State Farm® Expands Mobile Accident Detection & Response Technology

New app includes use location tracking and emergency services integration as severe weather and distracted driving incidents surge nationwide

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 1, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- State Farm is rolling out enhanced accident response technology across Illinois and Florida as mounting claims from distracted driving and severe weather incidents reshape the auto insurance landscape.

The company's revamped app now offers real-time accident detection, automatic emergency service requests, and streamlined claims filing—features that could significantly reduce response times during critical moments when every second matters.

The Growing Crisis Behind the Technology
The timing isn't coincidental. Road conditions have become increasingly dangerous as drivers face a perfect storm of hazards including rising rates of distracted driving. A recent study from State Farm reveals that 65% of drivers believe it's safe to look away from the road for two seconds or longer, while research proves that accident risk doubles at that rate. The combination of distracted driving behaviors and the risk from severe weather increases the likelihood of an accident. As the risk of emergency rises, the new app features aim to close the gap between "unpredictable road conditions" and traditional accident response systems, allowing State Farm to support drivers in more ways.

"Driving-related risks are constantly changing, presenting greater challenges for drivers," said Jeff Legner, Vice President of Property & Casualty Claims at State Farm. "We're committed to providing a mobile app with innovative solutions and robust support options to complement our agents and ensure we are there when our customers need us most."

How It Works
The enhanced Accident Assistance program automatically detects when an accident occurs and can:

• Initiate contact with emergency services for detected severe accidents if driver is unresponsive
• Pinpoint exact accident locations using GPS technology
• Begin claims processing once a service tow is requested; drivers can also file a claim in the app
• Connect drivers with available roadside services for non-emergency situations

Users consent to data and location sharing, in addition to the use of their smartphone's sensors to detect movement forces that indicate an accident. State Farm addresses privacy concerns through what it describes as encrypted data handling and user-controlled phone permission settings.

Expanding Beyond Two States
While launching in Illinois and Florida first, State Farm plans broader rollouts pending pilot evaluation.

Accident Assistance, previously limited to customers enrolled in Drive Safe & Save® via the State Farm app, will soon be available to all State Farm auto policyholders regardless of enrollment in the Drive Safe & Save program. While the core functionalities remain consistent, the expansion ensures that all trips are monitored for accident detection, rather than only those where the driver's phone and beacon are successfully paired under Drive Safe & Save.

Industry Implications
The move signals a broader shift in how insurance companies are adapting to modern driving risks. State Farm, with over 85 million policies and more than 67,000 employees nationwide, ranks No. 39 on the Fortune 500 list. This technology deployment represents one of the largest of its kind in the insurance industry.

The success of enhanced mobile accident detection and response could influence industry-wide adoption of similar technologies.

Privacy and Data Responsibility
The new capabilities require extensive data sharing, including:

• Continuous location monitoring while driving
• Accelerometer data to detect sudden stops or impacts
• Integration with smartphone sensors

Data collection and monitoring activates once the service recognizes movement consistent with driving behavior. Furthermore, eligible customers can voluntarily enroll and unenroll at any time in the State Farm app.

About State Farm

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services 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. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

SOURCE State Farm