NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Pacific Life and State Farm announced today a strategic alliance designed to empower authorized State Farm agents to provide customers with a variable universal life insurance product backed by the strength and stability of Pacific Life, one of the nation’s largest insurance companies.

Both Pacific Life and State Farm are Fortune 500 companies, enjoy strong financial ratings, and have a long history of fulfilling their financial promises.

“This alliance is a great fit because our company values are so closely aligned,” said Dawn Behnke, executive vice president, Consumer Markets, Pacific Life. “Pacific Life and State Farm both prioritize preparing customers for the future and can help ensure they’re financially safeguarded from many of life’s financial risks.”

The upcoming addition of a variable universal life insurance product from Pacific Life to the State Farm suite of products provides customers with a powerful new choice for protecting their loved ones from unexpected financial burden.

“Since 1929, State Farm has helped people protect what matters to them most through life insurance,” said State Farm Senior Vice President, Financial Services, Joe Monk. “We’re excited about the opportunity for State Farm agents to help more people in more ways through this alliance with Pacific Life. Adding a variable life product to our already robust portfolio of life and financial services products supports the needs-based conversations our agents have with customers every day in communities across the country.”  

About Pacific Life:

Pacific Life provides a variety of products and services designed to help individuals and businesses in the retail, institutional, workforce benefits, and reinsurance markets achieve financial security. Whether your goal is to protect loved ones or grow your assets for retirement, Pacific Life offers innovative life insurance and annuity solutions, as well as mutual funds, that provide value and financial security for current and future generations. Supporting our policyholders for more than 150 years, Pacific Life is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Newport Beach, California. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.PacificLife.com. 

About State Farm®:

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

You should carefully consider a variable life insurance product’s risks, charges, limitations, and expenses, as well as the risks, charges, expenses and investment goals/objectives of the underlying investment options. This and other information about Pacific Life Insurance Company insurance products are provided in the applicable product and underlying fund prospectuses. These prospectuses are available from your life insurance producer or at www.Pacificlife.com. Read them carefully before investing or sending money.

Pacific Life Insurance Company is licensed to issue insurance products in all states except New York. Product/material availability and features may vary by state. Variable insurance products are distributed by Pacific Select Distributors, LLC (member FINRA & SIPC), a subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company and are available through licensed third-party broker-dealers.

Insurance products and their guarantees, including optional benefits and any crediting rates, are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company, but they do not protect the value of the variable investment options. Look to the strength of the life insurance company with regard to such guarantees as these guarantees are not backed by the broker-dealer, insurance agency, or their affiliates from which products are purchased. Neither these entities nor their representatives make any representation or assurance regarding the claims-paying ability of the life insurance company.

This material reflects the Pacific Life Insurance Company policy features and benefits. All policy features and benefits may not be available through some Broker Dealers.

Life insurance is subject to underwriting and approval of the application and will incur monthly policy charges.

Pacific Life Insurance Company is located in Newport Beach, California.

State Farm is not an affiliated company of Pacific Life Insurance Company and Pacific Select Distributors, LLC.

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Their youngest daughter, State Farm Agent, Beth Moloughney, who gave birth to the first grandchild only 6 weeks earlier, recalls their excitement as the closing date drew near. She also recalls a very important decision her parents made.

 “My parents were faithful and longtime State Farm policyholders. Both my sister and I have had life insurance since we were infants,” Beth said.

Martin and Dorothy approached their State Farm Agent, James Spera to place insurance on the home they were buying in three days. At that meeting, Mr. Spera presented them with additional life insurance quotes to cover the mortgage on their dream home. Martin, feeling they already had enough, said to Mr. Spera, “Every time we come in here you try to sell us more life insurance.” Mr. Spera replied it was his job to make sure that they were properly covered. After some back and forth, they purchased two policies.

The Sonnenbergs left with the binding receipts and went off to close on their dream home. They named it “The Shore House.”

This should be the end of this fairytale story, but like every fairytale, there is some tragedy. This tragedy was earth-shattering.

Three days after closing on their “dream home,” Martin died suddenly. Shattering the family’s world and Martin & Dorothy’s dream of growing old together in The Shore House. But because of the life insurance, the home was paid in full, and Dorothy never had to worry about that property.

At first, Beth was reluctant to spend time there. She felt it was a “death house.” “My Dad died for this,” she thought. But her grandmother sat her down and explained the best way to honor his memory was to do exactly what he had envisioned with the home.

Dorothy kept that home for the next 30 years where all the grandchildren spent their summers learning how to boat, fish, and enjoy all that is the Jersey Shore. It was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2011.

Life insurance changes lives in many ways. Not just the immediate, but sometimes setting us on the path we are meant to be on.

“This is why I am here today as a State Farm Agent. I was able to see firsthand the value of life insurance and how it has a generational impact and leaves a legacy of love beyond words. ” Beth said.

Visit https://www.statefarm.com/ and https://lifehappens.org/ for more information.

If you ride a bicycle, Carrie Jimenez begs you to wear a helmet.

And, whether you wear a helmet or not, Axel Jimenez recommends you have life insurance and review your coverage on a regular basis.

Axel – whose bicycle was clipped by a car as he and two friends rode their weekly 14-mile, Wednesday-morning bike route – was grateful for the second chance to do just that.

A cycling crash forced Axel Jimenez not only to have back surgery, but also to evaluate his life insurance needs.

A State Farm^® agent in Illinois, Axel suffered several injuries and underwent back surgery after being thrown from his bike several years ago. He and his buddies were riding single file, and Axel was in the rear. The first two riders turned onto Airport Road and Axel was close to turning when there was a really loud bang and someone hollered, “Axel got hit!”

They called 911 and the friends checked on Axel, who was thrown from his bicycle, landing partly in grass and partly on a graveled shoulder of the road.

