The State Farm mobile workforce trained to handle catastrophe claims is activating their on-site response for Hurricane Debby. Helping the residents of the impacted areas is the first critical step on the road to recovery.

Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early Monday morning near Steinhatchee, Florida with sustained winds of 80 mph.

In addition to teams of catastrophe claim specialists on the ground to evaluate damage, our Debby response includes State Farm agents who live and work in the same neighborhoods as our customers. They are joined by thousands of employees in centralized care centers across the country virtually helping answer customers’ questions and file their claims. Our remote claim teams are able to conduct virtual inspections with impacted customers following the storm, helping them in their time of need.

As residents discover damage from the storm, they are encouraged to file their claim as soon as possible to begin recovery. State Farm customers can submit and manage their claim through various channels: submitting a claim through our mobile app, calling or emailing their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, through our website at statefarm.com/claims or text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim.

State Farm is making use of technology to reach customers in more ways and make the process of resolving claims faster and easier:

Digital pay options allow for claim settlements to be direct-deposited into customers' bank accounts, getting funds to customers more quickly, whether or not banks are open.

Customers are encouraged to use the State Farm Mobile App and online account access for many self-service options such as filing and tracking claims, uploading documents during the claims process, requesting emergency roadside service, setting up a rental car reservation and setting up digital pay.

When it is safe to do so, residents with property damage should have reasonable temporary repairs made to prevent further damage by removing debris and covering any openings created by the storm. Depending on coverage, these repairs may be reimbursed. Save receipts if purchasing items such as tarps or plywood for repairs.

Documenting and photographing everything is crucial. To assist with the insurance claim process, document items that are damaged by providing purchase receipts for them, photographing them and making a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods. Do not discard or repair anything prior to reporting the claim.

If deciding to use a contractor, get a receipt for labor and materials costs for your claim representative. Avoid having any repair work done until discussing it with your claim representative. Also preserve all building materials removed by any contractor until speaking with State Farm.

Be cautious before signing anything without fully reading it. Be diligent before signing anything with a vendor or contractor that solicits you directly and advises you to file a homeowner’s claim.