Good Neighbor Stories

State Farm Cuts Colorado Auto Rates 7.8%

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:03:48 -0500

Driving behaviors across the country continue to evolve during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on current trends, State Farm® is working to reduce auto insurance rates in Colorado by 7.8%. This rate reduction will save 975,000 State Farm customers a total of $72.6 million. This applies to current customers at policy renewal, as well as new and returning customers.

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Eloy Martinez, VPA. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Colorado customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through driving behaviors.

Rate changes in Colorado are subject to regulatory review. Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

Auto Insurance Rates Cut Again for Colorado State Farm® Customers

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 19:10:00 -0600

State Farm is cutting its auto rates again in Colorado. Beginning March 11, the overall personal auto rate will drop by 3.7 percent. Statewide, approximately 850,000 customers will realize total savings of about $29.8 million.

“We’re always evaluating how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to offer this rate decrease in Colorado,” said State Farm Senior Vice President Denise Hardin. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change.”

A 4.7 percent rate decrease in June 2018, combined with this 3.7 percent rate decrease will save customers approximately $70 million. State Farm is the largest insurer in Colorado.

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. Customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease combined with discounts offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

Good Neighbor Services Provided to One Million Motorists in 2018

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 11:28:00 -0600

State Farm is encouraging motorists to drive safely this holiday season and rest assured help is there in times of need. Company sponsored safety patrols have already assisted almost one million motorists and their passengers this year. Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel day of the year, will be no exception.

State Farm sponsored assist patrols in 18 states help keep the nation’s highest-trafficked roadways safe and clear. They reduce congestion, help stranded motorists, and provide traffic control and safety at incident scenes.

Safety patrols are operated by state departments of transportation and toll road authorities. They are known by a variety of names in 40 states. Their free services include changing flat tires, providing a jump-start or small amount of gasoline, and minor safety repairs.

“The safety patrols embody our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy and underscore our commitment to auto safety,” said Ed Gold, advertising director. “They help people recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

State Farm sponsorship helps increase coverage areas and raises awareness about the patrols. This helps the motoring public feel more secure when traveling the nation’s interstate system. Sponsored highway signs mark coverage areas. The bright red State Farm reflective markings also improve patrol vehicle visibility.

State Farm sponsors the safety patrols in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

State Farm has been committed to roadway safety since its founding in 1922. The company seeks to increase the safety of all drivers and passengers from infancy to the driver’s seat.

*Safety Service Patrol Priorities and Best Practices: USDOT Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration, April 2017

Stay Safe from Wildfires

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:49:00 -0500

If you are a part of a mandatory evacuation:

Stay tuned: follow news reports and information from first responders
Safety first: material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can't be fixed.

What to expect from the claims process: we will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

If you suffered damage, start your claim as soon as possible: contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/File-a-Claim or use our State Farm mobile app.
Keep living expenses receipts: they may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.

Customers impacted by wildfires can contact their local agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (1-800-732-5246), or visit st8.fm/File-a-Claim to start the claim process.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. Already in 2018, there have been more than 37,000 wildfires*. These have burned almost more than 4.7 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents.

Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
Get at least three different estimates.
Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
Asking you to secure building permits.
Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Resources:

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

State Farm Auto Rate Cut to Save Colorado Customers $35 Million

Mon, 07 May 2018 00:00:00 -0500

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the largest auto insurer in Colorado and in the nation, will cut its rates in that state. As a result, its overall auto rate will drop by more than three percent. The total state-wide savings for all State Farm customers affected by this rate decrease in Colorado will be approximately $35 million.

“The company’s financial strength is allowing us to pass along rate savings to our Colorado customers," said State Farm Senior Vice President Denise Hardin. “We continually evaluate how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease in Colorado.”

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The average Colorado customer savings will be approximately $40 per year. The effective date for new and renewal business is June 11, 2018. Colorado customers with questions can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation.

In addition to this rate reduction, State Farm agents are able to review with new and existing customers the many opportunities for additional discounts that may apply to an individual’s unique circumstances. A rate decrease combined with discounts offers an exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

A Father’s Love, a Father’s Gift

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:04:00 -0500

For Roberto Loera, moving to the U.S. from Mexico was a dream come true. It meant new opportunity and providing a better life for his family back home. Settling in Colorado, he spent years working in construction and ski resorts to support his wife, Maria, and two sons, Roberto Jr. and Abel.

“His children were everything to him,” said Maria. “His family meant the world to him.”

But shortly after his family was able to join him in Colorado, Roberto died of a brain tumor at the age of 47. Just two weeks after he earned his U.S. citizenship, one of the proudest days of his life.

“I tell my children that their father is gone, but he left them a chance for a future that many others don’t have,” added Maria.

When Maria and the boys received U.S. visas to come to the U.S., Roberto shared the good news with Leila Martinez. She is staff member in State Farm Agent Will Comerford’s office.

Knowing that taking care of his family was Roberto’s number one priority, Leila asked him if he had ever thought about life insurance. She explained how it would protect his family if anything ever happened to him.

He bought a life insurance policy that day for less than $20 a month.

“People always think, ‘It’s not going to be me,’” said Leila. “Roberto didn’t think it was going to be him. But he got life insurance anyway to protect his family.”

About a year after his family joined him in Colorado, Roberto began having headaches. They grew worse every day. Doctors discovered the headaches were the result of a dangerous brain tumor and they removed as much of it as possible. Roberto went back to work, but nine months later the tumor returned. Even worse, it had spread.

The doctors gave him just a few months to live. There was nothing more they could do for him.

Thanks to the life insurance Roberto bought before their arrival, Maria and the boys were able to stay in the U.S. while she looked for work. Money from the policy helped pay for funeral costs, medical bills and day-to-day expenses. It even helped Maria set up college savings accounts for the boys.

“Roberto’s life insurance was such a blessing,” says Maria. “It’s something every family should have.”

CDOT Secures State Farm™ as Sponsor of Motorist Safety Patrol Program

Wed, 24 May 2017 08:58:00 -0500

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced a new sponsorship working with State Farm for its Motorist Safety Patrol Program, a service offering free roadway assistance to motorists in need. Formerly known as the Courtesy Patrol, the new program is now the “CDOT State Farm Safety Patrol.”

“We aim to make traveling in Colorado as safe and efficient as possible for motorists,” said Shailen Bhatt, CDOT executive director. “We’re proud to join with State Farm in support of a program that delivers on this objective. In addition, this innovative funding approach reduces the cost to state taxpayers, all while providing the same high-level of service.”

The CDOT State Farm Safety Patrol helps to reduce congestion and enhance safety by proactively patrolling the highways, assisting stranded motorists, and providing traffic control and safety at incident scenes. It also offers free, limited roadside assistance to drivers in need, including providing fuel, changing flat tires, jump-starting vehicles, providing lockout assistance, and moving vehicles to the shoulder or nearest interchange. The CDOT State Farm Safety Patrol is expected to assist more than 30,000 motorists in 2017 alone.

“Our support of the CDOT State Farm Safety Patrol program embodies our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy,” said Ed Gold, State Farm advertising director. “It also underscores the continued commitment State Farm has to auto safety, while helping people recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

State Farm support will offset the state funding costs used for operation of the program. Each weekday, CDOT State Farm Safety Patrol vehicles patrol the metro areas of Denver, Colorado Springs (I-25) and Ft. Collins (I-25). On weekends, the patrol covers additional areas of I-25. In addition to assisting stranded motorists, the Safety Patrol also helps the Colorado State Patrol work more safely and efficiently by providing back-up at incident scenes, and freeing troopers up to handle more urgent calls. The Safety Patrol also clears debris from the highway in an effort to improve traffic flow and prevent future incidents.

