By Allison Bertsche, Corporate Responsibility Director

Whether we're driving, walking or biking, roadway safety depends on the choices each of us makes every day.

Our State Farm research on pedestrian safety reveals that whether we're behind the wheel or on foot, staying focused is something we all have a role in¹.

A recent survey found that:

• 66% of pedestrians often see distracted drivers.
   
• 64% often see distracted pedestrians.

These concerns affect neighborhoods across the country, from large cities to mid-sized communities and small towns alike.

When we asked people what would help prevent crashes and near-crashes, they didn't point to one solution. According to the survey, people believe drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all can help reduce crashes by:

• Slowing down
   
• Staying alert
   
• Putting phones away
   
• Respecting crosswalks

Also cited as ways to help reduce crashes:

• Improving roadway design
   
• Embracing technology that helps prevent crashes

The latest pedestrian safety report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) offers encouraging news. Pedestrian fatalities declined in 2025 by the largest amount since GHSA began tracking them 15 years ago.

While that progress is worth celebrating, 6,732 pedestrians still lost their lives on U.S. roads in 2025. The data is an important reminder that creating safer roads remains a shared responsibility.

The Biggest Risks Often Look Ordinary

When many people hear "distracted driving," they immediately think about texting. In reality, distraction can come from everyday habits, whether it's adjusting the GPS, changing the music or responding to someone in the back seat.

Each of those moments may feel insignificant, but every time our attention leaves the road, the risk increases for everyone around us, including pedestrians, bicyclists and fellow drivers.

Years ago, one of my daughter’s friends was involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Thankfully, she wasn't seriously injured, but the experience reminded me how quickly one distracted moment can change someone's life.

As both a parent and someone who has spent years working alongside safety organizations, that moment stays with me.

Every decision we make behind the wheel has the potential to protect not only ourselves, but also the people who share our roads and our communities.

Safer Roads Take All of Us

I've come to believe that safer roads are built the same way stronger communities are built – one person, one family and one partnership at a time.

That same belief continues to shape how State Farm invests in communities. In 2025 alone, we donated nearly $50 million to support communities across the United States, including organizations and initiatives focused on auto safety. Whether we're supporting research, educating new drivers or helping families keep children safe in their vehicles, those investments reflect our long-standing commitment to helping prevent crashes.

Since the early 1990s, State Farm has also sponsored the Lifesavers Conference, bringing together highway safety professionals from across the country to share research, innovation and proven strategies for reducing crashes and saving lives.

Our partnership with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), which began in 1985, continues to help young drivers develop safer habits through education focused on distraction and other risky driving behaviors.

Each of these efforts reflects the same philosophy: meaningful change happens when organizations, communities and individuals work together to help people make safer choices before a crash ever happens.

Looking Ahead

As a longtime associate member of GHSA, State Farm is proud to support state and territorial highway safety offices and the organizations working every day to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, set new drivers up for a safe driving experience and improve roadway safety for all. Our shared commitment has allowed us to combine research, share insights and help communities better understand the risks on our roads.

We're learning more than ever about what prevents crashes. Communities are redesigning intersections, automakers are adding advanced safety technology, researchers continue identifying risky behaviors, and families are having more conversations about safe driving. The opportunity now is to make sure our everyday habits evolve just as quickly.

Every safe trip begins with the decisions we make on the road – choosing to stay focused, slow down and look out for one another. When enough of us make those choices, they can add up to meaningful change.

For more than a century, State Farm has been proud to work alongside customers, community organizations and safety partners to support that shared effort. As our roads, vehicles and technology continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same: helping more people arrive safely.

Learn more about safe driving tips and find auto safety resources at statefarm.com/safedriving.

From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat™, State Farm® is committed to being a good neighbor by focusing on your family's safety on the road. Our relationships, programs, and research help promote child passenger safety, teen driver safety, seat belt use, and distraction-free driving.

[1] State Farm. (2026). Pedestrians & Distraction – A Consumer Survey. Bloomington, IL.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., (July 07, 2026) — Premiering July 31 at 6:00 p.m. ET, Gamerhood Season 5 brings together a stacked lineup of creators across streaming, entertainment and culture, including IShowSpeed, PlaqueBoyMax, Cinna, Marlon, JasonTheWeen, Emiru and Jake from State Farm. After amassing more than 53 million views across its first four seasons, Gamerhood returns with new episodes on the official State Farm Twitch channel, State Farm YouTube channel and across many of the players’ own channels beginning July 31, with new episodes streaming every Friday in August at 6:00 p.m. ET.

This season is packed with the suspense and drama fans expect from top reality TV, elevated by the biggest streamers on the planet.

“Community has always been at the heart of what sets State Farm apart, and it’s what makes Gamerhood unlike any other show. This year, fans will get to share in the success of their favorite streamer as 100,000 subs are gifted to their communities over the course of the season,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “Beyond gifted subs, we created a completely new 2D game for people to play at home for prizes and teamed up with 100 Thieves to design limited edition Gamerhood inspired apparel. Each year we’ve continued building an entire entertainment experience around the show and we’re thrilled to celebrate half a decade of Gamerhood with the fans.”

An unmissable talent lineup

This season, Gamerhood goes full throttle as viral phenom and 2025 Streamer of the Year IShowSpeed makes his highly anticipated debut. With record-breaking livestreams, globe-spanning tours and one of the most electric fanbases on the planet, Speed brings a jolt of raw, unpredictable, can’t-look-away energy to the competition. He's fast, fearless and impossible to script.

“I appreciate State Farm for bringing me out to the Gamerhood. I know the fans will love seeing me game again. The physical challenges were also insane, and I think the people watching at home will feel that too,” said IShowSpeed.

Running it back from season 4 are JasonTheWeen and Cinna, with new faces PlaqueBoyMax, Marlon and Emiru also joining the action. Will Jason be able to clinch back-to-back seasons and bring home the key to the Gamerhood? Will Cinna break her winning streak while competing against her friend and roommate Emiru? Will Marlon and PlaqueBoyMax’s athleticism and unique play styles spur them to victory? All these questions and more will be answered in Season 5.

Jake from State Farm will appear throughout the season, guiding competitors through all the surprises Gamerhood has to offer while presenting “Good Neighbor” awards along the way to competitors who demonstrate good neighbor spirit.

Whether fans come for the creators, the competition or the chaos, Gamerhood Season 5 brings gaming, streaming and reality competition audiences together in a free-to-access-format.

The return of free-for-all gameplay

Gamerhood Season 5 also marks the return of the every-player-for-themselves, free-for-all competition format originally introduced in Season 1. Throughout the season, players will face off in popular video games and IRL physical arena challenges — all vying for a massive prize pool of 100,000 gifted subs.

With no teammates to rely on, every decision matters. Competitors will need to adapt quickly as rivalries, alliances and unexpected moments unfold throughout the competition. One surprise twist, bold move or brutal mistake can shift the entire outcome.

Join the action with Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM

Fans can step into the action beyond the show by visiting StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM, a new game featuring Jake from State Farm.

In the game, players control Jake as he fights his way through escalating waves of enemies that become increasingly more difficult. It’s designed for replay value, as every run builds on the last through a persistent power-up unlock system, allowing players to come back stronger each time they play.

Each week, players can compete for the highest score for a chance to win a custom-designed, State Farm-themed Secretlab TITAN Evo chair. Fans will also have the chance to win Gamerhood Season 5-inspired apparel created in collaboration with premium lifestyle and gaming organization, 100 Thieves.

How to watch

Beginning July 31, catch Gamerhood Season 5 episodes every Friday in August at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Episodes will stream on the official State Farm Twitch channel, State Farm YouTube channel and across many of the competitors’ own streaming channels.

Fans can also visit StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to learn more, play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM and catch up on all seasons of Gamerhood.

By Greg Frankowiak, Vice President, Underwriting

Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Homeowners insurance helps protect that investment so you're better prepared when the unexpected happens.

Home values and housing markets change over time, and so does what it takes to repair or rebuild one after a covered loss. Building materials, local construction costs, and home updates can impact the cost of repairs or rebuilding. Those are factors to consider when selecting a coverage amount that reflects your home’s estimated replacement cost as it exists today, not just when your policy was first written.

Understanding available coverage options and costs will help as you decide on the right coverage. Make sure your coverage still matches your home, your needs, and the life you've built inside it.
 

Why Coverage Can Change Over Time

Q: What should I do if I’ve remodeled my kitchen, replaced my roof or made other upgrades? 
A: Home improvements can affect what it may cost to rebuild, so it’s a good idea to let your State Farm agent know. They can help you review your coverage and see whether it still aligns with your estimated replacement cost. 

Q: Isn’t my home’s market value the same as what it would cost to rebuild? 
A: Not necessarily. Your home's market value and its estimated rebuilding cost aren't the same thing. The cost to rebuild can depend on things like labor, building materials, local building requirements, and the unique features of your home. Your agent can help you understand how those factors relate to your coverage. 

Q: What if I haven’t made any major changes to my home – but I haven’t reviewed my coverage in years? 
A: It’s still a good idea to check in. Labor and material costs can change over time, even when your home hasn't. It's common to set up coverage when you buy your home and not think about it again for a while. A coverage review with your agent can help you determine whether anything needs to change.
 

It’s a Great Time for a Coverage Check

Accurate, up-to-date information can help you have a more informed conversation with your agent about your coverage needs, including potential endorsements and available discounts.

Home improvement and seasonal maintenance projects provide natural opportunities to take stock of what you've invested in your home and make sure your coverage reflects it.
 

Two simple steps can make a meaningful difference:
 

1. Review Your Home's Coverage

   Connect with your State Farm agent to discuss your dwelling coverage and current rebuilding assumptions. You may want to ask:

   • What information should I consider when deciding how much coverage I need?
   • Would an updated estimated replacement cost review be helpful?
   • Are there discounts available for improvements made?
     
      

2. Take Inventory of What Matters Most

   The structure is only part of the story. Your belongings matter, too. Creating or updating a home inventory can help if you ever experience a loss. Consider documenting:

   • Electronics and appliances
   • Furniture and home décor
   • Clothing and seasonal items
   • Tools, sporting equipment, and outdoor gear
   • Jewelry, artwork, and other valuables
      

   Once you've completed your inventory, review your personal property coverage with your agent to make sure it aligns with your needs. They can help identify endorsement needs based on your inventory.

   Across the country, State Farm agents live and work in the communities they serve. They understand local conditions, local needs, and the importance of helping neighbors prepare for whatever comes next. Whether you've completed a renovation, purchased valuable items, or simply haven't reviewed your policy in a while, a conversation with your agent can help you select coverage that reflects your needs.

   When homeowners take an active role in protecting what matters most—and work with a local agent they trust—they help build stronger, more resilient communities one home at a time.

Rooted in the reality that football brings together rivals, families and communities in a way nothing else can, the campaign spotlights that every fan’s game is personal – their teams, their traditions, and their stakes. State Farm understands that it’s personal, too.

This season’s creative includes signature personalities and world class champions Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid along with Indiana University head football coach and national champion Curt Cignetti, Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, last season’s breakout phenom Cam Skattebo, and of course Jake from State Farm.

“In this year’s football creative, you’ll see personalization come to life, whether it’s Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid or Fernando Mendoza and Cam Skattebo or Curt Cignetti,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer at State Farm. “That personal approach has been part of State Farm for more than 100 years, through agents who know the people and communities they serve. We want our creative to meet that same standard — combining world-class talent with the things that make State Farm unique to tell our story. We pair human connection with technology that makes things simpler, offering a personalized experience based on what matters to each customer.”

Through humor, dynamic storytelling and high-impact, emotion-invoking visuals, each commercial demonstrates how State Farm gets to know its customers, from their daily routines, favorite restaurants and teams they cheer for; to help ensure their coverage is as personal as the lives they live.

The State Farm difference

At the heart of the campaign is what truly sets State Farm apart: Its focus on customers and delivering coverage options that are personalized based on customer needs. With more than 19,000 independent contractor agents living and working in communities across the nation, State Farm pairs helpful, local relationships with powerful digital tools, offering customers flexibility in how they’d like to be helped.

The campaign will launch across broadcast platforms beginning in early September, along with an integrated approach across streaming, digital, audio, social and influencer channels.

For more information on the Personal Price Plan click here.

Illinois is experiencing an exceptionally active severe weather year. Through July, State Farm® customers in Illinois filed more home and auto catastrophe claims than customers in any other state, putting Illinois on pace for its highest catastrophe claim volume in a decade.
 

Illinois by the Numbers
 

• 96,000+ catastrophe weather-related home and auto claims in 2026
   
• Home catastrophe claims are 50% above the 10-year average
   
• Auto catastrophe claims are 100% above the 10-year average
   
• Illinois has recorded three consecutive years with more than 120 confirmed tornadoes
   
• As of August 19, 2026, Illinois surpassed 200 confirmed tornadoes this year.

As of July, State Farm has paid more than $799 million for storm-related losses in Illinois this year. For added context, in 2025 alone, State Farm paid $457 million in Illinois hail claims, third highest in the nation.
 

What Shapes the Cost of Homeowners Insurance

Illinois premiums are priced for the risk in this state – not for losses in other states. With decades of experience serving Illinois customers, State Farm draws on extensive data and expertise to understand how risks and costs are changing. We continuously review the latest information, so rates reflect the most current view of expected losses.

That means considering both the likelihood of covered losses and what those losses are expected to cost. We know affordability is a real concern for Illinois families, making it increasingly important to address the underlying factors driving those costs. Rising construction costs, severe weather, inflation and excessive litigation can all put pressure on the cost of insurance.

Our priority is being there for customers when the unexpected happens and helping them recover. That means staying financially prepared to pay claims as risks and costs change. Rates need to reflect the likelihood and expected cost of covered losses, but long-term affordability also depends on reducing the underlying risks and costs putting pressure on insurance. Illinois consumers deserve a strong insurance marketplace and meaningful progress on affordability. That means addressing the risks and cost drivers.
 

Work to be Done to Address Cost Drivers

State Farm will continue to engage with Illinois elected officials and advocate for a focused set of actions aimed at supporting a healthy insurance market and helping consumers navigate increasing severe-weather risks.

Priorities include advancing resiliency and home-hardening initiatives modeled on successful programs in other states; strengthening protections against post-storm predatory contractor solicitation and potential conflicts of interest involving public adjusters; and addressing legal system abuse that drives unnecessary litigation and increases costs for consumers through higher premiums.

With severe storms becoming a more prominent concern in Illinois, State Farm sees an opportunity to serve as a thought partner with lawmakers and regulators on solutions that strengthen resilience, support consumers and the broader insurance market, and help pull unnecessary costs out of insurance premiums.
 

Responding Today

When severe weather strikes, State Farm is there. Following late-July storms that brought nearly 100 mph winds, heavy rain and tornadoes to northern Illinois, State Farm deployed Catastrophe Claims Teams and opened a Customer Care Site in Calumet City. We welcomed elected leaders to the site to see State Farm doing what it does best – helping our customers recover.

Severe weather continued in August, generating another 2,000+ catastrophe claims in northern Illinois, followed by torrential rain and 70 mph straight-line winds in our Bloomington headquarters community. Throughout these events, State Farm Claims associates and agents have been helping customers navigate the recovery process.
 

Preparing for Tomorrow

Helping after a storm is only part of the equation. Long-term affordability also requires looking for ways to reduce damage before the next storm happens. That's why State Farm is investing in prevention as well as recovery.

At our Technology Research and Innovation Lab (TRAIL) in Bloomington, State Farm researchers study hail, wind and other threats and explore how stronger materials, construction practices and mitigation can better protect homes and communities.

Impact-resistant roofing is one practical way homeowners can make their homes more resilient and help reduce hail damage. When building, remodeling, or replacing a roof, homeowners can consider qualifying impact-resistant roofing materials. State Farm also offers premium discounts to eligible homeowners in many states with qualifying products.

State Farm works with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to advance research-backed approaches to stronger construction. Programs like FORTIFIED also demonstrate how homes can be built or retrofitted beyond standard construction practices to better withstand severe weather.

The research demonstrates how more durable construction and improved building standards can reduce damage, strengthen communities and potentially save lives.

Working with Illinois

State Farm continues to work with regulators and legislators in Illinois to help our customers.

• State Farm made a rate filing in early June 2025 indicating a Homeowners rate increase in Illinois. That filing was more than 32-pages long and is available publicly on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) SERFF site. It includes detailed actuarial analysis supporting the rate filing.
  
• On June 23, State Farm also submitted a 5-page response to questions the Department asked about the filing. No additional questions were received and the filing was closed out by the Department of Insurance on June 27.
  
• State Farm first learned of concerns with the rate filing through the Governor's press release in July. Since then, State Farm met with both the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance and a Deputy Governor. There were no additional requests for information in that meeting.
  
• State Farm has provided the same type of information as other insurers provide in supporting rate filings in Illinois. Over the last three years, many insurers have raised Homeowners rates, citing deteriorating loss trends in Illinois; several of those increases in total exceed the State Farm increase.
  
• State Farm's retained counsel on these issues submitted a letter on July 31 to the Director of the Illinois of Department of Insurance clarifying our position and once again indicating our continued willingness to work with state officials.
  
• Unrelated to the June rate filing, the Illinois Department of Insurance in March 2024 demanded nationwide data of State Farm. This demand exceeds the legal authority of the Illinois Department of Insurance. State Farm has, therefore, not provided this data, but has asked the Illinois DOI to engage in a process that would allow an independent third-party/judge to resolve this dispute. State Farm made that request of the Department nearly one year ago.

