The Pocket Agent mobile app provides consumers with an additional access point to connect with State Farm. With the new redesign, tablet users can now experience interactive and educational content from State Farm on a larger screen.

“State Farm is constantly focused on meeting the ever-changing needs of both our current and prospective customers,” said Eli Winn, manager of State Farm Enterprise Internet Solutions.

“In order to maintain our position of mobile leadership within the industry, we determined an update of Pocket Agent, in combination with enhancements to our mobile Web site, offered the opportunity to redefine our mobile presence and create a consistent user experience across multiple access points, while at the same time taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the devices where we can enhance the experience for users,” she said.

State Farm Insurance claims to have 17,800 agents that serve 81 million policies in the United States and in Canada.

Mobile insurance
Through the app, consumers can use the mobile deposit functionality for their savings, checking, interest checking and Money Market accounts.

The service was originally compatible with iPhone devices and is now optimized for the iPad as well.

Registered State Farm customers can use the Pocket Agent app to view policy, mutual funds and financial information on the go, as well as file or check the status of a claim.

According to State Farm, the new mobile initiative is part of the company’s ongoing goal to continue to focus on enhancing the customer experience across all platforms.

“Our redesigned Pocket Agent application, available for Android and iOS smartphone users, is now optimized for use on Android tablet devices, as well as the iPad,” Ms. Winn said. “The updated app offers users simplified navigation and allows them to perform tasks related to their insurance or financial products more quickly and efficiently.

“In addition the update offers current and prospective customers easier access to more information about our products and services,” she said. “Customers who currently have the Pocket Agent application downloaded on their smartphone will receive notifications from their respective app stores.

“State Farm is also actively engaged in social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and we continue to leverage those platforms to get the message to our followers. In addition, we recently launched a new commercial nationwide that focuses on raising awareness of our mobile offerings.  We also leverage our other access points, such as our agents and call center, to share information about these offerings.”

Moving on up
State Farm has been ramping up its mobile efforts over the past couple of years.

Last year, the company let consumers enter for a chance to party on the Intrepid aircraft carrier museum via a sweepstakes campaign that marries mobile and social.

The company ran targeted ads within Pandora’s iPhone app. Via the campaign, consumers were able to tweet State Farm to enter for a chance to win (see story).

Earlier this year, State Farm provided users with individual feedback about their driving habits and offered tips on how they can drive more safely via an Android application (see story).

Most recently, State Farm let consumers get a fast estimate and start saving through a mobile advertising campaign.

The company ran the mobile banner ads within Pandora’s iPhone application. The company aimed to build a relationship with existing and new consumers via the initiative (see story).

“Our focus is, and always has been, on serving our customers,” Ms. Winn said. “By enhancing our mobile offerings, we are able to meet our customers’ needs wherever, whenever they choose to interact with State Farm.”

Final Take
Rimma Kats is associate editor on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York