patrons is insurance is required for automobile use due to the losses incurred on others by the auto's operator.

if one rode a bike, there is no need for the product because bicycles rarely harm and capital directed toward the product can be used in more productive ways.

The irony is, everyone is better off if the destructive forces of autos is eliminated. A bicycle accomplishes this. At best, State farm provides poor compensation for what was lost and we'd all be better off if we didn't need this product.

of course the irony lost on the company and it's patrons is insurance is required for automobile use due to the losses incurred on others by the auto's operator.

if one rode a bike, there is no need for the product because bicycles rarely harm and capital directed toward the product can be used in more productive ways.

The irony is, everyone is better off if the destructive forces of autos is eliminated. A bicycle accomplishes this. At best, State farm provides poor compensation for what was lost and we'd all be better off if we didn't need this product.

Nice twisting. Motorcycle insurance is pretty cheap too. Casue the vehicle isn't worth as much and the likelyhood of surviving an accident is smaller. My only insurance claim was for a deer hitting the car.

Yes, let's eliminate the automobile. God what a ******.

Ah the adolescence of the A&S forum, taking everthing as an attack, unable to comprehend that cycling to work doesn't suit everyones lifestyle.

I've been cycling to work, even when it's in the low 20's. And I just switched from a flat six to a v-twin. ;)

Your point is a valid one though. I'm also looking for the thread where people point out that not everyone drinking light beer splashes around lakeside with a blonde in a bikini on their shoulders. And no, I won't defend State Farm, even though I worked for them for 10 years, and was in one of their commercials about 6 or 7 years ago.

Ahhh, the desperation of automobile insurance, trying to hold on in the twilight of the oil age....I love it! I just worry that they'll start trying to insure bicycles, or try to make us register our bikes...:o

Agreed.

The commercial is trying to get those motorist who are on their last dime and can't really afford the increase in gas price. If you don't change insurance, you'll end up a bike commuter! How horrible.

The commercial says I can save up to $369.00 dollars! You have to be kidding me? How much does it cost to insure a car today if I'm going to save nearly $400.00 dollars? It goes to show you how long it's been since I drove a motorcar.

Oh by the way, this commercial was focused for african americans since the actor was black. The marketing department understands that minorities are more likely hurting from gas prices and spent millions trying to get them to change.

At best, State farm provides poor compensation for what was lost

You're telling me. I was rear ended in my car last week by a car that was insured by State Farm, but driven by an illegal alien with no license, but with the permission of the owner. State Farm will pay me nothing even though the accident was 100% the other driver's fault.

My insurance will cover it, but I'm out the deductible.

The insurance industry is a huge racket.

Az

Motorcycle insurance is pretty cheap too. Casue the vehicle isn't worth as much and the likelyhood of surviving an accident is smaller. My only insurance claim was for a deer hitting the car.


Incorrect. Some motorcycle insurance is cheaper, try buying a litre class sportybike at the age of 19. It's not cheap at all.

However, my Harley cost me more than my car, but the insurance is about half. Why is that? Because they do a lot less damage than an SUV. The survivability aspect actually raises the rates, and is the main reason young kids on sportybikes pay more... because they're a lot more likely not to survive the ownership.

Az

Yeah, whatever. Just imagine "Mr. Nice Shorts" in a few months, fit and healthy and happy, riding down the greenbelt and looking up at the packed freeway overpass with a smirk on his face.

Nice twisting. Motorcycle insurance is pretty cheap too. Casue the vehicle isn't worth as much and the likelyhood of surviving an accident is smaller...

insurance provides coverage for losses. If the insured is at fault in a collision and required to pay compensation, insurance covers it. The real money comes in when there is personal injury. Costs of the repair or replacement of vehicles are cheap in comparison.

The fact is, motor vehicles cause tremendous amounts of damage to people and property and insurance attempts to compensate for these losses. Riding a bicycle causes very little damage and in fact, improves the health of people so is in fact, a contributor of overall wealth and is not required to have insurance due to the extreme unlikelyhood of claims filed against a cyclist due to damage the cyclist may have caused for which the cyclist would have an ability to pay

You're telling me. I was rear ended in my car last week by a car that was insured by State Farm, but driven by an illegal alien with no license, but with the permission of the owner. State Farm will pay me nothing even though the accident was 100% the other driver's fault.

