October 2026 Updates

 
The dividend digital payment selection phase has expired. All remaining qualified customers will automatically receive their dividend check sent to them by standard mail. Customers are encouraged to cash their dividend checks as soon as possible to avoid issues. Please keep watch for your mailed dividend check. To avoid any issues with a check being voided, customers should cash their check within the “void after” timeframe outlined in the check and letter. 

Dividend payment distribution started in late summer 2026 and is expected to wrap up end of year as the remaining dividend checks are mailed. By the end of 2026, payments to State Farm Mutual qualifying auto customers will have been distributed across more than 49 million auto vehicles. For qualifying customers who have not yet received their dividend payment, checks are currently being mailed and should be received within 60-70 days. If you have received your check and have an issue, visit this link for additional assistance. 

Qualified customers can check the status of their dividend by accessing the State Farm Dividend Payment Portal powered by Verita at this link. 

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) has begun issuing payments to qualifying auto customers as part of its one-time $5 billion cash-back dividend, the largest in the company’s 100-plus-year history. Millions of customers have already received their individual dividend payments, with more on the way.

As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is uniquely positioned to provide value directly to customers. The dividend is being distributed in waves to eligible customers across more than 49 million State Farm Mutual auto vehicles. Each customer’s payment is based on a percentage of the premium paid for each qualifying policy in 2025. Percentages vary by state, ranging from 4% to 10%.

Qualifying customers will be notified of their pending dividend payment by either an email from “donotreply@e.sfdividend.com” or a letter in the mail. Please keep an eye out for communication regarding the dividend payment. Customers who already have an email address registered with State Farm will receive an email with instructions on how to log into the State Farm dividend payment portal and select their preferred method of payment. Customers who do not have an email address registered with State Farm will automatically receive a check in the mail.

The State Farm dividend payment portal powered by Verita can be accessed at sfdividend.com. For payment questions or to learn more about state-specific dates, customers can visit sfdividend.com or call the Dividend Customer Contact Center at 1-888-808-9532. Because the distribution covers more than 49 million auto vehicles, the payment process will take several months to be completed nationwide.

“As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is able to provide value directly to our customers while maintaining financial strength to keep our promises in the future. That translated this year to lower auto rates and cash back in the form of a $5 billion policyholder dividend.” – Jon Farney, State Farm Mutual President and CEO.

For more than 100 years, State Farm’s mission has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, including research and programs focused on improving driver behavior and safety. As part of that work, State Farm continues to invest in its national distracted driving awareness program grounded in consumer research to help reduce accidents and make roads safer.

Dividend payments are retrospective and do not affect future auto rates, which are based on expected future costs and monitoring trends to appropriately match price to risk. 

By Hillary Holcomb, Vice President, Operations

Two structures. The same simulated wildfire conditions. Two very different outcomes.

At a September fire demonstration in Colorado, State Farm^® agent Jim Passarelli watched as two structures were exposed to the same conditions. One incorporated research-backed improvements designed to reduce wildfire risk, consistent with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home standard. The other lacked those protections.

“It was truly amazing to see the difference proper mitigation can make. After just 15 minutes under the same fire conditions, the contrast between the two structures was hard to miss,” Passarelli said.

The unprotected structure was fully engulfed in flames while the one with research-backed mitigation measures stood virtually untouched.

Now think about that in a real-world example, where there are more than two structures side by side. What if a whole block incorporated measures designed to reduce risk? What Jim witnessed illustrates something we need to make a bigger part of the wildfire conversation: Wildfires move through entire neighborhoods at once, not as a collection of individual properties. So should our approach to resilience.

Research is showing what works

State Farm has worked with IBHS for decades to better protect homes and communities, including helping launch its Research Center in 2010. We've also studied protective construction for more than 25 years through our Technology Research and Innovation Lab (TRAIL).

Following the 2025 Los Angeles County fires, IBHS researchers studied more than 250 properties there. Homes with four key protective features – a Class A roof, noncombustible siding, double-pane windows and enclosed eaves – had a 54% chance of avoiding fire damage, compared with 36% for homes with just one.

The research highlights the importance of multiple protective measures, including fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and reducing combustible materials around a home. The area immediately surrounding a home is especially important. When flammable materials covered more than a quarter of the area within five feet of a home, the risk of fire damage or destruction approached 90%, according to IBHS research.

From homes to neighborhoods

IBHS is putting that research into practice through its Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood program, which builds on individual home protections by addressing risks across an entire community.

One example is Dixon Trail, a KB Home community in Escondido, California. The 64-home neighborhood is built to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Enhanced standard.

The approach considers not just how individual homes are constructed, but also how their design, spacing and surrounding landscape can help limit the spread of fire.

Seeing the difference resilience makes

Fire demonstrations help people see how these protections work. Another demonstration was held Oct. 7 in Socorro, New Mexico, where the state also offers a certificate program recognizing homes that meet wildfire preparedness standards.

The next demonstration is scheduled for Oct. 26 in Panorama City, California, hosted by the California Fire Chiefs Association in partnership with IBHS.

Seeing the difference is one thing. Helping more homeowners and communities make these improvements is the next challenge.

Helping homeowners and communities take action

Insurers can support community-level action by recognizing steps homeowners and communities take to reduce wildfire risk. For example, eligible properties in communities recognized by Firewise USA may qualify for a community-level wildfire mitigation discount.

State Farm is helping lead the way in recognizing wildfire preparation, offering wildfire mitigation discounts in these 11 states, as of October: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Depending on the state and policy, discounts may recognize steps taken by individual homeowners or entire communities to help reduce wildfire risk.

Research is also looking into costs for wildfire resilience. A University of Colorado Boulder study found that building new homes to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Essential standard increased construction costs by approximately 1.1% compared with conventional construction. The study did not estimate retrofit costs for existing homes, where improvements can be more complex and costly. The findings highlight opportunities to incorporate wildfire protections into new construction while reinforcing the importance of making improvements accessible to existing homeowners.

State Farm General Insurance Company also recently filed in California to consider new insurance applications for homes with qualifying IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designations. This is pending review by the California Department of Insurance.

Public programs can also help make wildfire mitigation improvements more affordable and accessible. California has established initiatives to help qualifying homeowners strengthen their properties against wildfire, while some Colorado communities offer grants to support local wildfire risk-reduction projects.

Protecting communities takes all of us

I recently visited communities around Lake Tahoe, where I witnessed fire professionals, homeowners, community organizations and other partners working together to protect homes, neighborhoods and the surrounding landscape.

What struck me most was their shared commitment to solving a challenge no one individual or organization can tackle alone.

Insurers have an important role to play, too. Insights from decades of claims experience can help inform general guidance on reducing damage and encourage homeowners to take action.

Local State Farm agents can help customers understand available insurance discounts and point them to wildfire preparedness resources.

The work starts before the next fire

Helping people recover after disaster will always be fundamental to what we do. But we also have an opportunity to help homeowners find resources to help protect what matters before disaster strikes.

Over the past year, I’ve spoken with leaders in several fields about ways to make proven wildfire risk reduction measures more practical and accessible to homeowners.

The progress I saw around Lake Tahoe shows what's possible when people come together around a shared challenge. Now we need to build on that progress, helping more families protect their homes and more communities prepare for the future.

We intend to increase focus and investment in prevention and preparation, and you’ll hear more from us in the coming months.

About the author

Hillary Holcomb is a State Farm Vice President, Operations. Her leadership perspective connects the company's commitment to helping customers recover from unexpected losses with efforts to strengthen preparedness and resilience in the communities State Farm serves.

The people of Oklahoma face this reality more than most states: significant exposure to wind, hail, and tornadoes, and repair costs that are increasing faster than the national average. Together those pressures are increasing the financial impact of storms on homeowners and communities across the state.

Those cost pressures continue. Residential reconstruction costs in Oklahoma increased 5.11% from July 2025 to July 2026, compared with a 3.8% increase nationwide, according to Verisk’s 360Value® Quarterly Reconstruction Cost Analysis[1]. Oklahoma had the third-highest increase in the country during that period.

Why Severe Weather Matters In Oklahoma

According to State Farm data, about two-thirds of State Farm non-tenant homeowners losses in Oklahoma are related to catastrophe wind and hail, compared with about one-third nationwide.

Over the past five years, catastrophe wind and hail losses have occurred in Oklahoma at more than twice the State Farm average nationwide. Over the most recent 12 months, Oklahoma had the second-highest frequency of catastrophe wind and hail losses in the country.

State Farm has more than 530,000 residential and commercial policies in Oklahoma. That means when severe weather affects Oklahoma communities, State Farm is helping a significant number of families recover. And behind every severe weather loss are homeowners inspecting roofs, calling contractors, reviewing coverage and determining what it will take to put their homes—and their lives—back together.

Hail plays an especially large role. Over the past five years, State Farm data shows that 77% of State Farm catastrophe wind and hail losses in Oklahoma were hail-related, compared with 57% nationwide. Hail losses also tend to result in more severe damage and higher average loss costs than wind losses.

For Oklahoma, that creates a compounding effect. Catastrophe wind and hail losses occur more frequently than the national average, and the homes damaged by those storms is becoming more expensive to repair and replace.

Committed to Oklahoma

State Farm has served Oklahoma customers for nearly a century. As the risk landscape continues to change, the company remains committed to helping customers understand the risks and costs affecting their insurance, while maintaining the financial strength to pay covered claims and help customers recover when the unexpected happens.

[1] Source: Verisk, 360Value® Quarterly Reconstruction Cost Analysis: Q3 2026 (U.S.).

[2] Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Oklahoma State Summary, 1980–2024.

