State Farm Insurance Contributes $1.5 Million to TxDOT Vehicle Registration Initiative

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 21, 2006 -- State Farm and the State Farm Agents of Texas are contributing $1.5 million through in-kind services to support "Put Texas in your corner," the Texas Department of Transportation's initiative to remind vehicle owners to register their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers on time. TxDOT presented State Farm with a plaque during the college football Mascot Day on November 19 at the State Capitol.

"We appreciate State Farm being there to help us reach out to our Texas neighbors about the importance of on-time registration," said Rebecca Davio, director of TxDOT's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.

"State Farm's impressive commitment, which includes printing support and sports promotions, represents big Texas thinking and serves as an example of how private companies and TxDOT can work together for the benefit of the motoring public," Davio added.

State Farm's donated services include 3,000 radio commercials for "Put Texas in your corner" during college football games. Football team mascots from The University of Texas in Austin; Texas State University of San Marcos; Baylor University of Waco; Texas Tech of Lubbock; Texas A&M University of College Station; and Texas Christian University of Fort Worth were on hand to support the partnership.

"State Farm is proud to partner with the Texas Department of Transportation, an agency that is committed to keeping Texas drivers and roadways safe," said Chris Schell, State Farm Vice President of the South Texas Region. "We support many great programs that capture the spirit of Texas, such as collegiate sports."

In 2005, before the campaign was launched statewide, an estimated 720,000 vehicles were not legally registered in the state mainly due to procrastination, forgetfulness, or because newcomers did not understand the 30-day registration process. This failure to register on time cost the state more than $80 million per year. Registration fees are critical for building and maintaining Texas highways, roads, and bridges, as well as supporting numerous county programs. Now, almost 20,000 more vehicles each month are registering on time compared to the same time last year.

The Vehicle Titles and Registration Division is dedicated to helping TxDOT achieve its goals to reduce congestion; eliminate unsafe conditions; expand economic opportunity; improve air quality; and increase the value of transportation assets.

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