My insurance will cover it, but I'm out the deductible.

The insurance industry is a huge racket.

Az

for as much money I collected ($18,000 tax free) when a motor vehicle hit me (tearing my PCL) I'd have preferred to not be hit in the first place.

No matter how nice cash is, it eventually disappears whereas my knee will never be the same again

Honestly, I fail to see how this insinuates that anyone is a 'loser' for riding to work. I can see how it insinuates that our less-than-happy-about-bicycle-commuting character has poor taste for his ridiculus choice of outfit but near as I can tell they're just sending the message that, for the millions of American's who can't afford the rising gas prices but who still prefer to drive, State Farm can save them money that could go to gas bills. I really don't think its any reason to get up in arms over it. Lets face it, some people aren't meant for bicycle commuting, it's just the way it is. They have the same right to drive to work as we do to bicycle to work.

for as much money I collected ($18,000 tax free) when a motor vehicle hit me (tearing my PCL) I'd have preferred to not be hit in the first place.

Here's a clue. Your injury was not the fault of the insurance company.

Honestly, I fail to see how this insinuates that anyone is a 'loser' for riding to work. I can see how it insinuates that our less-than-happy-about-bicycle-commuting character has poor taste for his ridiculus choice of outfit but near as I can tell they're just sending the message that, for the millions of American's who can't afford the rising gas prices but who still prefer to drive, State Farm can save them money that could go to gas bills. I really don't think its any reason to get up in arms over it. Lets face it, some people aren't meant for bicycle commuting, it's just the way it is. They have the same right to drive to work as we do to bicycle to work.


You're new. This is A&S. The commerical could have been 100% pro-cyclist but the community would still find something wrong, like he didn't lock the bike correctly or his shorts clashed with his helmet.

I'm sure they will try it. Just like the government has been pushing for registering / license our bikes in some parts of our country. Here in Vancouver, WA they just passed a mandatory law helmet. Yes I have one on always when I riding but I hate to have big brother tell me I must have it or I'll get a ticket! I'm afraid mandatory liability insurance is just around the corner.

I'd be annoyed in principle, but bicycle liability insurance would cost what, $.01 a year? It's full coverage with an umbrella that'd kill your wallet.

You're telling me. I was rear ended in my car last week by a car that was insured by State Farm, but driven by an illegal alien with no license, but with the permission of the owner. State Farm will pay me nothing even though the accident was 100% the other driver's fault.

My insurance will cover it, but I'm out the deductible.

The insurance industry is a huge racket.

Az

Your insurance will probably sue State Farm and their client for the money.

I think he's getting tired of Sheila coming on to him.

Here's a clue. Your injury was not the fault of the insurance company.

nope, it was the fault of the driver who bought the policy from the insurance company to cover his losses in the likely event his driving was going to injure someone.

Insurance is something that someone should have but hope to never need to use. Sadly, auto insurers pay out on a most frequent basis because driving is one of the most dangerous things people do, so really, the point of the ad is lost. We'd be all better off if more people rode a bike like the guy in the ad. He's the one who makes things better for people, not drivers. He doesn't need money for gas or insurance. he can use that money for something else that could be productive rather than for something that has been destructed and compensated for.

Your insurance will probably sue State Farm and their client for the money.

No, that's what subrogation and/or arbitration is for. A very small percentage of claims end up in court.


Does this thread need to be moved to LCF? I fail to see the A&S component.

Sadly, auto insurers pay out on a most frequent basis because driving is one of the most dangerous things people do, so really, the point of the ad is lost.

That's kind of like saying batters hit more baseballs because they're thrown at them.


Does this thread need to be moved to LCF? I fail to see the A&S component.

In the eyes of the zealots, State Farm is the Anti-Advocacy, stomping out potential cyclists.

That's kind of like saying batters hit more baseballs because they're thrown at them.

Umm, no it's not, but continuing the analogy, maybe we should get you a first baseman's mitt because these are going right over your head. Maybe you'd be able to catch a few with it. :rolleyes:

Umm, no it's not, but continuing the analogy, maybe we should get you a first baseman's mitt because these are going right over your head. Maybe you'd be able to catch a few with it. :rolleyes:

So other than paying out because driving is dangerous, what are auto insurance agencies paying out for?

