Bravo Fan Fest takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, bringing fans together for live programming, immersive experiences and appearances from stars across the Bravo universe. Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen will also tape special episodes in the days leading up to the event.

A familiar presence at BravoCon and Bravo Fan Fest, State Farm designed its 2026 activation around Southern Charm and the way Bravo fans participate in the stories and communities they love.

“Bravo fans have built a community around the shows they love, and that shared passion is at the heart of what we’re bringing to Bravo Fan Fest,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “The goal is to be part of that community, add to the fun, and bring our Good Neighbor spirit to the celebration. That's why we’re giving fans an experience they can step into, personalize, and make their own.”

Discover your Southern Charm persona

At the State Farm experience, attendees can step onto a Shem Creek-inspired pier for an interactive video that reveals their Southern Charm persona. Designed with social sharing in mind, the experience gives fans a personalized piece of content to take with them and share with fellow Bravoholics.

From there, attendees can cross the bridge to customize a classic boat tote with a bag scarf of their choice. Each tote includes a QR code connecting fans directly to State Farm—a reminder that good neighbors and personalized coverage options are close by.

Meet Craig Conover, Shep Rose and Molly O’Connell

State Farm will also host meet-and-greets with Southern Charm cast members Craig Conover, Shep Rose and Molly O’Connell.

The appearances connect the experience directly to the Charleston-based series and give fans an opportunity to interact with cast members in the city at the heart of the show.

Giving fans a say on Watch What Happens Live

The charm begins before Saturday’s main event. State Farm is also sponsoring a poll during the Friday taping of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’s “Charmers & Captains” episode.

The poll will put audience members in the middle of the conversation and give fans a say in all the drama.

Showing up where fandom becomes community

Bravo fans do more than watch their favorite shows. They discuss every episode, follow cast members, create and share content, attend live events and build relationships with other fans.

That sense of participation is what makes Bravo Fan Fest a natural place for State Farm to show up. Rather than simply placing the brand alongside the fandom, State Farm is creating an experience that gives the community something fun, personalized and memorable to take part in.

It is part of a broader approach to showing up in the places people already care about—building familiarity and connection before they need insurance and reminding fans that a Good Neighbor is close by when they do.

For additional information about the event, visit the official Bravo Fan Fest website.

October 2026 Updates

 
The dividend digital payment selection phase has expired. All remaining qualified customers will automatically receive their dividend check sent to them by standard mail. Customers are encouraged to cash their dividend checks as soon as possible to avoid issues. Please keep watch for your mailed dividend check. To avoid any issues with a check being voided, customers should cash their check within the “void after” timeframe outlined in the check and letter. 

Dividend payment distribution started in late summer 2026 and is expected to wrap up end of year as the remaining dividend checks are mailed. By the end of 2026, payments to State Farm Mutual qualifying auto customers will have been distributed across more than 49 million auto vehicles. For qualifying customers who have not yet received their dividend payment, checks are currently being mailed and should be received within 60-70 days. If you have received your check and have an issue, visit this link for additional assistance. 

Qualified customers can check the status of their dividend by accessing the State Farm Dividend Payment Portal powered by Verita at this link. 

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. 

By Hillary Holcomb, Vice President, Operations

Two structures. The same simulated wildfire conditions. Two very different outcomes.

At a September fire demonstration in Colorado, State Farm^® agent Jim Passarelli watched as two structures were exposed to the same conditions. One incorporated research-backed improvements designed to reduce wildfire risk, consistent with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home standard. The other lacked those protections.

“It was truly amazing to see the difference proper mitigation can make. After just 15 minutes under the same fire conditions, the contrast between the two structures was hard to miss,” Passarelli said.

The unprotected structure was fully engulfed in flames while the one with research-backed mitigation measures stood virtually untouched.

Now think about that in a real-world example, where there are more than two structures side by side. What if a whole block incorporated measures designed to reduce risk? What Jim witnessed illustrates something we need to make a bigger part of the wildfire conversation: Wildfires move through entire neighborhoods at once, not as a collection of individual properties. So should our approach to resilience.

Research is showing what works

State Farm has worked with IBHS for decades to better protect homes and communities, including helping launch its Research Center in 2010. We've also studied protective construction for more than 25 years through our Technology Research and Innovation Lab (TRAIL).

Following the 2025 Los Angeles County fires, IBHS researchers studied more than 250 properties there. Homes with four key protective features – a Class A roof, noncombustible siding, double-pane windows and enclosed eaves – had a 54% chance of avoiding fire damage, compared with 36% for homes with just one.

The research highlights the importance of multiple protective measures, including fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and reducing combustible materials around a home. The area immediately surrounding a home is especially important. When flammable materials covered more than a quarter of the area within five feet of a home, the risk of fire damage or destruction approached 90%, according to IBHS research.

From homes to neighborhoods

IBHS is putting that research into practice through its Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood program, which builds on individual home protections by addressing risks across an entire community.

One example is Dixon Trail, a KB Home community in Escondido, California. The 64-home neighborhood is built to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Enhanced standard.

The approach considers not just how individual homes are constructed, but also how their design, spacing and surrounding landscape can help limit the spread of fire.

Seeing the difference resilience makes

Fire demonstrations help people see how these protections work. Another demonstration was held Oct. 7 in Socorro, New Mexico, where the state also offers a certificate program recognizing homes that meet wildfire preparedness standards.

The next demonstration is scheduled for Oct. 26 in Panorama City, California, hosted by the California Fire Chiefs Association in partnership with IBHS.

Seeing the difference is one thing. Helping more homeowners and communities make these improvements is the next challenge.

Helping homeowners and communities take action

Insurers can support community-level action by recognizing steps homeowners and communities take to reduce wildfire risk. For example, eligible properties in communities recognized by Firewise USA may qualify for a community-level wildfire mitigation discount.

State Farm is helping lead the way in recognizing wildfire preparation, offering wildfire mitigation discounts in these 11 states, as of October: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Depending on the state and policy, discounts may recognize steps taken by individual homeowners or entire communities to help reduce wildfire risk.

Research is also looking into costs for wildfire resilience. A University of Colorado Boulder study found that building new homes to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Essential standard increased construction costs by approximately 1.1% compared with conventional construction. The study did not estimate retrofit costs for existing homes, where improvements can be more complex and costly. The findings highlight opportunities to incorporate wildfire protections into new construction while reinforcing the importance of making improvements accessible to existing homeowners.

State Farm General Insurance Company also recently filed in California to consider new insurance applications for homes with qualifying IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designations. This is pending review by the California Department of Insurance.

Public programs can also help make wildfire mitigation improvements more affordable and accessible. California has established initiatives to help qualifying homeowners strengthen their properties against wildfire, while some Colorado communities offer grants to support local wildfire risk-reduction projects.

Protecting communities takes all of us

I recently visited communities around Lake Tahoe, where I witnessed fire professionals, homeowners, community organizations and other partners working together to protect homes, neighborhoods and the surrounding landscape.

What struck me most was their shared commitment to solving a challenge no one individual or organization can tackle alone.

Insurers have an important role to play, too. Insights from decades of claims experience can help inform general guidance on reducing damage and encourage homeowners to take action.

Local State Farm agents can help customers understand available insurance discounts and point them to wildfire preparedness resources.

The work starts before the next fire

Helping people recover after disaster will always be fundamental to what we do. But we also have an opportunity to help homeowners find resources to help protect what matters before disaster strikes.

Over the past year, I’ve spoken with leaders in several fields about ways to make proven wildfire risk reduction measures more practical and accessible to homeowners.

The progress I saw around Lake Tahoe shows what's possible when people come together around a shared challenge. Now we need to build on that progress, helping more families protect their homes and more communities prepare for the future.

We intend to increase focus and investment in prevention and preparation, and you’ll hear more from us in the coming months.

About the author

Hillary Holcomb is a State Farm Vice President, Operations. Her leadership perspective connects the company's commitment to helping customers recover from unexpected losses with efforts to strengthen preparedness and resilience in the communities State Farm serves.

The people of Oklahoma face this reality more than most states: significant exposure to wind, hail, and tornadoes, and repair costs that are increasing faster than the national average. Together those pressures are increasing the financial impact of storms on homeowners and communities across the state.

Those cost pressures continue. Residential reconstruction costs in Oklahoma increased 5.11% from July 2025 to July 2026, compared with a 3.8% increase nationwide, according to Verisk’s 360Value® Quarterly Reconstruction Cost Analysis[1]. Oklahoma had the third-highest increase in the country during that period.

Why Severe Weather Matters In Oklahoma

According to State Farm data, about two-thirds of State Farm non-tenant homeowners losses in Oklahoma are related to catastrophe wind and hail, compared with about one-third nationwide.

Over the past five years, catastrophe wind and hail losses have occurred in Oklahoma at more than twice the State Farm average nationwide. Over the most recent 12 months, Oklahoma had the second-highest frequency of catastrophe wind and hail losses in the country.

State Farm has more than 530,000 residential and commercial policies in Oklahoma. That means when severe weather affects Oklahoma communities, State Farm is helping a significant number of families recover. And behind every severe weather loss are homeowners inspecting roofs, calling contractors, reviewing coverage and determining what it will take to put their homes—and their lives—back together.

Hail plays an especially large role. Over the past five years, State Farm data shows that 77% of State Farm catastrophe wind and hail losses in Oklahoma were hail-related, compared with 57% nationwide. Hail losses also tend to result in more severe damage and higher average loss costs than wind losses.

For Oklahoma, that creates a compounding effect. Catastrophe wind and hail losses occur more frequently than the national average, and the homes damaged by those storms is becoming more expensive to repair and replace.

Committed to Oklahoma

State Farm has served Oklahoma customers for nearly a century. As the risk landscape continues to change, the company remains committed to helping customers understand the risks and costs affecting their insurance, while maintaining the financial strength to pay covered claims and help customers recover when the unexpected happens.

[1] Source: Verisk, 360Value® Quarterly Reconstruction Cost Analysis: Q3 2026 (U.S.).

[2] Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Oklahoma State Summary, 1980–2024.

About State Farm data: State Farm data cited in this article is based on internal underwriting, actuarial and financial reporting for the periods indicated. Catastrophe wind and hail loss and frequency comparisons reflect State Farm’s Non-Tenant Homeowners experience in Oklahoma relative to State Farm’s nationwide experience. Premium, claims and expense figures reflect State Farm’s Non-Tenant Homeowners business in Oklahoma through July 2026 unless otherwise noted.

By Sarah Mineau, Senior Vice President, Financial Services

There are plenty of reasons people put off life insurance, and not all of them are financial.

For many, the subject itself can be uncomfortable. Thinking about what might happen to our families if we were no longer there isn't easy. It's a conversation we would understandably rather put off, especially when we're focused on building a life, caring for the people we love and planning for the future.

But protecting that future is part of the reason life insurance deserves a place in the conversation.

There are also practical considerations. Managing individual or family finances means balancing today's expenses with tomorrow's goals. Housing, education, savings and unexpected costs can all compete for the same dollars. When so many financial priorities demand attention, it's understandable that life insurance might slip down the list.

Yet behind those everyday priorities is something much more personal: the people who depend on us, the lives we're building and the future we want to help protect.

In my role leading Financial Services at State Farm®, I see an important challenge: Recognizing the value of life insurance and taking action to protect the people who depend on you are two different things.

So, what's keeping people from taking that next step, and how can we help make it easier?

 

Moving Past the Reasons We Wait

We recently marked Life Insurance Awareness Month, an annual opportunity each September for our industry to highlight the role life insurance can play in helping people protect their financial future and that of their loved ones.

But the questions it raises extend well beyond a single month. And research suggests that understanding life insurance and having adequate financial protection don't always go hand in hand.

According to the 2026 Insurance Barometer Study from LIMRA and Life Happens, nearly a third of consumers are only somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about life insurance. At the same time, the uninsured and under-insured need gap amounts to 38% of American adults – roughly 98 million people – report needing life insurance or additional coverage.

The research also reveals some of the barriers that can keep people from getting covered. Half of uninsured Gen X respondents cited cost as a concern, while 39% of uninsured millennials pointed to competing financial priorities.

And perceptions about affordability don't always match reality. LIMRA's research found that 40% of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance, while only 4% of consumers ages 30 and younger correctly estimate the cost of a basic policy.

For perspective, one 2026 industry analysis found that a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy averaged approximately $47 to $59 per month for 40-year-old nonsmokers in average health. Actual premiums vary based on individual circumstances and coverage options.

Together, these findings illustrate that the challenge isn't simply a lack of awareness. Consumers may recognize the importance of financial protection but still face uncertainty about coverage, misconceptions about affordability or competing priorities that make it difficult to act.

 

Start With Who and What You Want to Protect

Luckily, you don’t need to have all the answers before you start. Begin with more reflective questions:

• Who or what depends on me, and how would they be financially affected if I weren’t here?
   
• What have I already built that I want to protect? And what could disrupt those plans?

Those are personal decisions, and they deserve thoughtful conversations with your loved ones.

Then you can begin exploring:

• How much life insurance do I need?  There isn’t one number that’s right for everyone. Think about who depends on you financially, the obligations you have today, and what you would still want to make possible for the people who matter to you.
   
• How much will it cost?  Rather than assuming life insurance won’t fit your budget, understand the options available to you. Cost depends on your individual circumstances and the coverage you choose.
   
• What type of life insurance should I consider?  Term life insurance generally provides coverage for a defined period, while permanent life insurance, including whole and universal life insurance, is designed to provide lifelong protection and may offer additional features. The right option depends on your individual needs, financial goals and circumstances.

Those questions can help turn an abstract conversation about life insurance into a much more purposeful one about what – and who – you are trying to protect.

 

The Right Guidance Can Make Decisions Easier

One of the most important things I want people to understand is that they don't have to navigate these decisions alone.

Life insurance can involve difficult questions, unfamiliar terminology and choices that may have long-term financial implications. But there are resources and people who can help make the process more approachable.

For many, that process begins with online research. Digital resources and social media are helping millions of consumers learn more about their individual coverage options, comparing information and getting a better sense of what questions to ask.

And when you're ready to take the next step, your State Farm agent can help put that information into perspective, talk through your financial responsibilities and explore coverage options that may fit your needs.

That combination of digital tools and human connection is important to how I think about the future of financial services. People should have the flexibility to explore information in the way that works for them, with access to useful resources, quality products and someone who can help them make sense of their individual circumstances.

There's another consideration that matters with life insurance: the company behind the policy.

Because life insurance can represent a promise that extends decades into the future, financial strength matters, too.

Choosing coverage that fits your needs is important, but so is having confidence in the company you’re trusting to stand behind that promise for years to come. Life can change significantly over the course of a policy, and the protection you put in place today may be called upon many years from now.

For me, that’s part of thinking about life insurance as more than a product. It’s a long-term commitment to the people you’re working to protect.

 

Life Insurance Isn't a One-Time Conversation

Life insurance isn't simply a decision made when a policy is purchased. It's a financial commitment that may span decades, during which families, responsibilities and financial goals can change.

Recent research reinforces the value of staying connected. The 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study found substantially higher levels of trust among customers who engaged with their insurance providers through a combination of personal and digital interactions compared with those who had no interaction at all.

More importantly, the conversation shouldn't end once a policy is in place. As life changes, it's worth revisiting your coverage, asking questions and making sure your financial protection continues to reflect the people and priorities that matter most.

Whether you're exploring life insurance for the first time or reviewing coverage you already have, connect with a State Farm agent to talk through your needs and take the next step toward helping protect what matters most.

 

Life insurance issued by State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) 
State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 
Bloomington, IL

Sarah Mineau has senior leadership responsibility for the company’s financial services lines of business. Since joining State Farm in 2005, Sarah has also held leadership roles across insurance, investments, marketing, operations, and human resources.

State Farm® and the MIT AgeLab are exploring those questions through a research initiative examining driver attention, distraction, and the behaviors that influence decision-making behind the wheel. Researchers have coined the term “drivefulness” to describe a state in which a driver is safe, aware, appropriately engaged, and ready to respond to the road, while being supported in having the best possible driving experience for them.

The study brings together State Farm’s decades of experience understanding crash risk, driver behavior, and the real-world consequences of distraction with MIT AWARE initiative’s multidisciplinary research expertise in transportation safety, human factors, behavioral science, and how people interact with technology.

Distracted driving carries significant human and economic consequences. According to U.S. Department of Transportation research, distraction was involved in 29% of motor vehicle crashes studied, contributing to more than 10,000 deaths, 1.3 million injuries, and an estimated $98.2 billion in economic costs.

Understanding the relationship among driver attention, distraction, and behaviors could help inform how automakers, organizations, regulators, and insurers approach roadway safety, risk prevention, and the design of future driving experiences.

"Distracted driving is not simply about whether a driver knows what is safe or unsafe. It reflects a much more complex interaction between the driver’s state, the demands of the driving environment, and the technologies that compete for or support their attention,” said Dr. Pnina Gershon of the MIT AgeLab. “With this research, we are looking beyond individual moments of distraction to understand what drivers need to be prepared, attentive, and appropriately engaged during the driving task. That allows us to think differently about safety and about how technology, information, and interventions can support drivers before, during, and after the drive.”

Dr. Gershon is the director of the MIT AWARE initiative and a co-director of the MIT Advanced Vehicle Technology Consortium. With more than two decades of research experience, she leads work at the intersection of driving safety, human behavior, health, and human-centered AI. Her research uses sensing, real-world data, and behavioral analytics to understand human states and to develop technologies and interventions that support safer, more effective interactions between people and increasingly automated systems.

Understanding the behavior behind the risk

Drivers may know distraction is dangerous, but State Farm research shows that knowledge doesn't always change what happens behind the wheel. Sixty-eight percent of drivers admit to engaging in distracting behaviors while driving, and 44% say they have crashed or experienced a near-crash while doing so.

Perception may be part of the challenge. Sixty-two percent of drivers believe taking their eyes off the road for two or more seconds is safe, even though a two-second glance away doubles crash risk.

“Technology is changing the driving experience, creating new opportunities to better understand and support drivers,” said Jeff Legner, technology executive at State Farm. “The more we learn about how people interact with technology behind the wheel, the better positioned we are to anticipate evolving risks, improve driver experiences and explore new approaches to accident prevention. This research can help turn those insights into meaningful ways to support drivers before, during and after every drive.”

Combining real-world risk with behavioral science

State Farm has worked to address distracted driving from multiple angles, including advocating for stronger hands-free laws, supporting cross-industry safety research and advancing technology that can help drivers better understand their behavior. That work includes telematics-based tools for customers and collaboration with companies such as Cambridge Mobile Telematics to explore how technology and data can help reduce roadway risk. The MIT AgeLab brings deep expertise in understanding the human side of a rapidly changing driving environment.

The collaboration builds on an established research relationship between State Farm and MIT, including State Farm's participation in the MIT Advanced Vehicle Technology Consortium, which studies how drivers interact with increasingly automated and technology-enabled vehicles.

First findings expected in October

The first phase of the research is focused on establishing a deeper understanding of how people perceive and manage attention behind the wheel.

Findings from the first phase of the drivefulness study are expected later in October 2026, providing an early look at what the research is uncovering about driver attention, distraction and behavior through consumer survey findings.

The findings will help inform the next phase of drivefulness research, beginning in January 2027, on how people, technology and the driving environment can work together to support safer driving.

As of Oct. 19, State Farm has received over 9,000 total claims across the states that have been impacted by Isaias, and we anticipate many more as people have the opportunity to return to their homes and survey the damage. The states with the highest claim counts are Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

How to file a claim

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

What to expect after filing a claim

After a claim has been submitted, a claim handler will contact the customer to discuss the extent of damage, review what is covered under their policy, and discuss inspection timing if needed.

• To best assist customers during this time, we may involve various members of our claim handling team to help with a claim. This helps us provide quality and efficient claim service no matter how many claims we receive.
• If customers have questions at any time during the claim process, they should not hesitate to ask their claim handler. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Making temporary repairs to damaged property

When it is safe to do so, customers with repairable or limited property damage should make reasonable temporary repairs to help prevent additional damage. Depending on the customer’s coverage, the cost of these temporary repairs may be reimbursed. Customers should save receipts for tarps, plywood and any other materials purchased to protect or temporarily repair damaged property.

Tips to help protect customers from fraud and scams

We encourage anyone seeking storm-damage repairs to learn how to recognize and avoid scams and deceptive contractor practices. Additional information is available in Help Protect Yourself From Contractor Fraud on statefarm.com.

The swish tells a player the shot was good. For kids gathering for a pickup game at recess or meeting friends at a neighborhood court, the sound is a small part of what makes the game feel complete.

And those courts can mean much more than a game. They’re places to meet up with friends, learn to play and pick up a few lessons along the way about teamwork, competition and being part of something.

But when a hoop is missing its net, something familiar is missing: that unmistakable swish.

In neighborhoods throughout Peoria, Arizona, in suburban Phoenix, State Farm® agent Justin Gemoll is helping bring that sound back.

This October, more than 220 State Farm Red Nets™ are being delivered to 23 elementary schools and nearby parks, giving local students more places to play and more chances to hear that satisfying swish.

For Gemoll, the effort is about much more than basketball nets.

“Sports have been a huge part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how they can bring people together, build confidence and create relationships that last well beyond the field or court,” said Gemoll. “That’s what I love about Red Nets. Something as simple as putting a net on a basketball hoop can help create a place where kids want to play, families can gather and a community can connect.”

Bringing Back the Swish

Gemoll’s connection to sports stretches back decades.

Before becoming a State Farm agent, he spent seven seasons playing professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization and more than a decade coaching in the organization. He was a minor league coach in the Royals system during its 2015 World Series championship season and later joined the Grand Canyon University baseball coaching staff.

Those experiences showed him what can happen when people have a place to play, compete and connect.

His State Farm office has also developed strong relationships throughout Peoria, including partnerships with the Peoria Police Department on community events such as the annual Shop with a Cop program and the inaugural Unified Citizens Academy supporting Special Olympics.

When the opportunity arose to expand State Farm Red Nets locally, those relationships helped Gemoll and his team connect with School Resource Officers, who understood where new nets could have an impact.

Together, they identified 23 elementary schools and nearby parks in the Peoria Unified School District. Deliveries of more than 220 Red Nets began in late September and continued into early October.

“I’m grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another, on and off the court,” said Gemoll. “Red Nets is a reminder that even a small improvement can create another reason for kids to get outside, play together and feel connected to their community.”

The Good Neighbor Spirit in Action

Earlier this year, State Farm installed four Red Nets at parks across Glendale, Arizona. After seeing the program in action, city leaders identified additional courts that could benefit from new nets. The newly renovated Bonsall Park North became the first stop in a broader citywide installation.

Gemoll joined State Farm representatives, local leaders and families in late September at Bonsall Park North in Glendale where the sound of basketballs hitting the court and dropping through newly installed nets helped mark the next chapter of the program.

“At State Farm, being a Good Neighbor means showing up in ways that matter to the communities we serve,” said Sonya Robinson, Area Vice President. “Justin saw an opportunity to bring Red Nets to even more local kids and helped turn a national initiative into something meaningful right here in the Valley.”

It was a simple scene: a basketball, a hoop and a net. But soon, those courts will be filled with kids meeting up with friends, taking their shots and hearing the swish that makes the game feel complete.

That’s what State Farm Red Nets is ultimately about – supporting the places where people come together, learn to play and, for some, first fall in love with the game.

By Arthur Parks, Director, Underwriting, State Farm® & Board Chair, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

A series of devastating earthquakes this summer – including a powerful 7.2 magnitude event in Venezuela and significant tremors in California, Colombia, Japan and the Philippines – have put seismic risk back in the headlines.

While these events were reminders of how quickly earthquakes can cause significant damage to entire communities, one key reminder is: Earthquake risk – and the financial consequences that can follow – may extend much farther than many people realize.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates about 75% of the United States could experience damaging earthquakes. Earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater have occurred in 37 states over the past 200 years – with areas around Memphis, Tenn., Oklahoma City and Charleston, S.C., in particular more at risk than many homeowners realize.

That doesn’t mean every homeowner faces the same level of risk. It does mean geography alone shouldn’t determine whether you think about earthquake preparedness.

For me, earthquake preparedness comes down to two questions: What can you do to reduce the potential for damage – and how prepared are you financially if significant damage still occurs?

Financial Preparedness Is Part of Earthquake Preparedness

For many people, earthquake planning naturally means gathering emergency supplies, creating a family plan or securing personal belongings in the home. While those steps matter, financial preparedness is an important part of the equation too.

One of the first questions homeowners and renters should ask is what their existing insurance does – and does not – cover.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to earthquake insurance. The decision can depend on factors such as where you live, your home’s earthquake risk and construction, and your financial ability to recover from a major loss. Understanding what your current policies cover – and where you may have gaps – is an important first step.

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by earthquakes. Depending on where you live, earthquake protection may require separate earthquake insurance or an endorsement.

That doesn’t mean earthquake coverage is the right answer for every person or household. The important takeaway is to understand your individual risk, consider the potential financial impact and make an informed decision before an earthquake occurs.

An annual insurance review can be a good opportunity to discuss those risks, understand your coverage and explore available options with your agent.

Understand Your Potential Recovery & Rebuilding Costs

Knowing whether you have earthquake coverage is only part of the equation. It’s also essential to understand how your deductible works and what you could be responsible for paying after a loss.

Unlike some homeowners insurance deductibles that may be a flat dollar amount, earthquake deductibles are commonly calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value.

For example, a 10% deductible on a home insured for $500,000 would equal $50,000 – a potentially significant out-of-pocket expense.

So rather than asking only, “Do I have earthquake insurance?”, I encourage homeowners to ask: “If I have a major earthquake loss, what would recovery actually require from me financially?”

Deductible options and how they apply vary, so talk with your insurance agent to understand your potential out-of-pocket responsibility before choosing coverage.

Also consider: Federal or state assistance may be available following a major earthquake, but that assistance may may come in the form of limited grants or other aid and typically isn't enough to fully rebuild your home or replace everything you've lost.

Pair Financial Safety with Home Resilience to Reduce Damage

Insurance can help finance recovery. Home resilience can help reduce the damage you need to recover from in the first place.

That’s why I think the strongest preparedness plans consider both.

Securing heavy furniture and appliances, safely storing breakable items, creating an emergency plan, and considering whether your home could benefit from a seismic retrofit all can help reduce the potential for damage and injury.

If you own an older home, particularly one built before 1980, it may be more vulnerable because it was constructed before modern seismic building codes were widely adopted. While no retrofit can guarantee your home will be undamaged during a major earthquake, strengthening it can improve its ability to withstand seismic shaking and may increase the likelihood that you and your family can safely remain there afterward.

Through State Farm's longstanding partnership with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), we're helping homeowners better understand how they can strengthen their homes and prepare for natural disasters. As Board Chair of FLASH, I encourage you to explore Earthquake Strong for information on earthquake safety and home resilience.

You can also find guidance on what to do before, during and after an earthquake in the Simple Insights® How to Prepare for an Earthquake resource guide.

Technology can also play a role. I encourage homeowners in California, Oregon and Washington to download the MyShake® earthquake early warning app. Even a few seconds of advance warning can provide valuable time to protect yourself and put your emergency plan into action.

Think Beyond the Fault Lines

No one can predict when the next earthquake will occur.

But homeowners can understand the risks where they live, know what their insurance covers and look for practical ways to make your home and family more resilient.

Making informed decisions today can help protect what matters most and put you in a better position to navigate recovery if an earthquake does occur.
 

By Marcus Rohlfs, Director of Scouting and Trends, State Farm Ventures

What can conversations with thousands of startups tell you about the future of insurance?

Every year, State Farm Ventures® builds relationships with founders and companies in the startup ecosystem. We're looking for new and emerging technologies that could benefit our customers and where those technologies might be applicable within our business.

A lot of it is connecting dots.

What’s happening in the world of technology? What problems are companies trying to solve? Is someone taking a unique approach to a problem we recognize to help insurance customers?

The signals we get from the startup ecosystem inform our work, and one thing we’ve learned is that sometimes the interesting part isn't necessarily the technology everyone is talking about. It's what people are trying to do with it.

That matters in insurance because technology alone isn’t the answer. What matters is how we use it to make things better for people. The opportunity is to bring new digital capabilities together with human expertise, judgment and experience that help us deliver on our promises to customers.

Finding New Ways to Solve Familiar Problems

We're engaging with startups throughout the year, constantly looking for new technologies, new approaches and potential connections to our business. The Startup Pitch Competition is one way we bring that broader scouting work to life. On Sept. 30, we wrapped the fifth annual competition at InsureTech Connect.

This year, we had nearly 100 qualified applicants and we selected 10 finalists to pitch on the main stage. Part of what's interesting about those companies is the diversity of solutions for insurance.

We're also seeing a massive influx of AI-first companies.

But look underneath all that technology and you'll find creative new ways to tackle traditional industry pain points.

That's what we're often looking for in scouting across the startup ecosystem: a novel solution, the right founders taking a unique approach to a business need and a place where an outside technology might match an insurance need.

Making New Technology Work in the Real World

Something the technology industry sometimes underestimates about insurance is that integration is hard.

Our industry has decades-old systems, tools and processes. Some weren't built for or prepared for the kinds of modern solutions we're seeing today.

Now compare that with a startup that's native to a cloud environment.

Startups can move quickly. The longer I've done this work, the more respect I've gained for startups and their founders.

Great founders can hyperfocus on a business problem, apply emerging technology, test rapidly and continuously gather customer and consumer feedback. There's a sheer hunger to win. But they can also underestimate the integration challenges, complexity and scale that come with insurance.

When founders have enough of a deep understanding of the business to speak the same language, it makes a tremendous difference. They can help us understand how their technology could benefit our customers.

Those who can bring the old and new together will be the startups that succeed in insurance.

Preserving What We Already Know

You almost can't talk about what's next in technology without AI being in the mix these days.

We’re also watching enterprise knowledge management.

Our industry has an inordinate number of people with years of experience who understand the systems, the processes and all the knowledge that isn't necessarily written down.

When that person retires, what happens to everything they know?

We're starting to see technologies that could help make that knowledge more portable and usable. Could we better capture not just information, but also the context around how things actually work?

To me, that's a great example of how our employees can benefit from stronger digital tools. The goal isn't to replace what people know. It's to use technology to help preserve that expertise, make it more accessible and put it to work in new ways.

As we migrate into new technology, we have to know where we are now to get to where we're going. I think enterprise knowledge management is understated in our industry for that reason.

Looking Ahead to What's Next

Software-defined vehicles are another area State Farm is watching. Put simply, a software-defined vehicle is a car where software controls more of what the vehicle can do, and those capabilities can be changed or added through software updates after the car leaves the factory.

We're reaching a point where this technology is starting to make up a larger share of the vehicle fleet. An overnight software update can add horsepower or new capabilities to a car that's already sitting in someone's driveway. That creates an interesting question for insurers: What happens when a vehicle can have a different risk profile in the morning than it did when you went to sleep?

Severe weather is another area of observation, too. We're seeing the startup ecosystem take a major look at resilient building, prediction and other ways to better understand and address extreme-weather risk.

Those are very different technologies and very different challenges. That's part of scouting. We look broadly at what's happening outside our industry and try to understand where those capabilities could match a need inside it.

That's what I mean when I say our startup ecosystem is our superpower

We're trying to shorten the distance between what the customer needs and what State Farm can offer or adopt capability-wise.

Sometimes an external solution can help us serve customers better. Our job is to keep looking for the right fit.

For more information about State Farm Ventures®, visit Ventures Office - State Farm®.

State Farm currently has approximately 30,000 Claims employees across the country. The planned workforce growth represents a significant investment in additional capacity as State Farm continues to grow and serve more customers.

Today, as the largest insurer of homes and autos, State Farm handles nearly 11 million claims each year - an average of more than 30,000 per day.

“The people who work in Claims at State Farm are on the front lines of delivering the promise we make to our customers,” said Executive Vice President Chris Schell. “When someone experiences an accident, storm, or other unexpected loss, they need knowledgeable people - supported by leading technology - who are ready to help. We’re investing in our Claims team so we can continue delivering the service our customers expect while giving our employees greater capacity to learn, develop, and build their careers.”

The additional capacity reflects the continued growth of State Farm and the evolving complexity of the claims environment. New vehicles and technology, changing repair methods, and increasingly significant severe weather events continue to change the skills and capabilities required of claims professionals. As customer needs evolve, State Farm’s Human + Digital approach will continue pairing better tools and technology with the judgment, experience, and human connection of its people.

“We have talented people who care deeply about helping customers,” said Executive Vice President Chris Schell. “We continue to invest in our people to ensure they have the capacity, tools, and opportunities they need to do their best work today and into the future.”

