It’s here that the remarkable service of State Farm shines. Bringing the largest disaster response in the industry means a coordinated effort of people, technology and resources, all working together to provide exceptional service to policyholders and support to the community.

State Farm is there

State Farm Claims specialists assist customers at Louisiana Customer Care sites

In addition to thousands of employees remotely helping thousands of customers on the phone and online, State Farm claims operations are on site, day after day, helping policyholders in impacted areas.

In support of Ida response, State Farm set up seven mobile Customer Care sites – four in Louisiana and three in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These operations bring claims teams and customers together to inspect vehicles, help with questions, and disburse payments.

Over the last two weeks, more than 1,500 customers have been given in-person help at our Louisiana Customer Care sites. So far, our overall claims operations have been able to reach more than 90% of customers who have filed a homeowner claim related to Ida, with 1 in 4 of those claims already settled.

Neighbors helping neighbors

A big part of the State Farm difference is the 19,000 State Farm agents who live and work in the same communities as our policyholders. That means that in addition to access by phone, app, and web site, State Farm customers have a State Farm agent right there in the neighborhood, ready to talk through your hopes, plans, and needs. And when disaster happens, they are neighbors ready to help.

In the wake of Ida, State Farm agents reached out to customers in impacted areas to help the recovery process.

Agent Courtney Gulledge of Harahan, La., lived up to that promise when one of her policyholders, Tassanee Nirandorn, received severe damage to his home. Courtney used draft authority, which allows agents to directly disburse payment toward the settlement of a claim. By providing an advance on claim payments, we can help customers start the process of recovery. Nirandorn was pleased with this service, saying, “On the news, all I have heard is that insurance companies are a pain to deal with, but that has not been my experience. State Farm has been exceptional during this process.”

Supporting the larger community

In addition to helping policyholders recover from the unexpected, State Farm has used its philanthropic resources to support community organizations that are helping the recovery process.

State Farm has issued $900,000 in disaster-relief grants to community organizations in Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, plus a $10,000 grant to the Midwest Food Bank in Illinois to provide support to multiple Ida-impacted areas.

Louisiana:

• $400,000 to support the local Red Cross chapter of Southeast Louisiana
• $150,000 to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans
• $100,000 to support Northshore Community Foundation
• $100,000 to support The Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma – Thibodaux

Northeast:

• $50,000 to support American Red Cross New Jersey Region
• $50,000 to support American Red Cross Greater New York Region
• $25,000 to support American Red Cross Southeastern Philadelphia Region
• $25,000 to support the Philabundance organization

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we are truly proud to work alongside partners such as State Farm who have raised their hand to support thousands of families impacted by this devastating storm,” said Lindsay Mathieson, regional disaster officer of the American Red Cross of Louisiana. “It is that generous support that allows us to provide much-needed comfort and care to help the people who need it most.”

Said Natalie Jayroe, Second Harvest Food Bank President and CEO, “This major support from State Farm will be critical to our response to this latest disaster impacting South Louisiana. Our deepest thanks go out to the entire State Farm team and their customers.”

The work continues

Recovering from a disaster like Hurricane Ida will take time. State Farm claims operations will continue the work of serving impacted policyholders in the weeks and months ahead. More than 98,000 total claims have been received so far for Hurricane Ida-related damage, and every one of those claims is a life changed by this storm.

Being a good neighbor is about more than just one moment or just one act. For State Farm, it means continuing the work until every last claim has been handled and finding ways to help our communities thrive. When the unexpected happens, State Farm is there to help policyholders and communities recover.

Our hearts go out to all those impacted – especially family and friends of those who lost their lives. Safety is paramount as residents assess damage and begin the recovery process.

Start the claim process as soon as possible.

Take steps to prevent further damage as soon as it is safe to do so. There are four ways to start the claim process:

1. Online at www.statefarm.com/claims
2. Use the State Farm Mobile App
3. Call 1-800-SFCLAIM
4. Contact your State Farm Agent

Hundreds of customers have already filed claims. Our local agents and call center claim specialists are already assisting customers with their most immediate needs, like additional living expenses (ALE). The State Farm Claims Catastrophe Response Team is being deployed to the most heavily impacted areas to assist in the recovery. This additional personnel includes three drone teams.

Customers with damage should:

• Inspect your property. Document damage with pictures to share with your claims specialist.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Take pictures and save receipts for materials purchased.
• Exercise caution when selecting a contractor. Storm recovery can be emotionally and physically draining. Don’t make a quick, emotional decision without recommendations. Obtain detailed written estimates and multiple bids.

Additional insurance considerations and storm recovery tips:

Tree removal can be very expensive right now because resources are spread thin. As a reminder, insurance only pays to remove trees impacting your home, building, fences or other structures. Coverage limits may apply to debris removal coverage.

Be wary of those who might try to capitalize on the storm.

• Ask for recommendations
• Beware of door-to-door solicited repairs
• Get multiple written estimates
• Always have a written, detailed estimate
• Don’t pay up front. Always inspect the completed work before payment.
• If making repairs, consider upgraded roofing materials (upgrades could result in insurance premium discounts).

If you have experienced a power outage:

• Never use candles for emergency lighting, use flashlights.
• Disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes”. This can damage computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
• Check to see if your homeowners policy covers damages resulting from outages. Subject to the deductible, your policy may cover spoiled food and other damages.
• Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

• In California, earthquake coverage can be purchased through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). State Farm is a participating member of the CEA.
• After a large earthquake event, new CEA policies purchased do not provide coverage for the next 360 hours, or 15 days, for earthquakes that are seismically considered to be part of the initial event.