About State Farm data: State Farm data cited in this article is based on internal underwriting, actuarial and financial reporting for the periods indicated. Catastrophe wind and hail loss and frequency comparisons reflect State Farm’s Non-Tenant Homeowners experience in Oklahoma relative to State Farm’s nationwide experience. Premium, claims and expense figures reflect State Farm’s Non-Tenant Homeowners business in Oklahoma through July 2026 unless otherwise noted.

By Sarah Mineau, Senior Vice President, Financial Services

There are plenty of reasons people put off life insurance, and not all of them are financial.

For many, the subject itself can be uncomfortable. Thinking about what might happen to our families if we were no longer there isn't easy. It's a conversation we would understandably rather put off, especially when we're focused on building a life, caring for the people we love and planning for the future.

But protecting that future is part of the reason life insurance deserves a place in the conversation.

There are also practical considerations. Managing individual or family finances means balancing today's expenses with tomorrow's goals. Housing, education, savings and unexpected costs can all compete for the same dollars. When so many financial priorities demand attention, it's understandable that life insurance might slip down the list.

Yet behind those everyday priorities is something much more personal: the people who depend on us, the lives we're building and the future we want to help protect.

In my role leading Financial Services at State Farm®, I see an important challenge: Recognizing the value of life insurance and taking action to protect the people who depend on you are two different things.

So, what's keeping people from taking that next step, and how can we help make it easier?

 

Moving Past the Reasons We Wait

We recently marked Life Insurance Awareness Month, an annual opportunity each September for our industry to highlight the role life insurance can play in helping people protect their financial future and that of their loved ones.

But the questions it raises extend well beyond a single month. And research suggests that understanding life insurance and having adequate financial protection don't always go hand in hand.

According to the 2026 Insurance Barometer Study from LIMRA and Life Happens, nearly a third of consumers are only somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about life insurance. At the same time, the uninsured and under-insured need gap amounts to 38% of American adults – roughly 98 million people – report needing life insurance or additional coverage.

The research also reveals some of the barriers that can keep people from getting covered. Half of uninsured Gen X respondents cited cost as a concern, while 39% of uninsured millennials pointed to competing financial priorities.

And perceptions about affordability don't always match reality. LIMRA's research found that 40% of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance, while only 4% of consumers ages 30 and younger correctly estimate the cost of a basic policy.

For perspective, one 2026 industry analysis found that a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy averaged approximately $47 to $59 per month for 40-year-old nonsmokers in average health. Actual premiums vary based on individual circumstances and coverage options.

Together, these findings illustrate that the challenge isn't simply a lack of awareness. Consumers may recognize the importance of financial protection but still face uncertainty about coverage, misconceptions about affordability or competing priorities that make it difficult to act.

 

Start With Who and What You Want to Protect

Luckily, you don’t need to have all the answers before you start. Begin with more reflective questions:

• Who or what depends on me, and how would they be financially affected if I weren’t here?
   
• What have I already built that I want to protect? And what could disrupt those plans?

Those are personal decisions, and they deserve thoughtful conversations with your loved ones.

Then you can begin exploring:

• How much life insurance do I need?  There isn’t one number that’s right for everyone. Think about who depends on you financially, the obligations you have today, and what you would still want to make possible for the people who matter to you.
   
• How much will it cost?  Rather than assuming life insurance won’t fit your budget, understand the options available to you. Cost depends on your individual circumstances and the coverage you choose.
   
• What type of life insurance should I consider?  Term life insurance generally provides coverage for a defined period, while permanent life insurance, including whole and universal life insurance, is designed to provide lifelong protection and may offer additional features. The right option depends on your individual needs, financial goals and circumstances.

Those questions can help turn an abstract conversation about life insurance into a much more purposeful one about what – and who – you are trying to protect.

 

The Right Guidance Can Make Decisions Easier

One of the most important things I want people to understand is that they don't have to navigate these decisions alone.

Life insurance can involve difficult questions, unfamiliar terminology and choices that may have long-term financial implications. But there are resources and people who can help make the process more approachable.

For many, that process begins with online research. Digital resources and social media are helping millions of consumers learn more about their individual coverage options, comparing information and getting a better sense of what questions to ask.

And when you're ready to take the next step, your State Farm agent can help put that information into perspective, talk through your financial responsibilities and explore coverage options that may fit your needs.

That combination of digital tools and human connection is important to how I think about the future of financial services. People should have the flexibility to explore information in the way that works for them, with access to useful resources, quality products and someone who can help them make sense of their individual circumstances.

There's another consideration that matters with life insurance: the company behind the policy.

Because life insurance can represent a promise that extends decades into the future, financial strength matters, too.

Choosing coverage that fits your needs is important, but so is having confidence in the company you’re trusting to stand behind that promise for years to come. Life can change significantly over the course of a policy, and the protection you put in place today may be called upon many years from now.

For me, that’s part of thinking about life insurance as more than a product. It’s a long-term commitment to the people you’re working to protect.

 

Life Insurance Isn't a One-Time Conversation

Life insurance isn't simply a decision made when a policy is purchased. It's a financial commitment that may span decades, during which families, responsibilities and financial goals can change.

Recent research reinforces the value of staying connected. The 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study found substantially higher levels of trust among customers who engaged with their insurance providers through a combination of personal and digital interactions compared with those who had no interaction at all.

More importantly, the conversation shouldn't end once a policy is in place. As life changes, it's worth revisiting your coverage, asking questions and making sure your financial protection continues to reflect the people and priorities that matter most.

Whether you're exploring life insurance for the first time or reviewing coverage you already have, connect with a State Farm agent to talk through your needs and take the next step toward helping protect what matters most.

 

Life insurance issued by State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) 
State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 
Bloomington, IL

Sarah Mineau has senior leadership responsibility for the company’s financial services lines of business. Since joining State Farm in 2005, Sarah has also held leadership roles across insurance, investments, marketing, operations, and human resources.

State Farm® and the MIT AgeLab are exploring those questions through a research initiative examining driver attention, distraction, and the behaviors that influence decision-making behind the wheel. Researchers have coined the term “drivefulness” to describe a state in which a driver is safe, aware, appropriately engaged, and ready to respond to the road, while being supported in having the best possible driving experience for them.

The study brings together State Farm’s decades of experience understanding crash risk, driver behavior, and the real-world consequences of distraction with MIT AWARE initiative’s multidisciplinary research expertise in transportation safety, human factors, behavioral science, and how people interact with technology.

Distracted driving carries significant human and economic consequences. According to U.S. Department of Transportation research, distraction was involved in 29% of motor vehicle crashes studied, contributing to more than 10,000 deaths, 1.3 million injuries, and an estimated $98.2 billion in economic costs.

Understanding the relationship among driver attention, distraction, and behaviors could help inform how automakers, organizations, regulators, and insurers approach roadway safety, risk prevention, and the design of future driving experiences.

"Distracted driving is not simply about whether a driver knows what is safe or unsafe. It reflects a much more complex interaction between the driver’s state, the demands of the driving environment, and the technologies that compete for or support their attention,” said Dr. Pnina Gershon of the MIT AgeLab. “With this research, we are looking beyond individual moments of distraction to understand what drivers need to be prepared, attentive, and appropriately engaged during the driving task. That allows us to think differently about safety and about how technology, information, and interventions can support drivers before, during, and after the drive.”

Dr. Gershon is the director of the MIT AWARE initiative and a co-director of the MIT Advanced Vehicle Technology Consortium. With more than two decades of research experience, she leads work at the intersection of driving safety, human behavior, health, and human-centered AI. Her research uses sensing, real-world data, and behavioral analytics to understand human states and to develop technologies and interventions that support safer, more effective interactions between people and increasingly automated systems.

Understanding the behavior behind the risk

Drivers may know distraction is dangerous, but State Farm research shows that knowledge doesn't always change what happens behind the wheel. Sixty-eight percent of drivers admit to engaging in distracting behaviors while driving, and 44% say they have crashed or experienced a near-crash while doing so.

Perception may be part of the challenge. Sixty-two percent of drivers believe taking their eyes off the road for two or more seconds is safe, even though a two-second glance away doubles crash risk.

“Technology is changing the driving experience, creating new opportunities to better understand and support drivers,” said Jeff Legner, technology executive at State Farm. “The more we learn about how people interact with technology behind the wheel, the better positioned we are to anticipate evolving risks, improve driver experiences and explore new approaches to accident prevention. This research can help turn those insights into meaningful ways to support drivers before, during and after every drive.”

Combining real-world risk with behavioral science

State Farm has worked to address distracted driving from multiple angles, including advocating for stronger hands-free laws, supporting cross-industry safety research and advancing technology that can help drivers better understand their behavior. That work includes telematics-based tools for customers and collaboration with companies such as Cambridge Mobile Telematics to explore how technology and data can help reduce roadway risk. The MIT AgeLab brings deep expertise in understanding the human side of a rapidly changing driving environment.

The collaboration builds on an established research relationship between State Farm and MIT, including State Farm's participation in the MIT Advanced Vehicle Technology Consortium, which studies how drivers interact with increasingly automated and technology-enabled vehicles.

First findings expected in October

The first phase of the research is focused on establishing a deeper understanding of how people perceive and manage attention behind the wheel.

Findings from the first phase of the drivefulness study are expected later in October 2026, providing an early look at what the research is uncovering about driver attention, distraction and behavior through consumer survey findings.

The findings will help inform the next phase of drivefulness research, beginning in January 2027, on how people, technology and the driving environment can work together to support safer driving.

As of Oct. 19, State Farm has received over 9,000 total claims across the states that have been impacted by Isaias, and we anticipate many more as people have the opportunity to return to their homes and survey the damage. The states with the highest claim counts are Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

How to file a claim

Customers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to help. State Farm customers can submit and manage a claim through the channel that works best for them:

• Call or email your State Farm agent
• Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM
• File in the State Farm mobile app
• File online at statefarm.com/claims
• Text “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim

What to expect after filing a claim

After a claim has been submitted, a claim handler will contact the customer to discuss the extent of damage, review what is covered under their policy, and discuss inspection timing if needed.