...Does this thread need to be moved to LCF? I fail to see the A&S component.

I'm not sure. The A&S component I see is clear.

Here we have a product whose purpose is to try to clean up damage by its consumers by discouraging something that would eliminate that damage that the product needs to survive.

It's a cultural sickness that we celebrate a destructive force over a productive force.

I'm not sure. The A&S component I see is clear.

Here we have a product whose purpose is to try to clean up damage by its consumers by discouraging something that would eliminate that damage that the product needs to survive.

It's a cultural sickness that we celebrate a destructive force over a productive force.

Do you read tea leaves too?

It's a cultural sickness that we celebrate a destructive force over a productive force.

Where exactly in the commercial is the celebration of destruction? Please elaborate for those of us who haven't taken the big bong hit.

Where exactly in the commercial is the celebration of destruction? Please elaborate for those of us who haven't taken the big bong hit.

Well basically the whole insurance game is about betting against yourself that you are going to get into an accident.

exhale....

The State Farm commercial in question doesn't offend me nearly as the one that I'd seen that has a man in a full business suit made to look humiliated, by having to ride a bike since he doesn't have a car, with near misses, curb hugging, and a poor fitting bike. I only seen this commercial once, and for the life of me, cannot remember the company's name otherwise I'd post a link to it.

Insurance is something that someone should have but hope to never need to use.
Uh oh, now ya tell me! I better cancel my life insurance policy today before it is too late!

You're telling me. I was rear ended in my car last week by a car that was insured by State Farm, but driven by an illegal alien with no license, but with the permission of the owner. State Farm will pay me nothing even though the accident was 100% the other driver's fault.

My insurance will cover it, but I'm out the deductible.

The insurance industry is a huge racket.

Az

Mr. Az,

Your insurance company needs better lawyers.

Sincerely,

Mr. Kotter

Uh oh, now ya tell me! I better cancel my life insurance policy today before it is too late!

Life insurance is one thing someone will use... (not you) but you are probably better off long term investing the monies yourself, then to depend on an insurance company.

However, if you have recently acquired a double indemnity policy... all bets are off.

This is what I had to say about this ad on another forum. By no means am I anti-car, I recognize the limitations of every form of transportation.

_________
You don't want to get too worked up, but there is a point to be made. A lot of people choose to use a bicycle for a variety of reasons. It could be for better health, economy (not just gas prices), better lifestyle, politics or so on.

The ad isn't off the wall offensive, but it is subtle. The absurd pairing of a suit with bike shorts is ridiculous, coupled with the comment by the passing co-worker. The basic point is that it reaffirms the typical American stereotype that bikes are only useful as a recreational product and that they serve no value outside of the weekend away from the office. Our bias, as Americans, is to consider anyone who uses a bicycle outside of the recreational aspect as either a) poor, b) drunk (ie. DUI suspension) or c) a dirty, smelly tree hugging hippie.

There have been other ads lately highlighting this subtle bias in the American mind. I am trying to find the ad on you tube or google, but either State Farm or another had one showing a gentleman riding a bike (I am almost positive it showed him on a kids bike) home from work with the tag line "Life's hard after an accident".

Then again, what I am saying. Our country spawned McDonald's and feels it is a fundamental right to drive an f-350 3 blocks to the local star bucks AND complain about the cost of gas over a latte. Of course the bike gets no respect.
_________________

Do you read tea leaves too?

naw, but i do know more than a few people who have been hurt in car collisions

...The ad isn't off the wall offensive, but it is subtle. The absurd pairing of a suit with bike shorts is ridiculous, coupled with the comment by the passing co-worker. The basic point is that it reaffirms the typical American stereotype that bikes are only useful as a recreational product and that they serve no value outside of the weekend away from the office. Our bias, as Americans, is to consider anyone who uses a bicycle outside of the recreational aspect as either a) poor, b) drunk (ie. DUI suspension) or c) a dirty, smelly tree hugging hippie...

it also shows that the industry turns a giant blind eye to the risks that everyone knows exists, but few properly acknowledge.