A total of approximately 5,500 home and auto claims have been reported across nine states from the string of storms (date range April 26-28) as for 4:00pm CT on April 30, 2024: 

To provide the best possible service and response to customers who have damage from the tornado, the following are in place: 

• Catastrophe claims adjusters and support members are deploying and arriving on-site. Catastrophe claim teams will be actively making contact and providing initial claim handling efforts for our impacted customers with a focus on the most severe losses. Catastrophe Customer Care sites are being planned in the most impacted communities to support claim handling efforts for local residents, additional details will be shared as available.
• The 1-800-SFCLAIM line is activated and available for customers to begin the claim reporting process, should they be unable to reach their local State Farm agent. 
• State Farm policyholders who have damage can submit and manage their claim through various channels. This includes calling or emailing their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims. Customers may also text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim.

Making temporary repairs to damaged property:

When it is safe to do so, people with repairable/limited property damage should have reasonable temporary repairs made to prevent further damage to their property. Depending on your coverage, these repairs may be reimbursed. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps and plywood or other supplies to make repairs.   

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

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

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

Food pantries have long known the impact peanut butter can have. It's a prized addition to their shelves.

For the past three years, State Farm employees have stepped up to help meet that need. In February, more than 33,500 pounds of peanut butter were donated at our hubs and operations centers. The total surpassed last year’s total by more than 10,000 pounds.

Local organizations in several locations across the country received donations in early March.

Not too long after, COVID-19 shuttered our offices and much of the country. Now, with resources scarce and more people than ever relying food banks, the peanut butter will make an even bigger impact.

Ashley Edling is the Food Panty volunteer and programs manager for the Network of Community Ministries in Dallas. It’s one of 13 agencies that received peanut butter from this year’s drive.

“Shelf stable items like peanut butter provide a lasting effect. We can distribute it to families for weeks after the initial donation," Ashley said.

Some of the Atlanta Hub employees’ donation went to Georgia State University’s food pantry. Many in the university’s student population face unique challenges including food insecurity. There State Farm LIFT Scholars, who receive scholarship support from State Farm, helped stock the pantry’s shelves.

“Philanthropy can have an amplifying effect. The peanut butter donation allowed our LIFT Scholars to give back and support others facing difficult circumstances,” said Heath Wood, Senior Director Corporate and Foundation Relations, Georgia State University.

“It showed them the resources, education, and attitude necessary to succeed in the face of the challenges they’ll face in life.”

Peanut Butter Drive Highlights:

• Phoenix Hub employees collected 10,526 pounds of peanut butter. It was donated to Midwest Food Bank, United Food Bank and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
• Atlanta employees collected and donated 7,255 pounds of peanut butter. It went to the Midwest Food Bank of Georgia and the Georgia State University Panther Pantry.
• Employees from the Bloomington campus collected 6,313 pounds of peanut butter that went to the Midwest Food Bank of Bloomington-Normal.
• In Dallas, 8,467 pounds of peanut butter was donated to the Network of Community Ministries’ food pantry and the Richland College and the UT Dallas campus food pantries.
• State Farm Operations Centers in Austin, Charlottesville, Lincoln, and Newark collected over 1,021 pounds of peanut butter for their local food banks.

In 2019, Nebraska had a historic and catastrophic year for flooding. Destruction escalated when dams were destroyed, leading to road and bridge failure. The small community of King Lake took on 6 feet of water in late March, and the community was still trying to recover come October.

“It was getting cold and the majority of residents still had no power or heat and little, if any, money. They were living in  trailers outside their home, in small apartments nearby or with family members in Omaha,” State Farm^® Agent Tim Edwards said. “Some were even living in their homes with just a wood stove.”

Tim, his son and several friends stepped in to help through the nonprofit Omaha Rapid Response. The group would go from house to house Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, insulating the homes and hanging drywall.

“We always meet the homeowner and through tears they thank us constantly,” he said. “We are on our 11^th building now and intend to continue until it warms up. Our group really enjoys each other and helping the people of King Lake.”

“Nebraska Strong”

The Lincoln Operation Center’s Lead Where You Live committee saw the devastation throughout the community and partnered with Public Affairs to bring together employees and Nebraska agents to help.

“There was an automatic reaction of ‘how can we help and take advantage of opportunities State Farm provides?’” Nate McHargue, Government Affairs Coordinator in Lincoln, Neb., said.

Claims Support Supervisor Molly Honke researched what actions would make sense to help with flood relief. Employees and agents contributed $3,530 to the American Red Cross, which was matched by the State Farm Companies Foundation Matching Gift program, and State Farm contributed another $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with flood relief across Nebraska and Iowa. State Farm also gave a $23,000 grant to the Fremont (Nebraska) Area Habitat for Humanity to support home repairs. The team also gathered baby items, non-perishable food items and other goods to donate.

Following the flooding, the saying “Nebraska Strong” spread. On a wall in the Lincoln Operation Center, a cut-out of the state was put up, and people were invited to write what made them “Nebraska Strong,” to inspire others to participate in acts of good.

“Some people were sharing how they are ‘Nebraska Strong,’ and some were things they do in their community – this is what I’ve done to demonstrate ‘Nebraska Strong,’” Molly said.

“It made it that much more of a community in the office,” Nate added. “Collaboration doesn’t always occur. This created that opportunity for us and created an opportunity to get to know people.”

Molly mentioned there is already a sense of pride that comes from being from Nebraska. “We really rally around being from Nebraska – from things like this to sports. Any time someone is successful, there is support. It’s an embodiment of that philosophy.”

The effective date for new and renewal business is March 18. The last rate change in Nebraska was a decrease of 3 percent in July 2018. Combined, the two auto rate decreases will save Nebraska customers approximately $20 million.

“State Farm is very pleased to be able to offer another auto rate decrease in Nebraska,” said State Farm Agency Vice President Terry Barton. “Improving expenses and losses were important factors, among many, that supported our decision to make this rate change."

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

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

DrLupo is one of the best and most followed Fortnite players in the world. He has 2.9 million followers on Twitch and seven million followers across all social platforms. The Nebraska native is known for his engaging, candid streams, in which his wife and three-year-old son make frequent cameos. He has harnessed his massive influence in the gaming community to support charitable causes. In 2018, he raised $1.3 million for St. Jude’s Research Hospital by partaking in various live streaming efforts throughout the year. DrLupo also broke several fundraising records for St. Jude PLAY LIVE, a program that allows creators to stream video games while raising money for the hospital.

“DrLupo is one of the world’s most followed Fortnite streamers,” said Ed Gold, Marketing Director, State Farm. “His philanthropic efforts and massive fanbase make him an ideal partner as we continue to amplify our esports programming and efforts with the gaming community.”

In 2018, State Farm, the nation’s largest property and casualty insurance company, named Rogue parent company ReKTGlobal its agency of record for esports. State Farm then became the first non-endemic sponsor in North America of the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), the first NBA partner to sign a separate deal to sponsor the NBA 2K League, and a major sponsorship of the Rocket League Championship Series.

The State Farm deal with DrLupo marks the company’s first endorsement of a professional esports athlete. Terms of the sponsorship include State Farm support of DrLupo’s livestreams through branded replays, live in-stream stunts and product integrations, event-based remote streams, sponsored giveaways, and social content.

“Being given the opportunity to work with State Farm is, without a doubt, huge,” DrLupo said. “I couldn't imagine a better company to work with, and I'm excited to see what we can do together in the future.”

Brands, teams and media companies interested in connecting with DrLupo can learn more by viewing DrLupo’s Twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/drlupo. Media interested in interviews and more information may contact ReKT@maxborgesagency.com.

In the News:

• Variety:  State Farm’s Drops Into Esports Sponsorship With ‘Fortnite’ Player DrLupo (01/29/19)

The State Farm 529 Savings Plan is one of four college savings plans offered by the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529), Nebraska’s state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529 college savings program. Treasurer Stenberg is Trustee of NEST. The other plans are NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, and TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan.

Effective today, State Farm 529 Savings Plan updates include reduced expenses for Plan participants, as well as new investment options and underlying funds.

The Plan’s investment options include the following:

• Age-Based Investment Option. Includes allocations among equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent funds. Contributions are placed in a portfolio according to the child’s age, with an asset allocation that best corresponds to the number of years until college. As the child gets close to college, the allocations become more conservative. The new expenses for Plan participants range from 0.57 percent to 0.61 percent. Formerly they ranged from 0.81 percent to 1.28 percent.
• Static Investment Options. All Equity, Growth, Moderate Growth, Balanced, Conservative, Money Market, and Bank Savings (FDIC-insured) options offer fixed allocations to underlying funds throughout the life of the investments. The new expenses for Plan participants range from 0.20 percent to 0.61 percent. Formerly expenses ranged from 0.38 percent to 1.28 percent.

“These new options will help even more families maximize their savings to prepare for the costs of higher education,” Treasurer Stenberg said. “We look forward to helping our account owners plan for the future educational needs of their children and grandchildren.”

“We are confident account owners will be pleased with the new 529 Plan with lower prices, enhanced investments, and new rewards programs that First National Bank brings to its new role with the State Farm 529 Savings Plan,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “Affordable, tax advantaged, and with diversified investment options, the updated Plan allows State Farm registered agents to help customers make higher education attainable.”

“We’re excited about the opportunity to help families across America with their education savings needs,” said Lisa Stewart, Vice President – Life, Health & Investment Planning Services, State Farm. “With the partnership of First National and the State of Nebraska, State Farm agents can help customers make those dreams a reality.”

The changes will not affect the tax status of the State Farm 529 Savings Plan and do not count towards the account owner’s twice-a-year limit to change investment options.

*****

An investor should consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. The Program Disclosure Statement available at www.statefarm.com contains more information, and should be read carefully before investing. AP2018/07/0910

Investors should consider before investing whether their or their beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program and should consult their tax advisor, attorney and/or other advisor regarding their specific legal, investment or tax situation.

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

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value*Except the Bank Savings Static Investment Option

State Farm^® has been working in partnership with the National Auto Body Council to provide vehicles to be used in these trainings since 2006. During FREE events, responders learn how to deal with multiple airbags, high-strength steel, electric battery cars and more.

Trees are the lungs of the earth. Without them, we couldn’t survive. And our trees-our earth-are at risk. Trees improve our air quality by removing pollution from the atmosphere and giving us clean, fresh air to breathe.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, more than half of all Americans depend on forest watersheds for drinking water.

The Blaze of Wildfires

Sadly, forest fires and infestation can take away many benefits trees provide to human and environmental health.

As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. Some human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava.

Nebraska’s One Million Acre Forest

When you think of Nebraska, football and corn may come to mind. But trees should too. In 2006 and 2012, 50,000 trees were burned in forest fires caused by lightning in the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. Burning the Bald Eagle’s and other animal’s habitats. A combined 86,000 acres were burned according to the Arbor Day Foundation. The damage was so bad natural regeneration is not possible, leaving reforestation in human hands.

The Future of Trees

The US Forest Service strives to replicate the natural diversity of trees through its plantings in forests nationwide. Like humans, trees need air to breathe and sunshine, water, and food to grow. Trees fight to stay alive just like humans do. Trees will adapt to change, but forests need to be replanted in order for the adaptation to occur.

The Celebration of Arbor Day

Arbor Day originated 144 years ago by Nebraska pioneer J. Sterling Morton. It is an annual observance celebrating the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

Whether trees provide a backyard swing for your children or a nesting place for diverse habitat, the future of trees is in jeopardy. Without aggressive replanting efforts there will be no seed source to reestablish this unique ecosystem. Replanting trees today will benefit generations to come.

State Farm® is doing their part. The insurance company, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, sponsored the replanting of 30,000 trees over the last 3 years.

“Our forests are part of the long and important legacy of the people and the land of our country,” said Matt Harris, Arbor Day Foundation chief executive. “Thanks to State Farm’s commitment, thousands of trees will be planted to help clean the air, protect water resources, and restore habitat and beauty to forests that have suffered devastation.”

Harris hopes others follow in State Farm’s footsteps. Take a stand with our trees. If interested in supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, donate today and share this story about the importance of trees with family and friends.

Special thanks and photo credit to: Arbor Day Foundation; Bessey Nursery; Dan Morrow; Brad Brandt; US Forest Service; Cydney Janssen; Chris Fankhauser; Diane Clark, Jessica Espinoza, and Moni Hourt from Crawford Clipper; State Farm agents Randy Bauer and Bob Alcorn

If weather conditions are likely to produce hail you can take steps around the home like moving cars, boats, RVs, lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.

Personal safety is a number one priority and if you are indoors when a hailstorm hits, stay there. Hail can shatter windows so close drapes, blinds or window shades in an attempt to reduce the amount of broken glass that might blow inside. Stay away from skylights and doors.

High school students sometimes dread that question. Some are unsure of what to study when they go to college. Others know or are unsure college is a fit for them. But, they want to pursue a future that includes a career and advancement opportunities.

Across the US, trade jobs are in high demand. The Lincoln, Nebraska community recognized education is not one size fits all. Leaders decided to build The Career Academy (TCA). At the state-of-the-art facility, students can explore their options. They learn with top-notch equipment, and graduate with certificates, licenses, and even college credit.

Just one success story

Meet Paeton. She’s a strong, smart, and sassy young lady who doesn’t mind being the only girl in her construction class. She chose an education path less traveled and the one that’s right for her. In doing so, she’s breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.

“Coming to The Career Academy is the best part of my day because I am doing what I like doing.”

Unsure of what she wanted to do, she felt like a fish out of water at her high school, the largest in Lincoln. With college approaching, nothing was engaging her. She decided to try TCA’s construction career pathway.

“Construction really intrigues me. Getting to see a project start to finish and the hands-on activity helps me learn. I can’t sit in a classroom all day—my brain doesn’t work that way.”

Now, as she starts her senior year, Paeton is confidently pursuing her dream to renovate and restore homes.

While a fine student in the traditional classroom, she is at the top of her class at TCA. She even has job offers contingent on graduation.

“The Career Academy has helped me figure out what I want to do. Had I not come here, I would have pursued being a teacher. Now I know that I want to be in construction," Paeton said. "This learning style is motivating because it makes me want to continue learning.”

“I’m more confident than before because I’m doing the same thing as the boys in my class. I’m a girl and doing what I enjoy.”

TCA is a joint venture between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College. Its goal is to provide academic and real world experiences to high school juniors and seniors. Students explore options and find their passions through 16 different career pathways. All while completing high school and dual credit courses.

Like all TCA students, Paeton now has options. These include:

• Enhanced employment opportunities because of the skills acquired at TCA.
• Earning, or be on the way to earning, a certification.
• Continuing classes to complete a 2-year degree, at a community college.
• Enrolling in a four-year college and using college transfer credits earned.

Win, Win

Whether early childhood, culinary, health science or construction trades, TCA provides quality career-focused programs. Students are prepared for continued education and employment. The hands-on learning experience contributes to their personal growth, as well as the economic growth of their community.

Follow your path

For students like Paeton, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. A world of knowledge could be at your fingertips. Find your path and follow it. Seek to learn and gain as much experience as you can. Don’t be afraid to put on your work boots and choose the style of learning that’s calling your name.

“We encourage current sophomores to apply. Come test drive your future,” says TCA Director Dr. Dan Hohensee. “The academic and real world experiences provided at TCA can transform the life of any student. Thanks to the support of the community and our business partners, we are able to tell every student that we believe in ‘The Power of You’".

Bloomington, Illinois (October 21, 2016) – State Farm is introducing a new coverage endorsement in several states to help fill insurance gaps for its policyholders who use their personal cars to provide rides for a Transportation Network Company (TNC), like Uber and Lyft. The TNC industry is rapidly changing the livery/taxi industry by using the latest mobile technology to facilitate rides for hire. With these new transportation services in the marketplace, drivers are exposed to new risks.

Insurance provided by TNCs may be limited in scope and coverage. Personal auto policies generally do not extend coverage to the use of personal cars as taxis or livery vehicles, including their use in TNC services.

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

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

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

"Adapting and innovating to our customers' changing needs is critical," said Vicki Harper, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist. "This new product is an example of our commitment to our customers and provides them coverage, and peace of mind, when they use their personal cars to provide TNC services."

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

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

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

Skate For Change is a local effort and is part of a non-profit organization in Lincoln Nebraska, The Bay.

The Bay was created to fulfill an unmet need, not only in Lincoln, but in Nebraska as a whole. The absence of a complex where Lincoln’s youth could truly come and pursue their creative outlets, whether it be skateboarding, music, or another form of artistic expression.

The Bay hopes their facilities and services will keep local youth interested in pursuing their passions and staying away from paths that could take them in the wrong direction.

As one of the programs within The Bay, Skate For Change works to make a positive impact on the local community and in the lives of those who volunteer. Essentially, Skate For Change is “just making a positive impact in our community while using our skateboards,” exclaims Mike..

Riding their skateboards, volunteers with Skate For Change deliver needed supplies, meals and essentials to those in need in the Lincoln area.

More than that, Skate For Change changes the lives of those who volunteer. The kids gain a deeper appreciation for helping the community simply by grabbing their skateboards and distributing essentials to those in need within the community.

In 2012, The Bay and Skate For Change managed to amass more than 70,000 votes to win a State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant. In 2013 they did it all over again to take home another grant.

The Bay and Skate For Change have used this money to build a new facility. It has an art gallery, a concert venue, skate-park and even a coffee shop, all which are open as late as 2 A.M.

They also hired a youth outreach worker to be on site daily to help youth in whatever ways possible. On the weekends youth from Skate for Change take to the streets and provide assistance to the homeless in Lincoln.

The Bay is here to help kids reach their goal and dreams in a safe and healthy environment, while instilling service and community values.