March 31, 2016

Mr. Jason Pederson

Consumer Affairs Reporter
KATV
P.O. Box 77
Little Rock, AR 72203
Sent via email: jepederson@sbgtv.com
Dear Mr. Pederson,
We have received your information request concerning an accidental death claim by an insured of our
company. Privacy laws prevent us from disclosing details of any insureds claim to anyone other than the
insured or their legal representative. Once an insured has become represented by an attorney, all
communications are directed to that attorney, and we have communicated with the designated attorney on
this claim.
In regards to your question about our Farm Bureau Accidental Death policy, this policy was initially
written many years ago to include death benefits for accidents that occurred on a farm or other activities
but did not include any motor vehicle accidents. This was primarily done to promote farm safety, and a
customer that needed coverage for automobiles or motorcycles could purchase a standard auto policy with
our company or any other insurance company and select medical coverage, accidental death coverage and
disability coverage.
In an effort to promote seatbelt safety in the use of motor vehicles, the policy was amended to provide
death benefits for the accidental death of a person which arises out of the use or occupancy of a land
motor vehicle designed and licensed for use on public roads with the condition the person insured must
be wearing a factory installed seatbelt or lap and shoulder restraint at the time of the accident. This
amendment did expand coverage but, there has never been any intention to provide coverage for
motorcycles. We have consistently handled claims in accordance to the language of the contract.
We certainly understand our insureds frustration at this time, and regret not being able to provide any
benefits under this policy; however, we have an obligation and legal duty to all our insureds to handle
claims in accordance with the contract.
Thank you for your inquiry.

John Bonner
Vice President Claims
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc.