“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Matt Hodson, Vice President – Agency/Sales. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Connecticut 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.

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.

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

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The effective date for new and renewal business is July 2, 2018. Connecticut 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.

En Español

Freddy Rivera, a New York City native, finished two years at a university in Puerto Rico in 2000. He did well academically, but couldn’t find a good job and felt out of place.

“I grew up in New York City,” explains Freddy. “But my parents retired to Puerto Rico so I followed along.”

He realized he needed a new location and a career. With a lifelong respect of the military, Freddy enlisted in the Army. He went into combat three times, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Black Hawk mechanic and instructor.

He wanted to continue his Army career, but unfortunately Freddy had to medically retire in 2014 due to a traumatic brain injury and back injuries.

“I wanted to stay,” says Freddy. “It’s been difficult adjusting to civilian life. It’s very different and I was struggling.”

“After the Army, I was doing radio broadcasting and videos for local communities, but I was doing things the wrong way,” he continued. “I didn’t have a clue and desperately wanted to attend a school to learn the proper way, but they were all too expensive. So, I prayed, and got a miracle.”

One day, Freddy received an email from the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN), offering free media training for veterans and their family members. Freddy responded to the school that night.

“I needed to attend their classes,” Freddy says. “This was my opportunity to learn something to carry me into my next career.”

He was accepted into CPBN’s Veterans Vocational Training Program (VVTP), which is supported by State Farm. But there was a catch. The classes were in Connecticut and Freddy now lived in Virginia with his family.

“It was scary,” he explains. “I had no place to live near the school, but I wanted this course so badly.”

A week before the program began, Freddy contacted a cousin in Connecticut who he had never met, and asked for help. She offered to rent him a room.

“It was tough leaving my wife and kids, but I thought of it as a deployment,” he says.

“PBN’s service to veterans is like nothing I’ve seen before,” he shares. “The staff treats veterans and their families with respect and kindness. Plus, I met other veterans with stories and experiences similar to mine. It made me feel comfortable and I formed many lasting friendships.”

Freddy attended a second semester while renting an apartment two blocks from the school. He took advantage of every class offered, learning new programs, videoing, editing, radio broadcasting, photography, and more. He even toured TV stations.

“Once Freddy enrolled in the program, he sought out every opportunity for growth and learning, says CPBN Senior Vice President of Education Donna Sodipo. “As a result, he not only passed his Adobe Premier Pro certification exam, but took the time to mentor high school students through WNPR's ‘Radio Lab’ project. His enthusiasm was contagious. Freddy’s dedication and success are remarkable, and speaks to the potential that can be realized through the Veterans Vocational Training Program.”

“The atmosphere around the program is great and they teach in a style that was very helpful for me to learn given all of my service connected conditions,” says Freddy. “I often asked the same questions over and over, but they always responded with patience and understanding.”

Freddy is back living with his family in Virginia, but continues to look for more CPBN courses. He currently creates websites, small videos, and t-shirt and print design, but hopes to own his own radio station one day. His goal is to bring positive messaging to his community, focusing on religion, current news, and sports.

“My experience with CPBN has been unforgettable,” says Freddy. “There is now a part of Connecticut and CPBN in my heart. The entire staff is amazing and they made the adrenaline pump through my veins again.”

“Thank you, CPBN and State Farm, for greatly impacting veterans’ lives, as well as our communities.”

Bloomington, Illinois (October 21, 2016) – State Farm is introducing a new coverage endorsement in several states to help fill insurance gaps for its 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.

To adapt to changing customer needs, beginning Monday, October 21, 2016, State Farm will offer a Transportation Network Company Driver Coverage endorsement in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia.

The effective date for new and renewal for all states except GA: October 21, 2016. The effective date for new and renewal for GA: November 21, 2016

Ten jurisdictions obtained the endorsement earlier this year: Alabama, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin .

"Adapting and innovating to our customers' changing needs is critical," said Vicki Harper, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist. "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 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.

The new, optional State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement enables a policyholder to have his/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 his/her auto policy during the period of time when the driver is available for hire, and provides the driver with all other coverages applicable to his/her auto policy during all periods of TNC driving.

Customers in these states who drive for a TNC should contact their local State Farm agent to learn more about the new State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement.