State Auto Appoints Stephen Hunckler Chief Claims Officer

Stephen P. Hunckler has joined the State Auto Insurance Companies as chief claims officer. He succeeds John Melvin, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Hunckler was most recently executive vice president and chief claims officer at Balboa Insurance in Irvine, Calif., where he was responsible for overall claims execution and strategy supporting the company’s $3 billion book of business. His 33 years of professional experience includes all but six in property and casualty insurance claims, with senior management roles held at CNA, Travelers, AIG and Zurich American. Throughout his career, Hunckler has turned around underperforming regions, led acquisition integration efforts, and rebuilt claims organizations.

"We’re fortunate to have someone of Steve’s experience and success leading our claims organization, which fulfills the promise we make to our independent agents, insureds, and claimants every day,” said State Auto Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Blackburn. "Steve clearly understands our promise and looks forward to leading an already skilled and talented claims organization to even greater levels of success.”

State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a super regional property and casualty insurance holding company. The company is primarily engaged in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through independent insurance agencies in 33 states and is proud to be a Trusted Choice® company partner. State Auto Mutual is part of the State Auto Group. The State Auto Group is rated A+ (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company and consists of State Automobile Mutual, State Auto Property & Casualty, State Auto National, State Auto Ohio, State Auto Wisconsin, State Auto Florida, Milbank, Farmers Casualty, Meridian Security, Meridian Citizens Mutual, Beacon National, Beacon Lloyds, Patrons Mutual and Litchfield Mutual Fire.

State Auto Mutual also writes specialty insurance and workers’ compensation products through its Rockhill insurance subsidiaries. The Rockhill insurance subsidiaries, rated A- (Excellent) by the A.M. Best Company, write business on a non-admitted basis in 49 states and the District of Columbia, and are licensed on an admitted basis in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Additional information on State Auto Mutual can be found online at www.StateAuto.com.