• To best assist customers during this time, we may involve various members of our claim handling team to help with a claim. This helps us provide quality and efficient claim service no matter how many claims we receive.
• If customers have questions at any time during the claim process, they should not hesitate to ask their claim handler. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Making temporary repairs to damaged property

When it is safe to do so, customers with repairable or limited property damage should make reasonable temporary repairs to help prevent additional damage. Depending on the customer’s coverage, the cost of these temporary repairs may be reimbursed. Customers should save receipts for tarps, plywood and any other materials purchased to protect or temporarily repair damaged property.

Tips to help protect customers from fraud and scams

We encourage anyone seeking storm-damage repairs to learn how to recognize and avoid scams and deceptive contractor practices. Additional information is available in Help Protect Yourself From Contractor Fraud on statefarm.com.

The swish tells a player the shot was good. For kids gathering for a pickup game at recess or meeting friends at a neighborhood court, the sound is a small part of what makes the game feel complete.

And those courts can mean much more than a game. They’re places to meet up with friends, learn to play and pick up a few lessons along the way about teamwork, competition and being part of something.

But when a hoop is missing its net, something familiar is missing: that unmistakable swish.

In neighborhoods throughout Peoria, Arizona, in suburban Phoenix, State Farm® agent Justin Gemoll is helping bring that sound back.

This October, more than 220 State Farm Red Nets™ are being delivered to 23 elementary schools and nearby parks, giving local students more places to play and more chances to hear that satisfying swish.

For Gemoll, the effort is about much more than basketball nets.

“Sports have been a huge part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how they can bring people together, build confidence and create relationships that last well beyond the field or court,” said Gemoll. “That’s what I love about Red Nets. Something as simple as putting a net on a basketball hoop can help create a place where kids want to play, families can gather and a community can connect.”

Bringing Back the Swish

Gemoll’s connection to sports stretches back decades.

Before becoming a State Farm agent, he spent seven seasons playing professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization and more than a decade coaching in the organization. He was a minor league coach in the Royals system during its 2015 World Series championship season and later joined the Grand Canyon University baseball coaching staff.

Those experiences showed him what can happen when people have a place to play, compete and connect.

His State Farm office has also developed strong relationships throughout Peoria, including partnerships with the Peoria Police Department on community events such as the annual Shop with a Cop program and the inaugural Unified Citizens Academy supporting Special Olympics.

When the opportunity arose to expand State Farm Red Nets locally, those relationships helped Gemoll and his team connect with School Resource Officers, who understood where new nets could have an impact.

Together, they identified 23 elementary schools and nearby parks in the Peoria Unified School District. Deliveries of more than 220 Red Nets began in late September and continued into early October.

“I’m grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another, on and off the court,” said Gemoll. “Red Nets is a reminder that even a small improvement can create another reason for kids to get outside, play together and feel connected to their community.”

The Good Neighbor Spirit in Action

Earlier this year, State Farm installed four Red Nets at parks across Glendale, Arizona. After seeing the program in action, city leaders identified additional courts that could benefit from new nets. The newly renovated Bonsall Park North became the first stop in a broader citywide installation.

Gemoll joined State Farm representatives, local leaders and families in late September at Bonsall Park North in Glendale where the sound of basketballs hitting the court and dropping through newly installed nets helped mark the next chapter of the program.

“At State Farm, being a Good Neighbor means showing up in ways that matter to the communities we serve,” said Sonya Robinson, Area Vice President. “Justin saw an opportunity to bring Red Nets to even more local kids and helped turn a national initiative into something meaningful right here in the Valley.”

It was a simple scene: a basketball, a hoop and a net. But soon, those courts will be filled with kids meeting up with friends, taking their shots and hearing the swish that makes the game feel complete.

That’s what State Farm Red Nets is ultimately about – supporting the places where people come together, learn to play and, for some, first fall in love with the game.

By Arthur Parks, Director, Underwriting, State Farm® & Board Chair, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

A series of devastating earthquakes this summer – including a powerful 7.2 magnitude event in Venezuela and significant tremors in California, Colombia, Japan and the Philippines – have put seismic risk back in the headlines.

While these events were reminders of how quickly earthquakes can cause significant damage to entire communities, one key reminder is: Earthquake risk – and the financial consequences that can follow – may extend much farther than many people realize.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates about 75% of the United States could experience damaging earthquakes. Earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater have occurred in 37 states over the past 200 years – with areas around Memphis, Tenn., Oklahoma City and Charleston, S.C., in particular more at risk than many homeowners realize.

That doesn’t mean every homeowner faces the same level of risk. It does mean geography alone shouldn’t determine whether you think about earthquake preparedness.

For me, earthquake preparedness comes down to two questions: What can you do to reduce the potential for damage – and how prepared are you financially if significant damage still occurs?

Financial Preparedness Is Part of Earthquake Preparedness

For many people, earthquake planning naturally means gathering emergency supplies, creating a family plan or securing personal belongings in the home. While those steps matter, financial preparedness is an important part of the equation too.

One of the first questions homeowners and renters should ask is what their existing insurance does – and does not – cover.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to earthquake insurance. The decision can depend on factors such as where you live, your home’s earthquake risk and construction, and your financial ability to recover from a major loss. Understanding what your current policies cover – and where you may have gaps – is an important first step.

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by earthquakes. Depending on where you live, earthquake protection may require separate earthquake insurance or an endorsement.

That doesn’t mean earthquake coverage is the right answer for every person or household. The important takeaway is to understand your individual risk, consider the potential financial impact and make an informed decision before an earthquake occurs.

An annual insurance review can be a good opportunity to discuss those risks, understand your coverage and explore available options with your agent.

Understand Your Potential Recovery & Rebuilding Costs

Knowing whether you have earthquake coverage is only part of the equation. It’s also essential to understand how your deductible works and what you could be responsible for paying after a loss.

Unlike some homeowners insurance deductibles that may be a flat dollar amount, earthquake deductibles are commonly calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value.

For example, a 10% deductible on a home insured for $500,000 would equal $50,000 – a potentially significant out-of-pocket expense.

So rather than asking only, “Do I have earthquake insurance?”, I encourage homeowners to ask: “If I have a major earthquake loss, what would recovery actually require from me financially?”

Deductible options and how they apply vary, so talk with your insurance agent to understand your potential out-of-pocket responsibility before choosing coverage.

Also consider: Federal or state assistance may be available following a major earthquake, but that assistance may may come in the form of limited grants or other aid and typically isn't enough to fully rebuild your home or replace everything you've lost.

Pair Financial Safety with Home Resilience to Reduce Damage

Insurance can help finance recovery. Home resilience can help reduce the damage you need to recover from in the first place.

That’s why I think the strongest preparedness plans consider both.

Securing heavy furniture and appliances, safely storing breakable items, creating an emergency plan, and considering whether your home could benefit from a seismic retrofit all can help reduce the potential for damage and injury.

If you own an older home, particularly one built before 1980, it may be more vulnerable because it was constructed before modern seismic building codes were widely adopted. While no retrofit can guarantee your home will be undamaged during a major earthquake, strengthening it can improve its ability to withstand seismic shaking and may increase the likelihood that you and your family can safely remain there afterward.

Through State Farm's longstanding partnership with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), we're helping homeowners better understand how they can strengthen their homes and prepare for natural disasters. As Board Chair of FLASH, I encourage you to explore Earthquake Strong for information on earthquake safety and home resilience.

You can also find guidance on what to do before, during and after an earthquake in the Simple Insights® How to Prepare for an Earthquake resource guide.

Technology can also play a role. I encourage homeowners in California, Oregon and Washington to download the MyShake® earthquake early warning app. Even a few seconds of advance warning can provide valuable time to protect yourself and put your emergency plan into action.

Think Beyond the Fault Lines

No one can predict when the next earthquake will occur.

But homeowners can understand the risks where they live, know what their insurance covers and look for practical ways to make your home and family more resilient.

Making informed decisions today can help protect what matters most and put you in a better position to navigate recovery if an earthquake does occur.
 

By Marcus Rohlfs, Director of Scouting and Trends, State Farm Ventures

What can conversations with thousands of startups tell you about the future of insurance?

Every year, State Farm Ventures® builds relationships with founders and companies in the startup ecosystem. We're looking for new and emerging technologies that could benefit our customers and where those technologies might be applicable within our business.

A lot of it is connecting dots.

What’s happening in the world of technology? What problems are companies trying to solve? Is someone taking a unique approach to a problem we recognize to help insurance customers?

The signals we get from the startup ecosystem inform our work, and one thing we’ve learned is that sometimes the interesting part isn't necessarily the technology everyone is talking about. It's what people are trying to do with it.

That matters in insurance because technology alone isn’t the answer. What matters is how we use it to make things better for people. The opportunity is to bring new digital capabilities together with human expertise, judgment and experience that help us deliver on our promises to customers.

Finding New Ways to Solve Familiar Problems

We're engaging with startups throughout the year, constantly looking for new technologies, new approaches and potential connections to our business. The Startup Pitch Competition is one way we bring that broader scouting work to life. On Sept. 30, we wrapped the fifth annual competition at InsureTech Connect.

This year, we had nearly 100 qualified applicants and we selected 10 finalists to pitch on the main stage. Part of what's interesting about those companies is the diversity of solutions for insurance.

We're also seeing a massive influx of AI-first companies.

But look underneath all that technology and you'll find creative new ways to tackle traditional industry pain points.

