• Install surge protectors, including a whole-house surge protector if possible. Surge protectors can help protect appliances and electronic equipment from the surge of electricity caused by lightning strikes. 
• Add a lightning protection system: a lightning protection system, often including lightning rods and grounding systems, can divert lightning strikes away from the building, reducing the risk of fire or damage. 
• Unplug electronic devices during a storm and seeking shelter at the lowest point in your home if you are home during a storm.  

Lightning remains a costly and unpredictable threat for homeowners. Lightning strikes can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, appliances, and even structural issues. The damage underscores the critical need for homeowners to be aware of the risks, invest in protective measures, and stay prepared, especially in high-risk regions where lightning strikes are most frequent and damaging. 

After a lightning storm, homeowners are encouraged to look for these common signs of lightning damage: 

• Charring — a lightning-strike site is often charred by lightning's intense heat. If you believe your home was struck by lightning, consider inspecting the property for burnt patches and charring. 
• Damaged electrical switches — similarly, the power surges sometimes caused by lightning can lead to burnt electrical switches. 
• Roof and wall damage — lightning can damage a roof or wall to the point of causing holes or reducing a home’s structural integrity. 
• Report lightning damage/claim to insurance as soon as possible to begin repair and recovery process. 

Consider taking extra precautions to prep your home if you live in a top lightning state. The Top 10 states for lightning claims according to Triple-I’s national industry average based on State Farm claims data are:

1. Florida 
2. Texas 
3. California 
4. Georgia 
5. North Carolina 
6. Louisiana 
7. Alabama 
8. New York 
9. Pennsylvania 
10. Illinois 
 

A natural phenomenon, lightning can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, property, and sometimes lead to death. Knowing and managing the risks associated with lightning can help protect your family and property.

Lightning Safety Tips:

If lightning is common in your area, familiarize yourself with ways to reduce risk before and during a lightning storm. For example:

• Go indoors at the first sign of a storm.
• Avoid touching electronics or anything with a cord, such as your hair dryer.
• Stay away from water sources, including pipes, sinks and showers.
• Do not stand or lean on concrete structures. Metal bars inside the concrete can conduct electricity.
• Seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle if you're stuck outside. Also avoid sitting inside convertible cars, golf carts and motorcycles.
• If swimming or boating when lightning is present, get out of the water and onto dry land.
• Do not touch metal surfaces, such as a sliding door.
• Avoid touching anything served by gas lines, such as water heaters, ovens, furnaces and fireplaces.
• If you're outside and shelter isn't available, crouch down at least 100 feet from tall objects, tuck your head in and cover your ears.
• If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911 or your local ambulance service immediately. If you are qualified, give the person first aid. Lightning victims are safe to touch and need medical attention right away.

Invest in lightning protection

Your best bet for stopping lightning damage in its tracks may be a lightning protection system tailored specifically to your home's architecture. Such a system creates a pathway for lightning bolts, guiding them safely into the ground.

Install lightning surge protection devices

Lightning strikes on or near a power line or utility service are a frequent cause of power surges. Point-of-use surge protection devices (SPDs), combined with a good grounding system, should protect your electronic and electrical appliances from most electrical surges. An SPD does not suppress or arrest a surge; it actually diverts the surge to the ground.

Service entrance SPDs provide protection for your entire electrical system and are usually installed at the electrical panel(s) or at the base of the service meter. These devices help prevent the entrance of overvoltages, which can cause a fire. Surge protection devices are typically installed in conjunction with a lightning protection system.

Lightning Insurance

While there isn't a policy for lightning alone, your homeowners, condo, or renters’ policy can help get you get you back on your feet if lightning does strike. You can also contact your insurance agent if you have coverage questions about damage due to lightning.

More than an insurance company, State Farm is on the forefront of innovation and is showcasing some of its patented technology available for licensing, purchase or collaboration opportunities.

“As one of the most innovative companies in our industry, at State Farm we pride ourselves on creating the most advanced, leading-edge technologies to help keep our policyholders safe," said Haden Kirkpatrick, Vice President - Innovation & Venture Capital. "We’re excited to launch our patent website to extend our Intellectual Property assets and help offer these advanced technologies to firms which share our mission of helping more people in more ways. As we look to the future, we see the opportunity to predict and prevent losses, keeping our policyholders and fellow citizens safer and better protected than ever before.”

The patents in this portfolio fall under a variety of buckets including:

• Artificial Intelligence Software
• Autonomous & Electric Vehicles
• Blockchain
• Auto Telematics
• Smart Home Technology and more

Interested parties can go to the website where there is a representative snapshot of some of the cutting-edge work being done at State Farm. If you want to learn more about our robust portfolio and are interested in purchasing, licensing or collaborating with us, email patents@statefarm.com and our patent team will respond to discuss your area of interest.

Where do these inventions come from?

State Farm is more than just an insurance company. With a focus on innovation and technology, employees are encouraged to think big when it comes to how the company can meet customers in new and different ways. Employees across the organization contribute to our growing patent portfolio.

Up to 100 participants from across the country are eligible to receive $500 awards to complete a planned wildfire risk reduction project on the event day, Saturday, May 7, 2022. To be considered for a project funding award, participants must submit an application by Monday, February 28, 2022. Apply for an award.

The national campaign, which began in 2014, provides an opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day to complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire. Research shows risks can be lessened when residents invest time in preparing their homes and landscaping to reduce the damage caused by embers during a wildfire. Projects undertaken on Preparedness Day, which can range from a short time commitment up to an entire day, can include:

• Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of three to five feet of a home’s foundation, continuing up to a 30-foot distance around the home, as time permits, and disposing of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
• Clearing roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers.
• Collecting downed tree limbs and broken branches and taking them to a disposal site.
• Screening or boxing-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

 “Major wildfire incidents resulting in thousands of destroyed homes continue to occur annually in the U.S. and are quickly becoming the dominant type of fire that causes catastrophic multiple deaths and structure loss,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Homeowners need to understand they have a role to play and that they can take action in reducing wildfire risk. Preparedness Day 2022 gives people the chance to not only make a difference in safety on event day but all through the year as well.”

According to the latest NFPA “Fire Safety in the United States since 1980, Through the Lens of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem” report, one million homes were within the perimeter of human-caused wildland/urban interface (WUI) fires from 1992 – 2015, and more than 60 million homes were threatened by such incidents in the same 24-year period. Data from annual reports from NFPA of catastrophic multiple death fires state that a total of 248 people have died in WUI fires from 1988 through 2018.

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, how to apply for funding awards, project ideas, and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

The Webby Awards is the leading international award program for internet excellence. As a People's Voice Award winner, State Farm was highlighted with other Webby winners from around the world in a virtual Internet Celebration.

This year, along with the SF mobile app, statefarm.com and the Steer Clear Safe Driver Program were also awarded top honors in the international Hermes Creative Awards and the American Business Awards. For additional award accomplishments, view the Industry Reviews & Digital Awards site. 

The Marketing Arm (TMA), the creative lead advertising agency for State Farm, submitted its work on (Re)Introducing Jake from State Farm and received a Webby People's Voice award in the Advertising, Media & PR: Brand Strategy category. ​

This recognition reflects customer pride and confidence in digital products at State Farm through the support across the organization and from customers making these achievements possible.​

To learn more about or download the app, click here.

Marcy’s a State Farm^® employee in Arizona. She has a big family; between her and her husband, they have six kids ranging in age from 10-19, but the baby clothes she crochets aren’t for them. They’re for babies that Marcy will never meet. More specifically, they’re for the one baby she never got the chance to meet.

The greatest joy, the biggest heartache

Almost 20 years ago, Marcy was pregnant for the first time, and she was absolutely thrilled. “I’d wanted to be a mom forever so getting pregnant was about the most exciting thing I could think of.” In anticipation, Marcy started making clothes and blankets for her new baby. “I’ve always loved crocheting,” Marcy said. “And crocheting stuff for my new baby was like a dream come true.”

Unfortunately for Marcy, her joy soon turned into tragedy when she suffered a miscarriage.

“I was crushed,” remembered Marcy. “To have the thing you wanted more than anything in the world taken away is the worst thing imaginable.”

Sadly, Marcy’s painful experience is all too common; estimates show that about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Like many women who suffer miscarriages, Marcy found herself in a dark place.

“It was horribly sad,” she said. “I’ve always thought that the best way to get out of a sad situation is by doing something good for somebody else.” Looking at the tiny hats, sweaters and blankets that she’d made for her baby, Marcy made a decision. Not to succumb to her grief, but to help others.

Turning pain into love

Marcy took all of the things she’d made for her baby and donated them to Newborns in Need, a national organization that provides new mothers with baby-related necessities. “These were made with love and if I wasn’t going to use them, I wanted them to go somewhere where they’d be needed.”

Slowly but surely, Marcy began to cope with her grief. She kept crocheting, she kept donating and a little over a year from her loss, she gave birth to her first daughter. “I was blessed with her, and have been blessed ever since,” said Marcy.

Marcy had three more children after that and when she married her current husband, became the step-mother to two more kids. Through it all, Marcy’s never stopped crocheting. In addition to Newborns in Need, she donates her handmade creations to places like Arizona Needy Newborns and Project Linus.

“There are so many organizations out there that need things like this,” Marcy said. “And this helped me as much as it’s helping them, so I’ll be doing this forever.”

“I think going through a loss like I did makes me appreciate what I have even more,” said Marcy.

“If I can help somebody who’s going through what I went through, I’m going to keep doing it.”

100 for Good™

If you haven't already, download the new 100 for Good^™ app from the iOS and Android App stores.

Marcy’s a State Farm^® employee in Arizona. She has a big family; between her and her husband, they have six kids ranging in age from 10-19, but the baby clothes she crochets aren’t for them. They’re for babies that Marcy will never meet. More specifically, they’re for the one baby she never got the chance to meet.

The greatest joy, the biggest heartache

Almost 20 years ago, Marcy was pregnant for the first time, and she was absolutely thrilled. “I’d wanted to be a mom forever so getting pregnant was about the most exciting thing I could think of.” In anticipation, Marcy started making clothes and blankets for her new baby. “I’ve always loved crocheting,” Marcy said. “And crocheting stuff for my new baby was like a dream come true.”

Unfortunately for Marcy, her joy soon turned into tragedy when she suffered a miscarriage.

“I was crushed,” remembered Marcy. “To have the thing you wanted more than anything in the world taken away is the worst thing imaginable.”

Sadly, Marcy’s painful experience is all too common; estimates show that about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Like many women who suffer miscarriages, Marcy found herself in a dark place.

“It was horribly sad,” she said. “I’ve always thought that the best way to get out of a sad situation is by doing something good for somebody else.” Looking at the tiny hats, sweaters and blankets that she’d made for her baby, Marcy made a decision. Not to succumb to her grief, but to help others.

Turning pain into love

Marcy took all of the things she’d made for her baby and donated them to Newborns in Need, a national organization that provides new mothers with baby-related necessities. “These were made with love and if I wasn’t going to use them, I wanted them to go somewhere where they’d be needed.”

Slowly but surely, Marcy began to cope with her grief. She kept crocheting, she kept donating and a little over a year from her loss, she gave birth to her first daughter. “I was blessed with her, and have been blessed ever since,” said Marcy.

Marcy had three more children after that and when she married her current husband, became the step-mother to two more kids. Through it all, Marcy’s never stopped crocheting. In addition to Newborns in Need, she donates her handmade creations to places like Arizona Needy Newborns and Project Linus.

“There are so many organizations out there that need things like this,” Marcy said. “And this helped me as much as it’s helping them, so I’ll be doing this forever.”

“I think going through a loss like I did makes me appreciate what I have even more,” said Marcy.

“If I can help somebody who’s going through what I went through, I’m going to keep doing it.”

The blockchain solution is the first of its kind between the insurance industry leaders. In 2019, the companies announced advanced testing of a blockchain solution to automate the time-consuming and paper-heavy processing of subrogation claims. Subrogation  is used by insurers to recover money when settling claims between their customers. Since then, the solution has been extensively tested using historical data and is now in full production.

“We are always looking at ways we can operate more efficiently to benefit our customers," said Robert Yi, chief claim officer at State Farm. “In most cases, this blockchain solution will assist in speeding up subrogation recovery, resulting in an earlier return of the customer's deductible.”

Companies across many industries are using blockchain technology to securely store data and manage transactions. With its unique encryption and security features, blockchain has the potential to affect and transform many industries.

“Carrier-to-carrier claims payments will be almost completely automated in the future, saving time and money,” said Sean Burgess, USAA chief claims officer. “Utilizing blockchain technology helps us securely improve and automate a manual process and ultimately gets money back to our members and customers faster.”

Every year, about 75,000 subrogation checks are exchanged between State Farm and USAA. With the move to full production, the companies hope to see other carriers sign-on to participate throughout 2021.

“We are actively seeking other insurers to join us in this subrogation blockchain solution," Yi said. “The more insurers that embrace secure and efficient technology solutions, like blockchain, the greater the return for all of our insurance customers.”

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can be used to manage transactions and store information using cryptography (i.e., mathematical algorithms and secret keys that encrypt data), peer-to-peer networking and data storage. This type of digital technology can create value in ways customers wouldn’t expect from their insurance company. Subrogation is one example where blockchain technology has the potential to reduce expenses while making processes more efficient and secure. No sensitive personal data is shared using this blockchain solution.

What is Subrogation?

Subrogation describes the right held by most insurance carriers to legally pursue a third party that caused a loss to an insured. Information about the claim is collected and the insurance companies negotiate the claim amount. If an agreement is reached, the  insurer of the at-fault party submits payment to the other insurer on an individual claim basis.

Join the conversation on Yammer!

After a harrowing encounter with a deer in southeastern Pennsylvania this fall, Chrissi Rhodes Villa has a simple message for you.

“Please be careful on the roads and watch for deer,” she said.

In an instant, a deer bounded into the road and collided with their car, one of nearly 2 million crashes with animals every year.

“We weren’t going fast,” Rhodes Villa said. “It just happened so fast.”

It’s not an unusual occurrence, especially in October, November and December. U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal, according to the State Farm^® annual study. There were over 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

Pennsylvania ranks third in the country with drivers having a 1-in-51 chance of an animal collision. West Virginia (1-in-37) again tops the list, followed by Montana (1-in-47). South Dakota and Michigan round out the top five, followed by Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, Minnesota and Wyoming.

The large majority of animal collisions are with deer. For the year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 there were estimated to be 1.5 million deer claims industry-wide.

“Claims after collisions with an animal range from small dents to totaled vehicles and injured drivers and passengers,” says Michael Braaten, director, Enterprise Research. “By sharing ways to help drivers be aware of the increased dangers this time of year – including inclement weather, shorter periods of daylight and students driving home after evening activities – State Farm hopes to help decrease the number of collisions and injuries.”

Hawaii (1-in-649), Nevada (1-in-551) and California (1-in-427) are the states where drivers have the least chance of an animal collision.

How Can You Avoid Deer in Your Headlights?

Growing deer and other animal populations combined with the displacement of animal habitats are making animal crashes more likely. There’s no real way to keep large animals like deer, moose, and elk off the road, but these safety tips can help you prevent animal-car collisions.

• Stay alert. Pay attention to "deer crossing" and other signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.

• Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on a deer in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.

• Don't swerve. If an animal-car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don't veer off the road.

• Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.

• Remember peak season. Deer crashes happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season. Collisions are most likely to happen in West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

• Remember meal time. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.

• Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.

• Don't rely on a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.

• Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

“Please be careful on the roads and watch for deer,” she said.

In an instant, a deer bounded into the road and collided with their car, one of nearly 2 million crashes with animals every year.

“We weren’t going fast,” Rhodes Villa said. “It just happened so fast.”

It’s not an unusual occurrence, especially in October, November and December. U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal, according to the State Farm^® annual study. There were over 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

Pennsylvania ranks third in the country with drivers having a 1-in-51 chance of an animal collision. West Virginia (1-in-37) again tops the list, followed by Montana (1-in-47). South Dakota and Michigan round out the top five, followed by Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, Minnesota and Wyoming.

The large majority of animal collisions are with deer. For the year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 there were estimated to be 1.5 million deer claims industry-wide.

“Claims after collisions with an animal range from small dents to totaled vehicles and injured drivers and passengers,” says Michael Braaten, director, Enterprise Research. “By sharing ways to help drivers be aware of the increased dangers this time of year – including inclement weather, shorter periods of daylight and students driving home after evening activities – State Farm hopes to help decrease the number of collisions and injuries.”

Hawaii (1-in-649), Nevada (1-in-551) and California (1-in-427) are the states where drivers have the least chance of an animal collision.

How Can You Avoid Deer in Your Headlights?

Growing deer and other animal populations combined with the displacement of animal habitats are making animal crashes more likely. There’s no real way to keep large animals like deer, moose, and elk off the road, but these safety tips can help you prevent animal-car collisions.

Stay alert. Pay attention to "deer crossing" and other signs and be cautious in areas near woods or water.

Use high beams. Flicking your high beams on a deer in the road may cause the animal to scurry away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.

Don't swerve. If an animal-car crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and don't veer off the road.

Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.

Remember peak season. Deer crashes happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season. Collisions are most likely to happen in West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

Remember meal time. Watch for animals in the road between dusk and dawn.