Hiring is already underway. State Farm plans to hire approximately 5,500 people into Claims throughout 2027 as it evaluates staffing alongside attrition, customer demand, and growth - ultimately increasing the size of its Claims workforce by approximately 10%, or about 3,000 employees.

Individuals interested in Claims opportunities can learn more and explore available positions through the State Farm careers website.

By Nicole Forziati, P&C Underwriting Executive

Helping people and strengthening communities has been at the heart of State Farm® for decades.

State Farm embraces Good Neighbor Day, a national observance established by a proclamation from President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Good Neighbor Day encourages people to perform acts of kindness, promote goodwill and strengthen connections in their communities.

State Farm expands that spirit of service beyond a single day by recognizing September as Good Neighbor Month – a time when the State Farm family comes together to volunteer, support local organizations and reinforce the company’s commitment to help build safer, stronger communities. 

This year, State Farm will once again mobilize thousands of volunteers in Phoenix, Atlanta and Bloomington, Illinois, to help provide greater access to nutritious food for local communities. In Phoenix, associates will pack 150,000 meals on Sept. 23. On Sept. 26, 1 million meals will be packed during events in Atlanta and Bloomington.
 

Good Neighbor Month 2025

Those efforts continue the momentum of Good Neighbor Month in 2025, when State Farm employees, agents and volunteers came together through a series of Million Meal Pack events in Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Illinois. Together, participants packed 2.3 million meals to help individuals and families in those communities.

It was heartwarming for me personally to see State Farm associates come together at our offices in the Arizona region. We stepped away from our day-to-day work, rolled up our sleeves and worked side by side to help. It’s a powerful reminder of what being a Good Neighbor can look like – people coming together, caring for one another and using their time and talents to make a difference.

In addition to the meal-packing events, State Farm organized approximately 300 volunteer events nationwide, giving 3,500 employees and agents opportunities to participate in meaningful community service. The State Farm Good Neighbor Walk/Run also generated a $100,000 grant for Feeding America, extending the reach of the company’s efforts to help address hunger across the country.

Community service continues throughout the year

Being a Good Neighbor isn’t just about meeting the needs in front of us today. As an insurer, our role goes beyond helping people recover after something happens – it includes helping customers and communities better prepare for risk.

While September provides a dedicated opportunity to volunteer together, the State Farm Good Neighbor commitment extends well beyond that. Employees, agents and community partners demonstrate the Good Neighbor spirit throughout the year:

• Peanut Butter Drive. Each April, State Farm associates collect thousands of pounds of peanut butter to help strengthen food security for families and local communities.
• Building Safer and Stronger Homes. State Farm continues its partnership of more than 30 years with Habitat for Humanity. Through this collaboration, State Farm has helped families pursue the dream of homeownership. State Farm also supports the Habitat Strong program, which promotes construction practices that can help homes better withstand severe weather and other potential hazards.
• Disaster Preparedness and Recovery. State Farm has teamed up with safety and disaster-response organizations, including the American Red Cross, to help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies. Our work with the American Red Cross spans more than three decades and State Farm has been a Red Cross Mission Leader since 2024, contributing more than $3 million annually to disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. These efforts include support for free smoke alarm installations, blood drives, disaster-prevention programs, recovery initiatives that help deliver meals, shelter and other essential resources when communities need them most.
• Back-2-School Drive. This annual drive gives State Farm employees an opportunity to provide school supplies and other essential resources, helping students have the tools they need to succeed from the first day of class.
• Nonprofit Giving. State Farm employees support causes that are meaningful to them through the State Farm Matching Gift and Good Neighbor Grant programs. These programs empower State Farm associates to increase their impact through charitable giving and volunteering with nonprofit organizations in communities across the country.

State Farm agents continue to play an important role in bringing the Good Neighbor spirit to the communities they serve. For example, in North Carolina, State Farm agent Jessie Summers started a community movement collecting food and monetary donations to help families in the Gibsonville area after receiving a note from a student.
 

Building stronger communities before and after disasters

State Farm associates care deeply about what happens beyond the walls of the company.

Just as State Farm works to protect customers and the people and things that matter most to them, the company also recognizes a shared responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.

Being a Good Neighbor is more than a theme for one day or one month. It reflects the State Farm culture, a year-round commitment to service and an enduring part of the identity of State Farm.

By Sara Freitag, Vice President, Agency

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.

For me, those numbers are personal. Illinois has always been home. I grew up here, went to Illinois State University and spent several years serving customers as a State Farm agent in Springfield. My husband is also a State Farm agent, and today I work with agents serving customers and communities across the state.

I've seen plenty of Illinois severe weather over the years. But earlier this year, I saw storm damage in Kankakee¹ unlike anything I'd seen before.

Seeing the destruction firsthand was a powerful reminder that behind the claims numbers are families and communities dealing with damaged homes, damaged vehicles, and disrupted lives.

And Kankakee is only one part of the story.

More than 200 tornadoes have been confirmed in Illinois through August 2026, marking the third consecutive year with more than 120 in the state. During that same period, State Farm customers in Illinois filed more than 96,000 weather-related home and auto catastrophe claims.

As of July, State Farm had paid more than $799 million in Illinois for storm-related losses. For additional perspective, in all of 2025, State Farm paid $457 million in Illinois hail claims, the third-highest total in the country.

Building stronger before the next storm

Numbers can help show the scale of severe weather. But what I saw in Kankakee illustrates why, in addition to helping customers recover after a storm, we’re also working to find ways to reduce the damage future storms may cause.

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

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

That research has practical applications for homeowners. Roofing material choice is one example. When building, remodeling or replacing a roof, qualifying impact-resistant roofing materials can help reduce hail damage. State Farm also offers premium discounts in many states to eligible homeowners with qualifying impact-resistant roofing products. Research like this helps turn what we learn about severe weather into practical ways to make homes and communities more resilient.