That's what we're often looking for in scouting across the startup ecosystem: a novel solution, the right founders taking a unique approach to a business need and a place where an outside technology might match an insurance need.

Making New Technology Work in the Real World

Something the technology industry sometimes underestimates about insurance is that integration is hard.

Our industry has decades-old systems, tools and processes. Some weren't built for or prepared for the kinds of modern solutions we're seeing today.

Now compare that with a startup that's native to a cloud environment.

Startups can move quickly. The longer I've done this work, the more respect I've gained for startups and their founders.

Great founders can hyperfocus on a business problem, apply emerging technology, test rapidly and continuously gather customer and consumer feedback. There's a sheer hunger to win. But they can also underestimate the integration challenges, complexity and scale that come with insurance.

When founders have enough of a deep understanding of the business to speak the same language, it makes a tremendous difference. They can help us understand how their technology could benefit our customers.

Those who can bring the old and new together will be the startups that succeed in insurance.

Preserving What We Already Know

You almost can't talk about what's next in technology without AI being in the mix these days.

We’re also watching enterprise knowledge management.

Our industry has an inordinate number of people with years of experience who understand the systems, the processes and all the knowledge that isn't necessarily written down.

When that person retires, what happens to everything they know?

We're starting to see technologies that could help make that knowledge more portable and usable. Could we better capture not just information, but also the context around how things actually work?

To me, that's a great example of how our employees can benefit from stronger digital tools. The goal isn't to replace what people know. It's to use technology to help preserve that expertise, make it more accessible and put it to work in new ways.

As we migrate into new technology, we have to know where we are now to get to where we're going. I think enterprise knowledge management is understated in our industry for that reason.

Looking Ahead to What's Next

Software-defined vehicles are another area State Farm is watching. Put simply, a software-defined vehicle is a car where software controls more of what the vehicle can do, and those capabilities can be changed or added through software updates after the car leaves the factory.

We're reaching a point where this technology is starting to make up a larger share of the vehicle fleet. An overnight software update can add horsepower or new capabilities to a car that's already sitting in someone's driveway. That creates an interesting question for insurers: What happens when a vehicle can have a different risk profile in the morning than it did when you went to sleep?

Severe weather is another area of observation, too. We're seeing the startup ecosystem take a major look at resilient building, prediction and other ways to better understand and address extreme-weather risk.

Those are very different technologies and very different challenges. That's part of scouting. We look broadly at what's happening outside our industry and try to understand where those capabilities could match a need inside it.

That's what I mean when I say our startup ecosystem is our superpower

We're trying to shorten the distance between what the customer needs and what State Farm can offer or adopt capability-wise.

Sometimes an external solution can help us serve customers better. Our job is to keep looking for the right fit.

For more information about State Farm Ventures®, visit Ventures Office - State Farm®.

State Farm currently has approximately 30,000 Claims employees across the country. The planned workforce growth represents a significant investment in additional capacity as State Farm continues to grow and serve more customers.

Today, as the largest insurer of homes and autos, State Farm handles nearly 11 million claims each year - an average of more than 30,000 per day.

“The people who work in Claims at State Farm are on the front lines of delivering the promise we make to our customers,” said Executive Vice President Chris Schell. “When someone experiences an accident, storm, or other unexpected loss, they need knowledgeable people - supported by leading technology - who are ready to help. We’re investing in our Claims team so we can continue delivering the service our customers expect while giving our employees greater capacity to learn, develop, and build their careers.”

The additional capacity reflects the continued growth of State Farm and the evolving complexity of the claims environment. New vehicles and technology, changing repair methods, and increasingly significant severe weather events continue to change the skills and capabilities required of claims professionals. As customer needs evolve, State Farm’s Human + Digital approach will continue pairing better tools and technology with the judgment, experience, and human connection of its people.

“We have talented people who care deeply about helping customers,” said Executive Vice President Chris Schell. “We continue to invest in our people to ensure they have the capacity, tools, and opportunities they need to do their best work today and into the future.”

Hiring is already underway. State Farm plans to hire approximately 5,500 people into Claims throughout 2027 as it evaluates staffing alongside attrition, customer demand, and growth - ultimately increasing the size of its Claims workforce by approximately 10%, or about 3,000 employees.

Individuals interested in Claims opportunities can learn more and explore available positions through the State Farm careers website.

By Nicole Forziati, P&C Underwriting Executive

Helping people and strengthening communities has been at the heart of State Farm® for decades.

State Farm embraces Good Neighbor Day, a national observance established by a proclamation from President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Good Neighbor Day encourages people to perform acts of kindness, promote goodwill and strengthen connections in their communities.

State Farm expands that spirit of service beyond a single day by recognizing September as Good Neighbor Month – a time when the State Farm family comes together to volunteer, support local organizations and reinforce the company’s commitment to help build safer, stronger communities. 

This year, State Farm will once again mobilize thousands of volunteers in Phoenix, Atlanta and Bloomington, Illinois, to help provide greater access to nutritious food for local communities. In Phoenix, associates will pack 150,000 meals on Sept. 23. On Sept. 26, 1 million meals will be packed during events in Atlanta and Bloomington.
 

Good Neighbor Month 2025

Those efforts continue the momentum of Good Neighbor Month in 2025, when State Farm employees, agents and volunteers came together through a series of Million Meal Pack events in Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Illinois. Together, participants packed 2.3 million meals to help individuals and families in those communities.

It was heartwarming for me personally to see State Farm associates come together at our offices in the Arizona region. We stepped away from our day-to-day work, rolled up our sleeves and worked side by side to help. It’s a powerful reminder of what being a Good Neighbor can look like – people coming together, caring for one another and using their time and talents to make a difference.

In addition to the meal-packing events, State Farm organized approximately 300 volunteer events nationwide, giving 3,500 employees and agents opportunities to participate in meaningful community service. The State Farm Good Neighbor Walk/Run also generated a $100,000 grant for Feeding America, extending the reach of the company’s efforts to help address hunger across the country.

Community service continues throughout the year

Being a Good Neighbor isn’t just about meeting the needs in front of us today. As an insurer, our role goes beyond helping people recover after something happens – it includes helping customers and communities better prepare for risk.

While September provides a dedicated opportunity to volunteer together, the State Farm Good Neighbor commitment extends well beyond that. Employees, agents and community partners demonstrate the Good Neighbor spirit throughout the year:

• Peanut Butter Drive. Each April, State Farm associates collect thousands of pounds of peanut butter to help strengthen food security for families and local communities.
• Building Safer and Stronger Homes. State Farm continues its partnership of more than 30 years with Habitat for Humanity. Through this collaboration, State Farm has helped families pursue the dream of homeownership. State Farm also supports the Habitat Strong program, which promotes construction practices that can help homes better withstand severe weather and other potential hazards.
• Disaster Preparedness and Recovery. State Farm has teamed up with safety and disaster-response organizations, including the American Red Cross, to help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies. Our work with the American Red Cross spans more than three decades and State Farm has been a Red Cross Mission Leader since 2024, contributing more than $3 million annually to disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. These efforts include support for free smoke alarm installations, blood drives, disaster-prevention programs, recovery initiatives that help deliver meals, shelter and other essential resources when communities need them most.
• Back-2-School Drive. This annual drive gives State Farm employees an opportunity to provide school supplies and other essential resources, helping students have the tools they need to succeed from the first day of class.
• Nonprofit Giving. State Farm employees support causes that are meaningful to them through the State Farm Matching Gift and Good Neighbor Grant programs. These programs empower State Farm associates to increase their impact through charitable giving and volunteering with nonprofit organizations in communities across the country.

State Farm agents continue to play an important role in bringing the Good Neighbor spirit to the communities they serve. For example, in North Carolina, State Farm agent Jessie Summers started a community movement collecting food and monetary donations to help families in the Gibsonville area after receiving a note from a student.
 

Building stronger communities before and after disasters

State Farm associates care deeply about what happens beyond the walls of the company.

Just as State Farm works to protect customers and the people and things that matter most to them, the company also recognizes a shared responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.

Being a Good Neighbor is more than a theme for one day or one month. It reflects the State Farm culture, a year-round commitment to service and an enduring part of the identity of State Farm.

By Sara Freitag, Vice President, Agency

Through July, State Farm customers in Illinois filed more home and auto catastrophe claims than customers in any other state, putting Illinois on pace for its highest catastrophe claim volume in a decade.

For me, those numbers are personal. Illinois has always been home. I grew up here, went to Illinois State University and spent several years serving customers as a State Farm agent in Springfield. My husband is also a State Farm agent, and today I work with agents serving customers and communities across the state.

I've seen plenty of Illinois severe weather over the years. But earlier this year, I saw storm damage in Kankakee¹ unlike anything I'd seen before.

Seeing the destruction firsthand was a powerful reminder that behind the claims numbers are families and communities dealing with damaged homes, damaged vehicles, and disrupted lives.

And Kankakee is only one part of the story.

More than 200 tornadoes have been confirmed in Illinois through August 2026, marking the third consecutive year with more than 120 in the state. During that same period, State Farm customers in Illinois filed more than 96,000 weather-related home and auto catastrophe claims.

As of July, State Farm had paid more than $799 million in Illinois for storm-related losses. For additional perspective, in all of 2025, State Farm paid $457 million in Illinois hail claims, the third-highest total in the country.

Building stronger before the next storm

Numbers can help show the scale of severe weather. But what I saw in Kankakee illustrates why, in addition to helping customers recover after a storm, we’re also working to find ways to reduce the damage future storms may cause.

At our Technology Research and Innovation Lab (TRAIL) in Bloomington, State Farm researchers study hail, wind, and other threats to better understand how materials, construction practices and mitigation can help protect homes and communities.

We also work with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to advance research-backed approaches to stronger construction. Programs like FORTIFIED demonstrate how homes can be built or retrofitted beyond standard construction practices to better withstand severe weather.

That research has practical applications for homeowners. Roofing material choice is one example. When building, remodeling or replacing a roof, qualifying impact-resistant roofing materials can help reduce hail damage. State Farm also offers premium discounts in many states to eligible homeowners with qualifying impact-resistant roofing products. Research like this helps turn what we learn about severe weather into practical ways to make homes and communities more resilient.

Recovery and resilience go together

I’ve seen how much customers depend on State Farm agents in the days after severe weather. That support extends to claims teams working to help customers recover.

Through August, State Farm has opened seven Customer Care Sites across six Illinois communities, giving customers another place to connect with us as they take the next steps in their recovery.

Helping customers recover from the unexpected is at the heart of our promise. Each severe weather event also gives us an opportunity to learn more about the challenges customers and communities face – and how we can help them become more resilient.

We can’t prevent severe weather. But we can continue learning from it, helping people prepare for it and finding ways to help make our homes and communities stronger.

For Illinois families, that preparation can make a meaningful difference when the next storm comes.

[1] Source: https://www.weather.gov/lot/2026_03_10_Severe_Weather

Rooted in the reality that football brings together rivals, families and communities in a way nothing else can, the campaign spotlights that every fan’s game is personal – their teams, their traditions, and their stakes. State Farm understands that it’s personal, too.

This season’s creative includes signature personalities and world class champions Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid along with Indiana University head football coach and national champion Curt Cignetti, Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, last season’s breakout phenom Cam Skattebo, and of course Jake from State Farm.

“In this year’s football creative, you’ll see personalization come to life, whether it’s Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid or Fernando Mendoza and Cam Skattebo or Curt Cignetti,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer at State Farm. “That personal approach has been part of State Farm for more than 100 years, through agents who know the people and communities they serve. We want our creative to meet that same standard — combining world-class talent with the things that make State Farm unique to tell our story. We pair human connection with technology that makes things simpler, offering a personalized experience based on what matters to each customer.”

Through humor, dynamic storytelling and high-impact, emotion-invoking visuals, each commercial demonstrates how State Farm gets to know its customers, from their daily routines, favorite restaurants and teams they cheer for; to help ensure their coverage is as personal as the lives they live.

The State Farm difference

At the heart of the campaign is what truly sets State Farm apart: Its focus on customers and delivering coverage options that are personalized based on customer needs. With more than 19,000 independent contractor agents living and working in communities across the nation, State Farm pairs helpful, local relationships with powerful digital tools, offering customers flexibility in how they’d like to be helped.

The campaign will launch across broadcast platforms beginning in early September, along with an integrated approach across streaming, digital, audio, social and influencer channels.

For more information on the Personal Price Plan click here.

By Wayne Cimons, Associate General Counsel, Federal Affairs

For two decades, State Farm® has tracked animal-vehicle collisions to better understand where and when drivers across the country face the greatest risk. But understanding the problem matters most when it helps point toward ways to prevent it.

A safer way forward

Wildlife road crossings are one promising solution. They are overpasses, underpasses and other roadway structures that give animals a safer way to cross busy roads, helping reduce collisions with vehicles. Often paired with fencing that guides animals toward the crossing, they can help keep wildlife out of traffic while connecting habitats separated by roads and highways.

Real-world projects are already showing encouraging results. Along Colorado Highway 9 near Kremmling, a system of wildlife overpasses, underpasses and fencing resulted in a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions during early monitoring.

It's an example of what thoughtfully designed infrastructure can accomplish. For drivers, the potential benefits are straightforward: fewer crashes, safer roads and less risk of injury and vehicle damage. Wildlife benefits, too, by gaining safer routes across highways that intersect their habitats.

A road-safety investment worth continuing

In 2021, Congress established the federal Wildlife Crossing Program to help states and communities build projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

State Farm supports federal funding of these initiatives, including enactment of the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 to help continue and expand the program.

Twenty Years of Animal Collision Information

State Farm has spent two decades using claims experience, data and the expertise of our people to help drivers understand animal collision risks. The next opportunity is using what we've learned to reduce it.

State Farm estimates there were more than 1.6 million insurance claims related to animal-vehicle collisions in the United States between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. And the consequences can be far more serious than vehicle damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 210 people died in animal-involved motor vehicle crashes in 2024.

One thing we've learned through our twenty years of research is that animal collisions aren't as random as they may seem. They happen more often in certain places and at certain times of year, especially during the fall when deer are more active.

Understanding those patterns can help drivers know when to be more alert. It can also help identify places where prevention could make a difference.

The bottom line

Every collision avoided can mean a driver who gets home safely, a family that avoids an unexpected repair bill and an animal that safely reaches the other side of the road.

Twenty years of research have helped State Farm better understand the risk. The opportunity for the next 20 is to use that knowledge to help prevent crashes before they happen.

Safer passages for wildlife can mean safer roads for all of us.

One thing we've learned is that animal collisions aren't as unpredictable as they may seem. They happen more often in certain places and at certain times of year, especially in the fall when deer are more active.

By combining insights from claims data with the experience of our people, we can help drivers know when and where to be more alert and help inform solutions that could prevent collisions in the first place.

It's about putting 20 years of experience and insight to work for what matters most: fewer crashes and safer trips home.
 

What the latest data shows

Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, State Farm estimates there were more than 1.6 million animal- vehicle collision claims across the United States. State Farm paid $1.9 billion in animal- vehicle collision claim costs during the study period.

There is some encouraging news: the national likelihood of an animal collision improved from 1 in 139 last year to 1 in 145 this year. But the number and cost of these collisions show they remain a significant roadway risk.

West Virginia continues to have the highest likelihood of an animal collision, with odds of 1 in 46, and has held the top spot for more than a decade. Montana ranks second at 1 in 54, followed by Wisconsin (1 in 62), Pennsylvania (1 in 64), and Michigan (1 in 68).

While West Virginia has the highest likelihood, Pennsylvania had the highest number of estimated industry claims, at approximately 141,000.
 

More than vehicle damage

Animal-vehicle collisions can have serious consequences for motorists, passengers, and wildlife. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 210 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving collisions with animals in 2024.

State Farm's research initially focused on deer collisions but has expanded over time to provide a broader picture of collisions involving wild and domestic animals. Deer remain by far the most frequently struck animal, but claims also involve rodents*, dogs, raccoons, cattle, coyotes, cats, turkeys, hogs, and bears.

If you have a collision

First, move your vehicle to a safe location when possible and turn on your hazard lights. Call police if the animal is blocking traffic or creating a hazard, and don't approach an injured or frightened animal.

When it's safe, document the scene and vehicle damage. Before driving away, check for leaking fluids, damaged tires, broken lights, or other hazards. Contact your insurance company to report the collision. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from collisions with animals, subject to the policy terms and deductible.
 

Putting 20 years of insight to work

After 20 years of tracking animal collisions, State Farm has learned that understanding when and where crashes happen can help drivers prepare—and help inform ways to prevent them.

Looking ahead, better infrastructure, wildlife crossings, vehicle technology, driver awareness and data-informed decisions can all play a role in reducing risk.

The goal for the next 20 years is clear: fewer collisions, fewer injuries, and safer roads for drivers and wildlife.

*Rodents are not only involved in collisions but included in claims data as an animal-related loss for damage they cause to vehicles, like chewing wires.

By Allison Bertsche, Corporate Responsibility Director

Whether we're driving, walking or biking, roadway safety depends on the choices each of us makes every day.

Our State Farm research on pedestrian safety reveals that whether we're behind the wheel or on foot, staying focused is something we all have a role in¹.

A recent survey found that:

• 66% of pedestrians often see distracted drivers.
   
• 64% often see distracted pedestrians.

These concerns affect neighborhoods across the country, from large cities to mid-sized communities and small towns alike.

When we asked people what would help prevent crashes and near-crashes, they didn't point to one solution. According to the survey, people believe drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all can help reduce crashes by:

• Slowing down
   
• Staying alert
   
• Putting phones away
   
• Respecting crosswalks

Also cited as ways to help reduce crashes:

• Improving roadway design
   
• Embracing technology that helps prevent crashes

The latest pedestrian safety report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) offers encouraging news. Pedestrian fatalities declined in 2025 by the largest amount since GHSA began tracking them 15 years ago.

While that progress is worth celebrating, 6,732 pedestrians still lost their lives on U.S. roads in 2025. The data is an important reminder that creating safer roads remains a shared responsibility.

The Biggest Risks Often Look Ordinary

When many people hear "distracted driving," they immediately think about texting. In reality, distraction can come from everyday habits, whether it's adjusting the GPS, changing the music or responding to someone in the back seat.

Each of those moments may feel insignificant, but every time our attention leaves the road, the risk increases for everyone around us, including pedestrians, bicyclists and fellow drivers.

Years ago, one of my daughter’s friends was involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Thankfully, she wasn't seriously injured, but the experience reminded me how quickly one distracted moment can change someone's life.

As both a parent and someone who has spent years working alongside safety organizations, that moment stays with me.

Every decision we make behind the wheel has the potential to protect not only ourselves, but also the people who share our roads and our communities.

Safer Roads Take All of Us

I've come to believe that safer roads are built the same way stronger communities are built – one person, one family and one partnership at a time.

That same belief continues to shape how State Farm invests in communities. In 2025 alone, we donated nearly $50 million to support communities across the United States, including organizations and initiatives focused on auto safety. Whether we're supporting research, educating new drivers or helping families keep children safe in their vehicles, those investments reflect our long-standing commitment to helping prevent crashes.

Since the early 1990s, State Farm has also sponsored the Lifesavers Conference, bringing together highway safety professionals from across the country to share research, innovation and proven strategies for reducing crashes and saving lives.

Our partnership with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), which began in 1985, continues to help young drivers develop safer habits through education focused on distraction and other risky driving behaviors.

Each of these efforts reflects the same philosophy: meaningful change happens when organizations, communities and individuals work together to help people make safer choices before a crash ever happens.

Looking Ahead

As a longtime associate member of GHSA, State Farm is proud to support state and territorial highway safety offices and the organizations working every day to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, set new drivers up for a safe driving experience and improve roadway safety for all. Our shared commitment has allowed us to combine research, share insights and help communities better understand the risks on our roads.

We're learning more than ever about what prevents crashes. Communities are redesigning intersections, automakers are adding advanced safety technology, researchers continue identifying risky behaviors, and families are having more conversations about safe driving. The opportunity now is to make sure our everyday habits evolve just as quickly.

Every safe trip begins with the decisions we make on the road – choosing to stay focused, slow down and look out for one another. When enough of us make those choices, they can add up to meaningful change.

For more than a century, State Farm has been proud to work alongside customers, community organizations and safety partners to support that shared effort. As our roads, vehicles and technology continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same: helping more people arrive safely.

Learn more about safe driving tips and find auto safety resources at statefarm.com/safedriving.

From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat™, State Farm® is committed to being a good neighbor by focusing on your family's safety on the road. Our relationships, programs, and research help promote child passenger safety, teen driver safety, seat belt use, and distraction-free driving.

[1] State Farm. (2026). Pedestrians & Distraction – A Consumer Survey. Bloomington, IL.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., (July 07, 2026) — Premiering July 31 at 6:00 p.m. ET, Gamerhood Season 5 brings together a stacked lineup of creators across streaming, entertainment and culture, including IShowSpeed, PlaqueBoyMax, Cinna, Marlon, JasonTheWeen, Emiru and Jake from State Farm. After amassing more than 53 million views across its first four seasons, Gamerhood returns with new episodes on the official State Farm Twitch channel, State Farm YouTube channel and across many of the players’ own channels beginning July 31, with new episodes streaming every Friday in August at 6:00 p.m. ET.

This season is packed with the suspense and drama fans expect from top reality TV, elevated by the biggest streamers on the planet.

“Community has always been at the heart of what sets State Farm apart, and it’s what makes Gamerhood unlike any other show. This year, fans will get to share in the success of their favorite streamer as 100,000 subs are gifted to their communities over the course of the season,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “Beyond gifted subs, we created a completely new 2D game for people to play at home for prizes and teamed up with 100 Thieves to design limited edition Gamerhood inspired apparel. Each year we’ve continued building an entire entertainment experience around the show and we’re thrilled to celebrate half a decade of Gamerhood with the fans.”

An unmissable talent lineup

This season, Gamerhood goes full throttle as viral phenom and 2025 Streamer of the Year IShowSpeed makes his highly anticipated debut. With record-breaking livestreams, globe-spanning tours and one of the most electric fanbases on the planet, Speed brings a jolt of raw, unpredictable, can’t-look-away energy to the competition. He's fast, fearless and impossible to script.

“I appreciate State Farm for bringing me out to the Gamerhood. I know the fans will love seeing me game again. The physical challenges were also insane, and I think the people watching at home will feel that too,” said IShowSpeed.

Running it back from season 4 are JasonTheWeen and Cinna, with new faces PlaqueBoyMax, Marlon and Emiru also joining the action. Will Jason be able to clinch back-to-back seasons and bring home the key to the Gamerhood? Will Cinna break her winning streak while competing against her friend and roommate Emiru? Will Marlon and PlaqueBoyMax’s athleticism and unique play styles spur them to victory? All these questions and more will be answered in Season 5.

Jake from State Farm will appear throughout the season, guiding competitors through all the surprises Gamerhood has to offer while presenting “Good Neighbor” awards along the way to competitors who demonstrate good neighbor spirit.

Whether fans come for the creators, the competition or the chaos, Gamerhood Season 5 brings gaming, streaming and reality competition audiences together in a free-to-access-format.

The return of free-for-all gameplay

Gamerhood Season 5 also marks the return of the every-player-for-themselves, free-for-all competition format originally introduced in Season 1. Throughout the season, players will face off in popular video games and IRL physical arena challenges — all vying for a massive prize pool of 100,000 gifted subs.

With no teammates to rely on, every decision matters. Competitors will need to adapt quickly as rivalries, alliances and unexpected moments unfold throughout the competition. One surprise twist, bold move or brutal mistake can shift the entire outcome.

Join the action with Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM

Fans can step into the action beyond the show by visiting StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM, a new game featuring Jake from State Farm.

In the game, players control Jake as he fights his way through escalating waves of enemies that become increasingly more difficult. It’s designed for replay value, as every run builds on the last through a persistent power-up unlock system, allowing players to come back stronger each time they play.

Each week, players can compete for the highest score for a chance to win a custom-designed, State Farm-themed Secretlab TITAN Evo chair. Fans will also have the chance to win Gamerhood Season 5-inspired apparel created in collaboration with premium lifestyle and gaming organization, 100 Thieves.

How to watch

Beginning July 31, catch Gamerhood Season 5 episodes every Friday in August at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Episodes will stream on the official State Farm Twitch channel, State Farm YouTube channel and across many of the competitors’ own streaming channels.

Fans can also visit StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to learn more, play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM and catch up on all seasons of Gamerhood.

By Greg Frankowiak, Vice President, Underwriting

Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Homeowners insurance helps protect that investment so you're better prepared when the unexpected happens.

Home values and housing markets change over time, and so does what it takes to repair or rebuild one after a covered loss. Building materials, local construction costs, and home updates can impact the cost of repairs or rebuilding. Those are factors to consider when selecting a coverage amount that reflects your home’s estimated replacement cost as it exists today, not just when your policy was first written.

Understanding available coverage options and costs will help as you decide on the right coverage. Make sure your coverage still matches your home, your needs, and the life you've built inside it.
 

Why Coverage Can Change Over Time

Q: What should I do if I’ve remodeled my kitchen, replaced my roof or made other upgrades? 
A: Home improvements can affect what it may cost to rebuild, so it’s a good idea to let your State Farm agent know. They can help you review your coverage and see whether it still aligns with your estimated replacement cost. 

Q: Isn’t my home’s market value the same as what it would cost to rebuild? 
A: Not necessarily. Your home's market value and its estimated rebuilding cost aren't the same thing. The cost to rebuild can depend on things like labor, building materials, local building requirements, and the unique features of your home. Your agent can help you understand how those factors relate to your coverage. 

Q: What if I haven’t made any major changes to my home – but I haven’t reviewed my coverage in years? 
A: It’s still a good idea to check in. Labor and material costs can change over time, even when your home hasn't. It's common to set up coverage when you buy your home and not think about it again for a while. A coverage review with your agent can help you determine whether anything needs to change.
 

It’s a Great Time for a Coverage Check

Accurate, up-to-date information can help you have a more informed conversation with your agent about your coverage needs, including potential endorsements and available discounts.

Home improvement and seasonal maintenance projects provide natural opportunities to take stock of what you've invested in your home and make sure your coverage reflects it.
 

Two simple steps can make a meaningful difference:
 

1. Review Your Home's Coverage

   Connect with your State Farm agent to discuss your dwelling coverage and current rebuilding assumptions. You may want to ask:

   • What information should I consider when deciding how much coverage I need?
   • Would an updated estimated replacement cost review be helpful?
   • Are there discounts available for improvements made?
     
      

2. Take Inventory of What Matters Most

   The structure is only part of the story. Your belongings matter, too. Creating or updating a home inventory can help if you ever experience a loss. Consider documenting:

   • Electronics and appliances
   • Furniture and home décor
   • Clothing and seasonal items
   • Tools, sporting equipment, and outdoor gear
   • Jewelry, artwork, and other valuables
      

   Once you've completed your inventory, review your personal property coverage with your agent to make sure it aligns with your needs. They can help identify endorsement needs based on your inventory.

   Across the country, State Farm agents live and work in the communities they serve. They understand local conditions, local needs, and the importance of helping neighbors prepare for whatever comes next. Whether you've completed a renovation, purchased valuable items, or simply haven't reviewed your policy in a while, a conversation with your agent can help you select coverage that reflects your needs.

   When homeowners take an active role in protecting what matters most—and work with a local agent they trust—they help build stronger, more resilient communities one home at a time.

Illinois is experiencing an exceptionally active severe weather year. Through July, State Farm® customers in Illinois filed more home and auto catastrophe claims than customers in any other state, putting Illinois on pace for its highest catastrophe claim volume in a decade.
 

Illinois by the Numbers
 

• 96,000+ catastrophe weather-related home and auto claims in 2026
   
• Home catastrophe claims are 50% above the 10-year average
   
• Auto catastrophe claims are 100% above the 10-year average
   
• Illinois has recorded three consecutive years with more than 120 confirmed tornadoes
   
• As of August 19, 2026, Illinois surpassed 200 confirmed tornadoes this year.

As of July, State Farm has paid more than $799 million for storm-related losses in Illinois this year. For added context, in 2025 alone, State Farm paid $457 million in Illinois hail claims, third highest in the nation.
 

What Shapes the Cost of Homeowners Insurance

Illinois premiums are priced for the risk in this state – not for losses in other states. With decades of experience serving Illinois customers, State Farm draws on extensive data and expertise to understand how risks and costs are changing. We continuously review the latest information, so rates reflect the most current view of expected losses.

That means considering both the likelihood of covered losses and what those losses are expected to cost. We know affordability is a real concern for Illinois families, making it increasingly important to address the underlying factors driving those costs. Rising construction costs, severe weather, inflation and excessive litigation can all put pressure on the cost of insurance.