Additional Information Resources:

• The Red Cross has an exceptional earthquake preparedness/recovery checklist.
• The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers seven steps for preparedness and safety; as stated in step four, being prepared can help minimize financial hardship after the shaking has stopped.
• ShakeMap on the USGS website.

Be safe:

• It is important to follow the instructions of local officials and seek out resources from local evacuation centers and aid stations.
• Always make safety the #1 priority when inspecting damage or making temporary repairs.
• Drink bottled water or boil tap until you hear that the water supply is safe.
• If it’s safe to go home, check for gas and turn off the main valve if you smell anything.
• If it is safe to enter your home, check for gas leaks and electrical problems.
• Make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage and save all receipts. Coverage may be available for these expenses.

Earthquake insurance quick facts:

• EQ insurance is sold as a separate endorsement.
• The premium varies based on several factors including: age of home, building materials and proximity to known fault lines.
• Your auto insurance will typically provide coverage for damages caused by an earthquake, if Comprehensive Coverage is carried on the policy.

In the News:

• KGET-TV (Bakersfield, CA - 7/8/2019)  Earthquake insurance explained by local insurance agent

• KERO-TV (Bakersfield, CA - 7/52019)  Agent advised homeowners to consider getting additional coverage for earthquakes

State Farm encourages customers to start the claim process as soon as they can and take steps to prevent further damage. Customers can start the claim process by contacting their agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, using the State Farm Mobile App, or reporting a claim through www.statefarm.com/claims.

State Farm is responding to storm-impacted areas. We will be here to help customers with their claims as we begin the recovery process. State Farm agents, agent’s staff, and local employees are available to help customers with their claims. Our Claims Catastrophe Response Team is being deployed to the most heavily impacted areas to begin assisting our customers.

As a reminder, insurance will only pay to remove trees that are impacting your home, building or other structures or fences. Coverage limits may apply to debris removal coverage. Tree removal can be very expensive right now because resources are spread thin.

Tips to help with storm recovery and insurance considerations:

• When safe to do so, make temporary repairs to damaged property.

  • For example, to prevent further damage patch holes or cover windows to prevent rain from entering the house

  • 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.

• Document damage by taking photos.

• If you have experienced a power outage, never use candles for emergency lighting. Instead, use flashlights.

  • Disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out.

  • When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes.” This can damage computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.

  • Your homeowner policy may cover spoiled food and other damages as a result of power outages, subject to the deductible. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers damages resulting from outages.

• Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

• Deal with a reputable contractor. While there are many good and reputable contractors in the state, be wary of those who might try to capitalize on the storm. State Farm claims specialists offer these tips to consider. Among the many preventative measures we recommend:

  • Shop around, get recommendations, inspect their work.

  • Get three written estimates and have a written detailed estimate.

  • Do not pay for work up front or sign a contract with any blank spaces. Always inspect the completed work before payment.

  • Beware of door-to-door unsolicited repairs.

  • If making roof repairs, consider upgraded roofing materials. These upgrades could result in insurance premium discounts.

  • State Farm customers also have access to a Contractor Locator. Available through their online StateFarm.com account, it provides a list of contractors known to State Farm. It is up to the consumer to pick the contractor. State Farm does not warranty or guarantee the work.

You can view the ShakeMap on the USGS website. 

Be safe:

• It is important to follow the instructions of local officials and seek out resources from local evacuation centers and aid stations.
• Always make safety the #1 priority when inspecting damage or making temporary repairs.
• Drink bottled water or boil tap until you hear that the water supply is safe.
• If it’s safe to go home, check for gas and turn off the main valve if you smell anything.
• If it is safe to enter your home, check for gas leaks and electrical problems.
• Make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage and save all receipts. Coverage may be available for these expenses.

Earthquake insurance quick facts:

• EQ insurance is sold as a separate endorsement.
• The premium varies based on several factors including: age of home, building materials and proximity to known fault lines.
• Your auto insurance will typically provide coverage for damages caused by an earthquake, if Comprehensive Coverage is carried on the policy.

Daniel and Sherry Cunningham’s son Matt heard tornado sirens revving up shortly after 7pm Sunday night in Vilonia, Arkansas. They switched on the TV to a Little Rock station. A tornado was on the ground near Maumelle, AR - headed directly in their direction at 50 mph ground speed. They knew they had about 20 minutes, maybe.

There was a flurry of activity to gather a few prize possessions. This left just enough time to rush next door to collect the neighbor’s pets. The family and pets took shelter in the closet and bathroom.

Daniel went into the bedroom and grabbed a mattress, telling Sherry (a stickler for a clean house), “We’ll make the bed up in the morning.”

Sherry had grabbed her laptop and a few items, and they were all in the hallway under the mattress. They had used up 15 minutes.

Sherry said she felt like this might be the end of everything for them. Conditions outside the last few minutes were  bad. They expressed their love for each other and waited…about two more minutes, then everything started to shake.

Daniel said at first, he could hear individual shingles coming off the roof. Then debris started slamming into the house intensely. They felt a shift in pressure and everything “seemed to lift” a little. The tornado had arrived.

A long minute later, and it was over. A board had fallen from somewhere and wedged against the wall, pinning the mattress down onto them. Sherry said that mattress probably saved their lives.

The next morning, they heard from their State Farm agent, Jay Paul Bernard, when he came to their house.  Daniel said they have had a very good experience with Jay Paul, and they love State Farm. Sherry said, “He’s been out to our house every day.”

The Cunninghams feel very much taken care of…“that’s what good neighbors do for one another.” Sherry added, that what seems to be important has been redefined from her experience.