Mo. Federal Judge Tosses COVID-19 Premium Refund Lawsuit Against State Farm

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Missouri federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. of failing to adjust premiums in response to policyholders’ reduced business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, ruling that the plaintiff needs to bring its claims before the state department of insurance.

In an Oct. 22 order, Judge Brian C. Wimes of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri explained that because Alissa’s Flowers Inc. is challenging State Farm’s rates, its claims are subject to the administrative procedures in Missouri Revised Statute § 379.348.

In a May 28 …