Recovery and resilience go together

I’ve seen how much customers depend on State Farm agents in the days after severe weather. That support extends to claims teams working to help customers recover.

Through August, State Farm has opened seven Customer Care Sites across six Illinois communities, giving customers another place to connect with us as they take the next steps in their recovery.

Helping customers recover from the unexpected is at the heart of our promise. Each severe weather event also gives us an opportunity to learn more about the challenges customers and communities face – and how we can help them become more resilient.

We can’t prevent severe weather. But we can continue learning from it, helping people prepare for it and finding ways to help make our homes and communities stronger.

For Illinois families, that preparation can make a meaningful difference when the next storm comes.

[1] Source: https://www.weather.gov/lot/2026_03_10_Severe_Weather

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.

By Wayne Cimons, Associate General Counsel, Federal Affairs

For two decades, State Farm® has tracked animal-vehicle collisions to better understand where and when drivers across the country face the greatest risk. But understanding the problem matters most when it helps point toward ways to prevent it.

A safer way forward

Wildlife road crossings are one promising solution. They are overpasses, underpasses and other roadway structures that give animals a safer way to cross busy roads, helping reduce collisions with vehicles. Often paired with fencing that guides animals toward the crossing, they can help keep wildlife out of traffic while connecting habitats separated by roads and highways.

Real-world projects are already showing encouraging results. Along Colorado Highway 9 near Kremmling, a system of wildlife overpasses, underpasses and fencing resulted in a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions during early monitoring.

It's an example of what thoughtfully designed infrastructure can accomplish. For drivers, the potential benefits are straightforward: fewer crashes, safer roads and less risk of injury and vehicle damage. Wildlife benefits, too, by gaining safer routes across highways that intersect their habitats.

A road-safety investment worth continuing

In 2021, Congress established the federal Wildlife Crossing Program to help states and communities build projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

State Farm supports federal funding of these initiatives, including enactment of the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 to help continue and expand the program.

Twenty Years of Animal Collision Information

State Farm has spent two decades using claims experience, data and the expertise of our people to help drivers understand animal collision risks. The next opportunity is using what we've learned to reduce it.

State Farm estimates there were more than 1.6 million insurance claims related to animal-vehicle collisions in the United States between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. And the consequences can be far more serious than vehicle damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 210 people died in animal-involved motor vehicle crashes in 2024.

One thing we've learned through our twenty years of research is that animal collisions aren't as random as they may seem. They happen more often in certain places and at certain times of year, especially during the fall when deer are more active.

Understanding those patterns can help drivers know when to be more alert. It can also help identify places where prevention could make a difference.

The bottom line

Every collision avoided can mean a driver who gets home safely, a family that avoids an unexpected repair bill and an animal that safely reaches the other side of the road.

Twenty years of research have helped State Farm better understand the risk. The opportunity for the next 20 is to use that knowledge to help prevent crashes before they happen.

Safer passages for wildlife can mean safer roads for all of us.

One thing we've learned is that animal collisions aren't as unpredictable as they may seem. They happen more often in certain places and at certain times of year, especially in the fall when deer are more active.

By combining insights from claims data with the experience of our people, we can help drivers know when and where to be more alert and help inform solutions that could prevent collisions in the first place.

It's about putting 20 years of experience and insight to work for what matters most: fewer crashes and safer trips home.
 

What the latest data shows

Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, State Farm estimates there were more than 1.6 million animal- vehicle collision claims across the United States. State Farm paid $1.9 billion in animal- vehicle collision claim costs during the study period.

There is some encouraging news: the national likelihood of an animal collision improved from 1 in 139 last year to 1 in 145 this year. But the number and cost of these collisions show they remain a significant roadway risk.

West Virginia continues to have the highest likelihood of an animal collision, with odds of 1 in 46, and has held the top spot for more than a decade. Montana ranks second at 1 in 54, followed by Wisconsin (1 in 62), Pennsylvania (1 in 64), and Michigan (1 in 68).

While West Virginia has the highest likelihood, Pennsylvania had the highest number of estimated industry claims, at approximately 141,000.
 

More than vehicle damage

Animal-vehicle collisions can have serious consequences for motorists, passengers, and wildlife. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 210 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving collisions with animals in 2024.

State Farm's research initially focused on deer collisions but has expanded over time to provide a broader picture of collisions involving wild and domestic animals. Deer remain by far the most frequently struck animal, but claims also involve rodents*, dogs, raccoons, cattle, coyotes, cats, turkeys, hogs, and bears.

If you have a collision

First, move your vehicle to a safe location when possible and turn on your hazard lights. Call police if the animal is blocking traffic or creating a hazard, and don't approach an injured or frightened animal.

When it's safe, document the scene and vehicle damage. Before driving away, check for leaking fluids, damaged tires, broken lights, or other hazards. Contact your insurance company to report the collision. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from collisions with animals, subject to the policy terms and deductible.
 

Putting 20 years of insight to work

After 20 years of tracking animal collisions, State Farm has learned that understanding when and where crashes happen can help drivers prepare—and help inform ways to prevent them.

Looking ahead, better infrastructure, wildlife crossings, vehicle technology, driver awareness and data-informed decisions can all play a role in reducing risk.

The goal for the next 20 years is clear: fewer collisions, fewer injuries, and safer roads for drivers and wildlife.

*Rodents are not only involved in collisions but included in claims data as an animal-related loss for damage they cause to vehicles, like chewing wires.

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.

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 over $80 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.

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.