A car bumper had struck the rear tire of his bicycle, which was on the right side of the northbound lane.

Axel Jimenez realized he needed to update his life insurance after a cycling crash caused him to reflect on how his family would survive if tragedy struck. Pictured with Axel are his wife, Carrie, and children Ella, 18, Gabe, 15, Adler, 12 and Vale, 10.

Thankfully, the helmet did what it was designed and supposed to do: it protected his head when he crashed to the ground. But once he came to his senses around what had just happened, Axel began thinking -- what if it hadn’t? What if he’d suffered the unthinkable?

Like a barber who has no time to cut his own hair, Axel’s days were focused on taking care of customers. He had thought about reviewing his life insurance needs many times, but that task was put on hold over and again while other tasks were made a priority.

This bike crash made him realize tomorrow is promised to no one. If he hadn’t survived, his family would have been in dire straits.

“It’s critical that we assume the worst case as we contemplate the reality of an unforeseen tragedy involving death,” Axel said. “Nobody wants to leave their loved ones in financial distress.”

He is committed to helping others recognize the importance of life insurance so they may live their lives confident their loved ones will thrive.

State Farm also experienced growth in other lines of business, and the State Farm life insurance companies paid out nearly $600 million in dividends to policyholders and ended 2020 with nearly a trillion dollars of individual life insurance in force. As the number one Auto and Homeowners insurer in the U.S. and a leader in individual life insurance, State Farm is committed to serving its policyholders and remains a strong choice for insurance and financial services needs.

“We strive to help more people in more ways. In an unprecedented year like 2020, we focus on our core mission to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams,” said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Jon Farney. “The Good Neighbor Relief Program is a testament of our commitment to our policyholders and communities. Whether premium relief, dividends to State Farm Mutual auto customers, payment flexibility or philanthropic efforts in the communities we live and work, we're focused on relief and recovery efforts.”

The State Farm P-C group of companies reported earned premium of $65.1 billion, a combined underwriting gain of $1.9 billion, and paid $1.9 billion in dividends to policyholders. This result compared to an underwriting gain of $777 million on earned premium of $64.8 billion in 2019. The 2020 underwriting results reflect lower auto lines incurred claims offset by returns of value to customers in the form of lower premiums, along with an increase in homeowners incurred claims. The increase in homeowners incurred claims during 2020 was due to significant catastrophe activity across the country. The 2020 underwriting gain, combined with dividends to policyholders, and investment and other income of $4.6 billion, resulted in a P-C pre-tax operating gain of $4.5 billion, which was $1.2 billion lower than 2019. Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income and realized capital gains (losses) was $78.9 billion for 2020 compared to $79.4 billion for 2019. State Farm reported net income of $3.7 billion in 2020 compared to $5.6 billion of net income in 2019. The net worth for the State Farm group ended the year at $126.1 billion compared with $116.2 billion at year-end 2019. The change includes a significant increase in the value of the P-C companies’ unaffiliated stock portfolio, driven by increases in the U.S. equities market.

The State Farm insurance operations consist of eleven P-C companies and two life companies, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The P-C companies are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, commercial multiple peril (CMP) and reinsurance lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. The State Farm group makes third party mutual funds and third party banking products available through affiliated State Farm companies that act as intermediaries between the third parties and State Farm customers. State Farm provides insurance and financial services products across over 84 million policies and accounts.

Auto – The State Farm auto insurance business represented 62 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $41.3 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $27.6 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $10.1 billion. The underwriting gain was $3.5 billion and dividends to policyholders totaled $1.9 billion.

Comparable 2019 figures were: earned premium, $41.5 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $32.0 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $10.3 billion; underwriting loss, $764 million.

Homeowners, CMP, Other – The net written premium for the remainder of the State Farm P-C business represented 36 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $22.9 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $18.6 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $5.9 billion. The underwriting loss was $1.6 billion.

Comparable 2019 figures were: earned premium, $22.4 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $14.8 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $5.6 billion; underwriting gain, $2.0 billion.

Health – The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported an underwriting loss of $24 million, excluding the change in the premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $710 million.

Comparable figures for 2019 were: underwriting loss, $66 million; net written premium, $707 million.

Life – In 2020, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $5.5 billion and $584 million in dividends to policyholders. Net income for 2020 was $339 million. There was $994 billion in individual life insurance in force at the end of 2020. 

Comparable 2019 figures were: premium income, $5.5 billion; dividends to policyholders, $578 million; net income, $673 million; individual life insurance in force, $945 billion.

Investment Planning Services – Total assets under management for the Investment Planning Services operation at the end of 2020 were $13.9 billion. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported a combined net loss of $33 million in 2020.

Comparable figures for 2019 were: total assets under management, $12.7 billion; net loss, $22 million.

GAINSCO, Inc. – On Dec. 31, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company acquired GAINSCO, Inc. The insurance operations for GAINSCO, Inc. are excluded from the reported results for the State Farm P-C group of companies in this release. In 2020, total revenue was $335 million, net income was $5 million and total assets totaled $421 million.

Although financial information is presented on a group/line of business basis, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and each of its affiliates must meet solvency and regulatory requirements on an individual entity-by-entity basis without regard to the solvency or financial condition of any other affiliated entity.

Securities distributed by State Farm VP Management Corp.

State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking and insurance products. Neither State Farm nor its agents provide investment, tax, or legal advice.

Download the 2020 By the Numbers infographic.  

Although he was only 24, the Puerto Rican native who lived in Connecticut had an old soul. He preferred spending time with those more mature than he, and always enjoyed family gatherings.

“Raymond had an infectious laugh and was always thinking of others,” Sabrina says.

That’s why Sabrina believes Raymond’s decision to get life insurance was “a simple act of love.”

The couple had talked about the need to protect loved ones from a loss after the family had a loss. They weighed the need against the relatively small monetary cost.

Sabrina was surprised to learn that a week after that discussion, Raymond went to State Farm® Agent Jon Racow’s office in Wallingford, Conn., to get auto insurance and, after speaking with an agent team member in Jon’s office, Raymond also purchased life insurance.

The couple continued living their lives, looking forward to the family time the holidays always bring. Celebrating Christmas Eve together, Raymond realized he had forgotten one of Sabrina’s gifts at his apartment. Always selfless and attentive, he insisted on going back to get it.

Sadly, he would not return.

On the way, Raymond’s car crashed head-on with another vehicle, with tragic results. Raymond died from his injuries.

Our days are often filled with simple acts of love, one after another, that over time create a better future. Purchasing life insurance is like that, too. It’s a simple act you can take today to ensure your loved ones are protected financially tomorrow if the unthinkable happens.

The Insure Your Love life insurance campaign, held every year in February, was created by the Life Happens organization as a way to highlight the basic motivation behind purchasing life insurance -- protecting the ones you love. State Farm is a member of Life Happens.

Here’s to appreciating all the little things we do and those everyday moments that shape our lives and give it meaning. Protect those everyday moments with life insurance, just like Raymond did.

Sabrina was so grateful and appreciative of the care and attention Jon and his team gave her during the claim process.

“Thanks to them,” she says, “Raymond’s ‘simple act of love’ made it possible for his remains to be sent to his mother in Puerto Rico, so she may lay him to rest in his homeland.”

“Our focus of putting customers first for nearly 98 years continues to underscore our position as the national leader in protecting people. Each year we help millions of our customers recover from the unexpected and live life confidently with the protection we provide,” said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Jon Farney. “Our financial strength, along with our local presence and broad product offerings have earned us the loyalty of our customers and are the reasons more customers are choosing State Farm. Our agents, their teams and our employees are committed to providing customers and communities with the products and service they expect from their Good Neighbor.”

The State Farm P-C group of companies reported a combined underwriting gain of $777 million in 2019 on earned premium of $64.8 billion, compared to an underwriting gain of $1.7 billion on earned premium of $65.2 billion in 2018. The 2019 underwriting gain, combined with investment and other income of $5.0 billion, resulted in a P-C pre-tax operating gain of $5.7 billion. The lower underwriting gain in 2019 was driven by higher losses and lower earned premium compared to 2018. Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income and realized capital gains (losses) was

$79.4 billion for 2019 compared to $81.7 billion for 2018. State Farm reported net income of $5.6 billion in 2019, compared to $8.8 billion of net income in 2018. The net worth for the State Farm group ended the year at $116.2 billion compared with $100.9 billion at year-end 2018. The change was primarily due to an increase in the value of the P-C companies’ unaffiliated stock portfolio, driven by increases in the U.S. equities market.

The State Farm insurance operations consist of eleven P-C companies and two life companies, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The P-C companies are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, commercial multiple peril (CMP) and reinsurance lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. The State Farm group also provides banking products and makes mutual funds available through affiliated companies. State Farm provides insurance and financial services products across nearly 84 million policies and accounts.

Auto – The State Farm auto insurance business represented 64 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $41.5 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $32.0 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $10.3 billion. The underwriting loss was

$764 million.

Comparable 2018 figures were: earned premium, $42.7 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $31.2 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $10.4 billion; underwriting gain, $1.1 billion.

Homeowners, CMP, Other – The net written premium for the remainder of the State Farm P-C business represented 35 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $22.4 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $14.8 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $5.6 billion. The underwriting gain was $2.0 billion.

Comparable 2018 figures were: earned premium, $21.6 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $15.0 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $5.7 billion; underwriting gain, $928 million.

Health – The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported an underwriting loss of $66 million, excluding the change in the premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $707 million.

Comparable figures for 2018 were: underwriting loss, $91 million; net written premium, $703 million.

Life – In 2019, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $5.5 billion and $578 million in dividends to policyholders. Net income for 2019 was $673 million. There was $959 billion in total life insurance in force at the end of 2019.

Comparable 2018 figures were: premium income, $5.4 billion; dividends to policyholders, $577 million; net income, $706 million; total life insurance in force, $927 billion.

State Farm Bank® – Net income in 2019 was $59 million and total assets for State Farm Bank, F.S.B. were $16.4 billion as of year-end 2019.

Comparable figures for 2018 were: net income, $35 million; total assets, $16.9 billion.

Investment Planning Services – Total assets under management for the Investment Planning Services operation at the end of 2019 were $12.7 billion. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported a combined net loss of $22 million in 2019.

Comparable figures for 2018 were: total assets under management, $11.2 billion; net income, $7 million.

Although financial information is presented on a group/line of business basis, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and each of its affiliates must meet solvency and regulatory requirements on an individual entity-by-entity basis without regard to the solvency or financial condition of any other affiliated entity.

State Farm Bank, Bloomington, Illinois, is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Insurance and securities products offered by affiliated companies of State Farm Bank are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by State Farm Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested.

Securities distributed by State Farm VP Management Corp.

State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking and insurance products. Neither State Farm nor its agents provide investment, tax, or legal advice.

Download the 2019 By the Numbers infographic.  

Prentiss Bullard of Atlanta, Georgia, grew up knowing three things:

• Treat people with respect.
• When life gets you down, laugh.
• A college degree is a must.

"I learned it all from my dad," smiled Prentiss. "He's a people person, and that rubbed off on me. His dream, for me to pursue higher education, has too." Instead of going to college, Prentiss’s dad joined the workforce, serving as the primary breadwinner for Prentiss and his mother.