Watch for herds. If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.

Don't rely on a whistle. No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.

Wear seat belts. Always obey speed limits and wear seat belts.

In the News

• AccuWeather.com:  Ways to steer clear of deer this year (11/10/20)

Eighteen-year-old Miski Abdirizak knows the value of hard work. In the '90s her parents migrated to the United States, seeking refuge from Somalia.

“Dad was a gas station clerk, restocked grocery shelves and tutored. Mom went to school to get her associates degree in nursing. They did this while raising me, my three older sisters and gaining citizenship to the U.S,” Miski said.

“My parents taught us to aim for the stars. What might be out of reach really isn’t if you strive to achieve. It’s about problem solving and perseverance,” the State Farm® technology intern said of her family’s journey.

So when State Farm presented Miski with an opportunity to solve problems through STEM, she took it.

She applied and was accepted to Girls Who Code in 2018. During the seven-week summer program, she did everything from learning JavaScript, HTML and Python to building data clouds, graphs and websites.

Girls Who Code is building the largest pipeline of future female engineers. It is on track to achieve gender parity in computer science by 2027.

State Farm became a Girls Who Code (GWC) sponsor in 2017. It offers the free summer immersion program to students at its Park Center campus in Atlanta.

“We’ve had nearly 100 Girls Who Code graduates since coming on board,” said State Farm GWC lead Katrina Torres. “Nearly half of our girls come from historically underrepresented groups. Many are Black, Latina or from low-income households and don’t have access to technology or the ability to take IT courses."

"Receiving messages from past graduates on their personal achievements or acceptance to a college computer science program is motivating. But even more exciting is when graduates' technical skillsets enable them to compete for a spot in our highly competitive technology intern program.”

When COVID-19 prevented in-person learning this year, State Farm pivoted GWC to a virtual summer immersion program. That allowed the program to expand its reach beyond Atlanta to girls across the country.

Committed to serving students amid challenging circumstances, it also honored job offers and internships. In May, State Farm welcomed nearly 450 college and high school interns. Only 4 percent of companies moved forward with internship programs.

“We knew it was important to continue the support of GWC in the wake of the pandemic. We understood the importance of providing these opportunities to all. Knowing tech jobs are the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., it’s critical to provide a foundation of computing skills for these young women,” Katrina said. “To alleviate technical glitches in a virtual environment, we purchased laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for our 2020 class.”

While teaching girls to code is a large component of GWC, Miski says it’s more than that.

“I learned courage and empowerment. Each week we met a woman in tech and had designated mentors. Seeing women dominating in this field - women who looked like us and we could relate to - made me realize I can do this too. Being a minority in the field shouldn’t be a scary thing. It’s about having confidence to go for it.”

Watch out world!

Following her GWC graduation in 2018, Miski’s received three State Farm technology internships. Her responsibilities ranged from product suites, to data analysis, to scrum.

“I love working at State Farm,” she said. “It’s cutting-edge, it’s creating solutions and it’s about helping people. I’ve learned so much.”

This fall, she’ll begin her freshman year at Georgia State University. In 2017, State Farm pledged $20 million to support student education and bring GSU’s pioneering data analytics work to life.

To explore tech opportunities at State Farm, visit statefarm.com/careers.

In the News

FOX54 Atlanta: Georgia State intern uses summer coding program to gain valuable experience with State Farm (12/13/20) 

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Living independently—while remaining connected to family and friends—is easier than ever for older adults with the help of Sundial™. The new mobile application and Alexa skill connects them with loved ones in their Care Circle. It helps coordinate and communicate activities like reminders and to-do lists and provides a line of communication for check-ins with a personal connection.

How It Works

The Sundial skill for Alexa and the mobile app work together to connect older adults (the Center) to their loved ones (Care Circle). The Center uses the voice and touch enabled Sundial skill for Alexa (optimized for the Amazon Echo Show) to interact with their private Care Circle of family and friends. Once invited, Care Circle members can download the Sundial mobile apps to interact with the Center and each other. When the skill is enabled and the mobile apps are connected, the Center simply says “Alexa, open Sundial” to enjoy the Sundial features.

With Sundial you can:

• Quickly check-in and communicate
• Access the interactive dashboard with voice commands for a scrolling list of daily activities
• Coordinate tasks among Care Circle members
• Send photo memories with personalized captions from the mobile app directly to the older adult’s Echo Show

This service and skill are not replacements for home healthcare or emergency services. Sundial is a subscription-based product. Details regarding services and price are available on the Sundial website: www.sundial-labs.com.

Connect on a Personal Level:

“We were eager to try the product,” said Curtis Simpson, a State Farm technology manager and participant in the pilot program. Simpson’s mother lives in Florida and he formed a Care Circle with her and his brothers from Illinois using Sundial.

“My mom being far away and living on her own concerned us. With the app and skill, we now have frequent daily check-ins. We love it, she loves it. It allows us to connect without feeling intrusive.”

Christen Zook and Tara Hayman are also State Farm employees who participated in product testing.

“My dad lives in Michigan. He is very independent and sharp,” Zook said. “But he’s not an app person or mobile-oriented. Sundial’s simplicity helps.”

For Hayman, Sundial helps to provide reassurance and helps bring the family closer to her mother in Maryland. “I like that our family can check in together. We share photos and information at the same time,” Hayman said.

"Sundial grew from a passion to be a positive part of the lives of our older adults,” says Mike Fields, Vice-President of Sundial Labs. “We want to help foster closer, caring relationships with loved ones creating a daily connection, no matter the distance. It is an important part of Sundial’s mission to provide digital tools and solutions for older adults and their care circles that can reduce time and worry managing daily life while increase confidence through a personal virtual touch.”

The Need for Innovation:

Over the next decade, the U.S. will see an important demographic shift. By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65. According to the US Census Bureau, this means that 1 in 5 residents will be retirement age. A 2018 survey by the AARP also revealed that three out of four older adults want to stay in their homes as they age.

For those coordinating care, the current landscape could be a challenge. According to Sundial Labs research, only about a third of those surveyed feel current technology is useful in helping find new solutions to assist their older loved ones. Yet, more than half expressed interest in trying out an app that would help them find new solutions.

A report released last year by a White House Task Force focused on aging adults says technology can help. For older adults, voice assistants have the highest rate of adoption (AARP ). Innovation that assists older adults with daily life and strong social connections will be key in helping older Americans “age in place.”

How It Works

The Sundial skill for Alexa and the mobile app work together to connect older adults (the Center) to their loved ones (Care Circle). The Center uses the voice and touch enabled Sundial skill for Alexa (optimized for the Amazon Echo Show) to interact with their private Care Circle of family and friends. Once invited, Care Circle members can download the Sundial mobile apps to interact with the Center and each other. When the skill is enabled and the mobile apps are connected, the Center simply says “Alexa, open Sundial” to enjoy the Sundial features.

With Sundial you can:

• Quickly check-in and communicate
• Access the interactive dashboard with voice commands for a scrolling list of daily activities
• Coordinate tasks among Care Circle members
• Send photo memories with personalized captions from the mobile app directly to the older adult’s Echo Show

This service and skill are not replacements for home healthcare or emergency services. Sundial is a subscription-based product. Details regarding services and price are available on the Sundial website: www.sundial-labs.com.

Connect on a Personal Level:

“We were eager to try the product,” said Curtis Simpson, a State Farm technology manager and participant in the pilot program. Simpson’s mother lives in Florida and he formed a Care Circle with her and his brothers from Illinois using Sundial.

“My mom being far away and living on her own concerned us. With the app and skill, we now have frequent daily check-ins. We love it, she loves it. It allows us to connect without feeling intrusive.”

Christen Zook and Tara Hayman are also State Farm employees who participated in product testing.

“My dad lives in Michigan. He is very independent and sharp,” Zook said. “But he’s not an app person or mobile-oriented. Sundial’s simplicity helps.”

For Hayman, Sundial helps to provide reassurance and helps bring the family closer to her mother in Maryland. “I like that our family can check in together. We share photos and information at the same time,” Hayman said.

"Sundial grew from a passion to be a positive part of the lives of our older adults,” says Mike Fields, Vice-President of Sundial Labs. “We want to help foster closer, caring relationships with loved ones creating a daily connection, no matter the distance. It is an important part of Sundial’s mission to provide digital tools and solutions for older adults and their care circles that can reduce time and worry managing daily life while increase confidence through a personal virtual touch.”

The Need for Innovation:

Over the next decade, the U.S. will see an important demographic shift. By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65. According to the US Census Bureau, this means that 1 in 5 residents will be retirement age. A 2018 survey by the AARP also revealed that three out of four older adults want to stay in their homes as they age.

For those coordinating care, the current landscape could be a challenge. According to Sundial Labs research, only about a third of those surveyed feel current technology is useful in helping find new solutions to assist their older loved ones. Yet, more than half expressed interest in trying out an app that would help them find new solutions.

A report released last year by a White House Task Force focused on aging adults says technology can help. For older adults, voice assistants have the highest rate of adoption (AARP). Innovation that assists older adults with daily life and strong social connections will be key in helping older Americans “age in place.”

In the News:

• AgeInPlaceTech.com: Sundial Points the Way to Connected Living (08/04/20)
• WGLT:  State Farm Labs Spins Off Sundial Tool Targeting Older Adults (07/07/20)

“People should be able to interact with an app whenever and however they choose,” said Stacy. “A customer first focus is critical.”

Miller is a State Farm^® mobile app (SFma) technology analyst who was part of a recent update to make the online tool even easier for customers. The State Farm mobile app recently won three top honors in the 2020 Webby Awards, the leading international award program for internet excellence.

“Deposit a check, pay an insurance bill, request roadside assistance, file and track claims – you can do it all online – desktop or mobile,” she said.

“My favorite feature is the photo damage estimator. It’s really innovative,” said SFma software developer Andrew Erickson. “If a driver is in an accident, they can use the app to take pictures of their vehicle and submit them to State Farm. Those images are then used to write the customer an estimate. Efficiency and assistance, that’s what we’re about.”

The Secret to Success

From research to user reviews to direct communication tools, State Farm keeps a constant pulse on customer feedback.

“We’re in the business of creating solutions, and we take what people tell us seriously,” said software developer Nick Baker. “We’re constantly adding new features to improve the online experience. When digital tools are efficient, people can be more efficient.”

For first-time users or those with questions, a chatbot guides customers through the claim-filing process and provides proof of insurance cards without logging in. Using the chatbot, people can also get quotes and compare policy options.

“We want people to know we hear them,” Nick said. “During a prior iteration, many informed us the app was hard to navigate. So we personalized the dashboard, making it easier for people to find what they need.”

“We treat the app like raising a child,” Stacy said. “We take care of it, help it grow and thrive, and teach it to help others. Just like parenting, the work never stops.”

“Whether it’s the mobile app, online or a phone call, we’re good neighbors – and we’re there to serve every step of the way,” Nick said.

To learn more about or download the app, click here.

“When startups find out I work for State Farm they’re surprised,” says Chan.

State Farm products insure where we live, how we travel, and cover life and wellness. If companies can help us continue to innovate in any of those strategic areas, Chan wants to speak with them.

“That eureka moment where I make the connection between a State Farm need and a solution from a startup is my favorite part of the job,” he adds.

“We are looking for products and services that we don’t currently have or technology that can enhance the products and services we currently offer,” says Mike Remmes, Innovation Executive in Labs @ State Farm. He’s also the architect of its State Farm Ventures, which focuses on research and development.

“We want to invest in companies that can help streamline our processes and operations or provide better services and products to our customers, now and into the future.”

However, venture capital waters are rough and unpredictable.

“Challenging conventional thinking is the point where innovation occurs,” explains Corey Schieler, Director of State Farm Ventures. What his team seeks is alignment between State Farm and startups.

That connection recently happened with a young firm called HopSkipDrive. The company specializes in transporting children to and from school. State Farm Ventures determined that the idea provides a valued service and peace of mind. In fact, it’s not just for customers facing transportation challenges for their children; there may be future alignment to customers with elderly parents facing similar mobility difficulties.

State Farm Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Farm. It launched in 2018 with a $100 million investment commitment and has already provided funding to nine companies.

“We try to find companies that are strategic to us. They must benefit our policyholders or advance the interests of State Farm. They must also provide a competitive advantage,” concludes Remmes.

Other investing examples include Cambridge Mobile Telematics. They provide State Farm with the technology behind Drive Safe & Save, our signature discount program. There's also the Whisker Labs' Ting device that can help mitigate or prevent house fire losses.

State Farm has been an innovative company since day one. Then, a farmer named George J. Mecherle decided to create an insurance company that more fairly matched risk to price.

As we approach our 100^th anniversary, the pursuit of innovation to better service customers remains our north star.

Pitching ideas to State Farm Ventures has never been easier thanks to the new State Farm Ventures website. To all entrepreneurs seeking funding: innovation is key, but khakis are not mandatory.

In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s how they’re doing it.

Sudha Nandam  _______________________________________________ State Farm® Software Developer (Tenure: 2 years)

“I grew up in South India (Ponnur).There were 32 of us living under one roof! My parents, their siblings, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins. I always liked math and science – and wanted to pursue higher education. This took many by surprise. In those days women often stayed home. My father told me, 'If this is what you want to do, do it with all your heart.' I was the first woman in my family to go to college. I attended a technical university (JNTU, Kakinada) and studied engineering. During this journey I met my husband, who’s also in information technology. We came to the United States in 2008. As a software developer at State Farm, my focus is Java. I work on web services for agency marketing and customer care data. I love working here. No matter who you are, there are opportunities to develop your skills. It’s exciting to be part of a tech company dedicated to forward thinking and new ways of working."

The impact:

"My pursuit of technology inspired the younger women in my family to go to college. ‘We want to study like you!’ they said. Today, they work in IT. My 18-year-old son also plans to study IT in college. No matter who you are, or where you come from – if you’re committed to learning, you can accomplish anything.”

“I’ve been in IT my entire career and worked for a variety of companies. Nothing compares to State Farm and its zest for learning. As a scrum master, it’s about data, communication and progress. In IT you can impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people with one key stroke. That’s incredible! To top it off, when I discover something the computer doesn’t know, I get a huge rush."

The impact:

"There’s always room for more women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Here in Texas, I’m involved in the Apollo Coding Club. I started working with the program in 2018 to give middle school girls the chance to code. Each week State Farm volunteers teach the students JavaScript and web development. At the end of the semester we host a showcase at CityLine, where the girls present their work to State Farm leadership, teachers, families and friends. I love seeing these young ladies blossom. They come to us with a desire to learn – but many are also quiet, reserved. As the weeks go by and their knowledge increases, so does their confidence. By the time the showcase arrives, they’re comfortable on the computer and speaking in front of a room. Those who’ve been through the program have chosen to pursue this education in high school and beyond. If you have a desire to learn, and you follow through on that desire – you will excel. The Apollo Coding Club is proof of that. I’m honored to give back in this way.”

“I grew up in Jamaica. One of five children. My parents knew an education was the way to a better future. My mom relocated to the United States, where she knew we would have multiple opportunities. She earned her LPN in nursing and worked two jobs to ensure we had an education. I went to Fordham University in New York and earned a degree in computer science. I had a knack for math and science, started as pre-med then quickly switched to computer science. My older brother had just earned his master’s degree in computer science, so it was an easy decision. State Farm is actually my third job after college. The minute I came to State Farm, I knew this was a great place to work. When we say, ‘Like a Good Neighbor,’ it’s not a tagline. It’s the truth. Here it’s family.”

The impact:

"My philosophy has always been, when you learn, teach. When you get, give. People saw potential in me. They said, ‘You CAN do this.’ I stayed on the path. As a leader in tech, my focus is on the workforce – identifying talent, building skillsets, extending our brand to colleges and universities across the country and sponsoring STEM programs like Girls Who Code in Atlanta. When I look at my grandma, mother, myself and my two strong, intelligent daughters, I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made and what’s to come. Ten years ago, when I attended tech conferences there was no line for the ladies restroom. Today, there’s a line! As women we’re blazing a trail. It’s about goals, not excuses. Remember, you are not a victim. You are in control. If my story helps inspire more women to make their dreams a reality, it’s my responsibility to share it."

Ines Halloran  _________________________________________________ State Farm® Technology Executive (Tenure: 29 years)

"The harder the issue, the better. Give me the tough stuff. I like challenge! I’ve had a passion for math and science since I was little. I grew up in Germany, near Munich and met my husband when he was stationed here. We moved to the United States in the '80s, and I began an internship with State Farm in 1990. The moment I walked in the door, I realized this place is special. In Europe, business is formal, structured and traditional. The State Farm culture is creative, friendly and open to ideas. Originally, I thought this would be a short-term way to get experience. I had no intention of being an executive. But people pulled me in, gave me opportunities – and I seized them. As technology evolves, we need more people in the industry, including women. Just as my peers said to me, 'You CAN do this, we BELIEVE in you,' – today, I’m mentoring the next generation – helping them see themselves as a true competitor in this field. By sharing our stories, we inspire more women to come into the pipeline.”

The impact:

In April, Ines will be honored as one of this year’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech. The award, presented by the National Diversity Council, recognizes the achievements of women with a proven track record for breaking barriers, driving change and inspiring others to succeed.

