State Farm Insurance Employee Reviews for Claims Representative

"Heartless. They will lay you off. It's just a matter of time. That seems to be the new model for keeping pay lower. Just get rid of experienced people and hire independent reps instead. Or move jobs around the country knowing people won't move. Same thing. Not a bad place to gain some experience. But if you aren't promoted in about 5 years. Start looking elsewhere. Lots of people leave and do better."

What do you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"State Farm conducts business with integrity and honesty, and values its employees during difficult economic times. Loyalty is rewarded, albeit slowly, and advancement and challenge can be found if sought with enough diligence."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Really consider whether the company is a good fit for your long-term goals. If security and stability are primary concerns then it may be a good fit, as State Farm is one of the most secure companies I have encountered. However, if you want to create something new, to affect change, to innovate, then another company would be a better fit."

What don't you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"Whereas I have a good amount of control in my current role, the majority of employees comprising the claims workforce are over-managed, under-supported, misunderstood, and laden with policies set to manage the lowest common denominator employee. Efficiency rules the day, autonomy is dissipated, and professionalism has declined with the loss of inherent dignity in our claim roles."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Becoming a more agile responsive company is an admirable goal, but would be better served by infusing all layers of leadership with fresh employees from diverse backgrounds in the company. Simply retaining the same group of leaders and issuing new edicts does not equal change. Remember, this is the set of leaders who protected the status quo and led the company into stagnancy. Promotion of innovators, subversive thinkers, and creators is needed to supplement the old guard's experience, but cannot replace it. The company needs both groups working together. Easier said."

What do you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"At one time, anyone who worked at State Farm was family. It was a big company with a small company feel - there was a lot of pride associated with being an employee. Opportunities were plentiful, both up the ladder and laterally. Flexibility was available, both in when and how you did your work. Execs and senior managers were held in high regard because they were knowledgeable and supportive."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"If you are a baby boomer or a Gen X, look elsewhere because you won't be hired. What little hiring the company is doing is focused on millennials (cheap) who can speak another language. Also, don't take a position in any call center like ACC unless you enjoy being monitored, being eavesdropped, or timed on your bathroom breaks."

What don't you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I left mostly for two reasons. First, the company culture (after the Great Re-Org) became completely ruined. There is no leadership of any kind left. Management is very adversarial with its employees - once considered associates, now just resources. It's very rigid and your compliance is expected at all times. Do not think outside the box and do not question. Imagine the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Second, moving up the ladder requires you to be unconditionally mobile. (The company will deny this, but it's completely true. You might get an interview, but you won't under any circumstances get the position.) Mobility is just another form of company control."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Loosen up. You're killing morale. Expect a sharp increase in attrition over the next five years. (One in four was actively seeking a new job when I left.) Unless you drastically change your approach, your position as insurance leader will fall to someone else."

"State Farm is a great company to work for."

What do you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I liked the opportunity for advancement, and the personal satisfaction."

What don't you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I disliked being perceived as the enemy."

"The company is okay, but I didn't enjoy the work."

What do you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I like the people."

What don't you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I dislike being on the phone all day."

What do you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"I like the great work environment, stability, and advancement opportunities."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Log on to their website and get familiar with the company and its many divisions they offer. State Farm is an excellent company for individuals who have recently graduated from college."

What don't you like about working at State Farm Insurance?

"This industry typically takes a few years before one can advance, unlike industrial sales."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"I have no suggestions, as State Farm is an excellent employer."