State Farm Responds to Hurricane Idalia

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Flickr: State Farm Mobile Catastrophe Response vehicles deploy for Idalia photos

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State Farm’s response to Hurricane Idalia began earlier this week as members of the State Farm Catastrophe Team® deployed from Illinois to stage in Alabama for strategic response after the storm. The hurricane made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida on Aug. 30, and State Farm’s mobile workforce trained to handle catastrophe claims activated their on-site response. We are here to help residents during this first and critical step on the road to recovery. 

Catastrophe Customer Care

Catastrophe Customer Care sites are open for walk-up general questions however an appointment is required for vehicle inspections.

• Valdosta, GA: the old Walmart, located at 3145 North Ashley Street in Valdosta, GA; Monday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET 
   
• Perry, FL: Perry Plaza, located at 1797 South Jefferson St. in Perry,  FL; Monday - Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

In addition to the teams of catastrophe claim specialists on the ground to evaluate damage, our Idalia response includes State Farm agents who live and work in the same neighborhoods as our customers. They are joined by thousands of employees in centralized care centers across the country virtually helping answer customers’ questions and file their claims. Our remote claim teams are able to conduct virtual inspections with impacted customers following the storm, helping them in their time of need.

Claim filing options for those with damage from Idalia:

As residents discover damage from the storm, they are encouraged to file their claim as soon as possible to begin recovery. State Farm customers can submit and manage their claim through various channels: submitting a claim through our mobile app, calling or emailing their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, through our website at statefarm.com/claims, or text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim.  As of Sept. 1, State Farm has received more than 3,250 auto and homeowner claims (over 750 auto and 2,500 homeowner) from Hurricane Idalia in the impacted states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Those initial numbers are expected to increase.

Use of technology to reach customers in more ways:

State Farm is making the most of technology to reach customers in more ways and make the process of resolving claims even faster and easier:

• Use of aerial imagery is allowing State Farm to quickly assess damage and accessibility of impacted areas in a way that is safe and efficient. This helps us identify the hardest hit areas and customers.
• Digital pay options allow for claim settlements to be direct-deposited into customers’ bank accounts, getting funds to customers more quickly, whether or not banks are open.  
• Customers are encouraged to use the State Farm Mobile App and online account access for many self-service options such as filing and tracking claims, uploading documents during the claim process, requesting emergency roadside service, setting up a rental car reservation, and setting up digital pay.  

Tips for clean-up, recovery & claims process: 
 

• When it is safe to do so, residents with property damage should have reasonable temporary repairs made to prevent further damage to their property to remove debris and cover any openings created by the storm. Depending on your coverage, these repairs may be reimbursed. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps and plywood or other supplies to make repairs. Keep track of the time and money you spend protecting your property.
• Document and photograph everything! To assist with the insurance claim process, be sure to document items that are damaged. You can do this by providing purchase receipts for the damaged items, photographing the items and by making a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods. Don’t discard or repair anything prior to reporting the claim.
• If you decide to use a contractor, get a receipt for the cost of labor and materials to give your claim representative. Don't have any repair work done until you discuss with your claim representative. Also, preserve all building materials removed by any contractor or vendor until you speak with State Farm.
• Be careful before signing anything without fully reading the documents. Be diligent before signing anything with a vendor or contractor that solicits you directly and advises you to file a homeowner’s claim.

State Farm Donates

State Farm is sending a total of $250,000 in disaster grants to several local organizations to support their efforts to provide immediate relief in the areas most impacted by the hurricane. These funds will provide support for critical needs, including food pantry supplies, and helping communities rebuild. Organizations receiving the funding include Convoy of Hope, Taylor County Habitat for Humanity, Americas Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest of South Georgia.