“I’m thrilled to receive this honor and represent State Farm,” said Ines. “It’s awesome to show the rest of the world State Farm is part of the technology conversation. To all the women out there: Be bold. Be at the table. Challenge your own bias and celebrate success. You can do this.”

After competing in the State Farm Coding Competition, the Yale University sophomore realizes State Farm is nothing like what he envisioned.

"Before the coding competition, I really hadn’t thought of State Farm as a potential destination for me,” the computer science major said.

Like many of his peers, Harshal saw insurance as a necessity to drive their car, or protect the stuff in their apartment or dorm room.

That opinion changed when Harshal got turned on to the State Farm Coding Competition by friend and 2016 State Farm Coding Competition winner and three-time finalist Ankur Sundara.

“Ankur had competed in the competition three other times and told me about it,” Harshal said.

The annual State Farm Coding Competition is a two-stage Java competition for college undergraduate students. Students register online individually or as teams. On the day of the competition, they download the problem statement and upload their solution. The top five submissions were invited, expenses paid, to the Marina Heights Hub for the final.

"Ankur and I competed in the qualifying round together,” Harshal said. “It seemed like an interesting opportunity to try something new and work on a real-world problem, not something out of a textbook.”

The competition also identifies programmers for State Farm.

"The Coding Competition gives students some real-world situations, but for State Farm it serves the purpose of advertising State Farm as a tech company and that we have jobs in the tech field,” said Software Developer Josh Storrs, who directs the competition for State Farm. “We are able to spread that word and make young programmers aware of the opportunities here.”

Josh said the goal for the students in the first round is to implement a solution that will make the test cases pass in the most efficient manner possible. The competitors have four hours to finish and State Farm judges use a script to verify how many tests each team passed along with looking at any bonus completed to choose the finalists. The finalists earn $800 per team and receive an expenses-paid trip to State Farm for an on-site final.

The final is more insurance related. The finalists are graded on the cleanliness of their code and how maintainable it is. The finalists also explain how they came to their solution and what benefit it would give the company.

Finalists are graded on both the code and presentation. The winning team earns $1,500.

"They are pretty good at thinking outside of the box and being creative in their solutions,” Josh said. “We don’t give them a whole lot of time so it is impressive how much they are able to do in a small window. Coming up with a nifty solution and being able to present that solution before a panel of judges, it’s impressive.”

"The competition was incredibly well-run and provided me an opportunity to tackle an interesting problem and present my solution to State Farm executives,” Harshal said. “It's definitely put State Farm on the radar for me, and opened my eyes to the technical sophistication required to make the company operate effectively.”

As emerging technologies rapidly transform the workplace, experts predict significant displacement and demand for new skills to fill future jobs. The ability to adapt, learn, and transition to new and emerging employment opportunities will be essential for workers worldwide. Pathways for the Future is designed to address these changes, focused specifically on high school students, community college and university students, and career professionals who wish to compete for new and evolving jobs in the changing marketplace.

“Technological change holds enormous promise and the potential for job creation. It also challenges employees, employers and students and presents a change we all must adapt to,” said State Farm Chairman and CEO Michael Tipsord. “Today represents a new milestone in our relationship with ASU and builds on our corporate commitment to prepare not only for what’s coming, but for what is already happening. We look forward to growing this commitment with ASU and working together to build the workforce of the future through universal learning.”

With the online nature of the program, State Farm’s gift will enable ASU to assist many more learners regardless of their location and will provide students access to the transfer and transition tools which support curriculum pathway mapping and sequencing. This component will also help people discover career interests and provides a way for ASU to share pertinent information with mid-career adults and to students navigating higher education options.

There are four targeted groups for the Pathway Program, including:

• High School Students
• Maricopa County Community College Students
• Arizona State University Students
• Employees, already in the workforce, wanting to learn new skills, including State Farm employees

“State Farm has been a good neighbor to ASU for the past several years – our aligned values and our mutual commitment and investment of human and financial capital makes for an ideal partnership in Pathways for the Future,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “We believe strongly in the evolving model of universal learning, making higher education available to those from all socioeconomic backgrounds at any point in their lives. This is what the workforce of the future needs and what we hope to accomplish with State Farm. Together, our goal is to help people work through what will be a significant transformation in the economy.”

The program has three specific Academic Tracks, including STEM/Engineering, Business/Leadership and Humanities/Social Sciences. For more information on the tracks and complete program details, please visit: https://pff.asu.edu/. The Pathways for the Future portal can be accessed here.

“IT” happens here

Instead of soaring to a city far away, the annual conference, called the IT Symposium, takes place within the walls of State Farm. It’s open to more than 50,000 employees, and no one has to travel out of town. Held in October, the event is known for hosting tech experts, award winning keynote speakers, digital workshops, interactive presentations and a multi-day Tech Expo packed with vendors, booths, IT demonstrations and giveaways.

“Technology is changing the economic landscape. This event keeps us ahead of the curve,” said Infrastructure Analyst Casey Biddle.

It's a can’t-miss.

Biddle joined State Farm in 1983. He’s been to every IT Symposium.

“Some may call me a dinosaur,” he smiled. “But, witnessing firsthand how technology has evolved from then to now is amazing.”

When Biddle came on board, email, smartphones and social media didn’t exist.

“We had a basket on our desk where paper memos were dropped – that’s how we got information,” said Biddle. “In those days, my computer didn’t even have a mouse. I used arrow keys.”

Fast Forward to 2019 – a lot has changed.

“There isn’t a symposium that goes by that I don’t learn something,” Biddle said. “This event sheds light on new projects and ways of working. When leaders share their vision for the future, it promotes change adoption. This is a great way to get people on board as we continue to evolve.”

What’s the secret to staying current?

"Get as much exposure as you can,” said Biddle. "I would have never thought technology could change jobs as much as it has. From drones, to cloud-based services, to artificial intelligence. No matter your role, learn about tech, follow it. The IT Symposium makes the task easier.”

It's an investment in talent, teamwork and the future - that Biddle says, is paying off.

“I've been a software developer, worked on apps, supported unified media - needless to say, State Farm is a great place to work. Just look at my track record! Thirty-six years and counting.”

New Hires: Here’s What They’re Saying

“State Farm lives up to its title as a Good Neighbor company. I see it in many ways – including how it develops employees. Events like the IT Symposium foster collaboration among departments.”

-Jacob Schroeder (3 years) Software Developer

“The IT Symposium not only teaches me about current technologies, it also makes me aware of future-state capabilities. It feels good to work for a company dedicated to continuous improvement.”

- Sudha Nandam (2 years) Software Developer

“I’m amazed by the company’s commitment to knowledge. This event is a fun and educational way to learn about technology. It truly promotes understanding.”

- Thomas Emola (9 weeks) Software Developer

Fun Facts:

• The IT Symposium began in 2009.
• It’s open to more than 50,000 employees.
• In 2019 the Tech Expo hosted more than 200 booths.
• Award winning keynote speakers including tech evangelist Guy Kawasaki have presented there.
• In 2019, a 120-pound drivable robot rolled through. It also shot basketballs.

“State Farm is always looking at how we can leverage new technologies to adapt to the changing needs of our customers,” said Curt Stewart, State Farm Enterprise Technology Executive. “We’re excited to team up with Guidewire to improve our customer experience. Streamlining our digital and transactional processes will also improve operational efficiencies.”

The new operating platform will significantly speed up and improve the application process. It will enable employees and State Farm agents to work from the same set of customer information. And, it will give customers more flexibility with billing and communications.

“We are very excited and honored to welcome State Farm to our customer community and congratulate them on their success to date,” said Steve Sherry, Chief Sales Officer, Guidewire Software. “We look forward to our ongoing work with the State Farm team as they continue to implement changes that will benefit their customers.”

The project is being introduced to various product lines in a phased approach. The effort will also allow State Farm to be more responsive to the changing marketplace. This includes delivering on its core products or finding new ways to help customers. To support these efforts, State Farm is actively recruiting employees with technology and data skills. To apply, go to www.statefarm.com/careers.

Teaming up with Amazon, State Farm is developing a new skill for Alexa that could allow seniors to stay independent longer in their homes. Their care circle of family and friends can have an easy way to stay connected and help coordinate care virtually. A limited trial is currently being conducted, with plans to launch broadly in 2020.

“Through this work, we’re able to provide a new, innovative offering that could improve the quality of life and care for seniors and help give their family members added peace of mind,” said Mark Oakley, Senior Vice President of Labs @ State Farm. “We are committed to helping life go right, and this unique voice solution will enhance our ability to do so right from peoples’ homes. As one of the caregivers to my late father, I know first-hand how impactful this capability could be for users and look forward to bringing this offering to life through Alexa.”