Now, with State Farm sponsorship, motorists can learn more about the program at www.AssistPatrol.com. Motorists who are assisted by the patrol can share their stories on social media using the hashtag #AssistPatrol. State Farm also sponsors Safety Patrols in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada, Louisiana and Kansas.

Volunteer Work Is Part Of His DNA

Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 -0500

What moves us from caring about something or someone in need to taking action? Walking through the door and helping.

For Bob Blume, the momentum was a combination of DNA and chance.

His parents were involved in mission work when he was growing up. Traveling as far as India at times, tirelessly volunteering to help those in need.

Today, Bob, a team manager at State Farm, continues his family’s legacy. A chance opportunity in 2001 opened a door for Bob to volunteer with Goodwill Industries of Denver. He spent the next eight years preparing kids for job interviews, exploring career opportunities, and teaching the basics of insurance.

In 2009, Bob saw another chance. He walked across the threshold of another open door by becoming a mentor with Goodwill’s Youth Career Development Program. One hour a week, he meets with high school students facing unimaginable challenges.

“Encouraging students and pointing them in the right direction is a big part of what I do. I enjoy getting to know them, watching them progress over the school year,” says Bob, who’s currently mentoring two high school seniors.

“The students can come from some pretty tough home environments — different from my youth,” he adds. “I wondered if I’d be able to help or relate to them.”

It turns out relating to the kids was easy. Bob finds they want what we all do – a chance to see their hopes and dreams come true.

“Regardless of their challenging situations, these kids all have similar hopes and dreams like I did at their age,” Bob shares. “It’s rewarding to see how hard they work to achieve what’s important to them.”

Because of his long time service, more than 500 volunteer hours, Bob received an awar d from a local television station.

“Goodwill is committed to providing metro-area, at-risk students real-world experience and guidance to help them envision a future career. We can’t do this without volunteers like Bob Blume,” says Stuart Davie, the President & CEO of Goodwill. “I’ve volunteered with Bob in our classrooms, and his dedication to our students year after year is inspiring. Goodwill is so thankful for people like Bob and businesses like State Farm who are committed to serving our students and ultimately changing lives and empowering our future workforce.”

“If you know how to smile and shake a hand, you can be a volunteer. It feels good to help others,” Bob said. “Even if you only have an hour a month to volunteer, I believe it can have a profound impact on the community.”

Want to be like Bob? Visit Neighborhood of Good to find volunteer opportunities in your neck of the woods.

You might also be interested in:

One Parent’s Survival Guide to Life after Loss

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0600

It’s 2:30 a.m., and the doorbell rings. Lori Stutts answers the door, knowing deep down it can’t be good news.

The deputy coroner is at the door. She tells Lori the worst news imaginable. Her son, Zach Maurer, 22, had died.

She tells her it was a single vehicle crash that happened late the night before. Airlifted to the local hospital, they tried everything, but they couldn’t save Zach.

September 20, 2005, is a day Lori will never forget.

Facts: Zach’s blood alcohol level was .165, close to three times over the legal limit in Colorado, which is .06. He was not wearing his seat belt. He was traveling between 75-85 MPH, entering a curve with a speed limit of 30 MPH.

“When something bad happens you have choices—let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you; be a victim or a victor,” she shares.

Lori chose the latter—be a victor and let the tragic loss of her only child strengthen her.

“After Zach's death, it would have been easy to just lay down and give up. But soon after the crash, I knew I had to live and share the story with the goal of telling others to think about the choices they make before getting behind the wheel," Lori explained.

She reached out to a local safety coalition, Drive Smart Weld County, which is supported by State Farm, to get involved in their teen driver safety program. Since 2006, Lori has served as one of the program’s most impactful volunteer speakers.

She chose to share her experience to teach others. She speaks to local teenagers about their choices before getting behind the wheel.

Lori uses her platform to tell teen audiences, “You are special and loved, you matter to this world; AND your choices affect everyone around you.”

