Overview of the July 2018 updates
In July 2018 State Farm revised several elements of its personal auto insurance contracts. The most visible changes involved the way certain coverages are defined, the introduction of new optional endorsements, and adjustments to discount eligibility criteria. Existing policyholders received notices outlining the modifications, and new customers received the updated wording in their declarations page.
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Coverage definition tweaks
The insurer clarified the language for bodily injury liability and property damage liability to align with state statutes that were updated around the same time. This does not alter the statutory minimum limits but makes it easier for drivers to understand what is included in each limit tier.
New optional endorsements
State Farm added two optional endorsements that policyholders can purchase:
- Ride‑Share Coverage – provides supplemental liability when driving for platforms such as Uber or Lyft.
- Accident Forgiveness Plus – extends the standard accident‑forgiveness benefit to cover a second accident within a three‑year window, subject to underwriting approval.
Both endorsements require an additional premium, and the policy document now includes a separate section describing the terms, exclusions, and claim‑handling process for each.
Discount eligibility revisions
State Farm refined the criteria for several discounts that were previously applied automatically. For example, the "Safe Driver" discount now requires a clean driving record for the past three years rather than two, and the "Multi‑Policy" discount is only granted when the auto and home policies share the same address and renewal date. Customers should verify that they still qualify under the new rules.
What you should check in your policy
When you receive the updated declarations page, confirm the following:
- The listed coverage limits match what you selected during renewal.
- Any optional endorsements you want are clearly itemized with their premium cost.
- Discounts applied are still valid under the revised eligibility standards.
- The effective date shows July 1, 2018, or the date indicated in your renewal notice.
If anything looks unexpected, contact your State Farm agent promptly; agents can explain the changes, adjust coverages, or provide a revised quote.
Where to find official details
State Farm posted a summary of the July 2018 policy changes on its website under the "Policy Updates" section of the Auto Insurance page. The same information is included in the renewal packet mailed to policyholders and in the electronic policy portal accessible through the State Farm mobile app. For state‑specific nuances, consult the "State Regulations" link on the portal, which links to the relevant department of insurance filings.