How it works

State Farm is developing an Alexa skill that is optimized for Amazon’s Echo Show, allowing the senior to use voice and touch interface. The Alexa skill then connects to the care circle through a State Farm-developed mobile app. The senior gets a personalized experience and virtual support through coordination and communication with their care circle.

Some of the features planned for this Alexa skill and care circle mobile app include:

• Quick check-in with the Alexa skill can reassure care circle via the mobile app
• Interactive dashboard on Echo Show with scrolling list of daily activities
• Tools in the mobile app to coordinate key tasks across the care circle
• Smart-suggestions from the mobile app to the senior’s Echo Show for events and activities
• Music and photos sent from the mobile app to the senior’s Echo Show
• Ability to view full calendar on both the Echo Show and mobile app with audio commands and visual display
• Social features on both Echo Show and mobile app to help everyone stay connected

The need is there

State Farm research indicates only about a third of people feel current technologies available today are useful in helping manage care of a loved one. And over half indicated they are interested in trying out an app that would help them coordinate care with their aging loved one. A report released earlier this year from a White House Task Force focused on aging adults says technology can help. Support aimed at helping seniors with daily living, transportation and social connection will be key in helping older Americans to ‘age in place’.

In the next decade, the U.S. will see an important demographic turning point according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, 1 out of 5 U.S. residents will be over the age of 65. A 2018 survey by AARP reveals 3 out of 4 adults age 50 and older want to stay in their homes as they age, and a 2017 Pew Research Report shows a significant increase in tech adoption among the aging population.

State Farm is working to help meet the needs of current and future customers in ways they may not ordinarily expect from a traditional insurance company. We have a rich heritage of innovation and continuously work on new technologies that will help us deliver products and services enabling people to live life more confidently.

Subrogation is typically the last phase of an insurance claims process, when one insurance company recovers claim costs it paid to its customer for damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company, which includes its customer’s deductible.

“Today, subrogation is a relatively manual, time-consuming process often requiring physical checks to be mailed on a claim-by-claim basis between insurers,” says Mike Fields, Innovation Executive, State Farm. “In 2018 alone, the total amount of dollars demanded and issued through the subrogation process was over $9.6 Billion for all insurance carriers. You can imagine the time and resources required to complete these transactions.”

Companies across many industries are using blockchain technology to securely store data and manage transactions. USAA and State Farm are testing how blockchain can be used to gain efficiencies in the subrogation process by securely and automatically compiling all subrogation payment amounts, netting the balance, and facilitating a single payment on a regular basis between insurers.

“The blockchain solution we are working on has many potential benefits,” says Ramon Lopez, Vice President, Innovation, USAA. “It helps us automate a manual process securely and creates a permanent transaction record of each payment which can easily be verified for accuracy. It also has the potential to decrease the amount of time for consumers to receive their deductible reimbursement.”

The blockchain subrogation solution is the first of its kind between two major leaders in the insurance industry. The companies began working together in early 2018 and plan to continue testing to determine if the blockchain solution can be a viable product for industry adoption.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can be used to manage transactions and store information using cryptography (i.e., mathematical algorithms and secret keys that encrypt data), peer-to-peer networking and data storage. This type of digital technology can create value for customers in ways that they wouldn’t expect from their insurance company. Subrogation is one example of where blockchain technology has the potential to reduce expenses while making processes more efficient and secure.

What is Subrogation?

Subrogation describes the right held by most insurance carriers to legally pursue a third party that caused a loss to an insured. Information about the claim is collected and the two insurance companies negotiate the claim amount. If an agreement is reached, the at-fault insurer submits payment to the other insurer on an individual claim basis. Insurance companies only share claim numbers and dollar amounts for subrogation purposes. No sensitive personal information is shared.

In the News:

• Forbes (7/18/19) State Farm And USAA See Stark Increase In Efficiency When Testing Blockchain Subrogation

• Digital Insurance (4/29/19) Inside State Farm's blockchain journey

• Forbes (4/16/19) Block Chain 50: Billion Dollar Babies

As State Farm launched their new drone program to better assist customers after storm damage, they needed to recruit and train employees to become drone pilots. And they wanted the best of the best.

To the surprise of no one, Jessica Hodge, Joy Hillsman-Caffie and Shelley Cole rose to the top of the list. They are three of the six drone pilots for State Farm who are women.

The news of her selection came as a shock to Jessica, an eight-year State Farm claims specialist.

When I found out, I was excited and up for the challenge,” shared Jessica. “I consider myself an early adopter of the technology. State Farm is one of the first insurance companies to use drones and I’m one of the first drone pilots for State Farm. It’s cool to be on the cutting edge.”

Shelley had worked in Claims for just shy of 30 years when she was tapped on the shoulder to join the elite team. She was enthusiastic about the new adventure.

“It’s been quite the experience. It makes me feel like I’m really leading the way for other women,” Shelley said. “It also gave me a bit of an upper hand. As a female catastrophe claims specialist (which is a male dominated role), working with contractors (which is a male dominated job), being a drone pilot gave me a different level of respect.”

Joy is one of the lucky people in the world whose hobby became a career. After she heard about the drone program, she decided she wanted in. Recently introduced to drones herself, the 13-year employee made a few phone calls and advocated for herself. She officially passed her license test in the fall of 2017.

“Having to fight for something you want makes it sweeter. It’s also very cool being one of the women drone pilots at State Farm,” shared Joy. “We are really at the forefront of the industry and it’s great to be a part of that.”

Even better, her son who loves all things tech, thinks she’s pretty cool, too. “He says I’m one of his super heroes.”

Together they are defying statistics and helping customers recover from the unexpected.

As State Farm launched their new drone program to better assist customers after storm damage, they needed to recruit and train employees to become drone pilots. And they wanted the best of the best.

To the surprise of no one, Jessica Hodge, Joy Hillsman-Caffie and Shelley Cole rose to the top of the list. They are three of the six drone pilots for State Farm who are women.

The news of her selection came as a shock to Jessica, an eight-year State Farm claims specialist.

When I found out, I was excited and up for the challenge,” shared Jessica. “I consider myself an early adopter of the technology. State Farm is one of the first insurance companies to use drones and I’m one of the first drone pilots for State Farm. It’s cool to be on the cutting edge.”

Shelley had worked in Claims for just shy of 30 years when she was tapped on the shoulder to join the elite team. She was enthusiastic about the new adventure.

“It’s been quite the experience. It makes me feel like I’m really leading the way for other women,” Shelley said. “It also gave me a bit of an upper hand. As a female catastrophe claims specialist (which is a male dominated role), working with contractors (which is a male dominated job), being a drone pilot gave me a different level of respect.”

Joy is one of the lucky people in the world whose hobby became a career. After she heard about the drone program, she decided she wanted in. Recently introduced to drones herself, the 13-year employee made a few phone calls and advocated for herself. She officially passed her license test in the fall of 2017.

“Having to fight for something you want makes it sweeter. It’s also very cool being one of the women drone pilots at State Farm,” shared Joy. “We are really at the forefront of the industry and it’s great to be a part of that.”

Even better, her son who loves all things tech, thinks she’s pretty cool, too. “He says I’m one of his super heroes.”

Together they are defying statistics and helping customers recover from the unexpected.

“Today, subrogation is a relatively manual, time-consuming process often requiring physical checks to be mailed on a claim-by-claim basis between insurers,” says Mike Fields, innovation executive, State Farm. “You can imagine the time and resources required to complete these transactions.”

Companies across many industries are using blockchain technology to securely store data and manage transactions. State Farm is working with another insurer to understand how an enterprise blockchain solution can be used to reduce the time needed to complete the subrogation process by securely and automatically compiling all subrogation payment amounts, netting the balance and facilitating a single payment on a regular basis between insurers.

Benefits

“The blockchain solution we are working on has many potential benefits,” says Fields. “It helps us automate a manual process securely and creates a permanent transaction record of each payment which can easily be verified for accuracy. It also has the potential to decrease the amount of time for consumers to receive their deductible reimbursement.”

Subrogation is typically the last part of an insurance claims process where one insurance company recovers claim costs it paid to its customer for damages from the at-fault party.

What is Blockchain

Blockchain technology can be used to manage transactions and store information using cryptography (i.e., mathematical algorithms and secret keys that encrypt data), peer-to-peer networking and data storage. Subrogation is one example of where blockchain technology has the potential to reduce expenses while making processes more efficient and secure.

What is Subrogation?

Subrogation is a term describing a legal right held by most insurance carriers to legally pursue a third party that caused an insurance loss to the insured. In auto claims subrogation for example, information about the claim is collected and the two insurance companies negotiate the claim amount. If an agreement is reached, the at-fault insurer submits payment to the other insurer on an individual claim basis. No sensitive personal information is shared between the two companies.

