State Farm plans to expand its claims workforce by about 10% during 2027, adding roughly 3,000 employees.
The Bloomington, Illinois-based mutual insurer announced the staffing plan on Sept. 25. State Farm currently employs about 30,000 claims professionals across the US. Recruitment has already started.
The insurer expects to hire roughly 5,500 claims employees through 2027. That figure includes hiring required to offset employee attrition. State Farm also expects customer demand and company growth to increase staffing needs.
State Farm handles nearly 11 mn claims each year. Based on its current claims workforce, the volume works out to more than one claim per employee each day on average.
The insurer said the planned expansion includes investment in employee training and career development, alongside external recruitment.
Chris Schell, executive vice president at State Farm, said customers facing accidents or storm losses need knowledgeable claims staff supported by modern technology. The additional hiring, he said, should help State Farm maintain service levels while giving employees more room for training, development and career progression.
State Farm linked the staffing increase to business growth and greater complexity across claims operations.
New vehicle technology has changed claims handling requirements. Repair techniques are changing too, requiring claims professionals to work with different procedures and technical information.
Severe weather losses are also increasing the operational demands placed on claims teams, according to the insurer. State Farm said these changes continue to reshape the skills required across claims functions.
The company plans to retain its Human + Digital claims model as customer requirements change. Under this approach, claims employees use digital tools and technology alongside professional judgment and experience. State Farm said human interaction will remain part of the claims process as it expands the technology available to its staff.