"Dad taught me the value of hardwork, and always reminded me to stay in school," said Prentiss. "He wanted me to go farther than he did."

The years passed. The Bullard family kept busy. Life was happy. Then, in 2016, everything turned upside down. “I was walking to school when I got an urgent call from my mom,” said Prentiss. "I’ll never forget her words: “Your dad’s been hit by a car.”

"We rushed to the hospital. Dad's injuries were so severe. He passed away a short time later." Prentiss Bullard senior was just 49 years old.

With grieving hearts, Prentiss and his mother were left to figure out how to move forward. But without an adequate life insurance plan, questions about how to pay for bills, make rent, or even plan for college remained unanswered. “We hardly had time to process everything,” said Prentiss. “It was so stressful. On top of it all, I was worried I might not be able to go to school.”

Prentiss got a job and started applying for scholarships, including the Life Lessons Scholarship from the nonprofit, Life Happens. With the support of State Farm, Life Happens helps educate families with insurance and financial planning. “I did everything I could to take the load off my mom, while also making sure my dad’s wish – that I go to college – came true.” In 2018 Prentiss got a phone call that left him beaming from ear to ear...

“I learned I was the grand prize winner of the Life Lessons scholarship. I was thrilled! The happiness I felt that day, I still feel now. My life is changed.”

Today, Prentiss is a student at George Washington University, pursuing a degree in fine arts. “Whenever I’m taking a test, doing homework, or studying for exams – I think of dad. I think of how much he and my mom love me. I want to make them proud, so I work hard. I’m aspiring to be a photojournalist. The opportunity to go to college is truly a gift.”

Prentiss continues to live out the lessons his father taught him. He says they’re lessons everyone should remember. And, there’s one more piece of advice he wants to share:

“Protect the ones you love, make sure they’re provided for with a life insurance plan. Everyone should make this a priority,” said Prentiss. “Life has a lot of twists and turns. Accidents happen. Knowing you’re covered means peace of mind - so you can keep enjoying your journey.”

Saving for the Future¹

Saving money helps you achieve your goals. Establish a budget, manage debt and plan for  st8.fm/3steps

Save for the future by learning about basic savings accounts, retirement accounts, and how to make compounding interest work for you. Use this calculator to help determine how much you should consider saving to meet your financial goals.

Health Insurance

Are you happy with your current health plan? Health status, premiums, deductibles, and even regulations may change over time. Be sure your health care coverage meets your needs. Take steps to reduce premiums with wellness discounts that may be available to you. And if you're on Medicare, consider options for a Medicare Supplement that's right for you.

Life Protection

Life insurance is the foundation of financial planning and security. It helps your family recover from financial risks and unexpected costs and lets them plan for tomorrow.

Thinking about financial protection and retirement can seem overwhelming, but as your life changes, so does your financial situation. Key life events such as marriage, moving or buying a home, children, job changes and retirement are important indicators that signal changes that might need to be made.

Disability Insurance

Car insurance? Check. Home insurance? Check. But have you protected one of your most valuable assets? Your paycheck

Among Americans’ top financial concerns is maintaining one’s standard of living in the event of a serious illness or accident. Disability insurance may help address this concern.

Liability Insurance

Safeguard yourself in case an accident results in injuries to someone or a loss to their property. It's possible that your primary policies may not be enough to protect you or your business. A  State Farm liability insurance policy may provide the additional liability coverage you need  to protect your financial future.

¹ State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, Illinois (“Bank”), is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID 139716. The other products offered by affiliate companies of State Farm Bank are not FDIC insured, not a State Farm Bank obligation or guaranteed by State Farm Bank, and may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested. The Bank encourages any interested individual(s) to submit an application for any product(s) offered by the Bank. We also encourage you to obtain information regarding the Bank’s underwriting standards for each type of credit or service offered by visiting statefarm.com® or by contacting the Bank at 877-SF4-BANK (877-734-2265). If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or do not use your voice to communicate, you may contact us via 711 or other relay services.

Product availability may vary by state. Please contact an agent for more information.

The net worth for the State Farm group ended the year at $100.9 billion compared with $97.0 billion at year-end 2017. The increase was primarily due to the P-C pre-tax operating gain, which was partially offset by a decrease in the value of the P-C companies’ unaffiliated stock portfolio, driven by declines in the U.S. equities market.

“As a mutual company, we strive to achieve results that allow us to maintain the financial strength necessary to serve our customers and deliver on the promises we make to be there when the unexpected happens,” said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Jon Farney. “While 2018 was a profitable year for State Farm, we view our financial results over a longer period of time. Over the last three years, we have increased our financial strength even with a combined underwriting loss, all while helping millions of our customers recover from the unexpected and live life confidently with the protection that we provide. We have been able to achieve these results because we manage our business responsibly for the long-term, and our agents, their teams and our employees are committed to serving our customers and our communities.”

Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income and realized capital gains (losses) was $81.7 billion for 2018 compared to $78.3 billion for 2017. State Farm reported net income of $8.8 billion in 2018, compared to $2.2 billion of net income in 2017. The State Farm insurance operations consist of eleven P-C companies and two life companies, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The P-C companies are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, commercial multiple peril (CMP) and reinsurance lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. The State Farm group also provides banking products and makes mutual funds available through affiliated companies. State Farm provides insurance and financial services products across nearly 83 million policies and accounts.

Auto – The State Farm auto insurance business represented 65 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $42.7 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $31.2 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $10.4 billion. The underwriting gain was $1.1 billion.

Comparable 2017 figures were: earned premium, $41.6 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $34.2 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $10.2 billion; underwriting loss, $2.8 billion.

