Technology making hurricane season preps easier

Believe it or not, taking important steps in prepping for bad weather can be accomplished without breaking into a sweat. In addition to batteries, flashlight and bottled water, residents in hurricane prone states are encouraged to use more technology this hurricane season. Smart phone users can now do everything from managing a home inventory, to filing a claim following a hurricane event. State Farm Pocket Agent® app can become a crucial tool on your hurricane season prep list. The Pocket Agent offers unique mobile insurance and banking features at your fingertips – which can be invaluable following a storm.

“With a push of a button, customers can access many unique features that will help them prepare for hurricane season or start the road to recovery,” says State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson. “Using technology such as the State Farm Pocket Agent® app makes it easier to have information at our fingertips after a storm.”

Some of the features are accessible only to registered statefarm.com® users, so customers are encouraged to register now before the start of hurricane season. Available for Android and iOS devices (iPhones and iPods), the State Farm Pocket Agent app is also available on the Kindle Fire platform.

The Pocket Agent® app includes many features that would come in handy following a storm including:

• Submitting an auto claim

• Filling out a claims checklist and checking back later for the status of your auto claim

• Take and submit pictures using your device camera to record auto damage

• Your auto and homeowners policy information is available at your fingertips

• Use the app to contact your State Farm agent or find one close-by; add your agent to your contacts or e-mail

• You can check your bank balance, view your State Farm Bank deposit and credit card transaction history, and even make a deposit to your State Farm Bank® account from anywhere

• In addition to registering for the Pocket Agent, residents are reminded that the beginning of hurricane season – which starts June 1st and runs through the end of November – is always a good time for homeowners to consult with their State Farm agent to review their insurance policies for adequate coverage for their home and property. Homeowners are encouraged to consult with their insurance agent to make sure they have a good understanding of what their policies cover (both home and auto), and the deductibles and exclusions their policies may include. It is always a good idea for homeowners to talk to their insurance agent about appropriate replacement cost coverage, flood insurance, and deductibles. It is important for homeowners to have the right amount of insurance coverage so they can recover and rebuild following a storm.