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State Farm Helping Customers Recover

Customers may call 1-800-SF-Claim to report claims

State Farm’s priority is making sure everyone is safe and taking care of customers’ needs as quickly as possible. State Farm’s state-of-the-art Catastrophe Team, the industry’s largest mobile workforce of experienced claim representatives is actively helping our customers recover.

Once it is safe to do so, customers should call their State Farm Agent to report claims. If you can’t reach your State Farm Agent, you can report your claim by calling our toll-free number 1-800-SFCLAIM (800-732-5246). This number is currently active for all areas affected by Sandy. You can also report your claim on StateFarm.com or report your automobile claim on your mobile phone using the Pocket Agent® app.

Help protect yourself, your money and your home by making sure you choose a reputable contractor.

Ways to Help Protect Yourself - These tips can help you hire a reputable contractor:

• Get multiple quotes from local established businesses.
• Take time to make your decision.
• Do your research. Look into professional affiliations and Better Business Bureau reports, and follow up on references from previous clients.
• Check for up-to-date licenses, and verify insurance protection.
• Insist on written estimates and a written contract that includes contact information, important dates and a breakdown of costs. According to Federal Trade Commission rulings, you may be able to cancel a contract of more than $25 within three business days of signing it at your home or in a seller’s temporary business location.

Some Warning Signs of a Scam - Be alert if contractors:

• Offer unsolicited services for such projects as driveway sealing, chimney rebuilds and roof repair – projects that are commonly “pitched” to homeowners.
• Quote a reduced price on the work because of “materials left over from a job down the street.”
• Offer a discount for using your home as a “demonstration.”
• Appear to be from out of town or working out of an unbranded pickup truck.
• Demand immediate payment in full.
• Accept cash only.
• Provide no written contract.
• Are not willing to produce references.
• Fail to provide proof of insurance and proper licensing.
• Suggest financing or recommend financing through someone they know.
• Ask you to secure any required permits.
• Promise insurance compensation for their repairs.

Contact

Amy Preddy, State Farm Public Affairs, (434) 872-5211.

About State Farm®

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.