An update to auto insurance rates

Auto insurance rates in Illinois will decrease an average of 5.7%, with some customers seeing reductions in premiums of up to 15%. Rate adjustments will apply to new and existing policies starting July 18, 2025. This decision is driven by trends projecting lower claims costs.

So, why are homeowner prices going up in Illinois?

Thank you for your trust in State Farm®. We understand no one likes to see their insurance rates increase, and we don’t take these decisions lightly. That’s why we want to provide you with some context around our approach in Illinois, where we are decreasing average auto insurance rates, and increasing average home insurance rates.

As a mutual company, State Farm is focused on serving its policyholders. Unlike companies with shareholders, our goal is not to maximize profits but to earn enough to maintain financial strength that allows us to keep the promises we make and to support future growth.

As we continue to adapt to changing conditions, we remain committed to providing you with the best possible value, service, and support. Thank you for allowing us to protect what matters most to you.

Home insurance rates are on the rise in Illinois due to rising home replacement costs and more frequent severe weather events that are driving up the cost and frequency of claims. These changes reflect broader trends in loss patterns and repair costs and are necessary to help ensure we can continue providing reliable coverage to our policyholders.

Home insurance claims costs are exceeding premiums collected. The cost of covering Illinois homeowners’ losses is exceeding the premiums we’re earning—an indication we need to adjust prices. Last year, those total costs amounted to $1.26 for every dollar in premium we collected. The year before, it was $1.30. Such losses are unsustainable.

Inflation matters. The costs of materials and labor have risen, affecting how much it costs to repair or rebuild homes. In the insurance business, the rates we charge are set in advance to cover potential future losses, including the costs to rebuild homes. As repair costs continue to rise, home insurance rates are as well.

Severe weather—wind/hail and tornadoes—is increasing in Illinois. Trends in recent years indicate damaging storms are more frequent here. In fact, Illinois had more hail damage claims than any other state except Texas in 2024.

Illinois premiums are priced for the risk in this state—not for losses in other states, including wildfires, earthquakes, or hurricanes.

Contact your agent to discuss coverage options

State Farm is committed to being a responsible steward of the resources we manage, ensuring we can continue to provide the coverage you need in the face of increasing risks.

We encourage you to reach out to your State Farm agent to discuss your coverage options. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and find the solutions that work best for you.

Wind and hail deductible explained…

One of the ways we are limiting rising premiums is through the introduction of a Wind/Hail Deductible. Illinois home insurance customers already choose deductibles related to loss perils. Illinois customers will now be required to have a minimum 1% Wind/Hail deductible as part of their home insurance policy. It will apply in instances where the cause of loss is deemed to be wind or hail. All other losses will be subject to the other deductible(s) stated within the policy.

Choosing a higher deductible is one way to reduce the premium you pay for insurance. Your State Farm agent can discuss options that are available.

By Sam McCammon, Area Vice President, Agency

Moving into your first apartment or rental home is an exciting milestone. As a parent, I spent weeks helping my son get ready for his first apartment as he headed back to college. We talked about roommates, budgeting and everything he'd need to make his new place feel like home. We made shopping lists, packed boxes and checked off what seemed like an endless to-do list.

Then, just before move-in day, I realized there was one thing we hadn't talked about.

I asked him:

"What would you do if your laptop was stolen from your apartment?"

He paused.

Like many first-time renters, he'd spent plenty of time thinking about what he'd need in his apartment, but not much time thinking about what could happen if something unexpected occurred.

That simple question opened the door to a conversation about renters insurance – what it is, what it may help cover, and why it's something every renter should understand before signing a lease.

Whether you're renting your first apartment or your fifth, understanding your insurance options before move-in day can help you feel more prepared for whatever comes next.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance is designed to help protect your personal belongings if they're damaged or stolen because of a covered loss.

It may also provide liability coverage if someone is injured in your apartment or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.

Think of it as protection for your belongings – and for some of the unexpected situations that can happen while renting. Many landlords also require you to have it.

Should I consider renters insurance?

Every renters situation is different, but it's worth taking a moment to think about everything you own.

It adds up faster than you think.

Think about everything you may have in your home:

• Laptop
• Phone
• Television
• Gaming system
• Bicycle
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Books
• Headphones

Replacing everything after a fire, theft or another covered loss could cost thousands of dollars. Renters insurance may help make recovering from those situations a little easier.

Before move-in day, consider taking photos of your belongings or creating a simple home inventory. It can make it easier to remember what you own if you ever experience a covered loss.

Who covers the building?

Your landlord's insurance generally protects the building – not your belongings inside your apartment.

That's one of the biggest misconceptions many renters have.

Is renters insurance required?

It depends on your lease, but it's becoming more common. Many landlords require tenants to carry renter's insurance before moving in and may ask you to provide proof of coverage, such as your declarations page. Others simply recommend it.

Even when it isn't required, many renters choose it for the added financial protection.

What does renters insurance typically cover?

Coverage depends on your policy, but renters insurance may help with losses caused by covered events such as:

• Fire
• Smoke damage
• Theft
• Vandalism

Many policies also include personal liability coverage and may help pay for additional living expenses if you can't stay in your apartment because of a covered loss.

Always review your policy so you understand what’s covered, what isn't, and how your deductible works.

What isn't usually covered?

Like all insurance policies, renters insurance has exclusions.

For example, a standard policy generally doesn't cover:

• Flood damage
• Earthquakes
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage caused by pests or pets
• Intentional damage

Some belongings may need additional coverage depending on their value and your policy limits. That could include the laptop you use every day, as well as jewelry, musical instruments, cameras or collectibles.

Take a look at the value of the items you own and review your policy limits to understand whether you have enough coverage. For eligible items that need additional protection, a State Farm® Personal Articles Policy can provide broader coverage.

Does my apartment's insurance fee mean I have renters insurance?

Not necessarily. It's easy to assume that an insurance-related fee on your lease means your belongings are protected, but that's not always the case. Some of these fees are intended to help protect the property owner or meet landlord requirements. If your lease includes one, ask what it covers and whether you'll still need your own renter's insurance policy to help protect your personal belongings.

How much does renters insurance cost?

The cost depends on several factors, including where you live, the coverage you choose and other personal details.

Many renters are surprised to learn that renters insurance can be more affordable than they expected. The average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $35,000 in personal property coverage – often less than you spend on coffee each month.

You may be able to lower your premium by:

• Choosing a higher deductible that fits your budget.
• Asking about available discounts.
• Bundling eligible insurance policies.
• Reviewing your coverage as your needs change.

Getting a quote from a State Farm agent or online at statefarm.com® can help you understand your options before deciding what's right for you.

Questions to ask before signing your lease

Before move-in day, ask yourself:

• Do I know what my landlord's insurance covers?
• How much would it cost to replace everything I own?
• Does my apartment require renters insurance?
• Do I have valuable items that may need additional coverage?
• Do I understand what my policy covers – and what it doesn't?

Taking a few minutes to answer these questions today may help prevent bigger surprises later.

A conversation worth having

When I think back to that conversation with my son, I'm glad we had it before move-in day – not after something unexpected happened.

Whether you're moving into your first apartment or renting a home, renters insurance is one of those things many people don't think about until they need it.

Taking a few minutes to talk to your local State Farm agent and understand your options before signing a lease may help you feel more confident about whatever comes next.

State Farm has mobilized catastrophe claims teams and deployed onsite resources to help customers recover. Most of our customers have never experienced an event like this. It's stressful and we know they have questions and concerns. We're here for them, working alongside local agents who live and work in eastern Washington to help customers begin the recovery process as quickly as possible. 

So far, State Farm has provided approximately $60 million to customers impacted by the Spokane wildfires. We have received over 800 home and auto claims from the fires, and we expect this number to increase. At this early stage, the majority of our customers filing these initial claims are reporting severe damage and/or uninhabitable homes. We know how devastating this is for customers and we’re here to help.

Customer interactions

State Farm claim handlers have talked with hundreds of customers at these locations so far, listening to their stories, gathering information about their losses, and helping families address immediate needs – such as coverage for temporary housing and advance payments for food, clothing and other essentials, where applicable.

It can be incredibly emotional.

WATCH: Customer shares how their “amazing” State Farm agent started helping immediately.

“One man only evacuated with the clothes on his back and his sandals. His belongings were destroyed including his medicine. He started crying at the site while we were helping him. Some people haven’t had time to grieve yet, so it gets emotional for them.”

~ Cesar Soriano, Claims team member

“Quite a few people we know have been displaced. I was driving back to town on Saturday when claims first started coming in. A lot of people have lost their homes, personal belongings and the memories tied to those items, so we’re doing our best to help them through that. Our physical presence in the midst of this devastation is critically important.”

~ Kevin Louden, Claim Specialist - Proximity

More on how State Farm claim handlers help customers: A day in the life of catastrophe response.

How to file a claim (home or auto)

Customers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to help. State Farm customers can submit and manage a claim through the channel that works best for them:

• Call or email your State Farm agent
• Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM
• File in the State Farm mobile app
• File online at statefarm.com/claims
• Text “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim

By Kristyn Cook, Executive Vice President and Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer

Every State Farm agency begins with a dream. I know because my family lived it.

When I was a child, my parents invested their life savings so my dad could open a State Farm agent office. Their dream was simple but powerful: build a business, help people and create opportunity for our family and community.

Years later, I made the same bet and opened my own agent office on Chicago’s southwestern side.

The State Farm agency model is one of America’s great entrepreneurial success stories. It pairs the strength of an iconic brand with the heart of local business owners committed to helping people.

Behind every office is an entrepreneur building something that matters - creating jobs, serving neighbors and strengthening a community.

Agents know customers by name because those customers are their neighbors. They support local schools, teams, food drives, first responders and community events. They form one of the nation’s most powerful communities of independent small-business owners, helping millions move forward with confidence.

I have seen the power of human connection - and the entrepreneurial spirit behind it. These things have strengthened State Farm for more than 100 years. To keep that advantage, we must evolve with customers, technology and the marketplace.
 

Human + Digital

In May, we announced changes to our agency model grounded in the customer - changes rooted in the vision for the future we had shared in the months before. Since then, I have spent time with agents, listening to what those changes mean for their businesses, teams and futures. Their feedback has mattered. We have listened, learned and, in some cases, adjusted.

What has not changed is our belief in the agency model, and the unique value it delivers to customers.

That belief is at the heart of our Next Gen Good Neighbors vision: a faster, more tech-enabled State Farm that remains true to our mission and values. We call it Human + Digital.
 

Human connection sets State Farm apart

Digital tools can make it easier for customers to do business with us and help agents and employees serve them more effectively. But human connection is what sets State Farm apart. Every customer has access to a real person who knows them, understands their needs and is there when life does not go as planned.

Customers get the best of both worlds - and the freedom to choose how they engage with us.

Some want to research, get a quote or buy insurance online. Others prefer to work with a local agent from the start. Many want both. Whatever path they choose, they expect competitive prices and an easy, valuable experience.

What makes State Farm different is that every policy comes with access to a dedicated agent. That human connection matters most after an accident, when a storm damages a home or when a family faces a loss. In those moments, customers need speed, but they also need support, empathy and a clear path forward.

Agents take time to understand the whole customer. By bringing together home, auto and life insurance, they can help provide more protection - often at a better price.

That relationship goes beyond protecting what customers have today. It can help build the future they want. State Farm registered agents can help customers consider investment products and services as they save for a major purchase, education or retirement.

Technology helps make this experience possible. Customers can handle simple tasks on their own, while agents gain more time to focus on what matters most. AI can summarize meetings, find answers and reduce routine work. Connected systems can identify coverage gaps and give agents a clearer view of their businesses. Digital tools can help customers compare coverage or connect with an agent.

The goal is simple: let technology do more of the tasks so people can do more of the helping.
 

Strengthening our agency model for the future

The changes we introduced support our Next Gen Good Neighbors vision and strengthen the agency model for the future.

The new agent agreement is designed to help State Farm and agents evolve as customer expectations change. It creates a more consistent compensation structure and better aligns the agent opportunity with what customers expect: an excellent experience, competitive prices and help with more of their insurance and financial needs.

We will continue to appoint new agents and offer a premier entrepreneurial opportunity to build a local business backed by a trusted national brand.

Technology will keep changing how people shop, communicate and make decisions. We welcome that change because it gives us new ways to serve customers better. At the same time, we believe human connection will become more valuable, not less.

Customers should have digital speed and convenience when they want it, and a local agent who understands their lives when they need one.

That combination is a distinctive State Farm strength - and why independent contractor agents remain central to our future. The opportunity my parents believed in, the one I chose and the one thousands of agents still choose today, continues to matter to customers. We are evolving it so the next generation of Good Neighbors can protect what matters most.

When agents succeed - along with our employees and empowered by technology - communities grow stronger. Families pursue their dreams with confidence. Small businesses thrive. Together, that impact reaches far beyond insurance.

That is the power of local, and the power of State Farm.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) has begun issuing payments to qualifying auto customers as part of its one-time $5 billion cash-back dividend, the largest in the company’s 100-plus-year history. Millions of customers have already received their individual dividend payments, with more on the way.

As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is uniquely positioned to provide value directly to customers. The dividend is being distributed in waves to eligible customers across more than 49 million State Farm Mutual auto vehicles. Each customer’s payment is based on a percentage of the premium paid for each qualifying policy in 2025. Percentages vary by state, ranging from 4% to 10%.

Qualifying customers will be notified of their pending dividend payment by either an email from “donotreply@e.sfdividend.com” or a letter in the mail. Please keep an eye out for communication regarding the dividend payment. Customers who already have an email address registered with State Farm will receive an email with instructions on how to log into the State Farm dividend payment portal and select their preferred method of payment. Customers who do not have an email address registered with State Farm will automatically receive a check in the mail.

The State Farm dividend payment portal powered by Verita can be accessed at sfdividend.com. For payment questions or to learn more about state-specific dates, customers can visit sfdividend.com or call the Dividend Customer Contact Center at 1-888-808-9532. Because the distribution covers more than 49 million auto vehicles, the payment process will take several months to be completed nationwide.

“As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is able to provide value directly to our customers while maintaining financial strength to keep our promises in the future. That translated this year to lower auto rates and cash back in the form of a $5 billion policyholder dividend.” – Jon Farney, State Farm Mutual President and CEO.

For more than 100 years, State Farm’s mission has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, including research and programs focused on improving driver behavior and safety. As part of that work, State Farm continues to invest in its national distracted driving awareness program grounded in consumer research to help reduce accidents and make roads safer.

Dividend payments are retrospective and do not affect future auto rates, which are based on expected future costs and monitoring trends to appropriately match price to risk. 

Taking place during AT&T WNBA All-Star weekend, fans will see their favorites showcase their shooting skills in a fun, fast-paced competition celebrating the excitement and culture of women's basketball.

Star-studded participants include:

• Keke Palmer: Emmy Award-winning actor and television host, recording artist, producer, bestselling author and founder
• Issa Rae: actress, writer and producer
• Maya Higa: content creator and conservationist
• Olivia Miles: WNBA standout and Minnesota Lynx guard
• Allie Clifton: sports journalist

Hosting the contest:

• Jess Sims: Peloton Instructor and ESPN Reporter

Bringing the hype to the State Farm Celeb 3-Point Contest at W Live are:

• StudBudz: WNBA stars Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman

Building on more than a decade of supporting women’s basketball, State Farm is creating new ways for fans to experience the energy of WNBA All-Star Weekend. The competition is designed to be fun, shareable and rooted in the same excitement that makes the official WNBA 3-Point Contest one of the weekend’s standout moments.

The State Farm Celebrity 3-Point Contest will take place Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1p.m. CT at the State Farm activation space at WNBA Live presented by AWS at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

In addition to this celebrity 3-point contest, State Farm is also the sponsor of the official WNBA 3-Point Contest at Wintrust Arena, bringing its long-standing connection to basketball to one of All-Star Weekend’s most anticipated events. The official WNBA 3-Point Contest takes place Friday, July 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT.

Whether you live along the coast or in the heartland, relying too heavily on forecasts or seasonal patterns can create a dangerous gap between what people think will happen and what actually does. The traditional idea of clearly defined weather seasons is disappearing. And when the timing or the locations of storms becomes less predictable, home preparedness can’t be limited to a season either. It has to be part of everyday home care.

Everyday preparedness replaces seasonal planning

When a hurricane does churn up, it often comes with a relatively clearer timeline and track, giving homeowners more lead time to storm preparations. That’s not always true for other weather events.

Forecasted storms can move quickly, but dangerous factors such as high winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain, tornadoes, and flooding can be less predictable. The days of seeing specific catastrophic weather at defined times, or only in certain places, are fading.

In 2025, State Farm paid $15 billion in catastrophe claims. The Company paid more than $5.7 billion in LA Wildfires claims. No hurricanes made landfall to add to the catastrophes, and of the remaining catastrophe claims paid, hail claims accounted for $5.6 billion.

What does this mean for homeowners?

The message is simple: preparation can’t wait for “hurricane season” or “storm season.” Preparation needs to be as routine as basic household maintenance, just like mowing grass, changing filters, or checking smoke alarms.

Even with this year’s lower hurricane forecast, one storm is all it takes to cause devastating damage—and the best way to reduce harm is to prepare before disaster strikes.

Just as important, preparation helps prevent the second disaster: the one that happens after the storm, when families face repairs, need important documents, and decisions about recovery.

Preparing homes to be storm resistant

Think of preparedness as a household system that works for hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding conditions. The best preparations are ongoing and prevent or limit damage that can come from storms.

• Stand up against wind with a stronger roof and roof to wall connections. Impact-resistant roof materials can withstand high winds, hail and water.
• Cover openings with hurricane resistant doors and windows shutters or heavy curtains.
• Secure loose objects outside so they don’t become dangerous projectiles.
• Remove debris from gutters, drains and downspouts so heavy rains can flow freely, and water drains away from the home.
• Prune tree limbs and branches to minimize debris that could damage buildings or power lines.
• Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to know your flood risk.

Regularly reviewing the homeowners insurance policy with an agent can make sure the right coverages, deductibles and endorsements are in place. An agent can also make sure homeowners get all the discounts they qualify - like using impact-resistant materials. 

The Takeaway

Storm and hurricane seasons aren’t what they used to be but homeowners still control what happens next. With weather being less predictable and severe conditions often striking with little warning, preparation needs to be a year-round habit.

Being prepared ahead of time means focusing on what’s important when it matters most, staying safe during the event and getting help faster afterward.

This season is packed with the suspense and drama fans expect from top reality TV, elevated by the biggest streamers on the planet.

“Community has always been at the heart of what sets State Farm apart, and it’s what makes Gamerhood unlike any other show. This year, fans will get to share in the success of their favorite streamer as 100,000 subs are gifted to their communities over the course of the season,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “Beyond gifted subs, we created a completely new 2D game for people to play at home for prizes and teamed up with 100 Thieves to design limited edition Gamerhood inspired apparel. Each year we’ve continued building an entire entertainment experience around the show and we’re thrilled to celebrate half a decade of Gamerhood with the fans.”

An unmissable talent lineup

This season, Gamerhood goes full throttle as viral phenom and 2025 Streamer of the Year IShowSpeed makes his highly anticipated debut. With record-breaking livestreams, globe-spanning tours and one of the most electric fanbases on the planet, Speed brings a jolt of raw, unpredictable, can’t-look-away energy to the competition. He's fast, fearless and impossible to script.

“I appreciate State Farm for bringing me out to the Gamerhood. I know the fans will love seeing me game again. The physical challenges were also insane, and I think the people watching at home will feel that too,” said IShowSpeed. 

Running it back from season 4 are JasonTheWeen and Cinna, with new faces PlaqueBoyMax, Marlon and Emiru also joining the action. Will Jason be able to clinch back-to-back seasons and bring home the key to the Gamerhood? Will Cinna break her winning streak while competing against her friend and roommate Emiru? Will Marlon and PlaqueBoyMax’s athleticism and unique play styles spur them to victory? All these questions and more will be answered in Season 5.

Jake from State Farm will appear throughout the season, guiding competitors through all the surprises Gamerhood has to offer while presenting “Good Neighbor” awards along the way to competitors who demonstrate good neighbor spirit.

Whether fans come for the creators, the competition or the chaos, Gamerhood Season 5 brings gaming, streaming and reality competition audiences together in a free-to-access-format.

The return of free-for-all gameplay

Gamerhood Season 5 also marks the return of the every-player-for-themselves, free-for-all competition format originally introduced in Season 1. Throughout the season, players will face off in popular video games and IRL physical arena challenges — all vying for a massive prize pool of 100,000 gifted subs.

With no teammates to rely on, every decision matters. Competitors will need to adapt quickly as rivalries, alliances and unexpected moments unfold throughout the competition. One surprise twist, bold move or brutal mistake can shift the entire outcome.

Join the action with Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM

Fans can step into the action beyond the show by visiting StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM, a new game featuring Jake from State Farm.

In the game, players control Jake as he fights his way through escalating waves of enemies that become increasingly more difficult. It’s designed for replay value, as every run builds on the last through a persistent power-up unlock system, allowing players to come back stronger each time they play.

Each week, players can compete for the highest score for a chance to win a custom-designed, State Farm-themed Secretlab TITAN Evo chair. Fans will also have the chance to win Gamerhood Season 5-inspired apparel created in collaboration with premium lifestyle and gaming organization, 100 Thieves.

How to watch

Beginning July 31, catch Gamerhood Season 5 episodes every Friday in August at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Episodes will stream on the official State Farm Twitch channel, State Farm YouTube channel and across many of the competitors’ own streaming channels.

Fans can also visit StateFarm.com/Gamerhood to learn more, play Jake’s Neighborhood SWARM and catch up on all seasons of Gamerhood.

By Buck Farley, Archivist/Historian

As the nation celebrates 250 years of history, resilience and progress, State Farm marks 104 years of serving communities across America. Our stories are intertwined—built on a shared belief that strong neighborhoods, people helping people and showing up when it matters most are what move America forward.

Our commitment to helping people is rooted in our founding, when George Jacob (G.J.) Mecherle recognized the risks facing rural drivers were different than city drivers. 

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company began from this idea: that insurance should be tailored to individual needs, at fair prices. G.J.’s vision has never wavered. As a mutual company, State Farm is accountable to our customers, not Wall Street shareholders. 

Our model and mission have been carried into neighborhoods across the country, intersecting with key moments in American history repeatedly over the past century. 

1922: Built for the rural American who’d been overlooked

In 1922, while Henry Ford was making cars more accessible, auto insurance companies continued to offer policies tailored to wealthy city customers. Auto insurance didn’t fit the needs of rural drivers and risked leaving these Americans behind. 

To help bring life to his vision of insurance tailored to the individual, G.J. turned to Minnie Jones, a successful businesswoman with insurance experience. Minnie invested in G.J.’s idea and joined the first Board of Directors in 1922, an early example of women in entrepreneurial leadership.

G.J. reimagined how insurance could work. With its rural roots, the Company ensured premiums matched risk and payment structures aligned with farmers’ needs. 

1933: The Great Depression: Stayed open when others closed

The Great Depression tested more than balance sheets. It tested whether companies would put customers ahead of shareholders. 

By 1933, banks were failing rapidly and nearly half of U.S. industries had collapsed over the past four years. In March, President Roosevelt declared a bank holiday to prevent further collapse. Insurers faced major strain as people fell behind on premiums and claims increased.

But State Farm kept issuing policies and paying claim, even operating at a loss to keep customers first.

During the Depression, State Farm launched the Fire Insurance Company in 1935. Protecting homes and property was about more than adding a new product. It signaled confidence communities would rebuild, even when rebuilding felt uncertain. 

As a mutual, State Farm can take a longer view in a way publicly held insurers under shareholder pressure often can’t.

1942: World War II era: Largest auto insurer in the country

By 1942, in the midst of World War II, resources were redirected and auto manufacturing largely stopped. Yet people still needed cars and, therefore, insurance. While the Company used the strength of its mutual structure to keep serving customers during another challenging time,  employees serving in the military were supported with desks left empty and marked with “reserved” signs. 

The “Million or More by ‘44” campaign helped auto policies rise from 350,000 in 1939 to 1.3 million by 1946, making State Farm the number one auto insurance company in the United States.

To support that growth and to be ready for the postwar return to life, the Company reinvented its operating model and introduced regional offices. Decision-making was shifted to local leaders, positioning State Farm to be there to help customers as housing expanded and families became more mobile as auto manufacturing resumed.  

1966: The first African American State Farm agent

The civil rights era reshaped America. In 1966, three years after the March on Washington, Ray Adkins Jr. became the first African American State Farm agent, marking an important milestone in our Company’s history. His appointment reflected a period of significant change in our nation and serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made, and the responsibility we all share to make the world around us better and to foster a culture of respect and inclusion within the workplace and our communities. 

1972 onward: Catastrophe response as a national capability

America’s history shows harrowing moments of weather events and disasters that can overwhelm communities. When catastrophes strike, being a good neighbor isn’t just about empathy. It requires action that can scale to meet an ever-increasing need.

In 1972, only a few years after Hurricane Camille devastated parts of the Gulf Coast, State Farm built Special Disaster Services. Teams were created who were ready to step out of their daily roles to quickly deploy to major events, putting people from State Farm onsite to assist customers and communities. 

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew impacted the lives of people in states from Florida to Texas. The response capability within State Farm needed to evolve and expand along with level of catastrophes. In 1997, the Company formed a larger, dedicated national catastrophe response team. 

Today, with new technology and partnerships in use, we have Weather and Catastrophe Services, a team that tracks weather events and can anticipate when to begin organizing deployments, set up on-site claims and assistance centers, and is supported with in-office claims handling.

We’ve come a long way since first developing this response capability. Whether coincidental or fate, as State Farm built the first catastrophe services team, Barry Manilow, then a jingle writer, had just written the tune for “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” A message that continues to guide our mission to help people recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams.

Today: A mutual that answers to Main Street

Today, State Farm insures more homes and autos in the United States than anyone else. More than 19,000 agents and tens of thousands of employees help customers each day. Being a mutual remains central to how State Farm thinks about responsibility. CEO Jon Farney echoed the vision of G.J. saying, “We answer to Main Street, not Wall Street.”

As a mutual company, there are several ways State Farm returns value to customers. Just this year, in February 2026, the company announced a $5 billion mutual auto policyholder dividend – the largest in company history. Also this year, the American Red Cross recognized State Farm as a 2026 Mission Leader for extending our customer-first commitment to the communities in which we all live and enabling improved disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Finally, as Habitat for Humanity celebrates their 50-year anniversary, State Farm proudly continues our 30-year partnership. Beyond the financial support that has helped more than 450 Habitat affiliates build or repair homes for families, State Farm agents and employees show up each year to build homes in their communities. 
 

Becoming a Next Gen Good Neighbor

State Farm was founded on the simple premise of putting customers first. Over the past 104 years, we’ve been proud to stand by Americans through some of the nation’s hardest chapters. Backed by the commitment to our Company mission, the agents and employees of State Farm have always shown fortitude and given hope at times when both are needed. 

As America marks 250 years throughout 2026, we reflect on our shared heritage and look ahead, rising to serve customers and communities at a time of rapid change. Through economic challenges, growing weather-driven risks, and what can feel like mounting uncertainty, history shows State Farm is there. 

By Erin Rahn Morris, Vice President, Underwriting

Working on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, I saw firsthand how devastating natural disasters can be. Many people lost their homes – and some lost their lives. Seeing State Farm® agents and employees quickly move into action to guide our customers through this challenging time was inspiring and motivating.  

The emotional toll a disaster brings with it and the long-term effects it has on families and communities is an experience we know all too well. While State Farm shows up when it matters most, offering local support and on-the-ground claim assistance, our work doesn’t just stop there. Every day, teams across State Farm are developing innovative, future-ready solutions to help build stronger homes, businesses and communities.
 

A Science-Backed Approach

One way we do this is through partnerships with organizations like the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). As a founding member of the IBHS Research Center, State Farm plays a key role in advancing innovation in resilient home construction. Countless hours of research and experimentation have led to proven steps homeowners can take to strengthen their homes against severe weather. We’ve also helped refine building standards and promote adoption across multiple states. In my role, I know the importance of applying this science to our products and offerings to enhance the way we protect people.

For stronger protection against wind and water damage, the IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ program gives homeowners the security of knowing their home is being built or retrofitted beyond code to withstand those risks. It’s not just storm hazard we’re addressing. Wildfires wreak havoc on homes and lives, too. Through the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Essential™ and Enhanced™ Program, homeowners can confidently reduce the risk of damage from wildfires.

Building resiliency has been one of my passions since the beginning of my career. As vice chair of the IBHS Executive Committee, it’s been rewarding to be even more involved in creating strategies that we can execute in every area of the country, considering the risks of wind, rain, hail and wildfire. Ultimately, I want everyone to understand the choices they have about where and how they live, and how they can be safer.

The Evolution of FORTIFIED Homes: A Decade of Progress

The IBHS FORTIFIED Home program, which began in the late 1990s, gained momentum in 2010 when it shifted focus to the wind peril and introduced “Fortified for Wind” standards. This game-changing approach included home improvements, not just new construction, making resilience accessible to many more homeowners.

Alabama is where the FORTIFIED Home program grew the fastest, bringing together builders, regulators and government leaders in a collaborative effort. A key driver of this success has been the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant program, which provides homeowners with $10,000 to achieve a FORTIFIED designation. 

Today, Alabama boasts over 50,000 designations, leading the nation.* Many other states have followed with legislation, incentives and grant programs encouraging FORTIFIED construction.
 

Hurricane Sally: Proof After the Storm

In September 2020, Hurricane Sally, a category 2 hurricane, hit the coast of Alabama. The data from Sally was a milestone for the insurance industry. For the first time we had real-world evidence that FORTIFIED homes suffer significantly less damage, resulting in fewer insurance claims and faster recovery times for families.

A study by the Center for Risk and Insurance Research at the University of Alabama analyzed over 40,000 properties impacted by Hurricane Sally. Researchers found:
 

• Homes with a FORTIFIED designation were 70% less likely to have an insurance claim than homes built to typical construction standards.
   
• Loss frequency (how often insurance claims occur) was reduced by 55% to 74% in FORTIFIED homes and loss severity (the average cost of claims) dropped by 14% to 40%— meaning these homeowners experienced less damage, avoiding high repair costs.
   

Safety, Savings and Strengthened Communities

At first glance, homeowners might see fortifying a home as being too costly or complicated. However, many FORTIFIED improvements are attainable and can be phased in over time, like reinforcing the roof’s framing, installing impact-resistant windows, or upgrading to a reinforced wind-rated garage door. These upgrades not only protect families but can also help reduce insurance claims, lower premiums through discounts and increase property values. 

State Farm agent Lad Drago in Spanish Fort, Ala., calls Baldwin County “ground zero” for FORTIFIED Homes. For nearly a decade, local builders and roofers have embraced these standards. “Customers see savings of $500 to $750 a year on insurance, depending on the age and location of the home,” Lad says. 

“Homeowners here don’t reroof unless it’s FORTIFIED because they understand the long-term value: Why risk $30,000 in roof damage when you can prevent it upfront?” Lad introduced FORTIFIED standards to his own builder in 2013, who quickly saw it as a marketing advantage, and soon other builders followed suit. Now, FORTIFIED roofs are a key selling point in real estate, often tipping buyer decisions and influencing negotiations.

Lad says “having a FORTIFIED roof changes the whole aspect of a claim. Older roofs often leak from minor damage, leading to costly repairs like replacing sheetrock and insulation. FORTIFIED roofs usually only lose a few shingles because of better protection and sealing. On the coast, it’s not just hurricanes, we get strong winds year-round. A FORTIFIED roof means better protection all year and less disruption when storms hit.”
 

Where We Are Today: Working Together to Make More Areas Resilient

This spring, IBHS announced that more than 100,000 homeowners nationwide have achieved the FORTIFIED program designation. We must continue to build on this momentum, encouraging builders, contractors and policymakers to collaborate on creative solutions that make stronger homes more accessible and achievable for all homeowners. From coastal regions to inland states, families should have access to resources they need to protect what matters most. With severe weather rising across the Central US and other parts of the country, FORTIFIED construction beyond the coast is more important than ever. 

The success of FORTIFIED Homes in Alabama, along with the state’s Strengthen Alabama Homes grants, now serves as a blueprint for other high-risk states. Combined with data from Hurricane Sally, I’m hopeful this will motivate all stakeholders to change how homes are built – making them stronger and safer for years to come.

As Next Gen Good Neighbors, we are committed to meeting our customers’ evolving needs with products and services that will push us all toward a more resilient future. Our vision at State Farm is for every homeowner to be able to build or retrofit their home to withstand severe weather, as well as for homeowners everywhere to take steps like creating defensible space and home hardening to reduce wildfire losses. At the end of the day, we want homes to be protected, but we also want lives to be saved.  

*Alabama Department of Insurance and Center for Risk and Insurance Research – University of Alabama, 2025

State Farm has announced a new collaboration with Connected Analytic Services, LLC (CAS), a Toyota affiliate, by adding an optional, self-service auto claims safety feature for millions of eligible customers. Based on customer consent, CAS can process data from Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with data communication modules.

State Farm will offer eligible customers who own 2020 or newer Toyota or Lexus vehicles the option to use the State Farm® app, to share information on a one-time basis designed to help make the claim process more efficient.

“This service helps make the claims process easier by providing faster insight into what happened and what needs to happen next,” said Jennifer Megargell, Vice President of Property & Casualty Claims. “By using real-time data, we can more quickly confirm important details and help move claims forward efficiently. At the same time, customers continue to receive the personal support and guidance they expect from their State Farm agent.”

Customers will be able to review their consent option in the Claims Hub of the State Farm app on the “Claims” tab. If a customer provides express consent, claim representatives may access accident information that can include the vehicle’s direction of travel, speed, point of impact, and the loss location displayed on a map.

Using vehicle sensor capabilities, an accident report may help reduce the time customers spend describing what happened and enable State Farm claim teams to better understand specific moments earlier in the process. After customer consent is provided, telematics data is accessed only for the date and time of loss and used only for claims resolution. The driving data collected is not applied for rating or underwriting. Opting out of data sharing has no impact on the ability to file a claim and does not change the customer’s preferred claim experience.

“At Connected Analytic Services, one of the ways we deliver on our mission is enabling Toyota and Lexus owners to put their vehicle data to work for them,” said Joe Guerin, Vice President of Insurance Products & Data Solutions. “With informed customer consent, vehicle data can be made available to support the claims process, providing partners such as State Farm with objective, vehicle-derived insights into loss events that can accelerate claim understanding.”

State Farm offers a broad suite of telematics-powered capabilities that help customers stay informed and get support when it matters most. Through Drive Safe & Save®, eligible customers can share driving-behavior data like speeding, acceleration, cornering, hard braking, and phone use while driving to receive personalized feedback and potential insurance savings.

Accident Assistance is a no-cost feature in the State Farm app that helps detect accidents and connect customers to the support they need. It may request access to contacts to store recommended follow-up numbers; however, participation in Drive Safe & Save is not required.

Beyond claims innovation, State Farm shares a longstanding commitment to advancing roadway safety, including leveraging research, technology, and data-driven insights to better understand and help reduce distracted driving and other risky driving behaviors. You can learn more about our work at Distracted Driving - State Farm®.

State Farm takes customer privacy seriously and we remain committed to protecting the privacy of our customers. Our privacy policy is available on our website: statefarm.com/privacy.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (April 3, 2026) - State Farm today announced its sponsorship of amateur golfer and Bloomington, Illinois native Brandon Holtz as he competes on two of golf’s biggest stages: The first major tournament of the golf calendar in April, and its national championship in June. This sponsorship underscores the commitment State Farm has to being a Good Neighbor by showing up for people in defining moments and helping them build a better future as they pursue their dreams.

"What Brandon has accomplished to earn a place on two of golf’s biggest stages this year is extraordinary, and we're proud to support him as he competes at the highest level," said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “It’s exactly the kind of moment that reflects what we stand for, made even more meaningful by someone so deeply connected to the State Farm family. That’s what being a Good Neighbor is all about, backing people as they chase their dreams and making sure support is there when the moment arrives.”

For Holtz, the State Farm connection runs deep. His father – who also serves as his caddie – is a longtime former State Farm employee, while his brother Brent and sister-in-law Robyn are current State Farm agents who have both appeared as themselves in State Farm commercials. Alongside several other relatives with ties to the company, these family roots create an authentic link to the brand’s people-first mission.

Holtz earned his invitations to two of this year’s majors after winning a qualifying amateur championship in Scottsdale, Arizona last fall. He is one of only seven amateurs who received the coveted invite to compete in Augusta, Ga., April 6-12. Following that event, Holtz will then make his first start in the sport’s national championship, June 18-21 in Southampton, New York.

Holtz, not of a traditional golf background, was first a basketball player and a member of the Illinois State men’s basketball team from 2005 to 2009 before trying his hand at professional golf, playing in a variety of mini tour events.

“Having State Farm as a sponsor on this journey is huge,” said Holtz. “I’m a local guy who grew up in and around the State Farm community, and I’ve seen firsthand what ‘Like a good neighbor’ looks like through the way they show up and support people. Golf was always a secondary sport for me, but I put in the work, and to be 39 years old and headed to Augusta with State Farm sponsoring me is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

The brand’s sponsorship of Holtz will bring the Good Neighbor message to life through storytelling and community engagement, with a focus on the preparation behind major life moments and the support systems that help people pursue what’s next, whether in sport or in everyday life.

By Buck Farley, Archivist/Historian

State Farm was born from a simple conviction: people should be able to get honest insurance coverage at fair prices. This year, we mark 104 years of building on that idea—one that reshaped auto insurance and defined what it means to put customers first, innovate with purpose, and stay ready for the future.

George Jacob Mecherle—G.J.— grew up in rural Merna, Illinois. After nearly two decades of farming, he and his wife May retired in 1917 to Florida for May’s health.

When they later returned to Illinois, G.J. worked as an insurance agent, where he was troubled by auto policies that were one-size-fits-all and didn’t account for differences in driving habits or risk. Policies were limited primarily to liability coverage, required the customer to pay an annual premium, and—most importantly—were not based on how people actually drove.

That meant farmers were charged the same as city drivers even though they drove fewer miles and were less likely to have accidents. And paying annually was a serious burden for farmers.

G.J. believed this mismatch was more than just inconvenient. He saw it as a matter of fairness. The customer deserved pricing that matched risk and flexibility that respected people’s ability to pay. This deep commitment to customers endures at State Farm, where future-ready experiences are built on a legacy of listening to what customers need.
 

Putting the customer first, changing an industry

When G.J. suggested updating the auto policy to better serve farmers, his employer dismissed the idea. So G.J. left his job and started selling tractors. Yet the idea stayed with him.

On June 7, 1922, G.J.’s State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company issued its first policy. From the start, State Farm’s foundation was clear, and it has never wavered: as a mutual company, we answer to customers, not shareholders, and the price you pay should match the actual risk, and the structure should work for customers—not against them.

This 104-year milestone comes as we celebrate 250 years of American independence. Both celebrations are grounded in strong tradition and an ongoing journey of improving lives through innovation.
 

Innovation continues as State Farm offers more products

Success in Auto highlighted the need for customer-first products in other insurance lines. State Farm expanded to help families protect more of what mattered in their lives. The Life Company launched in 1929, with G.J. purchasing the first policy. By 1935, the State Farm Fire Company was born, extending protection to homes and property.

Innovation showed up in day-to-day operations, too. Just as today, speed mattered then. In those days, it was important to get mail to Underwriting as quickly as possible. So, a simple solution was found: roller skates. A time-intensive paper binding process (glueing about 40–50 files an hour) produced 750 bindings an hour by introducing sewing machines to streamline the work.

Today, our employees are embracing technology to enhance the customer experience and match the expectation and pace our customers require.
 

Being a Good Neighbor is more than a slogan

Long before the slogan “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” entered American culture, it was how State Farm behaved. During the Great Depression and the 1933 bank holiday, State Farm stayed open. The company continued writing policies while other insurers folded. Tightening expenses and reducing coverages in the areas with the highest risk allowed us to protect customers where we could rather than leaving them entirely. The promise then, as it is today, was always about customers first, even when the cost of that promise was real.

State Farm’s customer focus has never stopped at coverage—it’s about helping people recover from the unexpected. Until 1969, when Hurricane Camille hit the Gulf Coast, causing catastrophic damage estimated at about $1.4 billion (approximately $11.2 billion in today’s dollars), independent firms handled catastrophe claims. Those specialized firms became overwhelmed, and customers weren’t getting help quickly enough.

So in 1972, State Farm created an in-house Special Disaster Services unit—claims associates from across the country, ready to deploy when disaster strikes. That readiness was sharpened across events through the ’70s and ’80s. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the worst storm recorded at the time with over 361,000 State Farm claims, State Farm launched an industry-leading, national catastrophe team. And State Farm continues to be a good neighbor—a Next Gen Good Neighbor—using technology to build speed and simplicity behind the people helping customers recover. 
 

Becoming a Next Gen Good Neighbor

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of innovation, State Farm’s celebrates an innovative mindset that started with G.J.: when something doesn’t serve customers well, improve it. It’s a mindset found across the communities we serve, and it drives our work today.

“That’s why we’re focused on becoming a Next Gen Good Neighbor: a State Farm that is faster and tech-enabled, while staying true to our mission and our values,” CEO Jon Farney wrote recently.

“For customers, it means fewer steps, faster answers, and more competitive prices. And in a moment of need, that means digital tools that reduce paperwork and speed up updates, paired with a person who can explain options, exercise judgment, and help a family take the next step.”

As a mutual company that serves customers, not shareholders, State Farm puts that promise into action. We announced a $5B mutual auto policyholder dividend in February and have committed $3M annually to the American Red Cross since 2024 to prepare before disaster strikes. As we continue building a human + digital approach, we honor what G.J. started and commit to what comes next: keeping the promises, serving the people, and continuing to innovate so the promise of the first policy issued in 1922 remains true.

That was the devastating reality of so many in Southern California in January 2025, when wildfires destroyed thousands of homes.

The Wiehl and Poulos families were among them – two neighbors who lost homes, memories and the foundation where they’d built their lives.

Now, both families are finding their way home.

“(It) was an experience that was overwhelming in every possible way,” the Wiehls wrote in a letter to State Farm^®.

The Pouloses agreed in their letter sharing, “…we were not prepared for such a crisis and how we would be thrust into relationships with people at State Farm Insurance.”

For these two neighbors, the face of State Farm became Charles, an on-the-ground claims specialist who arrived in California in January 2025 and has been working there since.

“It was a little chaotic,” Charles said of his first impression after arriving in L.A. while fires were still burning. “We were supporting customers while also setting up the Catastrophe Care Center.”

Building relationships

It didn’t take long for Charles to start building relationships with these families.

“Over time, he became far more than just our claim specialist – he became a steady, trusted presence during one of the hardest chapters of our lives,” the Wiehls wrote. “It is not an exaggeration to say he felt like part of our family.”

According to Charles, building relationships includes starting with simply showing up for customers the way you’d want someone to show up for you. That means setting expectations early and staying consistent, doing what you say you’ll do, being upfront if something can’t be done and keeping the lines of communication open.

The Pouloses also appreciated Charles’s approach, writing, “There is no better way to deal with difficult issues than speaking directly.” They also highlighted the time Charles took to go through details of the policy and next steps. 

That’s why he and others are in California – to support customers during their claims. Charles emphasized this story isn’t about him: “This is about the customers and helping them recover from the unexpected.”
 

Going home

The Poulos family worked with Charles throughout their recovery and are back home now. “We were one of the first homes in the Palisades to fully rebuild,” they said.

Eighteen months after the fires, Charles was able to attend the move-in event the Pouloses hosted with about 75-100 attendees. It was the celebration after a long road. “Everybody was excited to see them get moved back in. It was a great experience,” he said.

The Wiehls are not far behind. “We will forever be grateful to Charles for the role he played in helping our family rebuild,” they said.
 

Charles’ bio:

Charles joined State Farm in 2022 and took on a role deploying to catastrophes in 2024. He’s usually away from home for about 3 months, but in this case, Charles anticipates remaining in California through the rest of 2026, bringing his total deployment there to almost two years.

Charles is a University of Arkansas alum who came to State Farm from a “coaching, athletic and construction and firefighting background.” He draws on all aspects of his past experiences to help State Farm customers.

By Rasheed Merritt, Executive, Corporate Responsibility

I had the privilege recently of joining a massive neighborhood worksite – 24 homes in five days – in southwest Atlanta as part of Habitat for Humanity’s golden anniversary celebrations. Walking onto the site, I was transported back to my first Habitat build over 15 years ago, struck by the same spirit of purpose and hope. Surrounded by the bright red volunteer shirts of State Farm colleagues, it was clear why this partnership endures: neighbors helping neighbors, creating benefits that ripple far beyond the immediate job site. It is a continuing legacy of showing up for people and doing good in the community.

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Habitat for Humanity: 50 years of helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. For many, building a home can feel out of reach, especially as rising costs put homeownership beyond grasp. That’s why Habitat’s work matters, and why partnerships like ours are built to last.
 

A Shared Legacy of Building for Tomorrow

Our partnership with Habitat is a testament to a legacy of community commitment. Together, we focus on building homes that become the foundations helping neighborhoods thrive for generations. State Farm’s support goes beyond financial contributions; it’s also grounded in volunteerism and collaboration. Habitat’s model is a community effort involving affiliate staff, volunteers, future homeowners and partners all working side by side. With more than 19,000 agents in communities across the country, and more than 62,000 employees, State Farm shows up.

Since 1994, State Farm has contributed more than $19 million to Habitat’s affiliates nationwide. This year, we were proud to be honored by Habitat for our partnership during the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in southwest Atlanta. Our participation in the project marks over 30 years of collaboration between Habitat and State Farm, and we were recognized as a Carter Circle Mission Builder – an honor shared by Habitat’s most committed partners.

Building Resilience for the Future

Our partnership extends beyond new construction. Together, State Farm and Habitat for Humanity transform affordable housing from basic shelter into durable, long-term community assets. We are committed to strengthening existing homes through the Habitat Strong program, preparing families and communities for the increasing threats of extreme weather. With over 100 years of helping customers recover from disasters, State Farm understands firsthand the importance of building homes that endure hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and other disasters. Disaster prevention is far more cost-effective than disaster recovery. Both organizations share a mission rooted in building stability and strengthening communities. By helping build or improve homes, State Farm supports safer living environments that align with risk reduction, leading to fewer losses and a stronger local housing base over time.

Through State Farm grants, over 450 local Habitat affiliates have been able to build or repair homes to exceed standard building codes, ensuring families have durable, fortified homes. These efforts not only protect lives and livelihoods but also guide homeowners toward insurance discounts available for resilient homes that help our customers lower costs.
 

Looking Ahead

The work we do together is ongoing. Throughout this year, Habitat is marking their 50^th anniversary with several major “50 in 50” efforts. In June, Habitat work will take place outside State Farm’s Bloomington, IL, headquarters as part of the 50 in 50 Whole Home Sponsorship in McLean County, continuing this year’s commemorations. These efforts serve as a reminder that building stronger communities is not a single event but a continuous journey across the country.

At the heart of everything is our shared goal and our commitment as Next Gen Good Neighbors: to help families build homes that are more than just houses – they are places of safety, stability and hope. By working hand in hand, State Farm and Habitat for Humanity are helping ensure that home remains a place where dreams take root and communities grow stronger for the future.

By Launey Jason, Vice President Agency – Sales

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones – a fresh start where dreams take shape and memories are made. Whether it’s your first home or a retirement retreat, protecting this investment is essential. Understanding your insurance options will help you decide what coverage best matches your needs and fits your budget.

Homeowners insurance can feel complex, but together, we’ll simplify it. Insurance helps protect your home’s structure and the belongings inside – from furniture to clothing to family heirlooms. It can’t stop the unexpected, but it can help you get back on your feet when it happens.

One thing I always remind new homeowners: As your home changes, your coverage should keep up. If you put on a new roof, update a bathroom, finish a basement or add a deck, those improvements can change your coverage needs. That’s why regular check-ins with your agent are one of the best ways to make sure your protection keeps pace.

Your homeowners insurance policy typically runs for one year. A simple habit that goes a long way is to schedule a quick annual review with your agent around renewal time. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike to discover your insurance does not match your home’s current value.

What does a basic homeowner's insurance policy cover?

Knowing what your basic policy covers and what extra coverage you might need helps keep you protected. Your agent can help you understand and find coverage that fits both your needs and budget, too.

• Dwelling coverage: Helps pay to repair or rebuild your home after a covered loss.
   
• Personal property coverage: Helps replace belongings like furniture, appliances, clothing and valuables if they’re stolen or damaged. Creating a home inventory can help you choose the right amount of coverage to meet your needs. This can be as simple as taking photos or quick videos of your belongings. Don’t forget: If you have a college student living on campus, your homeowners policy covers their personal property, too.
   
• Liability coverage: Helps protect you if someone is injured on your property. Injuries resulting from intentional harm or certain high-risk activities typically aren’t covered, so it’s important to understand any exceptions and limits.
   
• Endorsements: Optional add-ons that cover things like earthquake damage or valuable collections such as jewelry, art or sports memorabilia. Work with your agent to tailor your policy to your unique needs.
   
• Deductibles: The dollar amount or percentage you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in to pay its portion of a covered loss. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium but means more cost upfront if you file a claim. Your agent can help you compare options and help you choose a deductible you feel good about.
   
• Additional living expenses: Pays for temporary housing and some other needs if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss.
   

Clearing Up Common Homeowners Insurance Misconceptions

I know insurance can be overwhelming. Here are some of the questions I heard during my years as an agent and how I helped make sure my customers – and now you – were not surprised.

Homeowners insurance does not cover all types of damage.

Insurance is designed for sudden, unexpected events like fire, wind or theft – not problems that build up over time from wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Issues like long-term leaks that lead to mold, corrosion, settling and age-related cracks, untreated pest damage, or appliance breakdowns may not be covered by homeowners insurance. What I tell homeowners is this: keeping up with home repairs protects your investment and coverage. If you aren’t sure whether something would be covered, ask your agent – and for items like appliances and heating/cooling, you may also want to look into a home warranty.

Homeowners insurance does not automatically cover all water damage, including flooding.

This one comes up a lot, and the details matter. Many policies cover sudden events like burst pipes, but flood damage is not covered under most homeowners policies. Sewer backups can be covered if you choose to add a backup and sewer endorsement. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Check with your local State Farm^® agent, many can help you get this coverage with NFIP.

Insurance won’t always rebuild my home or replace my roof after damage.

I hear more questions about this than any other topic when it comes to homeowners insurance. The reality is every loss and every claim is unique, and what the policy pays will depend on the type of damage to the property, the age and condition of what was damaged, and the coverage options you chose for replacement costs. Our Claims team will assess the damage and confirm the coverage the customer purchased, then handle the claim accordingly. The best way to feel prepared is to review your policy regularly and keep up with home maintenance, so you’re in a strong spot if something unexpected happens.

Insurance won’t always pay to replace my belongings with brand-new items.

I can’t stress enough the importance of understanding replacement cost options because your payments will depend on the option you chose. With replacement cost value, you get enough to buy a new item of similar value. With actual cash value, you get the item’s value minus depreciation for wear and tear. For example, if your 5-year-old laptop is damaged, replacement cost value would cover a new laptop of the same value, while actual cash value would pay less because the laptop is older. Replacement cost value usually means higher coverage but has also has higher premiums. Your agent can help you decide what’s best for you.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically apply if you rent your home.

If you rent out a room or your whole house, a rental policy may be necessary since standard homeowners policies usually do not cover rental-related risks. Before you rent – even short-term – check in with your agent to be sure you have the right coverage.

 

Talking With Your Agent: A Key to Protection

Your home is an investment, so let’s do everything we can to protect it. I always encourage homeowners to understand your coverage options and make informed choices – when you need it most, that knowledge can save you from costly surprises.

Choosing the right homeowners policy to fit your unique needs and budget doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. That’s where your local State Farm agent comes in. They’re here to help you manage life’s risks, recover from the unexpected, and realize your dreams.

Our priority is taking care of our customers’ needs and helping people start recovery as quickly as possible. When it is safe for customers to return home, we encourage them to reach out to us if they have damage and get the claim process started.

How to file a claim (home or auto)

Customers are always welcome to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to help. State Farm customers can submit and manage a claim through the channel that works best for them:

• Call or email your State Farm agent
• Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM
• File in the State Farm mobile app
• File online at statefarm.com/claims
• Text “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim

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By Axel Del Cid, Vice President, California Customer Relations for State Farm General

Los Angeles isn’t just where I’m from – it’s home.

It’s where I was born and raised, where I met my wife. It’s where our daughter had her first little league game. My entire family still lives in LA, and we return often to spend time with parents, relatives and lifelong friends. This city shaped who I am.

So when the 2025 wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles, it was personal.

As evacuations unfolded, my wife and I drove four-and-a-half hours from northern California to help evacuate her mother when the fires put her home in jeopardy. Friends lost homes. Entire neighborhoods were changed overnight. Seeing the damage up close reinforced something I’ve always believed: recovery requires more than insurance coverage – it requires empathy, listening and a long‑term commitment to the people affected.

I know there’s a lot being said right now about insurance and wildfire recovery in California and, unfortunately, we know that there are wildfires now and there will be in the future. If you’re a customer living through this right now, we know – because we hear from you – that nothing changes what matters most: getting you answers, support, and progress you can feel.

That’s why my new role matters so much to me. I’ll be building on State Farm^® recovery efforts already underway – to help LA not only replace what was lost but rebuild stronger.

Why I Care Deeply About Los Angeles

Los Angeles has given me every opportunity I’ve had in life, including a career that brought me to State Farm. I served as a State Farm agent in Los Angeles for nearly five years and experienced the insurance journey from nearly every angle – most importantly through the eyes of customers. I’ve partnered closely with claims professionals and agents. I’ve walked alongside families during some of their hardest moments – the passing of a loved one, a serious car accident, the loss of a home due to fire.

In that time, I learned: This city is resilient. In moments of crisis, Angelenos show up for one another. But rebuilding after a wildfire is exhausting, emotional and often overwhelming. It takes time.

I’m proud of how State Farm teams responded to the wildfires – from claims professionals mobilizing quickly, to agents supporting customers and communities under extreme stress. We’re a company made up of people and we’re always working to make the experience better for customers. And we know recovery doesn’t end after the immediate response.

Our claims professionals – nearly 200 of them – are still here, on the ground, working to help customers and answer questions. Dedicated employees who have been working in California for over a year staying in contact with the customers we’re serving.

I’ll be there too.
 

I’m Here to Listen

As Los Angeles recovers, my first priority is simple: listen.

I’ll be looking at feedback that’s already come in and talking with claim teams on the ground. When I spend time with customers, I want to understand how the recovery process feels – what’s helping, what’s frustrating, and where we can improve. That can mean fewer handoffs, faster callbacks, clearer letters, making sure customers know exactly what happens next.

I’ll also focus on long-term needs and how State Farm can best partner in community rebuilding. To me, this work is about helping families return to stronger homes and supporting long‑term resilience in California.

That’s the State Farm commitment I carry forward in this work.

The National Interagency Fire Center recently reported that close to 26,500 fires have burned more than 1.9 million acres of land across the U.S. this year, well above the 10-year average. With population growth expected in higher-risk areas, rising construction costs, and increasingly severe weather, what you do to protect your home and manage your coverage has never been more important.

While weather disasters can disrupt everyday life and cause financial hardship, proactive planning to help safeguard your family and your belongings—along with clear communication and practical preparedness tips—can make recovery easier when time matters most.

Protecting Your Family and Property Before a Wildfire Strikes

• Create an emergency plan: If you haven’t done so already, prepare an emergency fire escape plan with your household that includes emergency contacts, meet up locations, and transportation plans. Don’t forget your pets! Have carriers, food, and vet contacts ready to go.
• Record a home inventory: Take pictures and video to document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video using smartphone or other device of each room can help later.
• Secure your personal information: Back up vital photos, documents, and financial information. Make sure you have installed your preferred insurance apps and other useful digital records. Put original vital documents and irreplaceable items (paper photos, family heirlooms, etc.) in one place so you can grab them quickly if you’re told to leave.

Staying Informed

• Be alert: Sign up for news reports and key information from first responders. Monitor the National Weather Service, local news channels and weather alerts for updates. You can also utilize apps like FEMA or Watch Duty and local emergency notification services.
• Safety first: Material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can’t be fixed. Close all windows, vents and doors to prevent smoke infiltration.
• Be ready to evacuate: Follow evacuation orders from local authorities without delay. Arrange to take your emergency kit, including vital documents, medications and survival supplies.
• Keep living expenses receipts: They may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible. Filing insurance claims requires organization and thorough documentation.

Preparing for Peak Wildfire Season and Year-Round Hazards

• Protecting your home: Choose coverages, limits, and deductibles based on your home’s construction, roof condition, recent upgrades, and location.
• Enhancing your home’s fire safety: Explore additional steps you can take to eliminate ignition factors around your property and follow this wildfire resilience checklist to see if your home is made of non-ignitable, non-combustible, or fire-resistant materials. Even small actions can make a big impact in protecting your community.
• Ask about wildfire discounts: Depending on where you live and how your home is certified, you may qualify for certain savings. Your State Farm agent can provide information and resources quickly, including if your home is eligible for an IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation.
• Beware of scammers: The recovery process is challenging, but having a clear plan and dependable resources will help you rebuild quickly and safely. If you’ve suffered damage and you’re thinking about home improvements, be cautious of contractor fraud and managing do-it-yourself projects alone. Always work with trusted professionals and keep records of any upgrades to support your insurance coverage.

In addition to Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Homes, State Farm is supportive of the development of community-based wildfire prevention and preparedness standards. We are among the more than 100 innovative and diverse FLASH partners that share their vision of making America a more disaster-resistant nation. We also work directly with legislators and regulators across the country on real solutions to promote homeowner resiliency and the availability of insurance to protect what matters most before, during, or after a loss.

On May 6, State Farm chief executive officer Jon Farney introduced Next Gen Good Neighbor, a vision to evolve the company alongside its customers, focused on even faster and simpler claims service; more competitive prices that match price to risk; and data-driven underwriting. Technology underpins Next Gen Good Neighbor, building on the personal relationships that remain the foundation of State Farm, so its employees and independent contractor agents are even better equipped to deliver for customers in the moments that matter most.

The company calls this a “Human + Digital” approach.

“For more than a century, being a good neighbor has meant keeping our promises and helping people. We are transforming into a Next Gen Good Neighbor by using technology in new ways that enhance our ability to help people protect what matters most and prepare for what is next. This Human + Digital approach combines the best of State Farm in service of our customers," said Farney.
 

Transforming to Serve Customers Faster and Simpler
 

• Even faster and simpler claims handling. Every claim represents a customer who is counting on State Farm to deliver on its promise. State Farm is making the end-to-end claims process faster, from first notice of loss to payment delivered, so customers can start repairs sooner and recover more quickly. Claims professionals are making coverage and payment decisions supported by tools that streamline intake, triage, and documentation. The company is also piloting an AI-powered virtual assistant to streamline initial loss-reporting to quickly connect customers to support services and gather information needed to help.
   
• More competitive prices. State Farm will continue delivering value to customers by finding new efficiencies in the way it works, improving processes, and developing and supporting employees and agents. State Farm serves customers, not shareholders; it demonstrated this in February, announcing a $5 billion dividend for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company auto customers.
   
• Personalized risk-based pricing. State Farm continues building underwriting and pricing models with advanced data, tools, and inputs. Telematics information – voluntarily provided by customers through the Drive Safe & Save® program – remains central to this effort and soon will help shape the customer experience, from the first day as a policyholder through claims and beyond. One example is Accident Assistance, which enables emergency response to a possible accident, helps arrange a tow, and provides information to speed up claim resolution.
   

Deepening Customer Relationships with Human + Digital 

Human + Digital means one connected experience, where technology and people truly work together to enhance the customer experience. Led by Chief Digital and Information Officer Joe Park, the company is:

• Consolidating disconnected systems into a single insurance platform, bringing data together so it is consistent and usable, and work flows without friction;
   
• Making the company a destination for well-versed top talent, with the knowledge and expertise to execute State Farm’s technological transformation; and
   
• Working with leading tech companies, including OpenAI, to apply AI strategically.
   

Expanding Financial Services Capabilities

State Farm is also expanding its financial services capabilities to help customers protect what matters today and prepare for what is next. The company is investing in agents as financial professionals – providing new education and training programs, enhanced planning tools, and specialized consulting services to help customers make informed decisions based on their needs and goals. At the same time, State Farm continues to expand and modernize its life insurance, retirement, and investment product offerings — providing more choices to better serve customers through every stage of life.
 

Deploying New Tools to Better Align Agent and Company Growth and Capture Opportunity

The company’s independent contractor agency model continues to be the driving force behind serving customers and attracting new ones. Key investments through Next Gen Good Neighbor will make available to agents new tools, platforms, and backend improvements, so they can choose to spend more time on growing policyholder relationships, delivering for new customers, and building their teams.

Infrastructure investments have already reduced the energy agents spend on routine transactions. Quoting processes that once required multiple steps now are completed in minutes. Other advances include:

• A new agent-initiated loss-reporting tool that allows agents – without having to call – to submit claims for customers at their request.
   
• Navi, an AI-powered digital assistant embedded within State Farm’s agent management platform, is being rolled out. Navi gives agents a faster path to answers, whether price quotes or policy details, reducing time spent searching systems, and soon it will include the ability to check quote statuses and generate customer insight lists.
   
• Household Story, an AI-powered customer intelligence tool, gives agents an instant summary of each household's active concerns and tailored product recommendations, so agents can have more informed, personal conversations with customers.
   
• Soon, agents will have a single point of entry for operations support, making it easier for them to get the information they need without navigating multiple systems.

By Joe Park, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer

The expectations and lifestyles of our customers are evolving faster today than at any point in State Farm’s history—and with that, what it means to truly serve them is evolving as well. To meet them where they are and continue building for the future, we are moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor.

Yesterday, our President & CEO Jon Farney shared more about this shift and what it means for State Farm.
 

My focus is how technology will accelerate our people’s ability to be a Next Gen Good Neighbor.

The customer-first mindset has defined State Farm for more than 100 years, and it will continue to define our future. We are listening closely to how our customers live, connect, and make decisions. Their needs are more complex. Our focus is on protecting what matters to them today, anticipating what they will need next, and building toward it. That's what “future-ready” means to us: ready for what’s coming, while maintaining the high standard of care and service our customers have always counted on.

During one of my first visits to a State Farm agent’s office in Dallas, TX, I watched an agent sit down with a customer and take the time to truly understand what they needed. They asked thoughtful questions, explained options, and made sure the customer felt seen and heard.

That’s what being a good neighbor looks like.

But at the same time, I watched that agent navigate screen after screen to piece together a full picture of the customer—pulling information from different systems, working harder than they should have to.

That moment was a clear signal: our fundamental commitment to serving communities stands strong. Our people are delivering what customers need. Our technology must do more to support them.

We have a systems problem. Too many disconnected tools. Too much time spent finding information instead of helping customers.
 

So, we are changing that.

From the agent who knows your family to the claim handler who picks up the phone after a hard day, we are building technology and creating new tools to strengthen human connections.

This is central to being an Agent or Employee of the Future.

Agents will be equipped to provide more personalized advice, build deeper relationships, and guide customers across auto, home, life, and financial services. Employees will spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most. The role of technology is to make that possible.

Our customers are clear about what they want. They want things to be easy. Sometimes that means handling things through the app, and other times it means speaking with someone they trust. Both need to work seamlessly.

Picture this: A customer starts a claim in the mobile app, and at the same moment the claims representative has everything needed to move forward—no chasing information. And if the customer calls, the agent sees the same complete, up-to-date view. This is just one example of the many connections we will improve as we transform our approach to technology and build a unified insurance platform.

That's what we’re building: one connected experience, where technology and people each do what they do best.

Our goal is simple, even if the work isn't: Every customer interaction with State Farm should be faster, simpler, and more personal than it is today. We are aiming high and moving with urgency.

This transformation starts with getting the fundamentals right:
 

• Bringing our data together so it’s consistent and usable.
   
• Connecting systems so work flows without friction.
   
• Applying AI where it meaningfully improves the experience.
   

Not Human or Digital. Human + Digital, working together.

AI is one of the most powerful tools we've ever had, but only when applied thoughtfully. It should operate within the flow of work to help make decisions, move tasks forward, and reduce friction.

When we get that right, our people gain more time to do what matters most: engage with customers, ask better questions, and show up in ways that build trust.

We're working with leading tech partners to bring these capabilities forward. Our standard is consistent: thoughtful application with human oversight and clear accountability. 

Across my career, one principle has held true: technology earns its place when it makes the experience better for the people on the receiving end. That is the same principle that always has guided State Farm.
 

We’ve done this before.

Drive Safe & Save introduced telematics to align price to how people drive, so safe drivers benefit from better information. And the State Farm mobile app gave customers a meaningful way to manage policies and file claims well before it became standard in the industry.

That approach has not changed. Use technology when it improves the experience. Don't use it when it doesn't.

Our people remain central.

State Farm has been a good neighbor for more than 100 years. Next Gen Good Neighbor defines what that means for the next 100. We will continue to show up with the same values, customer-first, and ready for what's next.

Empathy when someone calls after the worst day of their life. The knowledge that comes from knowing a family for fifteen years. The accountability to follow through. The teams of people behind the brand who show up when it matters.

That combination of Human + Digital is what sets us apart: technology enables speed and simplicity, and our people bring the judgment and care that earn customer trust.

What we’re building now brings those strengths together in new ways—raising the standard for how we serve, so we can continue earning that trust into the future.

This is how we define what it means to be a Next Gen Good Neighbor. This is how we make it real.
 

Joe Park is Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at State Farm. Before joining State Farm, he was Chief Digital and Technology Officer and President of Byte by Yum! at Yum! Brands.

By Jon Farney, Chief Executive Officer

In 1922, G.J. Mecherle built this company on a simple idea to be a good neighbor. He was a farmer who believed farmers should not pay the same rates as higher-risk city drivers. That belief became State Farm, and more than a century later, our focus is the same: helping customers protect what matters most and prepare for what’s next.

Today, State Farm insures more homes and autos in the United States than anyone else. Across the country, State Farm agents and tens of thousands of employees show up every day to help millions of customers by answering questions, guiding tough decisions, and being there when life takes an unexpected turn.

We’re a mutual. We answer to Main Street, not Wall Street. And we know customers’ expectations are rising along with weather-driven risk and uncertainty. Our aim is to lead with experiences that are faster, simpler, and still human.

In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, State Farm agents provide local presence, trusted guidance, and community. And as we modernize, we’re doing it with the clear principle that technology should strengthen human connection, not substitute for it.

That’s why we’re focused on becoming a Next Gen Good Neighbor: a State Farm that is faster and tech-enabled, while staying true to our mission and our values.

For customers, it means fewer steps, faster answers, and more competitive prices. And in a moment of need, that means digital tools that reduce paperwork and speed up updates, paired with a person who can explain options, exercise judgment, and help a family take the next step.

For agents and employees, it means less friction and more impact with clearer information in one place, fewer handoffs, and better tools so they can spend more time helping customers and less time tracking down answers.

We’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on the strengths that have earned customers’ trust for generations: our scale across multiple lines of business, the financial strength to absorb volatility, our brand, and, most of all, the talent of State Farm people. That foundation gives us the confidence to transform with purpose and to deliver a customer-first, future-ready experience in every channel.

G.J. Mecherle saw an industry that wasn’t serving people well and he did something about it. We’re honoring that same spirit today. We’re listening closely to what customers need, investing in the future, and raising the bar for what it means to be a Good Neighbor in a changing world. As a Next Gen Good Neighbor, we’ll keep measuring our progress the way customers do – by showing up, following through, and delivering when it matters most.

Jon Farney is President and Chief Executive Officer of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. He joined State Farm in 1993 and has served in leadership roles across financial operations, underwriting, and corporate strategy. He became CEO in June 2024.

By Erin Engle, Vice President – Counsel

When I first started driving, distractions looked different. I remember untangling cords on a portable CD player and flipping through CDs at a stoplight just to find the right song. Today, drivers are dealing with something more constant and all-encompassing: phones and in-car touch screens that can pull attention away from the road in an instant.

That’s why interactive, driver-controlled technology is a regular topic of conversation at State Farm. We work at the state and federal levels to educate public policymakers through research to inform real-world driver solutions that reduce injuries and save lives. One example of our work in action is our support for Congressman Kevin Mullin’s H.R. 3360, which calls for more research into how driver-controlled technology – like touchscreens – affects attention behind the wheel.

We know that our discussions and better research help policymakers write smarter laws that reflect how people actually drive today. For example, a new State Farm survey found that distracted driving is the top roadway safety concern among U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 to 75. We also found that roughly 70% of drivers agree that hands-free laws would help reduce driver distraction. 
 

