State Farm continues response to Marshall Wildfire in Colorado

On December 30, Winter Storm Frida’s high winds, occasionally gusting over 100mph, fed the Marshall Wildfire in Boulder County that quickly resulted in damage to well over 1,000 homes and businesses in its path. State Farm’s first priority is taking care of our customers' needs as quickly as possible.

As of this morning (1/7/2022), State Farm has received over 1,400 home and auto claims, with the vast majority in Boulder County. Temporary housing and advance funds continue to be provided to customers where possible, with nearly $5 Million in advances issued to date. Customers are encouraged to file a claim as soon as possible, and can text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim.

In addition to State Farm agents, agent’s staff, and local employees, we have mobilized our State Farm catastrophe response teams across the affected areas to help customers with their claims. We also have thousands of employees handling claims virtually across the country in our centralized operations.

State Farm has opened a Catastrophe Customer Care Site located at 61 West FlatIron Crossing Drive in Broomfield (FlatIron Crossing mall, in front of the AMC theater.)

Additionally as part of our overall support for the community, State Farm has committed a $50,000 disaster grant for the American Red Cross of Colorado, with those funds primarily assisting those displaced from their homes.

State Farm There From The Start

As the wildfire spread, State Farm began mobilizing its resources. Our response includes State Farm agents who live and work in the same neighborhoods as our customers; teams of claim specialists trained in disaster response traveling in to evaluate damage on site; thousands of employees in centralized care centers across the country helping answer customers’ questions and file their claims; remote claim teams conducting virtual inspections with impacted customers; and many other resources, all helping customers in their time of need.

State Farm’s Customer Response Unit (CRU) was on the ground Sunday (1/2/2022) assisting the community (beginning in Spanish Hills and Rock Creek) with basic essentials such as fresh water, work gloves, flashlights, first aid kits, and snacks. The CRU also hands out coloring books and teddy bears for children in the community.

Wildfire Defense Systems Activated

Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS) arrived on scene early Friday (12/31/2021) morning. The largest wildfire protection service provider, this complimentary Wildfire Response service was added to all non-tenant homeowners policies in Colorado at no cost to State Farm customers in early 2020. During an active wildfire, if WDS determines a home insured by State Farm is at risk, they will deploy a team that will take proactive counter-measures to protect a policyholder’s property.

On January 1, they continued efforts to mop-up isolated pocked of heat and secure the line. Thanks to a thick blanket of snow over the fire area, significant gains were made toward full containment. Enrolled properties are no longer threatened; should the need to re-engaged WDS arise, they are prepared to respond back to the threatened properties.

Virtual Claim Handling

We are helping customers in more ways, and right now that means leveraging technology and offering virtual claim handling when appropriate.

• State Farm encourages customers to take advantage of potential options for virtual inspections or other methods that do not always require a personal inspection with their claims professional (the virtual option is available in most states if legally permitted.)
• State Farm policyholders who have damage from this event can submit and manage their claim through various channels. This includes calling or emailing their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims.

Homeowners with fire damage can benefit from more virtual ways to file a claim and receive payment to start repairs. State Farm is leveraging technology by providing virtual claim handling options to customers who have damage from Marshall Wildfire, allowing customers to file and track their claim from the convenience of their phone or other electronic devices.

Once a claim is underway, customers can electronically submit photos, video and other claim documentation, and participate in video calls with their claim representative as available. When electronic communication is not available or preferred, we provide in-person claim handling as appropriate.