In addition to the operational capabilities granted by these FAA waivers, State Farm will continue to utilize drone technology as a tool for our claim representatives to assist in individual inspections of our customers’ homes and properties related to these hurricanes.

It was less than one month ago when Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina. State Farm was the first and only insurance company to receive an FAA waiver allowing Claims pilots to operate drones beyond visual line of sight and over people for damage assessment. Drone flights were coordinated with the FAA and Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at Virginia Tech as part of the Integration Pilot Program for large-scale damage assessment in Virginia and South Carolina.

State Farm requires the ability to quickly assess damage after significant weather events in order to serve customers as efficiently as possible. Drone technology is an additional tool providing technical capabilities to quickly deploy over an event site and assess damage from the air. Data obtained from drone flights can be used for determining severity of the event for better resource allocation and quick determination of uninhabitable insured property.

State Farm drone pilots will operate eBee fixed-wing drones for flights approved under the FAA waiver for damage assessment. Claims representatives conducting drone flights for roof inspections will utilize Kespry multi-rotor drones.

State Farm is no stranger to the innovative technologies transforming the insurance industry. Whether it’s our response to extreme weather events or research related to automated vehicle technology, we are committed to innovation that can enhance the customer experience.

So what is blockchain?

You've likely heard the term blockchain in relation to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but, it is important to understand the distinction between the two. Blockchain isn’t a vendor or the name of a software. It’s the underlying technology used to manage transactions and store information using cryptography (i.e., mathematical algorithms and secret keys that encrypt data), peer-to-peer networking and data storage.

Blockchain has been recognized for its possible uses outside of digital currency because of the innovative way it facilitates transactions between multiple parties. Blockchain groups transactions into “blocks” which are linked together in a “chain” to preserve the integrity in which the transactions occurred.

Right now, when companies make transactions, sometimes a third party or middleman is involved. That third party confirms all the transactions and tracks the data – often times charging a fee for this service. By using a third party, State Farm is placing trust in people to make sure it is done right and increasing the chance of mistakes or delays due to human error.

With blockchain, that third party may be removed. By storing blocks of information that are identical across its network, the blockchain isn’t controlled by a single entity and has no single point of failure. It is more reliable – producing more trust in the transaction and the data. It has the potential to help drive efficiency in our current products and innovation.

State Farm is actively involved and monitoring the evolution of this technology across the insurance industry. We are also joining consortiums like our membership in RiskBlock. Blockchain is just one more way that we can meet customer needs in ways they wouldn’t expect from their insurance company today.

In the News:

• The Institutes RiskBlock™ Alliance -  The Institutes RBA Alliance Adds 12 New Risk Management & Insurance Corporate Members, Bringing Total to 30 (August 14, 2018)

• Hyperledger - Software Development and Community Growth Continues for Hyperledger (October 30, 2018)

State Farm Ventures will focus on investing in startups developing technologies and products in order to fulfill customer needs in ways they wouldn’t think possible with their insurance company. State Farm continually looks to evolve toward the future by finding new ways to provide more value to customers.

Led by Michael Remmes, Innovation Executive, State Farm Ventures will focus on several key areas, with the goal of providing new and innovative products and solutions to customers.

“Throughout our history, continuous innovation and adaptation has positioned State Farm as the leader in a highly competitive industry,” says Remmes. “In today’s rapidly changing marketplace, we recognize that even more innovation and adaptation are required to be relevant to customers in the future.”

To inquire, contact: StateFarmVentures

State Farm is a member of the Virginia team led by the Commonwealth of Virginia through the state’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority and the Center for Innovative Technology. Seven state agencies are part of the Virginia team in addition to eight corporate partners. Approximately 150 communities applied for the program. Only 10 teams from across the country were selected.

Over the next three years, the Virginia team will explore applications of drone technology including catastrophe response, emergency management, and infrastructure inspection. The day-to-day operations will be managed by Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at Virginia Tech, which has accumulated significant expertise running one of only seven federal test sites for unmanned aircraft systems. The organization has built a reputation for facilitation of ground-breaking testing while upholding the most rigorous standards of safety.

“State Farm has earned a reputation for providing an industry leading catastrophe response,” says Todd Binion, P&C Claims Staff Consultant at State Farm. “We see drone technology as an additional tool to help us assess damage and serve our customers and communities impacted by catastrophe events. We are excited to work alongside the FAA, MAAP, and other leaders in the drone space to address how drone technology can meet the ever changing needs of the public and private sector.”

In 2015, State Farm became the first insurance company in the U.S. to receive approval to conduct commercial UAS operations.

As the number of drones operating in U.S. airspace increases, the FAA has been working to respond to the growing interest in the commercial use of this technology, while balancing important concerns regarding public safety. The UAS IPP provides the opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities to accelerate safe drone testing for currently restricted operations such as beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights and flights over people.

Edmunds, the leading car shopping and information platform, and State Farm, the nation’s top auto insurer, today announced a new affinity relationship recognizing the importance of innovation and consumer trust in the increasingly digital car shopping process.

As Edmunds' inaugural affinity brand, State Farm will bolster its vehicle ownership tools through a vehicle shopping experience powered by Edmunds. The deal provides car shoppers with access to Edmunds’ vast dealer network, exclusive content and pricing guarantees.

“Edmunds and State Farm have a common goal to be trusted partners for consumers’ automotive needs, so combining our strengths online is a win-win for car shoppers,” said George Kang, chief revenue officer at Edmunds. “As we look to build an affinity program that offers additional value to consumers, State Farm’s industry-leading brand is the obvious choice for our first program.”

"When it comes to car shoppers, State Farm and Edmunds often have shared customers, and we see value in bringing our two brands together to provide resources for those shoppers,” said Pat Culligan, Assistant Vice President – Marketing at State Farm. “We work to exceed customer expectations by providing more than insurance; we want to help life go right. We hope through this alliance with Edmunds more drivers will have an opportunity to experience a seamless and hassle-free approach to shopping for a car.”

The affinity relationship between State Farm and Edmunds creates a comprehensive online experience that makes car research and shopping accessible from a single location, helping consumers save both time and money. Car shoppers will receive direct access to Edmunds’ full suite of car buying tools, including Edmunds’ vast dealer network and millions of vehicle listings, expert car reviews, live shopper advice, and upfront low price guarantees. The program can be found at https://statefarm.edmunds.com/.

“Edmunds’ top priority is to simplify the car buying process for consumers, and affinity relationships that provide tangible, add-on benefits are an excellent way to meet that goal,” said Kang. “We look forward to working with State Farm to provide real value to consumers, and hope this paves the way for more affinity deals in the future.”

In September 2016, State Farm worked with Bloomberg Government to measure the public’s perceptions of driverless cars. The results were presented at Bloomberg's Next Tech event in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 15, 2016. Strategic Resources Director Chris Mullen represented State Farm on the panel.

Click links in the left navigation bar to download a full survey report and Bloomberg content.

About the survey - Bloomberg Govenment conducted the survey on behalf of State Farm to:

• Establish a better understanding of the general public’s attitudes and expectations around the acceptance of automated vehicle technologies.
• Gain a better understanding of the public’s impressions of these technologies and the knowledge gaps that may exist around their use.
• Focus on how this new technology will impact consumer behavior, with a spotlight on safety.

Key Findings

• Between 30-40% would definitely consider riding in a vehicle with autonomous/self driving capabilities…if:
  • The vehicle was in an area with few or no other vehicles
  • In low speed areas
  • For very short rides, under 10 minutes
• While some are willing to try, most are not completely at ease with the concept.
  • Less than 20% would definitely consider riding in an autonomous vehicle in heavily congested or high speed areas (65 mph+).
  • Respondents said they would be most comfortable with autonomous/self-driving vehicles that they own or lease.
  • There is less comfort with autonomous/self-driving buses, shuttles, taxis or ride sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) compared to other autonomous/self-driving vehicles.
  • Autonomous vehicles are not yet considered a solution for those unable to drive.
  • This is particularly true of those too young to drive – only 14% are very comfortable with sending younger (non-drivers) in an autonomous vehicle.
• Respondents consider it slightly more acceptable to have the physically disabled or the elderly travel in this manner.
• Over half are very concerned about the possibility of dangerous outcomes due to autonomous/self-driving vehicles such as:
  • Computer system malfunctions, especially if they cause the vehicle to crash
  • The potential for hacking, taking over the vehicle
  • Sensors not operating optimally in certain weather conditions or at night
• Only about a third believe these dangerous outcomes are very likely to occur
• There are a number of potential benefits that make autonomous vehicles attractive, including the possibility of:
  • Lower accident rates
  • Lower insurance rates
  • Being able to travel while drowsy
  • Reduced traffic congestion
• Demographics are best at explaining comfort with autonomous vehicles. Those most predisposed toward autonomous vehicles tend to be:
  • Male
  • Under the age of 40
  • Have a college degree
• The amount of time an individual spends in a vehicle is also positively related to interest. However, those that are rarely passengers are LESS interested in trying an autonomous vehicle.
• Seeing an autonomous/self-driving vehicle operate first hand and/or being exposed to research demonstrating their safety will go a long way toward appeasing consumer concerns.

