After a successful farming career, George Mecherle acted on his belief that insurance business practices and rates didn’t suit the needs of Illinois farmers. Using his new ideas, he started State Farm® in 1922 as a mutual auto insurance company owned by its policyholders. By 1928, the decision was made to decentralize and the first branch office was established in California. Al Ward and James Flynn brought their State Farm agencies together in Los Altos in 2002.

State Farm Insurance has grown from a small farm mutual auto insurer to the nation’s largest auto, home and boat insurer. But despite State Farm’s growth, Mercherle’s original philosophy of insurance coverage at a fair price, coupled with fair claim settlement has remained.

COMPANY PHILOSOPHY
"State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. Al Ward and James Flynn make it their business to be ‘like a good neighbor’®—to provide great customer service, to keep promises, and to bring diverse talents and experiences into their agency. State Farm’s success is built on a foundation of shared values—quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength. State Farm’s future vision is to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services provided. Our customers’ needs will determine our path. Our values will guide us.”

EXCERPTED SURVEY RESPONSES
“I like their honesty, professionalism and sincerity. They have their clients’ best interests in mind, and if I’m over-insured, they’ll let me know.”—Jorge A.

“They’re accessible and they explain everything in detail. They’ve exceeded our expectations.” —Richard A.

“I’m very pleased with them and have been doing business with them for years. They’ve always been accessible and able to answer questions.” —David B.

See Survey Comments