OTHER NEWS - June 24, 1992

Agents Sue Farmers Insurance Over Data Access: Agents for Farmers Insurance Group have sued the Los Angeles-based insurer for allegedly coercing them to buy computer systems at inflated prices. Antitrust lawsuits filed last Thursday in U.S. District Court in Austin, Tex., contend that Farmers denies agents access to its computer network unless they buy computer systems costing about $19,000. Similar equipment is available in the open market for $3,000 to $4,000, according to the suits. The Farmers network supplies information on prices, marketing and new products. Farmers spokesman John Millen declined to discuss the suit beyond saying: “We were a bit surprised by it because the majority of our agents have been enthusiastic about getting new technology to serve their customers.”