“TEDx is about the video. The live stream video, the recorded video…this is what helps the speakers’ message spread. I can’t think of a better partner to help us bring this unique interactive experience to life than the State Farm Creative Services team." -- Doan Winkel, TEDxNormal organizer.

TEDxNormal

The town of Normal, Illinois welcomed 17 speakers from across the United States and Europe to share their TEDx messages. Topics ranged from education, to innovation, culture and art. The State Farm Creative Services team helped bring the TEDx talks to life. The crew set up the event, live streamed and recorded the presentations (both in 2-D and with 360 technology). 

Here's a sample of the TEDxNormal talks:

To view all 17 presentations, click here.

State Farm is a proud partner of TEDxNormal, supporting innovative thinking and community involvement. For more information about the event and the speakers, head to www.tedxnormal.com.

When she couldn't reach him, Julie loaded the car with supplies and headed south. When she arrived in Mississippi, she found the family home destroyed. Fortunately, her father was safe.

The next day, Shiyou-Woodard was deployed to New Orleans with a disaster medical assistance team. “I spent the next few months witnessing suffering and devastation I had only seen in movies,” she recalled.

“At the time, I was principal planner with a local planning commission. Part of my job was to find ways to strengthen our communities before disasters. I saw first-hand what we were doing was not working.”

Right after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, a group of Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast residents experienced the same frustration. They started looking for ways to avoid this damage in the future. Their efforts and passion helped form Smart Home America. The organization has since grown and now help groups throughout the country find solutions to strengthen their own communities.

In 2014, Shiyou-Woodard became the president and CEO of Smart Home. With her personal and professional experience, it was a role she embraced to grow the organization.

A perfect example is the Smart Home partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The FORTIFIED Home™ program strengthens homes from severe storms. Using these construction standards and methods goes beyond emergency preparedness and disaster preparedness. Knowing your home has been FORTIFIED against disaster provides peace of mind.

“When you build FORTIFIED and a hurricane hits, you are more likely to come home after evacuating and sleep in your own bed. You are able to start recovery much sooner,” Shiyou-Woodard explains.

FORTIFIED looks at a home as a system of systems, not individual components. The standards are applicable to both new and existing construction. A fortified evaluator directs the improvements, based on your specific circumstances. Steps involved might be:

• installation of a secondary water barrier,
• ring shank nails or spray foam to strengthen roof connections,
• opening protection (shutters, panels or fabric) and
• metal straps and bolts to connect the roof to walls and walls to the foundation.

The evaluator also certifies efforts for insurance discounts available to FORTIFIED homeowners.

Seeing the coastal success, Tulsa Partners in Oklahoma, has also embraced the program. The nonprofit is committed to creating a disaster resistant and sustainable community. It collaborated with Habitat for Humanity and State Farm to build FORTIFIED homes in the Tulsa area.

“We were very excited to partner with Habitat for a 24-hour FORTIFIED build in August this year,” said Partners Executive Director Tim Lovell. “The FORTIFIED Home Bronze Level addresses the roof system. Specifically, the upgrades reduce wind and water entering the attic through the roof covering and vents.”

Eleven years after Katrina, coastal Alabama is a model for stronger communities. Currently they lead the nation with more than 2,000 FORTIFIED designations. What’s the next mission for Smart Home America?

“We continue to educate about the importance of building better, being properly insured and how to build FORTIFIED,” said Shiyou-Woodard. “Our new Don’t Goof When You Re-Roof initiative and Insurance Shopper’s Guide will help homeowners make informed decisions and be better protected. Outside of Alabama and Mississippi, we’re drawing from our experience and supporting similar groups. Tulsa Partners are leading efforts in Oklahoma to promote IBHS’ newest program, FORTIFIED Home High Wind and Hail.”

Want to get FORTIFIED? The first step is the application. Upon receipt and processing, applicants are provided a list of IBHS Certified FORTIFIED Home™ Evaluators working in their area.

To many he’s the Father of the Safe Room. To his friends, he is simply Ernie. And Ernie is a pretty unassuming guy. Humble is probably the best word for it.

Beginnings

On the evening of May 11, 1970, an off-duty police officer sat in his car watching an ominous cloud creep towards Lubbock, Texas. Watching grapefruit-size hail punching dents on his car, he knew the city was in for a tough night.

A monster tornado touched down near Texas Tech University snapping Red Raider stadium light poles like matchsticks. The one-and-a-half-mile wide F5 tornado churned through Lubbock that evening, damaging and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

But the real tragedy was the 26 individuals who died and the 1,500 injured residents.

The new chairman of the Civil Engineering Department at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Dr. Ernst Kiesling, was familiar with the terrible power of a tornado. Seventeen years prior, an F4 ripped through his hometown of San Angelo, Texas, killing 13.

The recurring human loss from these killer storms triggered something inside Kiesling. He started talking to his young faculty team about opportunities to use their academic and research skills to make a difference. The team started to collect data and document tornado damage through site visits to stricken areas.

The Real Work Begins

By the time 1973 rolled around, Kiesling’s team was firing on all cylinders, and the engine of their creativity sparked an idea destined to save countless lives. While studying tornado damage in the small town of Burnet, Texas, the engineers noticed a recurring theme.

A severely damaged house had no roof nor exterior walls. In fact, the only thing left standing was a small kitchen pantry in the center of the debris. All four walls were intact.

“The inspiration for the above-ground storm shelter came from that pantry,” Kiesling reminisced. “The sensible approach was to provide occupant protection for a small area, and design the rest of the home to sustain minimum economic loss.”

And so Kiesling’s team descended the stairs to the lab and went to work. One major issue was making the safe room stand up to flying debris, one of the greatest dangers.

“We had to test the rooms we were building, but had no way to launch the debris missiles,” said Kiesling.

Behold, the pneumatic cannon, capable of launching a 15 foot 2X4 board at simulated wind speeds of more than 250 miles-per-hour. It was every young boy’s dream. Even today Kiesling gets a sparkle in his eye talking about how the cannon they developed played an important role in testing wall materials in those early days.

“We started by launching 2x4s at plywood,” said Kiesling. “A single layer — two layers — three layers were perforated by the tremendous force of the 2x4. Finally at four layers of plywood, it held.”

Kiesling and his team moved on to testing other wall material, including plywood layers mixed with steel reinforcement, and then concrete reinforced blocks. The team developed and tested prototype shelters, then the concept was fully accepted by all.

Well, maybe not “fully” accepted.

The Road to Acceptance

In 1974 Civil Engineering Magazine presented the concept of the above-ground storm shelter by Kiesling and graduate student David Goolsby. People questioned the concept. Many believed the only safe place during a tornado was underground, and the above-ground shelter was a waste of time and energy.

In addition, the badly needed shelter was often slowed by lack of research personnel or necessary funding.

That changed in 1998 when Dateline NBC came to Tulsa Tech.

A tornado destroyed a small, Texas subdivision and received national attention. Dateline aired a special program covering the devastation and featured the revolutionary above-ground storm shelter developed at Texas Tech.

Two years later, the shelter survived the F5 tornado in the Oklahoma City area. Other media outlets started taking notice and spreading the word about alternatives to going underground.Kiesling is proud of his storm shelter and keeps photos of some that stood alone in the middle of rubble after a storm. “Through our work, we have provided ample evidence that you can provide safety above ground as well as below ground,” he said.

In 1974 Kiesling and his family built a home in Lubbock. Putting his money where his mouth is, he installed a safe room made from concrete reinforced blocks. The room looked like a natural part of the home, and he often gave tours to city officials, media and neighbors.

“Our safe room opened some eyes,” he said. “We never had to use it, but one of the great benefits is the knowledge that there is a safe place within your home you can depend on.”

The Father of the Safe Room

And so Ernie continues to be an unassuming, humble man. Despite the fact that he has saved countless lives through his work, he prefers to shift the attention to others.

“My career has been very gratifying,” he said. “I could not foresee the opportunities that presented themselves to help others through our research.”

Dr. Ernst Kiesling is a retired professor of civil engineering at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He is executive director of the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA). He now serves as research Professor and leads the storm shelter research effort within the National Wind Institute at Texas Tech. Kiesling speaks regularly at conferences across the nation about the Texas Tech and NSSA research. State Farm is a sponsor of the National Tornado Summit in Oklahoma City, Okla., where Kiesling presented updates on the continuing university research and testing.

Photo credits: Liz Inskip-Paulk, TTU-NWI