Ready to unlock potential savings on your State Farm auto insurance? The Drive Safe & Save program, combined with the State Farm Beacon, is your ticket to a discount that truly reflects how you drive. It's a fantastic way to encourage safer habits while putting money back in your pocket. Let's get you set up with your beacon and on the road to savings!
Understanding the State Farm Drive Safe & Save Program
Before we dive into the pairing process, let's quickly understand what the Drive Safe & Save program is all about. It's an optional program designed by State Farm to reward safe driving. By using the State Farm app and a small Bluetooth beacon, the program monitors various aspects of your driving behavior, such as:
Acceleration: How smoothly you accelerate.
Braking: How often and how hard you brake.
Cornering: If you take turns smoothly or too sharply.
Phone Distraction: Whether your phone screen is on while the vehicle is in motion (a crucial factor for safety!).
Mileage: The total distance you drive annually (in some states).
Speed: If you consistently exceed speed limits significantly.
The good news is that this program only offers discounts; it will not raise your rates for less-than-perfect driving. You even get an initial discount just for enrolling! The amount you save at renewal (typically every six months) will depend on your driving habits.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Pairing Your State Farm Beacon
Now, let's get down to business! Follow these steps carefully to pair your State Farm Beacon and start tracking your safe driving.
Step 1: Get Ready to Connect!
Alright, let's kick things off! The first and most important thing is to gather your essentials. Before you even think about tapping buttons, make sure you have:
Your State Farm Beacon: This is the small Bluetooth device State Farm sent you in the mail. It's usually about the size of a coin or a small key fob.
Your Smartphone: The one you'll be using for the Drive Safe & Save program. Ensure it's charged!
Your Vehicle: Naturally, you'll need to be in or near the vehicle you're enrolling.
Step 2: Download and Log In to the State Farm App
This is where the magic begins on your phone!
A. Find the App:
If you haven't already, download the official State Farm® app from your phone's app store. For Android users, that's the Google Play Store, and for iPhone users, it's the Apple App Store. You can usually text SAVE to 42407 to get a direct link to download the app.
B. Log In:
Once the app is downloaded, open it. You'll need to log in using your statefarm.com® user ID and password. If you don't have one, you'll need to register.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble logging in, ensure you're using the correct credentials. You can usually reset your password if needed.
Step 3: Navigate to the Drive Safe & Save Section
The State Farm app is comprehensive, so you'll need to find the specific area for Drive Safe & Save.
A. Locate the Tab/Section:
Once logged in, look for a tab or section typically labeled "Safe & Save" or "Drive Safe & Save." It's usually prominent on the main dashboard or accessible through a "More" or "Menu" option.
B. Initiate Setup:
Within the Drive Safe & Save section, you should see an option to "Complete Setup" for your vehicle. Tap on this to begin the pairing process.
Step 4: Power Up Your Beacon
This is the crucial physical interaction with the beacon itself.
A. Press and Hold:
Take your State Farm Beacon in hand. You'll notice a small button on it. Press and hold down this button.
What to Expect: Keep holding it down. It might take anywhere from 5 to 8 seconds for the beacon to respond. You should see a brief light flash on the beacon, indicating it's active and ready to pair.
B. App Will Search:
While you're holding the button, your State Farm app should be actively searching for nearby beacons.
Step 5: Select and Confirm Pairing in the App
Almost there! Now you'll connect the digital with the physical.
A. Identify Your Beacon ID:
After the beacon lights up, the app should display a list of available beacons with their unique Beacon IDs. Look at the side of your physical beacon; there will be a printed ID number.
Match it Up: Select the Beacon ID in the app that precisely matches the one printed on your beacon. This is important, especially if there are other beacons nearby.
B. Confirmation Message:
Once you've selected the correct beacon, the app will process the connection. You should receive a message in the app confirming that the beacon has been paired successfully!
Success! This means your beacon is now communicating with your State Farm app.
Step 6: Place Your Beacon in the Vehicle
Optimal placement ensures accurate tracking.
A. Use the Sticker:
Your beacon comes with an adhesive sticker. Peel off the backing.