Hands-free laws

Distracted driving is personal for many of us. Tragically, in 2020, State Farm agent Reyna Immerfall of Ankeny, Iowa, lost her nephew Derrius in a crash involving a distracted driver. Reyna and her family turned their grief into action and took their call for change to the Iowa legislature.

State Farm’s advocacy team worked alongside Reyna and her family to support hands-free legislation. In July 2025, Iowa passed a hands-free law that limits drivers from handling their phones while driving. According to data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics, phone distraction fell 3.9% in the first month after the law took effect.

That kind of progress is what we’re working toward across the country. A strong hands-free law includes primary enforcement banning holding or manipulating an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle and bans the use of electronic devices by all novice drivers. State Farm provides lawmakers with strong data so they can make informed choices. We partner with groups like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, StopDistraction.org, Safe Kids Worldwide and others to share research, promote safer habits and support practical solutions. Putting customers first, serving communities, and innovating to protect what matters most are at the heart of our mission.
 

The driver’s role

Drivers play a key role, too, because safer roads start with the decisions drivers make every day. Somewhere along the way, many of us started to believe multitasking behind the wheel is possible. But when you’re searching for a restaurant on a screen, reading a text, recording and streaming videos, or responding to an email while driving, it’s distraction – plain and simple.

Even a quick glance away from the road can have serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Hands-free laws can help reduce phone-handling behind the wheel, but real safety also comes down to the choices we make every day.

Here are a few simple ways to stay focused:

• Set it before you go. Start your route, music and calls before you leave.
   
• Use Do Not Disturb while driving. Most messages can wait until you arrive.
   
• Keep your phone out of reach. A bag, console or glove box removes the temptation.
   
• Use voice controls when needed – but keep your eyes on the road. Hands-free is safer than handheld but focus still matters.
   
• Secure kids and pets. Buckle everyone in so you’re not turning around while driving.
   
• Be mindful. State Farm is fostering a culture of mindful driving called Drivefulness™ by encouraging individuals to be present and focus on their drive. 
   

The bottom line

Distracted driving is preventable. With better research, smarter laws and everyday choices, we can reduce crashes and protect the people we share the road with — our families, neighbors and communities. Together, we can meet this challenge with urgency, empathy and innovation. At State Farm, we’re proud to stand alongside independent contractor agents, employees, lawmakers and communities to promote safer roads for everyone. 

* The Good Neighbor Auto Safety Award does not represent an endorsement of any political candidate, party, or campaign.
 

Distracted Driver Infographic
 

Today, State Farm General (SFG) announced 5 commitments to its customers affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires. These efforts are in addition to continued care for customers from the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. To help with this work, Vice President Axel Del Cid will lead California Customer Relations for SFG.

The commitments will focus on:  

1. Assigning single points of contact. Making the complex simpler: fewer handoffs, fewer repeated explanations, and seamless support – backed by the resources of the largest claims force in the industry. Customers receive that person’s direct contact information, so they know who to call with questions.  

2. Regularly communicating with customers. Customers need clear, consistent, plain-language communication.  

3. Helping customers rebuild stronger and prepare for the next wildfire. Recovery is not just about replacing what was lost. It is also about helping families rebuild in ways that can better withstand the next fire. 

4. Protecting the financial strength needed to keep our promises. Customers need an insurer that can be there not only after this wildfire, but after the next one as well. 

5. Being a long-term partner in recovery and community rebuilding. Recovery does not end when the fire is out or when the first payment is made. Our commitment is to support customers not just in the immediate aftermath, but throughout the process of recovery. 

These commitments build on the work SFG has already done to help people recover after the fires. SFG has handled 11,300+ claims and paid customers more than $5.7 billion, making it the costliest disaster in State Farm’s history. SFG insured more homes affected by the fires than any other insurer and has logged more than two million customer contacts since. 

“We are proud of our response and of the people behind it. Claims professionals, agents, and support teams have worked long hours - often away from their own families - to inspect losses, answer questions, issue payments, support temporary living arrangements, and help customers navigate one of the most severe wildfire events in California history,” said Dan Krause, President of State Farm General. “We recognize that in an event of this scale, a perfect process is nearly impossible and some customers understandably and unfortunately experienced some frustration. Real progress has been made toward helping people recover and we remain committed to addressing remaining customer concerns.” 

The 5 commitments compliment ongoing work happening on the ground in California, where more than 3,500 SFG customers completely lost their homes in the fires. As is typical after wildfires, rebuilding takes time and SFG expects to have claims professionals in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future working with customers, some of whom are still making decisions about recovery. 

SFG has also identified ongoing needs in the community that go beyond helping individual customers recover. Following more than $4 million in donations to local organizations since last year, State Farm® continues to consult with partners on the ground to assess where additional assistance may be needed.  

SFG regularly conducts reviews of its claim-handling and gathers customer feedback in an ongoing effort to improve as it helps people recover after disasters. This process complements the continuing training and coaching claim professionals receive as they help customers.  

The 5 commitments also highlight SFG’s ongoing efforts to protect the financial strength needed to keep promises and help create a sustainable insurance market in California. SFG continues to be the largest private homeowners insurer in California. 

Hail is one of the most frequent and costly weather hazards in the U.S., causing major damage to homes, vehicles, and property. In 2025, State Farm paid out more than $5.6 billion in hail-related claims. Texas led the nation with $1.4 billion in claims, followed by Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. 

March storms have already triggered over 50,000 claims in the Midwest. On March 10 alone, the National Weather Service reported more than 650 hail events across nine states, including Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Iowa—six of the top states for State Farm hail claims paid last year. Hail sizes ranged from quarters to baseballs and even grapefruits. 

For millions of homeowners and property owners in hail-prone areas, this underscores the importance of knowing your roof and your insurance policy. 

Protect Your Home

When hail strikes, your roof often bears the brunt of the damage, but windows, gutters, and siding are also at risk. Understanding your roof’s age, material, and condition helps determine how it will hold up and what your insurance will cover. For example, a 30-year-old roof is less resilient and may have lower replacement value than a newer one.

Regular maintenance and inspections can reduce damage and costs. Work with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right coverage before a storm hits.

Avoid Contractor Scams

After a hailstorm, it’s common to see contractors canvassing neighborhoods offering repairs. Beware of scams. Always verify a contractor’s license and reputation. Before signing any repair contract, consult your insurer. They can confirm coverage, assess damage, and may offer programs or discounts to ease your recovery. Once you sign a contract, your insurer’s ability to assist may be limited.

Choose Impact-Resistant Materials

Investing in impact-resistant roofing materials can reduce damage and repair costs, especially in hail-prone regions. Replacing wood shingles with durable options may also qualify you for insurance discounts. Check with your agent for eligibility.

By knowing your roof, understanding your policy, avoiding scams, and choosing resilient materials, you can better protect your home and make recovery smoother after hail damage.

Prepare Before the Storm

Before any severe storm approaches, take important and proactive steps to prepare your home and minimize potential damage, help to protect your property, ensure your safety, and reduce the stress and cost of repairs after the storm passes.

• Inspect the Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them to reduce the risk of hail damage.
• Secure Windows and Doors: Make sure windows, doors, and screens are tightly sealed and consider installing storm shutters if available.
• Clear Gutters and Drains: Remove debris to prevent water backup and damage during heavy rain.
• Trim Trees: Cut back branches that could break and damage your home or vehicles.
• Protect Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and other items that could be damaged or become projectiles.
• Check Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowner’s and auto insurance policies to understand your coverage for hail damage.
• Document Your Property: Take photos or videos of your home and belongings for insurance purposes in case of damage.

At State Farm, we have helped hundreds of thousands recover from hail damage. By preparing early and staying informed, you can protect your home, reduce stress, and recover with confidence—no matter what the weather brings.

On April 15, the Red Cross recognized State Farm® with the 2026 Mission Leader Award for its remarkable support and sustained commitment to the mission. This annual award honors an organization whose leadership and commitment has driven extraordinary results in advancing the organization’s humanitarian work to prevent and alleviate suffering in the face of emergencies. State Farm President and CEO Jon Farney accepted the award on behalf of State Farm associates, agents, and the communities they serve.

“This recognition belongs to the thousands of State Farm associates and agents who show up for their neighbors, installing smoke alarms, hosting blood drives, and standing with families on the hardest days,” said Farney. “We’re proud to stand alongside the Red Cross in this work.”
- Jon Farney, State Farm CEO

Since 2024, State Farm has been a Red Cross Mission Leader, contributing more than $3 million annually to disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. That support takes several forms:

• Funding disaster preparedness and response through the Annual Disaster Giving Program
• Sponsoring the Red Cross Emergency App, Be Red Cross Ready, and the Home Fire Campaign
• Donating 15 vehicles in 2025, including Emergency Response Vehicles for local teams
• Participating in Sound the Alarm, an initiative that has helped install more than 3.1 million smoke alarms and is credited with saving at least 2,577 lives
• Hosting 33 blood drives in 2025, collecting more than 860 lifesaving donations from State Farm associates
• Offering year-round employee gift matching to amplify associate giving

Cliff Holtz, CEO of the American Red Cross, noted that State Farm’s commitment helps make the organization’s emergency response possible.

Preparedness and recovery are neighborhood work. Whether it’s a smoke alarm installed on a Saturday morning, blood donation given at a local drive, or a family sheltered after a wildfire, the collaboration between State Farm and the Red Cross shows up where it matters most.

Wildfire risk is increasing and becoming more than just a seasonal threat. Total annual forested acreage burned in the western U.S. is projected to rise by 107% by 2050 [1]. This increased risk means using the latest tools, technology and resources to better understand the unique dangers facing your community and home—not just the surrounding land but also factors like how your home is built and maintained.

We know that every neighborhood and every home is different. We also know price matters, as does providing quality service. We understand that maintaining reliable coverage in the communities where our customers live is both our most challenging and important promise. To offer support when it’s needed most, our agents—your neighbors—are here to guide you through your options and help you make decisions to meet your home insurance coverage needs.  

Taking Action Before Disaster Strikes

Homeowners nationwide are confronting real and complex uncertainties about their coverage options and financial challenges in the marketplace. We understand that planning for wildfires can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially given the evolving nature of these risks and the difficulty of finding the right solutions. Many homeowners share concerns about how these impacts might affect their insurance and their ability to protect what matters most—their homes and families.

Mitigation can take thoughtful investment. Fortunately, recent research and innovative wildfire-resilient communities in Northern California are demonstrating how adequate defensible space and home hardening can be critical to reducing wildfire losses and ultimately shape safer neighborhoods. This science and information also help you, as a homeowner or renter, make informed decisions about how best to maintain your home or property to help avoid a loss. Combined with year-round maintenance, proper building material choice and following leading practices from industry experts, you can help create and manage a more fire-resistant home, no matter the season.

How To Get Started

If you haven’t taken steps to reduce wildfire risk, now is a good time to begin the process. Small actions like clearing nearby brushes can make a big impact in protecting your home and community. To prepare your home ahead of peak wildfire season, consider the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home designation—a proven approach to reducing wildfire risk.

State Farm promotes home safety by partnering with leading organizations like IBHS to help build stronger and more resilient communities in the face of today’s emerging risks. Our goal is to provide products that help people manage the risks of everyday life whenever possible, while aligning price to risk, managing our exposure, and encouraging resilient actions.

Applying for Wildfire Prepared Home Certification Programs

Customers with properties that receive IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home or IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus designation can receive a premium discount and some properties that are not currently eligible for coverage may become eligible with a Wildfire Prepared Home designation.

The IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation is available in several states. If you’ve completed a Critical Home Prep, you may qualify for the designation. Talk to your agent to learn more about the program’s availability in your state and whether your home qualifies for the related benefits.

More Ways to Build, Protect, and Save

• Protecting your home: Choose coverages, limits, and deductibles based on your home’s construction, roof condition, recent upgrades, and location.
• Planning for upgrades: If you’re thinking about home improvements, be cautious of contractor fraud and managing do-it-yourself projects alone. Always work with trusted professionals and keep records of any upgrades to support your insurance coverage.
• Recording a home inventory: Document what you own: A quick video walkthrough on your phone can make a real difference if you ever need to file a claim.
• Ask about wildfire discounts: Depending on where you live and how your home is certified, you may qualify for savings. Your State Farm agent can provide information and resources quickly.

Learn more about the additional steps you can take to eliminate ignition factors and follow a wildfire resilience checklist.

In addition to Wildfire Prepared Home, State Farm is supportive of the development of community-based wildfire prevention and preparedness standards. We are among the more than 100 innovative and diverse FLASH partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster-resistant nation. We also work directly with legislators and regulators across the country on real solutions to promote homeowner resiliency and the availability of insurance to protect what matters most before, during, or after a loss.
 

[1] Abatzoglou, J. T., Battisti, D. S., Williams, A. P., Hansen, W. D., Harvey, B. J., & Kolden, C. A. (2021). Projected increases in western US forest fire despite growing fuel constraints. Communications Earth & Environment, 2(1), 227. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-021-00299-0

State Farm announced today that it is collaborating with season 2 of Netflix’s hit series Running Point with a new, integrated campaign that brings the brand’s core values to the screen. Featuring Kate Hudson and Chet Hanks, the campaign leverages themes from the series to illustrate the act of being a good neighbor in helping people manage risk and stepping up for others, which State Farm does best.

The State Farm and Running Point co-branded spot, which will begin running on April 13, features characters Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) and Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks), alongside the steady and reliable Jake from State Farm, who serves as a “safety net” for the LA Waves basketball team’s front office, assisting Isla and Travis with various challenges on and off the court.

“State Farm is all about showing up like a good neighbor. My character, Isla Gordon, is constantly coming through for her team, navigating risk and supporting the people around her, so bringing in Jake from State Farm for an assist was perfect,” said Kate Hudson, star and executive producer of Running Point. “Plus, State Farm has been genuinely committed to supporting women in sports and the WNBA for over a decade both on and off the court, so working with them for season 2 of Running Point was such an easy fit."

The campaign is a natural extension of the brand’s With the Assist basketball platform, which spotlights the value of real-life assists that often go unrecognized but make a real impact. Through a series of playful and relatable moments, the spot illustrates how State Farm delivers steadfast support, helps navigate unexpected challenges, and provides guidance when stakes are high.

“State Farm has built this brand by showing up in the moments that matter to our customers, not as an interruption, but as a real part of the story,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “Netflix’s Running Point sits at the intersection of basketball, entertainment, and culture, exactly where today’s fans are already engaged. With this collaboration, we’re bringing that philosophy to life in a brand-new way, integrating Jake from State Farm directly into the series, not just the campaign, to create a more authentic and connected brand experience.”

In addition to the campaign, in a milestone for the brand, Jake from State Farm will make his first-ever scripted television appearance in the upcoming season of Running Point. Jake’s authentic presence reinforces the genuine spirit of the Waves and reflects how State Farm is committed to being there both on and off the court. 

“Partnerships work best when they expand the world of a story in ways that feel natural for its fans,” said Magno Herran, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing and Partnerships, Netflix. “With Running Point, we saw an opportunity to collaborate with State Farm in a way that complements the tone of the series while creating something fun and unexpected for the audience. It’s a great example of how we work with brands to build moments around our titles that bring fans closer to the stories they love.”

For more information, please visit statefarm.com/lp/running-point or statefarm.com®. State Farm agents across the U.S. can also support through life's unexpected moments. Watch season 2 of Running Point on April 23, only on Netflix.

Millions of drivers across 40 states have saved on their auto insurance premiums thanks to State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company’s commitment to putting customers first. Over the past year, State Farm Mutual has reduced auto rates by an average of roughly 10 percent, resulting in approximately $4.6 billion in annual premium savings for customers.

This significant rate reduction stems from State Farm Mutual’s strong underwriting performance and positive trends in the auto industry throughout 2025. Declining auto repair costs and fewer collisions have contributed to rate reductions for customers, making quality coverage more affordable.
 

Cash Back Dividend for Mutual Customers

In addition to lower rates, qualifying State Farm Mutual auto customers will receive a one-time cash back dividend this summer totaling $5 billion. More than 49 million vehicles insured by State Farm Mutual are eligible for this dividend, with the average payment estimated at $100 per vehicle, varying by state and premiums paid. This dividend reflects State Farm’s dedication to putting customers first and easing insurance costs amid changing market conditions.
 

Putting Customers at the Center of Insurance Solutions

With a broad suite of products available through 19,000 local agents and online, State Farm is uniquely positioned to meet diverse insurance needs across communities. As the nation’s leading auto and homeowner insurer, State Farm continues to innovate and provide personalized solutions that help people fit their budgets while protecting what matters most.
 

Empowering Customers to Manage Costs

State Farm offers several tools and programs designed to help customers take control of their insurance costs:

• Personalize Your Protection: Easy-to-use online calculators and tools help customers choose coverage tailored to their specific needs and achieve the best combination of price and service.
   
• Local Agent Support: Tailored advice from neighborhood agents helps customers get the right protection with personalized home, auto and life coverage.
   
• Drive Safe & Save®: Customers can manage their auto insurance premium through safe driving habits, earn savings of up to 30% through the program, and access mobile accident assistance features on the State Farm app.
   
• Additional Discounts: Savings opportunities abound through available discounts for enhanced vehicle safety features, teen drivers, policy bundling, and more.
   

Investing in Stronger, Safer Communities

Beyond lower rates, State Farm is deeply committed to community safety and resilience. For over 100 years, the Company has championed safe driving and fortified building through innovative programs and partnerships with leading organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).