Our priority is being there for customers when the unexpected happens and helping them recover. That means staying financially prepared to pay claims as risks and costs change. Rates need to reflect the likelihood and expected cost of covered losses, but long-term affordability also depends on reducing the underlying risks and costs putting pressure on insurance. Illinois consumers deserve a strong insurance marketplace and meaningful progress on affordability. That means addressing the risks and cost drivers.
 

Work to be Done to Address Cost Drivers

State Farm will continue to engage with Illinois elected officials and advocate for a focused set of actions aimed at supporting a healthy insurance market and helping consumers navigate increasing severe-weather risks.

Priorities include advancing resiliency and home-hardening initiatives modeled on successful programs in other states; strengthening protections against post-storm predatory contractor solicitation and potential conflicts of interest involving public adjusters; and addressing legal system abuse that drives unnecessary litigation and increases costs for consumers through higher premiums.

With severe storms becoming a more prominent concern in Illinois, State Farm sees an opportunity to serve as a thought partner with lawmakers and regulators on solutions that strengthen resilience, support consumers and the broader insurance market, and help pull unnecessary costs out of insurance premiums.
 

Responding Today

When severe weather strikes, State Farm is there. Following late-July storms that brought nearly 100 mph winds, heavy rain and tornadoes to northern Illinois, State Farm deployed Catastrophe Claims Teams and opened a Customer Care Site in Calumet City. We welcomed elected leaders to the site to see State Farm doing what it does best – helping our customers recover.

Severe weather continued in August, generating another 2,000+ catastrophe claims in northern Illinois, followed by torrential rain and 70 mph straight-line winds in our Bloomington headquarters community. Throughout these events, State Farm Claims associates and agents have been helping customers navigate the recovery process.
 

Preparing for Tomorrow

Helping after a storm is only part of the equation. Long-term affordability also requires looking for ways to reduce damage before the next storm happens. That's why State Farm is investing in prevention as well as recovery.

At our Technology Research and Innovation Lab (TRAIL) in Bloomington, State Farm researchers study hail, wind and other threats and explore how stronger materials, construction practices and mitigation can better protect homes and communities.

Impact-resistant roofing is one practical way homeowners can make their homes more resilient and help reduce hail damage. When building, remodeling, or replacing a roof, homeowners can consider qualifying impact-resistant roofing materials. State Farm also offers premium discounts to eligible homeowners in many states with qualifying products.

State Farm works with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to advance research-backed approaches to stronger construction. Programs like FORTIFIED also demonstrate how homes can be built or retrofitted beyond standard construction practices to better withstand severe weather.

The research demonstrates how more durable construction and improved building standards can reduce damage, strengthen communities and potentially save lives.

Working with Illinois

State Farm continues to work with regulators and legislators in Illinois to help our customers.

• State Farm made a rate filing in early June 2025 indicating a Homeowners rate increase in Illinois. That filing was more than 32-pages long and is available publicly on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) SERFF site. It includes detailed actuarial analysis supporting the rate filing.
  
• On June 23, State Farm also submitted a 5-page response to questions the Department asked about the filing. No additional questions were received and the filing was closed out by the Department of Insurance on June 27.
  
• State Farm first learned of concerns with the rate filing through the Governor's press release in July. Since then, State Farm met with both the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance and a Deputy Governor. There were no additional requests for information in that meeting.
  
• State Farm has provided the same type of information as other insurers provide in supporting rate filings in Illinois. Over the last three years, many insurers have raised Homeowners rates, citing deteriorating loss trends in Illinois; several of those increases in total exceed the State Farm increase.
  
• State Farm's retained counsel on these issues submitted a letter on July 31 to the Director of the Illinois of Department of Insurance clarifying our position and once again indicating our continued willingness to work with state officials.
  
• Unrelated to the June rate filing, the Illinois Department of Insurance in March 2024 demanded nationwide data of State Farm. This demand exceeds the legal authority of the Illinois Department of Insurance. State Farm has, therefore, not provided this data, but has asked the Illinois DOI to engage in a process that would allow an independent third-party/judge to resolve this dispute. State Farm made that request of the Department nearly one year ago.

An update to auto insurance rates

Auto insurance rates in Illinois will decrease an average of 5.7%, with some customers seeing reductions in premiums of up to 15%. Rate adjustments will apply to new and existing policies starting July 18, 2025. This decision is driven by trends projecting lower claims costs.

So, why are homeowner prices going up in Illinois?

Thank you for your trust in State Farm®. We understand no one likes to see their insurance rates increase, and we don’t take these decisions lightly. That’s why we want to provide you with some context around our approach in Illinois, where we are decreasing average auto insurance rates, and increasing average home insurance rates.

As a mutual company, State Farm is focused on serving its policyholders. Unlike companies with shareholders, our goal is not to maximize profits but to earn enough to maintain financial strength that allows us to keep the promises we make and to support future growth.

As we continue to adapt to changing conditions, we remain committed to providing you with the best possible value, service, and support. Thank you for allowing us to protect what matters most to you.

Home insurance rates are on the rise in Illinois due to rising home replacement costs and more frequent severe weather events that are driving up the cost and frequency of claims. These changes reflect broader trends in loss patterns and repair costs and are necessary to help ensure we can continue providing reliable coverage to our policyholders.

Home insurance claims costs are exceeding premiums collected. The cost of covering Illinois homeowners’ losses is exceeding the premiums we’re earning—an indication we need to adjust prices. Last year, those total costs amounted to $1.26 for every dollar in premium we collected. The year before, it was $1.30. Such losses are unsustainable.

Inflation matters. The costs of materials and labor have risen, affecting how much it costs to repair or rebuild homes. In the insurance business, the rates we charge are set in advance to cover potential future losses, including the costs to rebuild homes. As repair costs continue to rise, home insurance rates are as well.

Severe weather—wind/hail and tornadoes—is increasing in Illinois. Trends in recent years indicate damaging storms are more frequent here. In fact, Illinois had more hail damage claims than any other state except Texas in 2024.

Illinois premiums are priced for the risk in this state—not for losses in other states, including wildfires, earthquakes, or hurricanes.

Contact your agent to discuss coverage options

State Farm is committed to being a responsible steward of the resources we manage, ensuring we can continue to provide the coverage you need in the face of increasing risks.

We encourage you to reach out to your State Farm agent to discuss your coverage options. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and find the solutions that work best for you.

Wind and hail deductible explained…

One of the ways we are limiting rising premiums is through the introduction of a Wind/Hail Deductible. Illinois home insurance customers already choose deductibles related to loss perils. Illinois customers will now be required to have a minimum 1% Wind/Hail deductible as part of their home insurance policy. It will apply in instances where the cause of loss is deemed to be wind or hail. All other losses will be subject to the other deductible(s) stated within the policy.

Choosing a higher deductible is one way to reduce the premium you pay for insurance. Your State Farm agent can discuss options that are available.

By Sam McCammon, Area Vice President, Agency

Moving into your first apartment or rental home is an exciting milestone. As a parent, I spent weeks helping my son get ready for his first apartment as he headed back to college. We talked about roommates, budgeting and everything he'd need to make his new place feel like home. We made shopping lists, packed boxes and checked off what seemed like an endless to-do list.

Then, just before move-in day, I realized there was one thing we hadn't talked about.

I asked him:

"What would you do if your laptop was stolen from your apartment?"

He paused.

Like many first-time renters, he'd spent plenty of time thinking about what he'd need in his apartment, but not much time thinking about what could happen if something unexpected occurred.

That simple question opened the door to a conversation about renters insurance – what it is, what it may help cover, and why it's something every renter should understand before signing a lease.

Whether you're renting your first apartment or your fifth, understanding your insurance options before move-in day can help you feel more prepared for whatever comes next.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance is designed to help protect your personal belongings if they're damaged or stolen because of a covered loss.

It may also provide liability coverage if someone is injured in your apartment or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.

Think of it as protection for your belongings – and for some of the unexpected situations that can happen while renting. Many landlords also require you to have it.

Should I consider renters insurance?

Every renters situation is different, but it's worth taking a moment to think about everything you own.

It adds up faster than you think.

Think about everything you may have in your home:

• Laptop
• Phone
• Television
• Gaming system
• Bicycle
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Books
• Headphones

Replacing everything after a fire, theft or another covered loss could cost thousands of dollars. Renters insurance may help make recovering from those situations a little easier.

Before move-in day, consider taking photos of your belongings or creating a simple home inventory. It can make it easier to remember what you own if you ever experience a covered loss.

Who covers the building?

Your landlord's insurance generally protects the building – not your belongings inside your apartment.

That's one of the biggest misconceptions many renters have.

Is renters insurance required?

It depends on your lease, but it's becoming more common. Many landlords require tenants to carry renter's insurance before moving in and may ask you to provide proof of coverage, such as your declarations page. Others simply recommend it.

Even when it isn't required, many renters choose it for the added financial protection.

What does renters insurance typically cover?

Coverage depends on your policy, but renters insurance may help with losses caused by covered events such as:

• Fire
• Smoke damage
• Theft
• Vandalism

Many policies also include personal liability coverage and may help pay for additional living expenses if you can't stay in your apartment because of a covered loss.

Always review your policy so you understand what’s covered, what isn't, and how your deductible works.

What isn't usually covered?

Like all insurance policies, renters insurance has exclusions.

For example, a standard policy generally doesn't cover:

• Flood damage
• Earthquakes
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage caused by pests or pets
• Intentional damage

Some belongings may need additional coverage depending on their value and your policy limits. That could include the laptop you use every day, as well as jewelry, musical instruments, cameras or collectibles.

Take a look at the value of the items you own and review your policy limits to understand whether you have enough coverage. For eligible items that need additional protection, a State Farm® Personal Articles Policy can provide broader coverage.