Lori donated Zach’s car to the safety coalition. It was mounted onto a trailer with a storyboard. Over the years, she has traveled to schools throughout Weld County (3,900 square miles). At times, towing his car, to tell the story to students, teachers and parents.

Lori’s survival strength is evident in the delivery of her message. Students sit silently, listening and viewing pictures of Zach before the crash, news clips and the car after the crash.

Afterward, as students file out of the room, many stop to give her comforting hugs. Lori will never know how many lives she has saved or changed because of her son’s story. However, if just one teen’s mind was changed, she knows the years of sharing her message of love, strength and choices, was worth it.

Lisa Pevateaux Is Denver’s ‘Dream Achiever,’ WME Live’s Together And State Farm® Announce

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:00:00 -0500

State Farm and WME Live’s Together, announce Lisa Pevateaux as Denver’s ‘Dream Achiever’ honoree. Building on her dream to one day own her own dance studio, Pevateaux held firm to her passion making Elite Dance Academy a reality. Pevateaux was honored on the Together stage in Denver, on October 24, for her dedication and hard work.

Grinding away 80 hour work-weeks as a certified public accountant, Pevateaux had a defining moment in her life. “One rare evening, I went to meet friends for dinner to ‘get away’ from the stress of work. My friends took one look at me and said I looked terrible – drained, sleepless and stressed. That was a defining moment in my life. I knew right then and there I had a choice to make a change and live life to the fullest,” said Pevateaux.

With an impressive 25 years of dance performance and instruction, combined with her endless drive and enthusiasm, Pevateaux is in her 13^th year owning dance studios. Because of her accomplishments and perseverance, Lisa Pevateaux is Denver’s “Dream Achiever.”

“A ‘Dream Achiever’ is a woman who rejected the status quo and refocused her life to reflect her passion,” shared Michelle Hare from State Farm Marketing. “She is a woman who takes chances, follows her heart and believes in empowering others.”

Together is a six-city tour convening women across generations and backgrounds for evenings filled with storytelling focused on creating community, well-being, purpose and action. State Farm is a primary sponsor of the tour and will honor a Dream Achiever in each city.

“The Together tour is about bringing women together to celebrate love, build community and take action. Through storytelling, Together aims to help people feel less alone in their lives,” said Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, who leads WME’s Literary Division and is producing the tour. “Our work with State Farm to honor Dream Achievers is the ultimate culmination of the Together mission. Lisa is inspiring and courageous -- a true example of what it means to live in your purpose and follow your dreams.”

More than 2,000 women gathered at the Keller Auditorium for friendship, empowerment, and action. Core speakers included Glennon Doyle Melton, Seane Corn, Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Valarie Kaur, with celebrity guest appearances from Abby Wambach and Geena Rocero.

“Together is a movement bringing new ideas, influencers, and organizations together,” shared Hare. “Lisa is the epitome of a Dream Achiever. She personifies what we hope for all the women attending the Together tour.”

Listening and responding to the one moment that defines your dreams may be all it takes. “I got excited about all of the possibilities that could be created in an environment that was constantly nurtured and enriched through amazing programs and people. My defining moment pushed me toward my dreams,” said Pevateaux.

Dancing Toward Her Dreams

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:00:00 -0500

Lisa Pevateaux, a certified public accountant, worked 80 hours a week, yet dreamed of opening a dance studio to teach others to love and appreciate dance as she did. In an effort to keep her vision and creative juices alive, she taught dance once a week to local youth.

One day, during a rare dinner gathering with friends, Lisa received an awakening. Her friends stared at her and delivered an honest assessment. They remarked that she looked terrible, drained, stressed, and altogether unhappy. Some would have been hurt by that comment, but not Lisa.

“That was a defining moment in my life. I knew right then and there that I had a CHOICE to make a change and live life to the fullest, or continue on suffering through stress,” Lisa explained.

Today, Lisa has achieved her dreams and owns two dance studios in the greater Denver area. Additionally, she founded Camp Telaphiba, a local summer dance retreat, as well as other student-led philanthropic initiatives.