Homeowners, CMP, Other – The net written premium for State Farm’s remaining P-C business represented 34 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $21.6 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $15.0 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $5.7 billion. The underwriting gain was $928 million.

Comparable 2017 figures were: earned premium, $21.4 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $18.6 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $5.6 billion; underwriting loss, $2.8 billion.

Health – The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported an underwriting loss of $91 million, excluding the change in the premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $703 million.

Comparable figures for 2017 were: underwriting loss, $71 million; net written premium, $691 million.

Life – In 2018, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $5.4 billion and $577 million in dividends to policyholders. Net income for 2018 was $706 million. There was $926.7 billion in total life insurance in force at the end of 2018.

Comparable 2017 figures were: premium income, $5.3 billion; dividends to policyholders, $578 million; net income, $492 million; total life insurance in force, $901.7 billion.

State Farm Bank^® – Net income in 2018 was $35 million and total assets for State Farm Bank, F.S.B. were $16.9 billion as of year-end 2018.

Comparable figures for 2017 were: net loss, $1 million; total assets, $16.7 billion.

Investment Planning Services – Total assets under management for the Investment Planning Services operation at the end of 2018 were $10.7 billion, compared with $13.0 billion at the end of 2017. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported combined net income of $7 million in 2018, following net income of $5 million in 2017.

Although financial information is presented on a group/line of business basis, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and each of its affiliates must meet solvency and regulatory requirements on an individual entity-by-entity basis without regard to the solvency or financial condition of any other affiliated entity.

State Farm Bank, Bloomington, Illinois, is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Insurance and securities products offered by affiliated companies of State Farm Bank are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by State Farm Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested.

Securities distributed by State Farm VP Management Corp.

State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking and insurance products. Neither State Farm nor its agents provide investment, tax, or legal advice.

The net worth for the State Farm group ended the year at $97.0 billion compared with $87.6 billion at year-end 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the value of the P-C companies’ unaffiliated stock portfolio. Valuation updates for deferred tax assets and liabilities determined using the corporate tax rate enacted as part of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also increased net worth for the group.

“In 2017, State Farm helped our customers recover from unexpected losses, including several catastrophic events. While we had operating losses for the year, we are built to handle these events and we continue to be ‘good neighbors’ and have the financial resources to be there in our customers’ time of need,“ said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Jon Farney. “Our employees, agents and agent team members are making significant changes and process improvements across our company to better serve our customers. We will continue becoming a leaner and stronger company in our pursuit of helping customers recover from the unexpected and being there to help life go right.”

Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income, and realized capital gains (losses) was $78.3 billion for 2017 compared to $76.1 billion for 2016. State Farm reported net income of $2.2 billion in 2017, compared to $0.4 billion of net income in 2016. The State Farm insurance operations consist of eleven P-C companies and two life companies, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The P-C companies are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, commercial multiple peril (CMP), and reinsurance lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. The State Farm group also provides banking products and mutual funds through affiliated companies. State Farm provides insurance and financial services products across more than 83 million policies and accounts.

Auto – The State Farm auto insurance business represented 65 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $41.6 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $34.2 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $10.2 billion. The underwriting loss was $2.8 billion.

Comparable 2016 figures were: earned premium, $38.8 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $35.8 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $10.0 billion; underwriting loss, $7.0 billion.

Homeowners, CMP, Other – The net written premium for State Farm’s remaining P-C business represented 33 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $21.4 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $18.6 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $5.6 billon. The underwriting loss was $2.8 billion.

Comparable 2016 figures were: earned premium, $22.1 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $14.4 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $5.7 billion; underwriting gain, $2.0 billion.

Health – The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported an underwriting loss of $71 million, excluding premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $691 million.

Comparable figures for 2016 were: underwriting loss, $84 million; net written premium, $668 million.

Life – In 2017, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $5.3 billion and $578 million in dividends to policyholders. Net income for 2017 was $492 million. There was $901.7 billion in total life insurance in force at the end of 2017.

Comparable 2016 figures were: premium income, $5.7 billion; dividends to policyholders, $584 million; net income, $562 million; total life insurance in force, $873.7 billion.

State Farm Bank^® – Net loss in 2017 was $1 million and total assets for State Farm Bank, F.S.B. were $16.7 billion as of year-end 2017.

Comparable figures for 2016 were: net income, $39 million; total assets, $18.3 billion.

Mutual Funds – Total assets under management for the retail Mutual Fund operations at the end of 2017 were $13.0 billion, compared with $12.2 billion at the end of 2016. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported combined net income of $6 million in 2017, following net income of $4 million in 2016.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

^{Although financial information is presented on a group/line of business basis, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and each of its affiliates must meet solvency and regulatory requirements on an individual entity-by-entity basis without regard to the solvency or financial condition of any other affiliated entity.}

^{State Farm Bank, Bloomington, Illinois, is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Insurance and securities products offered by affiliated companies of State Farm Bank are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by State Farm Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested.}

^{Securities issued by State Farm VP Management Corp. For more information, call 800-447-4930.}

^{State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking and insurance products. Neither State Farm nor its agents provide investment, tax, or legal advice.}

“Our focus of putting customers first for nearly 95 years continues to underscore our position as the leader in auto and home insurance and a leader in individual life insurance. Our financial strength, local presence and broad product offerings allow us to help customers recover from the unexpected and be there to help life go right,” said Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Jon Farney.

Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income, and realized capital gains (losses) was $76.1 billion for 2016 compared with $75.7 billion for 2015. State Farm reported net income of $0.4 billion in 2016, compared with $6.2 billion of net income in 2015. Results in 2015 included $3.0 billion in realized capital gains due to two corporate mergers impacting stocks owned within the unaffiliated stock portfolio.

Financial results for the State Farm affiliated companies are incorporated in the State Farm group’s financial results. The State Farm insurance operations consist of ten P-C insurers and two life insurers, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The P-C insurers are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, commercial multiple peril (CMP), and reinsurance lines of business. The life insurers are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. The State Farm group also provides banking products and mutual funds through affiliated companies. State Farm provides insurance and financial services products across more than 84 million policies and accounts.

Auto – The State Farm auto insurance business represented 63 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $38.8 billion, an increase of 6.9 percent from 2015. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $35.8 billion. The underwriting loss was $7.0 billion.

Comparable 2015 figures were: earned premium, $36.3 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $31.0 billion; underwriting loss, $4.4 billion.

Homeowners, CMP, Other – The net written premium for State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm Lloyds, State Farm General Insurance Company and State Farm Florida Insurance Company represented 33 percent of the P-C companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $20.4 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2015. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $13.3 billion. The underwriting gain was $1.6 billion.

Comparable 2015 figures were: earned premium, $19.9 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $12.2 billion; underwriting gain, $2.1 billion.

Health – The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company reported an underwriting loss of $84 million, excluding premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $668 million.

Comparable figures for 2015 were: underwriting loss, $98 million; net written premium, $667 million.

Life – In 2016, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $5.7 billion and $584 million in dividends to policyholders. Net income for 2016 was $562 million. There was $873.7 billion in total life insurance in force at the end of 2016.

Comparable 2015 figures were: premium income, $5.5 billion; dividends to policyholders, $582 million; net income, $667 million; total life insurance in force, $844.8 billion.

State Farm Bank^™ – Net income in 2016 was $39 million and total assets for State Farm Bank, F.S.B. were $18.3 billion as of year-end 2016. Comparable figures for 2015 were: net income, $45 million; total assets, $16.7 billion.

Mutual Funds – Total assets under management for the retail Mutual Fund operations at the end of 2016 were $12.2 billion, compared with $11.3 billion at the end of 2015. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported combined net income of $4 million in 2016, following net income of $12 million in 2015.

Health Insurance

• Are you happy with your current health plan? Health status, premiums, deductibles, and even regulations may change over time. Be sure your health care coverage meets your needs.

Life Protection

• Life insurance is the foundation of financial planning and security. It helps your family recover from financial risks and unexpected costs and lets them plan for tomorrow.

Disability Insurance

• Car insurance? Check. Home insurance? Check. But have you protected one of your most valuable assets? Your paycheck.

Long-term Care Coverage

• Nearly 70 percent of those age 65 or older will need some type of long-term care services during their lifetime.¹ Have you thought about how you’ll pay?

Saving for the Future²

• Saving money helps you achieve your goals. Establish a budget, manage debt and plan for emergencies.

¹ National Statistic: Genworth 2014 Cost of Care Survey, conducted by CareScout®, 2014.

² State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, Illinois ("Bank"), is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID 139716. Deposit and loan products offered by the Bank. All other products offered by affiliate companies of the Bank are not FDIC insured, not a State Farm Bank obligation or guaranteed by State Farm Bank, and may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested.

Product availability may vary by state. Please contact an agent for more information.

When someone hurts you, there are two choices: to hold on to that anger or embrace forgiveness and move forward with your life.

Looking at Bobby Petrocelli, you would never know a drunk driver crashed through his home, killing his wife and changing his life forever. Rather than choosing anger, Bobby chose to move forward with his life and embrace forgiveness.

Bobby didn't blame the driver. Instead, he asked what happened in their life that led them to numb their pain with alcohol.

As a high school teacher and coach, Bobby loves teaching youth. This passion inspired him to take his story to high schools, hoping to make a positive influence on students’ lives. At the schools, he shares his story, and hopes after hearing his experiences students will choose a safer path.

“We have all gone through struggles and have been in that place where it seems there is no way out,” says Josh Miles, senior in Saint Petersburg, Florida who has seen Bobby speak. “The answer is never to give up on ourselves, because we all have value and deserve equal opportunities. At the end of the day, our physical appearance doesn't define who we really are.”

After the crash, Bobby realized life is a constant, never-ending shift between successes and failures. We experience hardship both because of our faults and because of the faults of others.

"The greatest gift in this world is to serve others by helping them become who they are meant to be,” Bobby says about his presentations, that are supported by State Farm. “My desire is each student walks away with understanding and empowering their VIP."

“I try to accept everyone, no matter what,” shared Kevin Jimenez, senior at Hialeah Gardens High. “I believe we are all the same in one way or another. Unfortunately, I know a lot of people that don’t. I’ve been blessed to have a good past. Bobby made me feel better about how I think. I matter and so does everyone else.”

Bobby encourages people to use their life experiences to become stronger, more confident, more resilient individuals. The alternative, he says, is letting those experiences drain all their hope and energy. The choice is theirs. Through raising students’ awareness of this choice, Bobby is making a huge impact on student lives.

“By no means was it easy for Bobby to put someone that killed his wife behind him,” says Aundre Fredericks, ShoreCrest Prep School student. “He understood there's a lot of broken people, but that they need to know, as we all need a reminder, that we matter."

If there is one message Bobby and his students want you to walk away with, it is that even though you can’t choose whether or not bad things will happen in your life, you have complete control of how it affects you from that point on.

To see one of Bobby’s presentations, click here.

She received several awards for her volunteerism. Then, in recognition of her service, strength, and the positive impact she made despite the loss of her 40-year life partner, she was named a State Farm^® Embrace Life recipient in 2009.

She was able to focus on volunteer work because of their careful preparation and guidance from State Farm Agent Monte McCunniff (now Brad McCunniff's State Farm Agency).

CHICAGO and BLOOMINGTON, IL (Nov. 1, 2014) – The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and State Farm today announced an alliance to broaden consumer access to Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance in 14 states during the upcoming open enrollment period for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This expanded alliance will allow State Farm agents the ability to market Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance in 19 states.

More than 7,650 State Farm agents, and their licensed representatives, will work with independent BCBS companies in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.*

The two leading insurance brands first aligned in November 2014, offering consumers the opportunity to understand their choices and purchase individual health coverage with the help of more than 3,200 State Farm agents, and their licensed representatives, at retail locations in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas—states where the agreement continues for a second year. The success of the first year initiative forms the ground work for the current expansion.

Starting Nov. 1, 2015, State Farm agents in the newly participating states will market individual health insurance policies for coverage with effective dates beginning Jan. 1, 2016. This alliance provides consumers with an opportunity to obtain personal assistance from State Farm agents who can explain coverage options and assist individuals in selecting plans that best meet their needs.

Certified State Farm agents in participating states will market health insurance plans available through both state-based and federally-facilitated marketplaces established under the health care reform law. Through these marketplaces, consumers who are eligible may also receive financial assistance from the government to help in paying premiums. Agents also will market policies that are available outside of the government marketplaces. In each of the 19 states, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies will offer multiple health insurance plans from which State Farm customers may choose. Consumers have until Jan. 31, 2016, to sign up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, for calendar year 2016.

"This expansion of our alliance with the Blue Cross Blue Shield companies to provide individual medical coverage is an important step in helping meet the health care needs of the marketplace, and we are excited about expanding our alliance in these 14 states," said State Farm Senior Vice President Joe Monk. "At State Farm, we help people manage risk and realize their dreams. Marketing individual medical coverage allows our agents to help people manage this key risk, so they can live confidently in pursuing their dreams. We're excited to team up with organizations of the caliber of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in providing this important protection."

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are committed to helping consumers understand their health insurance choices and help them navigate through what can sometimes be a challenging process," said Jody Voss, vice president of strategic business services for BCBSA. "State Farm's presence in these states is broad and deep, with familiar and convenient community locations. Our alliance with State Farm is a welcome addition to Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies' existing relationships with insurance agents and others who play a valuable role in providing access to health coverage."

_{* BCBS policies in certain portions of Missouri, New York and Virginia will not be available through local State Farm agents, including: the Kansas City Metro area and Northwestern Missouri; central New York (including Rochester and Syracuse); and Arlington County and the areas of Fairfax and Prince William counties lying east of Route 123 in Virginia.}

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based, and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 106 million members – one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog for up-to-date information about BCBSA.

But a new program in inner city Cleveland is working to fill those gaps and help kids who have suffered tragedy find a way to grieve, connect and find ways to move forward with their new realities.

You could call it grief camp, but it’s about far more than grieving. “Our goal is to instill in [the kids] encouragement, to motivate them to keep pressing on, to keep living life, but also to facilitate some of the necessary healing,” said Ty Morgan, spiritual director of Cornerstone of Hope, the organization behind the Cleveland program. “After you lose somebody, it does cause a big wound in your heart and your soul.”

Basically, Cornerstone of Hope, which offers a variety of grief and support services in Ohio for people who suffer a loss, recognized that while life insurance and legal arrangements can help protect kids and families on some level, it takes more than that to really address such a loss.

The weeklong program is designed to help kids explore and express their feelings through group activities, counseling and creative expression - and also just have fun.

"This is a camp for grieving kids, but we don’t want to completely emphasize their sadness, their anger, those negative emotions,” said Morgan. “We want them to have fun - they’re still kids – and show them that they can have fun despite their loss.”

Mark Tripodi, executive director and founder of Cornerstone of Hope, said he has seen this kind of approach give kids new ways to express themselves. “We foster different types of interventions for kids to express their grief, and one of the most powerful forms is the performing arts,” he said.

While the first two Cornerstone camps served kids in rural Ohio, the new camp in Cleveland, Camp Heroes, was specifically established to reach a new group of kids in the inner cities.

"We have definitely seen a lot of loss in the inner city, whether it’s from gang violence or other violence, accidental overdose is definitely on the rise in the Cleveland area,” said Shannon Grubich, camp coordinator and counselor with Cornerstone.

Wherever there is loss, Cornerstone offers a model for extending an emotional lifeline to kids.

“This next chapter is going to be difficult because their loved one is not with them, but it doesn’t have to be a terrible chapter of tragedy,” said Morgan. “It can be one of triumph.”

(Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL LIAM-1011.0

As the years passed, Ron and Kelly were faced with a multitude of challenges. Ron experienced a back injury, forcing him into early retirement from his construction career. To keep the bills paid, Kelly took over the family finances and began pursuing her real estate license. When Kelly passed away suddenly in 2009, it came as both an emotional and financial shock to Ron and their two children.

“Every day you get up and go to work. Every day you get up and start your car. You take that for granted,” Ron said. “You never take [for] granted something unexpected. When Kelly passed away, it was very unexpected. She was worth everything to us.”

Fortunately, they had someone on their side: Their longtime friend (and insurance agent) Steve. It was now, when things looked their worst, that advice Steve had given years before paid off, enabling Ron to keep his family together.

Investing in the future

Many years before, based on Steve’s counsel, Ron and Kelly had chosen a permanent life insurance plan that accumulated cash value, which had allowed them to fulfill their dream of buying a home and paying for unforeseeable costs, like Ron’s medical bills.

But because of his health problems and the state of the economy in 2009, when Kelly had become the primary wage-earner in the family, finances were so tight that Ron told Kelly that he thought they should cancel their life insurance policy. They met with Steve again, who took the time to walk through their financial options and encouraged them to consider keeping their policy.

“The real lightbulb moment was when Ron realized how much Kelly really did for him and the household and family, and the fact that she did bring in income that he would have to do without if something should happen to her,” said Steve.