Initiatives like From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat™ and Distracted Driving prevention campaigns continue to make roads safer for everyone. These efforts underscore State Farm’s role not just as an insurer, but as a partner in building stronger communities.

For more information on savings programs like Drive Safe & Save, Steer Clear, and bundling discounts, please review program terms and conditions. To learn about State Farm’s safety partnerships and community investments, visit the Safer Communities page.

State Farm remains dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most—providing insurance solutions that fit their needs and budgets today and into the future.

State Farm has been recognized as a 2026 Platinum employer in this year’s Where You Work Matters List, highlighting the company as one of the nation’s best employers. This recognition reflects State Farm’s strong commitment to creating mission-driven careers and expanding opportunities for its diverse workforce across the country.

The List is based on an empirical assessment of the real-world outcomes of more than 12 million workers at over 1,750 employers and across 900 occupations. State Farm earned Platinum ratings in two key categories: Early Career Jobs, which are open to entry-level workers and provide essential skills and training for advancement both internally and externally; and Growth Jobs, which offer opportunities for employees to rise within the company and beyond, particularly in firms that develop leaders from within.

The Where You Work Matters List is a project of the Burning Glass Institute and the Schultz Family Foundation. The methodology behind the List was developed in partnership with Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project, ensuring a rigorous and data-driven evaluation of employer impact on career development.

For those interested in exploring an award-winning career at State Farm, more information is available at jobs.statefarm.com.

To see the full list of recognized companies, visit: www.whereyouworkmatters.org.

State Farm announced today a landmark sponsorship of Baller League US, joining the innovative creator-led soccer league as its official insurance sponsor. This sponsorship places the nation’s leading home and auto insurer at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sports and entertainment landscape. Baller League US kicks off its highly anticipated inaugural season in south Florida on Thursday, March 19, with live telecasts featured on CBS Sports and its dedicated 24/7 soccer streaming channel, CBS Sports Golazo Network. 

As the official insurance sponsor, State Farm maintains a highly visible presence throughout the entire 10-week season, as the brand integrates across all Baller League US telecasts, dynamic in-arena experiences, digital and social content, exclusive creator content, and interactive multi-streams across YouTube and Twitch channels. A key element of this collaboration places the iconic State Farm logo directly on the pitch at the center circle, ensuring prime visibility during every match. Additionally, State Farm will serve as the official title sponsor for the Baller League US playoffs following the regular season.

“Baller League US sits at the intersection of sport, culture, and innovation, and that’s exactly where State Farm wants to be,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer at State Farm. “Sponsoring this league is about showing up in the new spaces where the next generation is building community, engaging authentically and redefining what fandom looks like.”

Baller League is revolutionizing the global soccer scene by becoming the first platform that professionalizes the sport through a unique, fast-paced 6-a-side team format. The league successfully merges elite soccer talent and renowned professional athletes with influential content creators and cultural icons. Building on massive success established in Germany and the UK, the U.S. expansion features 10 teams, each led by superstar managers drawn from the worlds of sports, music and entertainment. 

The inaugural season promises high-octane action with a core roster of more than 200 players and surprise wildcard stars introduced on a weekly basis throughout the regular season. The impressive lineup of superstar managers driving Baller League US includes IShowSpeed, J Balvin, Marlon Lundgrea, Kai Cenat & AMP, xQc, Odell Beckham Jr., Ronaldinho, Druski and Usain Bolt. This star-studded roster ensures a massive global reach and unmatched fan engagement from the very first whistle. 

“From day one, Baller League has been about reimagining how soccer connects with modern audiences,” said Felix Starck, co-founder and CEO of Baller League. “Partnering with a brand like State Farm for our U.S. launch is incredibly meaningful because they share our commitment to innovation, community and reaching fans in new ways. Having State Farm at the center circle for our inaugural season is the perfect way to kick off this next chapter for Baller League in the United States.”

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 combined in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and 65,000 employees serve over 96 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. 36 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

About Baller League:

Baller League was founded to provide the first global stage professionalising the most played game on the planet - small-sided soccer. It’s a league created to merge elite sport, digital-first entertainment and contemporary culture into one dynamic soccer experience. Baller League is rapidly expanding its global reach and is establishing itself as one of the most exciting emerging sporting properties in the world. 

The league has already seen major success in the UK and Germany, drawing millions of live viewers per match day and building a passionate digital-first fanbase. The U.S. launch in Miami will feature a ten-matchday season culminating in a playoff finale, with every match broadcast live and distributed across streaming platforms and broadcast partners.

Baller League brings together legendary sporting figures with influential names from culture and entertainment. The star-studded lineup includes Usain Bolt, Druski, Ronaldinho, Odell Beckham Jr and streaming sensations IShowSpeed, Marlon, xQc, AMP, and Westcol. Baller League continues to redefine modern sport entertainment - immersive, culturally connected and built for the new generation of fans.

As of March 16, 2026, we’ve received over 53,000 home and auto claims and we're anticipating many more in the coming days. The storms have caused damage in numerous states, and our highest claim counts are in Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri. Hail and wind damage are the most common causes of loss. Catastrophe claim teams are deploying and ready to help. They are actively making contact and providing initial claim handling support for impacted customers with a focus on the most severe losses.  

How to file a claim

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 or 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. 
 

Tips to help protect customers from fraud and scams

We encourage everyone needing repairs to learn how to avoid scams and deceptive practices by checking out Help Protect Yourself From Contractor Fraud on statefarm.com.

Over the past two years, State Farm has paid more than $1 billion to Oklahoma customers for wind and hail damage while continuing to serve communities through more than 300 local agents.

• Our Homeowners Policy provides broad protection, but like every insurance policy, it explains what is covered, what is excluded, and what deductible applies. Understanding those provisions helps set expectations before a loss occurs.
• When damage isn't covered under the policy - for example, because it resulted from normal wear and tear - we explain why. Applying policy terms consistently helps ensure premiums remain fair for all customers.
• We evaluate every claim individually based on the facts of the loss and the customer's policy. Similar storms—or even neighboring homes—can result in different claim outcomes depending on the particular property, the damage and the coverage purchased.
• When damage is covered, we pay what is owed under the policy. When damage is not covered, we explain why and remain willing to consider any additional information a customer provides.
• Applying policy terms consistently helps keep the claims process fair for all customers and supports our ability to continue paying covered claims after future storms.

The Facts About Contractor Advice

Roofing contractors play an important role in helping homeowners repair storm damage. However, they are independent businesses representing their own interests and are not responsible for interpreting or administering insurance policies.

• Roofing contractors may explain what they believe insurance should cover, but they typically do not know the customer's specific policy, endorsements, or applicable exclusions.
• Not every homeowner's policy provides the same coverages or endorsements.
• Claims decisions are based on the customer's individual policy, the facts of the loss, and the applicable policy language—not on general assumptions about what insurance should pay.

Oklahoma’s risk is real—and it’s growing.

Oklahoma experiences some of the highest wind and hail losses in the country. At the same time, rebuilding costs (materials and labor) have risen sharply. Those two forces - more frequent or severe losses and higher repair costs - are the primary reasons behind premium pressure. Our focus is on collecting enough premium to pay claims and remain financially strong so we can keep our promises, especially after catastrophic weather.

Oklahoma premiums are priced for the risks in this state - not for losses in other states, including wildfires, earthquakes, or hurricanes. Contact your agent to discuss coverage options.

We’re built to serve customers, not chase short-term gains.

As a mutual company, we are focused on serving customers, not outside shareholders, to ensure their interests come first. Unlike publicly traded companies driven by short-term profits, mutual companies commit to being dependable sources of protection for the long haul. State Farm is committed to being a responsible steward of the resources we manage, ensuring we can continue to provide the coverage you need in the face of increasing risks. We encourage you to reach out to your State Farm agent to discuss your coverage options. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and find the solutions that work best for you.

“We are pleased to help our customers save money, combined with the personalized attention of our local agents and first-rate customer service,” says State Farm Senior Vice President Allyson Watts. Recent trends involving less costly automobile damage claims have allowed State Farm to lower auto rates.

In addition to the auto insurance rate reductions, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) also announced it is paying cash back to mutual auto customers through a dividend. Eligible State Farm Mutual auto customers in South Carolina who had a policy in 2025 will receive an average payment of $131 per vehicle, totaling $151 million in total payments statewide. We encourage customers to contact their agent to discuss additional ways to save even more.

Learn more about how State Farm is reducing auto rates across the country by visiting our newsroom and how the company is giving cash back to auto customers in our recent dividend announcement.

By Lisa Stewart, Senior Vice President

If you are a New Yorker trying to balance a family budget, cost of living issues are not some far-off policy debate. You feel it every month, at the grocery store, the gas pump, and when the auto insurance bills come due. At State Farm, our independent contractor local agents and their teams hear the same thing across the state: people want coverage they can count on, at a price that makes sense.

We recently announced a $5 billion cash back dividend to auto customers of State Farm Mutual, the largest in our 103-year history. We are a mutual company, which means we do not have shareholders. When we have a stronger than expected year, and can do so responsibly, we can return value to the people we are here to serve: our customers.

This cash back to auto customers is not the same thing as a rate reduction. It is a way to share value when results are better than expected, among other factors. It is not a guarantee of what next year will look like. We think that distinction matters, and New Yorkers deserve that clarity.

In New York, the auto policy customer dividend works out to about 4% of premium. In other states, it was as high as 10%. The amount varies because claims experience varies by state, and premiums reflect the cost of risk in each state. Across the country, we have also reduced auto rates in more than 40 states, collectively saving those customers over $4.6 billion a year. New York was not one of them, and that gets to the heart of the challenge here. This state has unique cost pressures that keep auto insurance premiums higher than the national average, and until those pressures are addressed, relief will remain limited.
 

The real long-term cost driver

Whether auto insurance gets more, or less, affordable in the years ahead is impacted by whether the underlying costs of claims go up or down. Cost pressures on claims include vehicle repairs, litigation, inflation, fraud and abuse. State Farm Mutual (and all insurers) must remain financially strong to keep our promise to our customers, even in years when losses are high. This is what customers deserve and expect, and it is what regulators appropriately demand. Thankfully, in New York, customers and policymakers are rightly focused on the costs that can be reduced: fraud and abuse.
 

We support Governor Hochul’s plan to fight fraud and lower costs

In her 2026 State of the State address, the Governor pointed to auto insurance premiums averaging about $4,000 a year, roughly $1,500 more than the national average, and called out staged accidents and fraud as major drivers. She is right. In 2025 alone, New York insurers reported nearly 44,000 incidents of suspected motor vehicle fraud to state regulators, an 80% increase since 2020.

Rates in New York are set based on expenses from New York and are not impacted by losses in other states. And every New York driver is paying a premium inflated by someone else’s fraud.

That is why we appreciate key parts of the Governor’s package aimed at:

Cracking down on staged accidents and organized fraud, including stronger tools for prosecutors to pursue the people who organize these schemes. The recently introduced FRAUD Act, sponsored by Assembly Insurance Committee Chair David Weprin, would make staging a motor vehicle collision a Class E felony and allow restitution to insurers. That is the kind of specific, enforceable measure that can change the risk calculus for fraud rings that view New York as fertile ground.

Giving insurers more time to investigate suspected fraud, so legitimate claims can be paid faster while suspicious claims get the careful review they deserve. Current law caps the investigation window at just 30 days, which handcuffs the ability to identify and stop fraudulent activity.

Strengthening the state’s focus on fraud enforcement, including added resources and coordination with law enforcement and district attorneys across the state.

Reforming the serious injury threshold under New York’s no-fault system with objective medical standards. The current definition is vague and applied inconsistently, which allows minor and temporary injuries to become the basis for costly litigation. Twenty-eight other states have already addressed this. New York should join them.

Insurance rates follow loss costs. When claim costs go down, insurers are committed to reflecting those improvements in future rate filings. Addressing the underlying drivers of costs—particularly fraud, abuse, system inefficiencies, and excessive litigation—is essential to achieving sustained affordability for New York Drivers.
 

Customers have power here, too

Addressing these challenges isn’t something one company, one law or one government office can deliver alone. It takes a shared effort, and customers have an important role.

Every accident avoided is a claim that does not get filed, which helps keep costs down for everyone. Drive safely, put the phone down, and take advantage of safe-driving options when they’re available.

Report suspected fraud. Staged accidents and fake injuries do not just hurt “the system.” They raise costs for you and your neighbors.

Our independent contractor agents live in the communities they serve. They coach Little League, volunteer, run small businesses, and help customers through the worst days. That local presence matters when it comes to affordability, too. They help customers find discounts, adjust coverage, and understand what they are paying for. That guidance helps keep costs down in ways that do not always show up in a headline.
 

A simple commitment: when costs go down, customers benefit

We support common-sense reforms that reduce fraud, encourage safer behavior, and keep the insurance market stable. The reforms the Governor has proposed are important, by targeting costs that can be reduced at the source. New Yorkers deserve affordable coverage. We think that is a goal worth working on together.

The California Department of Insurance has approved the State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) request to reduce personal auto insurance rates by 6.2%. The rate cut will be effective May 8th for new business and renewals.

This is welcome news for customers, helping us continue to serve Californians with quality coverage and more competitive rates. The change will vary by customer depending on their specific policy.

This auto rate reduction in California reflects State Farm’s effort to provide value to our customers. State Farm Mutual has lowered auto rates in recent months across the country and will return value to customers through the recently announced $5 billion cash back dividend to auto customers.

We encourage customers to talk with their local agent if they have any questions about this rate decrease, the dividend, or other discounts and ways to save.

State Farm has proudly served California since 1928 as the leading auto and homeowners insurer in California (State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm General Insurance Company). This includes nearly 2,000 licensed state agents who continue to offer products and services every day among nearly 7.9 million policies and accounts in the Golden State.

To learn more about how State Farm is providing value to our customers and reducing auto rates across the country, please visit State Farm® Announces New Auto Rate Reductions.

For the latest information on State Farm General’s actions in California, please visit All Things California.
 
 

This summer, State Farm Mutual will begin making a one-time distribution to qualifying customers across more than 49 million State Farm Mutual auto vehicles. This dividend is possible due to State Farm Mutual’s financial strength and a stronger than expected underwriting performance, which has been reported industry wide. As a mutual company, State Farm® is uniquely positioned to provide value directly to customers rather than shareholders. The payments average $100 per vehicle and will vary by state and premiums paid.

“As a mutual company with a customer-first focus, State Farm Mutual is able to provide value directly to our customers while maintaining financial strength to keep our promises in the future. That translated this year to lower auto rates and cash back in the form of a $5 billion policyholder dividend.” – Jon Farney, State Farm Mutual President and CEO.

In addition to the dividend, downward trending auto repair costs and frequency of collisions in 2025 have allowed State Farm Mutual to lower auto rates in 40 states in recent months, by an average of 10 percent, with premium savings to consumers of $4.6 billion. We will continue to monitor these trends and continue to take appropriate action.

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, including investments in research that turns knowledge into protection – making driving safer and smarter for everyone. To that end, State Farm launched a national distracted driving awareness program, grounded in the company’s consumer research, to help further reduce the number of accidents and make roads safer.  

State Farm today released financial results for 2025, including strong underwriting results and growth in the value of its investments leading to an expanded net worth, which enhances the ability to meet the needs of customers. 

Positive performance in the auto business led State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) to declare a one-time $5 billion cash back dividend for qualifying auto customers. This dividend will be paid in 2026 and is on top of the savings from recent auto rate reductions by State Farm Mutual in 40 states amounting to about $4.6 billion annually in lower total annual premiums for our customers. In addition to the $5 billion in payments to auto customers, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported nearly $1 billion in total dividends to qualified life policyholders – the highest in those companies’ history. 

Staying true to its mission of helping people recover, State Farm Mutual and its property and casualty affiliates reported incurred claims of $78 billion, including payments of nearly $15 billion in 2025 to customers experiencing catastrophe claims in addition to our community-level philanthropic contributions. More than 1,000 State Farm employees, agents and agent team members deployed to California to help more than 13,500 customers with claims following devastating wildfires in January 2025. To date, State Farm Mutual and State Farm General Insurance Company together have issued over $5 billion in payments to families whose cars, homes and property were damaged or destroyed by those fires. Because many claims, repairs and rebuilds are still underway, it is anticipated that total payments could reach $7 billion. Hundreds of State Farm team members remain on the ground in the Los Angeles area assisting customers. 

A Look at 2025 Financial Results 
The State Farm group of companies continues to grow, providing insurance and financial services products across nearly 97 million policies and accounts. In addition, the State Farm group makes third party products available to meet a variety of customer needs including, but not limited to, variable annuities, banking, mutual funds and pet medical. 

The financial strength of State Farm Mutual and each of its affiliates is key to fulfilling promises to customers in the future and expanding and enhancing service to customers. 

In 2025, the State Farm group of companies reported an underwriting gain, representing an improvement over prior year and consistent with industry-wide trends. As a mutual company without shareholders, State Farm Mutual is uniquely positioned to provide value directly to customers such as policyholder dividends. 

The State Farm property and casualty affiliates reported earned premium of $111.6 billion and a combined underwriting gain of $1.5 billion. This result compares to an underwriting loss of $6.1 billion on earned premium of $103.0 billion in 2024. The change over 2024 reflects an improvement in auto insurance underwriting results while the home insurance underwriting results were impacted by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The 2025 underwriting gain, combined with investment and other income of $7.0 billion, resulted in a property and casualty pre-tax operating profit of $8.5 billion, which compares to the $111 million loss reported in 2024. 

The State Farm life insurance affiliates reported $924 million in dividends to policyholders and issued a record $130 billion in new policy volume bringing the year-end 2025 individual life insurance in force to $1.2 trillion. 

Total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income and realized capital gains (losses) was $132.3 billion for 2025 compared to $123.0 billion for 2024. State Farm reported a net income of $12.9 billion in 2025 compared to a net income of $5.3 billion in 2024. The reported net income for 2025 includes the impact of $2.0 billion of realized capital gains, net of tax. 

The net worth for State Farm Mutual ended the year at $170.0 billion compared to $145.2 billion at year-end 2024. This increase was due to the property and casualty companies’ pre-tax operating profit and, in large part, an increase in the value of the property and casualty companies’ unaffiliated stock portfolios. 

A Look at How Core Lines of Business Performed 
The State Farm group’s insurance operations consist of 14 property and casualty companies and two life companies, each of which is managed on an individual affiliate level. The property and casualty companies are primarily engaged in automobile, health, homeowners, and commercial multiple peril (CMP) lines of business. The life companies are primarily engaged in individual life insurance and annuity business. 

Auto 
The State Farm auto insurance business represented 63 percent of the property and casualty companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $71.3 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $52.6 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $14.1 billion. The underwriting gain was $4.6 billion. Comparable 2024 figures were: earned premium, $67.5 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $56.2 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $14.0 billion; underwriting loss, $2.7 billion. 

Homeowners, CMP, Other 
The net written premium for the remainder of the State Farm property and casualty business represented 36 percent of the property and casualty companies’ combined net written premium. Earned premium was $39.2 billion. Incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses were $33.6 billion and all other underwriting expenses totaled $8.6 billion. The underwriting loss was $3.1 billion. Comparable 2024 figures were: earned premium, $34.5 billion; incurred claims and loss adjustment expenses, $30.1 billion; all other underwriting expenses, $7.9 billion; underwriting loss, $3.6 billion. 

Life 
In 2025, State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company reported premium income of $6.9 billion and $924 million in dividends to policyholders – the highest life insurance dividend in State Farm history. Net income for 2025 was $2.1 billion. There was $1.22 trillion in individual life insurance in force at the end of 2025. Comparable 2024 figures were: premium income, $6.7 billion; dividends to policyholders, $817 million; net income, $1.7 billion; individual life insurance in force, $1.18 trillion. 

Health 
The individual health insurance operations for State Farm Mutual reported an underwriting loss of $189 million, excluding the change in the premium deficiency reserve. Net written premium was $756 million. Comparable figures for 2024 were: underwriting loss, $130 million; net written premium, $731 million. 

Investment Planning Services 
Total assets under management for the Investment Planning Services operation at the end of 2025 were $17.5 billion. State Farm VP Management Corp. and State Farm Investment Management Corp. reported a combined net loss of $39 million in 2025. Comparable figures for 2024 were: total assets under management, $15.2 billion; net loss, $33 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 VP Management Corp. is a registered broker-dealer. State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those affiliated and/or unaffiliated entities which provide advisory services, banking products and insurance products. Advisory Services provided by State Farm Investment Management Corp. (SFIMC), a registered investment adviser. Securities are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax or legal advice. AP2026/02/0159

With a surprise Game Day reveal, State Farm introduced Jon Bon Jovi showing up alongside Jake from State Farm to deliver support Hailee could truly rely on. After Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride showed they can only get you “halfway there,” the spot unveils the rock icon to drive home a clear message: Stop livin’ on a prayer and get State Farm.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Feb. 2, 2026

State Farm® kicks off the Big Game with “Stop Livin’ on a Prayer”

Brand releases a first look at the ad to come during the Big Game broadcast with a humorous, music-driven reminder that having insurance isn’t the same as having State Farm.

State Farm is returning to the Big Game with a bold, entertaining commercial designed to get consumers to ask: “Do I really have the coverage I need?”  

Airing in full on Sunday, February 8, the spot transforms Bon Jovi’s iconic anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer” into a humorous parody that encourages viewers to not settle for coverage that makes you feel ‘halfway there.’ By reimagining one of the most recognizable songs of all time, State Farm taps into familiarity and multi-generational appeal to spark conversations around coverage, flexibility and insurance.

The spot boasts an all-star lineup and follows a customer, played by Academy Award–nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld, as she shops for coverage with the fictional “Halfway There Insurance” company. The over-the-top company exaggerates potential common consumer frustrations with their insurance experiences, from confusing terms to impersonal corporate environments, brought to life by Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride as the “Halfway There Insurance” representatives that just can’t quite deliver. As the experience quickly unravels, it becomes clear that “Halfway There Insurance” isn't right for Hailee, highlighting the value of choosing the good neighbor brand instead. Adding to the entertainment and music theme, the commercial also features an appearance from Grammy-nominated KATSEYE.

“As one of the most recognizable non-endemic sports brands, we can step into cultural conversations with a wider lens to tell stories creatively that resonate beyond the game,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer at State Farm. “Our spot, ‘Stop Livin on a Prayer’ does just that. It's fun, it's familiar and it's unmistakably State Farm. It gets people to ask an important question, 'Do I really have the coverage I need?’ and reminds them State Farm is there to help with local agents and a digital experience to make things easy."

Beyond the upcoming broadcast, State Farm is extending the campaign through a robust, integrated approach across streaming, television, digital, audio, outdoor advertising, social and influencer channels. Leading up to game day, the brand launched three teaser videos featuring Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride in January, along with a dedicated “Halfway There Insurance” website, social accounts and billboards across the country—including Times Square in New York City. Fans can expect more from KATSEYE and others on social as the campaign continues to unfold.

Legendary song powers a humorous Big Game moment

The “Stop Livin’ on a Prayer” creative platform is a natural fit for State Farm, delivering on three key objectives: Prompting people to think about their insurance coverage, tapping into a universally relevant cultural moment and entertaining audiences on the biggest stage in sports.

The parody encourages viewers to reflect on whether they have the coverage they need and if they have flexible service options — both digitally and having a real person in their community available to help guide them through their unique situation.

The campaign also marks the first time “Livin’ on a Prayer” has been used in a Big Game commercial. By pairing the iconic song with insurance-related lyrics, State Farm is tapping into memorability that lasts well beyond gameday.

The State Farm difference

At the heart of the campaign is what truly sets State Farm apart: Its focus on customers and delivering coverage options that are personalized based on customer needs. With more than 18,000 independent contractor agents living and working in communities across the nation, State Farm pairs helpful, local relationships with powerful digital tools, offering customers flexibility in how they’d like to be helped.

By Joe Park, Executive Vice President & Chief Digital Information Officer

State Farm® is at a pivotal moment in reimagining how technology supports and drives our business. As part of our commitment to building a culture centered on speed, agility, and innovation, we are participating in OpenAI’s Frontier platform. Our goal: strengthen the capabilities of State Farm agents and employees so they can provide best-in-class service to our customers.

As a launch partner, State Farm is among the first organizations exploring the use of OpenAI to power some of our most complex and valuable AI work; enabling us to explore new ways to accelerate our technology strategy.

With over 96 million policies and accounts, our responsibility to provide timely, clear, and compassionate support during life’s unexpected moments is our primary focus—all while preserving the personal human touch that defines our service.
 

Looking Ahead

Using AI tools provides a powerful approach to accelerate our ability to solve business challenges and put customers first while safeguarding customer data.

While we are just beginning to explore this relationship, our intention is to implement capabilities over time with rigorous security and oversight. Our standards for privacy, security, and accountability remain unchanged.

By implementing AI thoughtfully, we are taking practical steps to make insurance more accessible, affordable, and responsive, enabling our customers to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence.

More details on OpenAI’s enterprise platform are available on OpenAI’s blog.

Note: Agentic AI (often called AI agents or agents) are smart tools that work with human supervision to perform a wide range of business tasks, including workflow automation and data entry. This is the sense in which OpenAI and others use the term AI agents or agents—not to be confused with licensed insurance agents who represent an insurance company.

By Jon Wey, Director of Consumer & Technology Insights

Combating the issue of distracted driving is part of my daily routine: both in the office and on the road. As a father of two teenagers who will soon be driving on their own, I’ve been working hard to role model the right behaviors for them. At State Farm®, I lead a team of researchers and regularly collaborate with industry partners to decrease the number of lives affected by distracted driving each year through injuries and fatalities.

There are many reasons why driving has become more challenging in recent years. You’ve heard of driving while intoxicated, but new research shows driving while stressed is also risky and dangerous.
 

New Research

In Fall 2025, a State Farm survey found more than 65% of drivers ages 22-40 believe it’s safe to look away from the road for two or more seconds, despite research showing a two-second glance can double crash risk.

The research also showed: When drivers have items on their "to-do" list, 27% said they become more distracted. Another 17% reported that being upset or stressed led to participating in more dangerous activities while driving.

The fact: Increased stress can cause a driver to lean into distraction, breaking their focus behind the wheel and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Drivers reported using their “eyes off road” time to use the GPS, search for music, text and manually dial a number to call someone – all while driving along on the road.
 

Setting an Intention

Instead of just seeing safe driving as a rule we have to follow, what if we looked at it as a chance to unplug from distractions and reconnect with ourselves? Driving with full attention isn’t just about following the law, it’s about making roads safer for the pedestrian walking by, the kids heading home from school – everyone.

When we think of mindful driving as a way to reduce stress and boost our well-being, it might just inspire more of us to limit distraction while on the road and save a life, including our own.

Each morning when I get in my truck now – once I know my wife is ready to go teach her students and my kids are ready to go be students – I slam my truck door and just sit there, soaking in the silence for a good couple of moments. I love taking that moment of tranquility and I try to carry that mindful approach forward into my daily drive to work. Playlist set. Phone in silent mode. No distractions.

Planning ahead, before beginning your drive, can be the difference between routing your day and rerouting your future.

 

Distracted Driver Infographic

PDF version available for viewing and/or download: Distracted Driving: What Most Drivers Don’t Realize.
 

By Jeff Legner, Vice President of Property & Casualty Claims

The recent deployment of enhanced mobile accident detection and response technology from State Farm® marks one of the most promising initiatives of its kind in the insurance industry. With rising claims resulting from distracted driving and severe weather collisions, insurers like State Farm are redefining how they support drivers in real time, setting new standards for responsiveness and risk management in an increasingly connected digital world.

Accident Assistance is a feature available at no additional cost to any customers enrolled in Drive Safe & Save®. And in Illinois, Florida, and Ohio, it’s also available to eligible auto policy customers through the State Farm app regardless of Drive Safe & Save enrollment. In 2025, State Farm introduced the technology as a pilot program to millions of customers across these states by integrating it into the revamped State Farm app. 

The program offers real-time accident detection, police response service requests, and a streamlined claims filing experience. These features were designed to greatly reduce response times after a detected collision and provide you the support you need during the most critical moments - when every second matters.
 

An Emerging Need

The timing of this rollout isn’t coincidental. We’re seeing road conditions become increasingly dangerous. For example, a 2025 study from State Farm revealed 80% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one distracting behavior while driving and roughly 65% of drivers believe it’s okay to take their eyes off the road for 2 or more seconds.

As an industry leader in auto safety, State Farm has spent decades helping keep people safe From Car Seat to Driver’s Seat™.
 

How the Technology Works for You

The enhanced Accident Assistance program automatically detects when an accident occurs and can:

• Initiate contact with police response services when the driver is unresponsive to the notifications or the vehicle does not resume driving and a severe accident is detected 
   
• Pinpoint exact accident locations using GPS technology
   
• Begin claims processing once a service tow is requested; drivers can also file a claim in the app
   
• Connect drivers with available roadside services for non-emergency situations

Once an eligible driver opts into the program, users consent to data and location sharing, in addition to the use of their smartphone’s sensors to detect movement forces that indicate an accident. Privacy is a priority for State Farm, so we use encrypted data transmission and let you control the app’s access to your phone’s sensors to properly safeguard your information.
 

Expanding Access and Road Safety Outcomes

This technology exemplifies the expanding collaboration across the telematics and insurance industries to leverage advanced data to reinforce customer safety and deliver exceptional service. While launching initially in Illinois, Florida and Ohio, we plan additional rollouts in 2026 to promote driver safety across more regions and better assist the driving journeys of all road users.

Accident Assistance, previously limited to customers enrolled in Drive Safe & Save via the State Farm app, will soon be available to all eligible State Farm auto policyholders who have downloaded the app, regardless of enrollment in the Drive Safe & Save program.

As vehicle technologies continue to evolve and driving behaviors shift in the years ahead, we are dedicated to supporting your well-being in critical moments of need and prioritizing your safety on our shared roadways. As we progress further, we look forward to sharing more developments with you.

By Allyson Watts, Senior Vice President

When Florida families open their auto insurance bills, many will see something they haven’t experienced in years: lower rates. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the state’s major insurers reduced rates by an average of 6.5% in 2025. State Farm® implemented multiple rate decreases last year. Together, they represent more than 20% in reductions in private passenger auto insurance rates for our Florida customers since fall 2024 - tangible proof that thoughtful policy reform and industry collaboration can deliver real results for consumers.

This isn’t happening by accident. It’s the direct result of Florida’s legislators and insurance regulators recognizing the impact of rising insurance costs - caused by over-litigation - and being willing to hear industry concerns and tackle the real problems behind the rising costs.
 

When Reform Works, Consumers Win

In 2023, the Legislature passed HB 837, a monumental litigation reform package addressing lawsuit abuse. Rather than accept the status quo of ever-increasing litigation, lawmakers enacted reforms that changed the litigation landscape, reducing litigation and lowering litigation costs which in turn lowered the cost of auto insurance for many Florida families. 
 

The Path Forward

While we celebrate this progress, Florida still faces unique challenges that demand ongoing attention and collaboration. Severe weather events, from hurricanes to hailstorms to tornadoes, continue to increase in frequency and intensity. Supply chain disruptions and inflation impact the cost of vehicle parts and repairs. These realities mean maintaining affordable insurance requires constant vigilance and adjustments.

State Farm remains committed to working with public policymakers to advance legislative solutions that continue to improve the insurance marketplace. The success of HB 837 shows what’s possible when thoughtful policymaking and balanced regulatory oversight combine with industry expertise to benefit Floridians.
 

A Model for Sustainable Solutions

Florida’s litigation reform effort offers valuable lessons for other states grappling with similar challenges. By focusing on meaningful solutions rather than short-term fixes, policymakers created a framework to benefit and protect consumers while maintaining market stability. This approach recognizes that a healthy insurance market requires balance – a focus on consumers alongside conditions that allow insurers to operate sustainably and competitively.

The progress we’ve achieved together is significant. State Farm is committed to working with Florida’s leaders to put consumers first while working toward long-term market stability. State Farm has been serving Florida customers for seven decades. Together, we can continue building an insurance market that serves all Floridians effectively and affordably.

Airing in full on Sunday, February 8, the spot transforms Bon Jovi’s iconic anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer” into a humorous parody that encourages viewers to not settle for coverage that makes you feel ‘halfway there.’ By reimagining one of the most recognizable songs of all time, State Farm taps into familiarity and multi-generational appeal to spark conversations around coverage, flexibility and insurance.

The spot boasts an all-star lineup and follows a customer, played by Academy Award–nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld, as she shops for coverage with the fictional “Halfway There Insurance” company. The over-the-top company exaggerates potential common consumer frustrations with their insurance experiences, from confusing terms to impersonal corporate environments, brought to life by Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride as the “Halfway There Insurance” representatives that just can’t quite deliver. As the experience quickly unravels, it becomes clear that “Halfway There Insurance” isn't right for Hailee, highlighting the value of choosing the good neighbor brand instead. Adding to the entertainment and music theme, the commercial also features an appearance from Grammy-nominated KATSEYE.

“As one of the most recognizable non-endemic sports brands, we can step into cultural conversations with a wider lens to tell stories creatively that resonate beyond the game,” said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer at State Farm. “Our spot, ‘Stop Livin on a Prayer’ does just that. It's fun, it's familiar and it's unmistakably State Farm. It gets people to ask an important question, 'Do I really have the coverage I need?’ and reminds them State Farm is there to help with local agents and a digital experience to make things easy."

Beyond the upcoming broadcast, State Farm is extending the campaign through a robust, integrated approach across streaming, television, digital, audio, outdoor advertising, social and influencer channels. Leading up to game day, the brand launched three teaser videos featuring Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride in January, along with a dedicated “Halfway There Insurance” website, social accounts and billboards across the country—including Times Square in New York City. Fans can expect more from KATSEYE and others on social as the campaign continues to unfold.

Legendary song powers a humorous Big Game moment

The “Stop Livin’ on a Prayer” creative platform is a natural fit for State Farm, delivering on three key objectives: Prompting people to think about their insurance coverage, tapping into a universally relevant cultural moment and entertaining audiences on the biggest stage in sports.

The parody encourages viewers to reflect on whether they have the coverage they need and if they have flexible service options — both digitally and having a real person in their community available to help guide them through their unique situation.

The campaign also marks the first time “Livin’ on a Prayer” has been used in a Big Game commercial. By pairing the iconic song with insurance-related lyrics, State Farm is tapping into memorability that lasts well beyond gameday.

The State Farm difference

At the heart of the campaign is what truly sets State Farm apart: Its focus on customers and delivering coverage options that are personalized based on customer needs. With more than 18,000 independent contractor agents living and working in communities across the nation, State Farm pairs helpful, local relationships with powerful digital tools, offering customers flexibility in how they’d like to be helped.