“I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people who have walked through our doors at Elite Dance Academy and Camp Telaphiba,” shared Lisa. ”It makes me so happy to see all of our dancers and their families with smiles on their faces. And I’m so thankful for my defining moment.”

Lisa Pevateaux took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for entrepreneurship and dance. She is a Dream Achiever.

"Day in Towne" Experience 5th Grade Style

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0500

What fifth grader doesn’t look forward to a field trip? Even if it means doing some homework before so students will get the most out of the day.

Ask a number of students from Denver elementary schools, and they’ll tell you they don’t mind the extra homework. “I’ve been waiting to do this since second grade,” said an 11-year-old student.

What is he waiting for? The Young AmeriTowne experience and his day in Towne. This unique financial literacy program focuses on educating students early. The kids learn about various topics like supply and demand, job skills, and banking procedures.

Students also learn to give back. They are encouraged to consider donating a percentage of the wages they’ll earn at Towne, to a non-profit of their choice.

Participating fifth grade classes go through a 30-hour curriculum. It prepares them for the day-long trip. They learn about the democratic process as students’ campaign to serve in specific jobs at Towne.

Another student, who won his classroom’s Mayoral election, shared, “It was the most exciting thing we did in school.“

Students arrive for their day at Young AmeriTowne, headquartered at Young Americans Center for Financial Education in Denver. The students-turned-citizens apply the principles they’ve learned in the classroom to operate a 17-business town.

“The students instantly take their jobs seriously and focus on their duties as a Young AmeriTowne citizens,” says Melissa Castro, a teacher at Fulton Academy. “They apply real world scenarios in a way that is meaningful to them.”

“I’ve taught the Young AmeriTowne curriculum to students from two schools with very different demographics, yet the results are the same; an interest in learning and connection to real life,” shared Melissa. “Students who usually take a back seat in the classroom are taking charge and leading others.”

Each year, more than 25,000 fifth grade students visit Young AmeriTowne. As the students’ day in Towne comes to a close and they board the bus, the lessons learned will leave a lasting impression. One day they will be the leaders of our community.

State Farm® Introduces Transportation Network Company Driver Coverage in Colorado

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0600

Denver, Colo., February 1, 2016 – Beginning February 8, State Farm will offer customers a new coverage endorsement in Colorado to help fill insurance gaps for policyholders who use their personal cars to provide rides for a Transportation Network Company (TNC), like Uber and Lyft.

The TNC industry is rapidly changing the livery/taxi industry by using the latest mobile technology to facilitate rides for hire. With these new transportation services in the marketplace, drivers are exposed to new risks. Insurance provided by TNCs may be limited in scope and coverage. Personal auto policies generally do not extend coverage to the use of personal cars as taxis or livery vehicles, including their use in TNC services.

The new, optional State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement in Colorado enables a policyholder to have his or her personal auto policy fill in the coverage gaps left by TNC-provided insurance. This cost-effective endorsement provides the driver with the full liability coverage limits carried on their auto policy during the period of time when the driver is available for hire, and provides the driver with all other coverages applicable to their auto policy during all periods of TNC driving.

"Adapting and innovating to our customers' changing needs is critical," said company spokeswoman Angela Thorpe. "This new product is an example of our commitment to our customers and provides them coverage, and peace of mind, when they use their personal cars to provide TNC services."

TNCs in Colorado may provide high liability coverage limits while a paying passenger occupies the driver's vehicle or when the driver has been connected with a passenger and is on the way to pick that person up. But TNCs tend to provide a much lower limit of liability coverage when drivers are just available for hire and may not provide the drivers with any medical payments, comprehensive, or collision coverages at all. The TNCs may not be providing coverage for injuries to the driver or coverage for any damage to the driver's personal car.

Colorado customers who drive for a TNC should contact their local State Farm agent to learn more about the new State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement.