Finding a local insurance agent usually feels like a chore. You want someone who knows the neighborhood, sure, but you also want someone who isn't going to vanish the second you sign the paperwork. Matt Roe State Farm has been a fixture in the Syracuse area since 2006, specifically operating out of the Eastwood neighborhood. Honestly, when you look at the landscape of insurance in Central New York, there are plenty of names on bus stops, but few have the specific background Matt Roe brings to the table.
He isn't just a guy in a suit. He's a Syracuse native and a former pro athlete.
Before he was helping people with deductibles, Matt was a standout basketball player for Syracuse University. After college, he spent seven years playing professionally in Europe. That competitive streak didn't just disappear; it transitioned into a career in finance. He spent time as a financial advisor at HSBC before opening his State Farm doors. That's a big deal because it means he understands the "why" behind your money, not just which policy is the cheapest this month.
Why People Choose the Matt Roe State Farm Office
The office at 2530 James St. isn't a massive corporate call center. It's a small, tight-knit group. When you call, you aren't getting routed to a different continent. You're likely talking to someone like Carrie or Nathan, who have become names that pop up constantly in local reviews.
People stay.
I've seen clients mention they’ve been with this specific agency for over a decade. In an era where everyone switches car insurance every six months to save a nickel, that kind of loyalty is rare. It usually happens because the agency acts as a buffer between the customer and the massive State Farm corporate machine. If your rates go up—and let’s be real, in 2026, insurance rates everywhere are a bit of a headache—you want an agent who can actually explain the math to you.
What They Actually Do
It's more than just car insurance, though that's the bread and butter. The Matt Roe State Farm team handles a surprising variety of needs:
- The Basics: Auto, Homeowners, and Renters insurance.
- The Fun Stuff: Coverage for boats, motorcycles, campers, and ATVs (pretty much essential if you live near the Finger Lakes).
- The Serious Stuff: Life and Health insurance, along with more complex financial services.
- Small Business: They specialize in helping local Syracuse business owners navigate liability and workers' comp.
The Personal Price Plan® Strategy
State Farm pushes the "Personal Price Plan" hard, but what does that actually mean for you? Basically, it’s about bundling. If you have your car with them, adding a renters or homeowners policy usually drops the price of both.
Matt’s team focuses on "Safe Driving Rewards" and other discounts that actually stick. They are also known for being a "pet-friendly" office. It sounds like a small detail, but if you’re a dog owner, it’s nice to know you can walk into the office on James St. without feeling like you're entering a sterile laboratory.
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Dealing with the "Corporate" Side of Insurance
Look, no insurance agency is perfect. Some people find that State Farm’s corporate rate increases can be frustrating. You might see a 10% jump because of "market conditions" in New York.
That’s where having a local agent like Matt Roe matters.
Instead of shouting into a void on a website, you can actually talk to a human who can look at your policy and see if you’re over-insured or if there's a new discount you missed. For example, some customers have mentioned that the office is great at checking if you're eligible for the "Ting" program, which helps prevent electrical fires in homes for free.
Actionable Tips for Working with This Agency
- Ask for Carrie or Nathan: Reviews consistently highlight them for being "on top of things," especially for people who are—as one reviewer put it—a bit "forgetful."
- Check Your Commercial Policy: If you're a local contractor or shop owner, ask about their specific business liability options. Matt’s background as a financial advisor gives him a better edge here than a standard agent.
- The "Old School" Approach: While everything is digital now, this office still does in-person appointments. If your situation is complicated (like a multi-car household with a teen driver and a boat), just go in.
- Quote Timing: Don't wait until your current policy expires. New York insurance moves fast, and getting a quote a few weeks early gives the team more room to find specific regional discounts.
The office is located just a couple of blocks east of the Palace Theatre. If you're in Liverpool, Dewitt, or Mattydale, it’s a quick drive. They’re open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and they do Saturdays by appointment if you're stuck in a 9-to-5 grind yourself.
Insurance isn't exactly thrilling. But having an agent who played pro ball and understands Syracuse's specific economy makes the process a lot less painful.
Next Steps for Your Insurance Search
- Gather your current "Declarations Page" from your existing insurer so you can compare "apples to apples" when you call the James St. office.
- Verify your mileage. Many Syracuse drivers pay too much because they have "commuter" status on their cars when they actually work from home or have a short drive to the city center.
- Review your life insurance coverage. If it's been more than three years since you looked at it, the "Personal Price Plan" might offer a better bundle rate than what you currently have.