For most Americans, the death of a primary wage-earner would mean big living changes. According to LIMRA’s life insurance consumer studies, one-third of Americans believe they would feel the financial impact from the loss of a primary wage earner within one month of the wage earner’s passing. Half say they would feel an impact within six months.

After loss, some relief

Ron was in the group that would feel the impact immediately, and he feared what it could mean for his family. “With Emmet being a minor and Jamie just getting out of school and my serious back problems the last year that Kelly was alive, I’m afraid to think of what would have happened to all of us without our life insurance policy,” said Ron.

In the wake of Kelly’s death, Ron had to take over financial responsibility for the household. He reached out to Steve again, who reminded him they had kept their life insurance policy. In fact, he told Ron, they had actually increased their coverage, a decision that provided the necessary funds for Ron to remain with his sons and keep his home.

“It was a great relief when Steve told me we weren’t going to lose our house, and I was going to be able to stay here with the boys,” said Ron, “[Without insurance] I would have had to instantly liquidate everything or look to my relatives for help. Life insurance takes care of that unexpected stuff.”

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL LIAM-1009.0 

What came next, though, was unexpected.

“You can imagine, I’m at the height [of success], you know what I mean?” remembers Rob. “And then one call. Boom. It’s done.”

In the months and years that followed, Sims struggled with the void left by his father, known in his playing days as the “Gentle Giant,” whom Sims remembers as “a real country man” from Union, South Carolina.

“He was just the best person you would ever meet,” Sims said. “He would take anybody in. He would feed anybody, clothe anybody, anything he could do.”

Finding help, delivering a message of hope

Despite his success in the years following his father’s passing, Sims found himself feeling empty – until he was able to work through his long-standing grief and focus his attention back out to the community, living the way his father would have lived and helping others who suffer loss like he did.

Sims and his family have learned to take their love of Mickey and focus it outward. Now, Sims honors his father by helping others who are on the same journey and raising funds for Cornerstone of Hope so that it can help others find peace.

Cornerstone of Hope, in Cleveland, Ohio, was founded by Mark Tripodi and his wife, Christy, after the loss of their son. The organization is supported by State Farm.

“When we tried to find support in our town, in our community, it was exhausting,” Tripodi remembers. “I’m proud to say that we’ve been in the community for many years now. And all of our programs are geared towards serving grieving children, teens and adults.”

A father’s lasting legacy

And Sims reminds others through his words and deeds what it means to be a father and to leave a lasting legacy: from the memories of a life well lived that children carry, to ensuring the economic security of the family through life insurance and financial responsibility, to doing good works in the community that last long after a man is gone.

“Everybody’s got a time, everybody has got a day when it’s going to be over,” Sims says. “But you leave your mark, just by being the person you are while you’re here and setting your family up for the future.”

(mouse over image below to reveal and click on additional interactive content)

When Claire’s only child, Jude, was born, she instantly fell in love. As the weeks went by, Claire and her mother, Liz, started to notice that something was wrong. Jude cried often and wouldn’t gain weight. Then one day, after five seizures, a call to 9-1-1, and hospitalization, Jude was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Typically, people with seizure disorders have difficulty qualifying for an affordable life insurance policy, but thanks to Jude’s grandmother, he is protected for life. When Jude was 20 days old, Liz purchased a whole life insurance policy for him with a Guaranteed Insurability Option (GIO) rider. It will not only allow Jude to purchase additional insurance in the future without proof of insurability, but it will also build cash value that might be used for other things throughout his life, including future medical costs or education.

“I got life policies for both of my grandchildren right after they were born,” said Liz. “I had purchased them for my children and then wanted them for my grandchildren as well. I like the policy because it’s affordable, it builds cash value, and it offers the guaranteed insurability. It just seemed like the best life-long policy.”

Claire feels their unique story shows how important life insurance is and that it’s something all families should consider. Although Jude’s epilepsy diagnosis was quite unexpected (there is no family history), the disease is actually rather common – according to the Epilepsy Foundation, 50 million people are affected worldwide and almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the U.S.

“As a mother, we believe that we have the ability to protect our children from everything. With Jude having the seizures when he was little, I realized there are a lot of things I can’t protect him from,” Claire said. “There are things in life moms can’t prevent or control. It’s like if there was a big earthquake, you know what – I couldn’t stop it… I couldn’t make the earth stop shaking. But I feel like Jude’s life insurance is a safety net. I know that no matter what happens throughout his life, he will always have that.”

Liz feels Jude’s life insurance policy is a gift that will keep on giving, probably longer than she’ll be around. “It will certainly outlast any of the other type of gifts that a grandmother could give,” Liz said. “Blocks, toy trucks, whatever will be discarded, but this will keep going for him. Because I took the guaranteed insurability rider, he will be able to continue to add life insurance over time throughout his life – like when he gets married or he has a child. He can add more and it will continue to build cash value.”

Despite Jude’s health issues, he is exuberant, active, rambunctious, and goes nonstop from morning to night. He loves taking things apart and putting them back together, making new friends, and is very loving, especially to his mom and grandma.

“Obviously, as a mom, you fall in love instantly…but as I’ve watched him get older and have to go through so much, and he’s just so amazing…that your heart grows more and more every day,” Claire says.

Life insurance helped prepare the family when the unexpected came their way and they are now in a good place. They are dealing with and overcoming the challenges of epilepsy and are positive about Jude’s future. He’s down to one epilepsy medication, attends a regular preschool program, does everything any other five-year-old child does, and has a very bright future.

“I think it’s going to be really great,” Claire said. “I really hope he’s able to inspire other children like him to reach for the stars…because there’s nothing that he can’t do, not with that smile!”