B. Ideal Placement:
State Farm recommends adhering the beacon to your windshield, ideally behind the rearview mirror. This location generally provides the best signal and least obstruction.
Why this spot? It's out of the way of your direct line of sight but still allows for clear communication.
C. Secure It:
Press the beacon firmly against the windshield to ensure it's securely attached.
Step 7: Grant Necessary Permissions and Enter Odometer (If Required)
For the program to work effectively, your phone needs to allow the app certain permissions.
A. Enable Permissions:
The app will prompt you to enable various permissions. These typically include:
Bluetooth: Crucial for the app to communicate with the beacon.
Location Services (Always Allow): This is vital for accurate trip tracking and mapping. Selecting "Always Allow" (or "Allow all the time with Precise Location" on some Android devices) ensures the app can record trips in the background.
Activity Data (Android): Helps the app differentiate between driving and other activities like walking or cycling.
Background App Refresh (iPhone): Allows the app to record trips even when not actively open.
Disable Battery Optimization (Android) / Low Power Mode (iPhone): Prevents your phone from restricting background app activity, which can interfere with trip recording.
Italics: It is highly recommended to grant all requested permissions to ensure accurate and consistent trip recording.
B. Enter Odometer Reading (If Prompted):
In some states, you may be required to enter your car's exact odometer reading into the app. The app will clearly prompt you if this is necessary for your enrollment. Just follow the on-screen instructions.
Congratulations! You're All Set!
Your State Farm Beacon is now paired, and your Drive Safe & Save program is active! Now, every time you drive with your phone and beacon in the car, your trips will automatically record. Remember to keep your phone's Bluetooth and Location Services activated.
The safer you drive, the more you can save! Check the app regularly for feedback on your driving habits and to see your potential discount grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about pairing your State Farm Beacon and the Drive Safe & Save program, with quick answers:
How to know if my phone is eligible for Drive Safe & Save?
Generally, most modern smartphones are compatible. You can check by texting SAVE to 42407 to get a link to download the State Farm app. If you can download it and don't receive an incompatibility message, your phone is likely eligible.
How to reorder a lost or damaged State Farm Beacon?
You can typically reorder a new beacon by logging into your State Farm account on statefarm.com or through the State Farm app. Look for the Drive Safe & Save section or contact your State Farm agent for assistance.
How to ensure my trips are being recorded correctly?
Make sure your phone's Bluetooth and Location Services are always enabled for the State Farm app. Also, ensure background app refresh (iPhone) or disabled battery optimization (Android) is set for the app. Check the "Trips" section in the app to confirm your drives are logging.
How to view my current Drive Safe & Save discount?
You can see your current discount amount directly within the State Farm app or by logging into your My Accounts page on statefarm.com®. This information is typically updated at each auto policy renewal.
How to troubleshoot if the beacon won't pair?
First, ensure you're holding the beacon button long enough (5-8 seconds) for it to light up. Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on. Try closing and reopening the State Farm app. If problems persist, contact State Farm technical support at 888-559-1922.
How to install the beacon in my car for best results?
Adhere the beacon to your car's windshield, preferably behind the rearview mirror, using the provided adhesive sticker. This location generally provides optimal signal strength and avoids obstruction.
How to understand what driving behaviors are tracked?
The Drive Safe & Save program tracks acceleration, braking, cornering, phone distraction (phone screen on while moving), annual mileage (in some states), and instances of significant speeding (8+ mph over the limit).
How to stop participating in the Drive Safe & Save program?
While you won't incur a surcharge for participating, if you wish to discontinue, you can typically do so through the app or by contacting your State Farm agent.
How to prevent the app from draining my phone battery?
The app does use location and Bluetooth, which can impact battery life. Ensure battery optimization is disabled for the app (Android) or that Low Power Mode isn't excessively used (iPhone) to allow background tracking. Keep your phone charged, especially on longer trips.
How to get help if I have technical issues with the app or beacon?
For technical support with the Drive Safe & Save app or beacon, you can call State Farm's technical support line at 1-888-559-1922. You may also find assistance within the help topics section of the State Farm app.