Does my apartment's insurance fee mean I have renters insurance?

Not necessarily. It's easy to assume that an insurance-related fee on your lease means your belongings are protected, but that's not always the case. Some of these fees are intended to help protect the property owner or meet landlord requirements. If your lease includes one, ask what it covers and whether you'll still need your own renter's insurance policy to help protect your personal belongings.

How much does renters insurance cost?

The cost depends on several factors, including where you live, the coverage you choose and other personal details.

Many renters are surprised to learn that renters insurance can be more affordable than they expected. The average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $35,000 in personal property coverage – often less than you spend on coffee each month.

You may be able to lower your premium by:

• Choosing a higher deductible that fits your budget.
• Asking about available discounts.
• Bundling eligible insurance policies.
• Reviewing your coverage as your needs change.

Getting a quote from a State Farm agent or online at statefarm.com® can help you understand your options before deciding what's right for you.

Questions to ask before signing your lease

Before move-in day, ask yourself:

• Do I know what my landlord's insurance covers?
• How much would it cost to replace everything I own?
• Does my apartment require renters insurance?
• Do I have valuable items that may need additional coverage?
• Do I understand what my policy covers – and what it doesn't?

Taking a few minutes to answer these questions today may help prevent bigger surprises later.

A conversation worth having

When I think back to that conversation with my son, I'm glad we had it before move-in day – not after something unexpected happened.

Whether you're moving into your first apartment or renting a home, renters insurance is one of those things many people don't think about until they need it.

Taking a few minutes to talk to your local State Farm agent and understand your options before signing a lease may help you feel more confident about whatever comes next.

Eighty-two percent of U.S. fire departments are comprised entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters. Many of these departments operate on limited budgets that leave them struggling to fund equipment that enables them to more effectively and safely do their jobs. Recognizing this need, State Farm and the NVFC teamed up to provide $1.5 million to local fire departments in 2026. Since the program began in 2024, a total of $4 million has been distributed to support volunteer fire departments with their equipment needs.

“Volunteer firefighters are there for their communities no matter what the emergency, from structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to natural disasters and hazardous materials incidents,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “Yet many local departments lack the funding to purchase the resources and gear they need, forcing them to rely on outdated or insufficient equipment. We thank State Farm for taking action to address this need by helping local departments secure critical equipment so they can do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“At State Farm, we are committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Exec-Corp Responsibility. “We are proud to support volunteer firefighters with equipment needed to enhance safety.”

The announcement of the 2026 recipients was made on August 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Grants will be used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and much more.

State Farm and the NVFC will also join select fire department recipients at community engagement events this fall, which may include open houses, fire prevention events, parades or other local gatherings.

In addition to the 150 grants, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants to provide more responders with access to an array of benefits, including free training, support services and more. The NVFC is the leading national nonprofit association serving the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services.

Learn more about the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, including a list of departments receiving the grants, on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

The storms brought destructive winds, reported tornadoes, flash flooding and widespread power outages.

State Farm has received over 8,000 storm-related claims from this recent severe weather, with the most significant concentrations in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

State Farm catastrophe claim teams are deployed and ready to assist. Team members are actively contacting customers and providing claim support throughout the recovery process.

How to file a claim (home or auto)

Customers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to help. State Farm customers can submit and manage a claim through the channel that works best for them:

• Call or email your State Farm agent
• Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM
• File in the State Farm mobile app
• File online at statefarm.com/claims
• Text “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim
  

Making temporary repairs to damaged property

When it is safe to do so, customers with repairable or limited property damage should make reasonable temporary repairs to help prevent additional damage. Depending on the customer’s coverage, the cost of these temporary repairs may be reimbursed. Customers should save receipts for tarps, plywood and any other materials purchased to protect or temporarily repair damaged property.

Tips to help protect customers from fraud and scams

We encourage anyone seeking storm-damage repairs to learn how to recognize and avoid scams and deceptive contractor practices. Additional information is available in Help Protect Yourself From Contractor Fraud on statefarm.com.

State Farm has mobilized catastrophe claims teams and deployed onsite resources to help customers recover. Most of our customers have never experienced an event like this. It's stressful and we know they have questions and concerns. We're here for them, working alongside local agents who live and work in eastern Washington to help customers begin the recovery process as quickly as possible. 

So far, State Farm has provided over $80 million to customers impacted by the Spokane wildfires. We have received over 800 home and auto claims from the fires, and we expect this number to increase. At this early stage, the majority of our customers filing these initial claims are reporting severe damage and/or uninhabitable homes. We know how devastating this is for customers and we’re here to help.

Customer interactions

State Farm claim handlers have talked with hundreds of customers at these locations so far, listening to their stories, gathering information about their losses, and helping families address immediate needs – such as coverage for temporary housing and advance payments for food, clothing and other essentials, where applicable.

It can be incredibly emotional.

WATCH: Customer shares how their “amazing” State Farm agent started helping immediately.

“One man only evacuated with the clothes on his back and his sandals. His belongings were destroyed including his medicine. He started crying at the site while we were helping him. Some people haven’t had time to grieve yet, so it gets emotional for them.”

~ Cesar Soriano, Claims team member

“Quite a few people we know have been displaced. I was driving back to town on Saturday when claims first started coming in. A lot of people have lost their homes, personal belongings and the memories tied to those items, so we’re doing our best to help them through that. Our physical presence in the midst of this devastation is critically important.”

~ Kevin Louden, Claim Specialist - Proximity

More on how State Farm claim handlers help customers: A day in the life of catastrophe response.

How to file a claim (home or auto)

Customers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to help. State Farm customers can submit and manage a claim through the channel that works best for them:

• Call or email your State Farm agent
• Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM
• File in the State Farm mobile app
• File online at statefarm.com/claims
• Text “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim

By Kristyn Cook, Executive Vice President and Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer

Every State Farm agency begins with a dream. I know because my family lived it.

When I was a child, my parents invested their life savings so my dad could open a State Farm agent office. Their dream was simple but powerful: build a business, help people and create opportunity for our family and community.

Years later, I made the same bet and opened my own agent office on Chicago’s southwestern side.

The State Farm agency model is one of America’s great entrepreneurial success stories. It pairs the strength of an iconic brand with the heart of local business owners committed to helping people.

Behind every office is an entrepreneur building something that matters - creating jobs, serving neighbors and strengthening a community.

Agents know customers by name because those customers are their neighbors. They support local schools, teams, food drives, first responders and community events. They form one of the nation’s most powerful communities of independent small-business owners, helping millions move forward with confidence.

I have seen the power of human connection - and the entrepreneurial spirit behind it. These things have strengthened State Farm for more than 100 years. To keep that advantage, we must evolve with customers, technology and the marketplace.
 

Human + Digital

In May, we announced changes to our agency model grounded in the customer - changes rooted in the vision for the future we had shared in the months before. Since then, I have spent time with agents, listening to what those changes mean for their businesses, teams and futures. Their feedback has mattered. We have listened, learned and, in some cases, adjusted.

What has not changed is our belief in the agency model, and the unique value it delivers to customers.

That belief is at the heart of our Next Gen Good Neighbors vision: a faster, more tech-enabled State Farm that remains true to our mission and values. We call it Human + Digital.
 

Human connection sets State Farm apart

Digital tools can make it easier for customers to do business with us and help agents and employees serve them more effectively. But human connection is what sets State Farm apart. Every customer has access to a real person who knows them, understands their needs and is there when life does not go as planned.

Customers get the best of both worlds - and the freedom to choose how they engage with us.

Some want to research, get a quote or buy insurance online. Others prefer to work with a local agent from the start. Many want both. Whatever path they choose, they expect competitive prices and an easy, valuable experience.

What makes State Farm different is that every policy comes with access to a dedicated agent. That human connection matters most after an accident, when a storm damages a home or when a family faces a loss. In those moments, customers need speed, but they also need support, empathy and a clear path forward.

Agents take time to understand the whole customer. By bringing together home, auto and life insurance, they can help provide more protection - often at a better price.

That relationship goes beyond protecting what customers have today. It can help build the future they want. State Farm registered agents can help customers consider investment products and services as they save for a major purchase, education or retirement.

Technology helps make this experience possible. Customers can handle simple tasks on their own, while agents gain more time to focus on what matters most. AI can summarize meetings, find answers and reduce routine work. Connected systems can identify coverage gaps and give agents a clearer view of their businesses. Digital tools can help customers compare coverage or connect with an agent.

The goal is simple: let technology do more of the tasks so people can do more of the helping.
 

Strengthening our agency model for the future

The changes we introduced support our Next Gen Good Neighbors vision and strengthen the agency model for the future.

The new agent agreement is designed to help State Farm and agents evolve as customer expectations change. It creates a more consistent compensation structure and better aligns the agent opportunity with what customers expect: an excellent experience, competitive prices and help with more of their insurance and financial needs.

We will continue to appoint new agents and offer a premier entrepreneurial opportunity to build a local business backed by a trusted national brand.

Technology will keep changing how people shop, communicate and make decisions. We welcome that change because it gives us new ways to serve customers better. At the same time, we believe human connection will become more valuable, not less.

Customers should have digital speed and convenience when they want it, and a local agent who understands their lives when they need one.

That combination is a distinctive State Farm strength - and why independent contractor agents remain central to our future. The opportunity my parents believed in, the one I chose and the one thousands of agents still choose today, continues to matter to customers. We are evolving it so the next generation of Good Neighbors can protect what matters most.

When agents succeed - along with our employees and empowered by technology - communities grow stronger. Families pursue their dreams with confidence. Small businesses thrive. Together, that impact reaches far beyond insurance.

That is the power of local, and the power of State Farm.