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Advocacy: Allstate Applauds the U.S. Senate and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for Taking a Stand on Teen Driving

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:57:00 -0500

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In a statement released today, Allstate Insurance Company's senior vice president and deputy general counsel Bill Vainisi praised the Senate and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for passing the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which includes provisions of the Safe Teen and Novice Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (S.528).

"Allstate applauds Senator Gillibrand for recognizing the inherent value in graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws and taking action to save young lives through advocacy of the STANDUP Act. Today, the Senate came together on a critical piece of legislation to pass a surface transportation bill that contains key federal uniform GDL standards and empowers states to establish stronger teen driving laws.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young drivers, and we have a real opportunity to enact legislation that can help make our roads safer. This is a bipartisan issue that affects American families across the country. We are hopeful that the House of Representatives will also pass a surface transportation bill that includes GDL provisions from the STANDUP Act (H.R. 1515).

Every state has some form of safe teen driving laws, but most states have not fully enacted all elements of an optimal GDL program. We will continue to work with leaders like Senator Gillibrand to advance the strongest national minimum GDL standards possible and empower states to adopt and enforce these laws to help save lives."

The STANDUP Act creates federal minimum GDL standards for all young drivers to protect them on America's highways and roads. GDL programs allow new young drivers to gain experience under supervised and less risky conditions, addressing several major facets of the teen driving problem.

Through Allstate's Save 11 Campaign, more than 177,000 Americans have already added their voice to a growing chorus of citizens urging Congress to pass this bill and that number continues to grow. Visit facebook.com/save11 to learn how to contact your local lawmakers and support the STANDUP Act.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Contact:
Meghann Dowd
(847) 402-5600
@AllstateNews on Twitter

Advocacy: Statement on Teen Safe Driving Provisions in House Transportation and Infrastructure Bill

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:20:00 -0600

This release contains: 1 Related Document

We commend Chairman John Mica and members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for including critical safety provisions for young drivers in federal transportation legislation pending before Congress. The highway bill being considered in the House includes a critical commitment to graduated driving licensing (GDL) standards for young drivers, and makes important strides in incentivizing states to protect teens and educate them about safe driving practices.

As the process unfolds, it's important for Congress to recognize the need for a comprehensive set of approaches to youth driving safety as the most effective method to save young lives and save billions of dollars in costs related to traffic accidents involving teen drivers. While the legislation addresses and includes some very important GDL provisions, the legislation should ensure all of the following: 1) restricted licensure until age 18; 2) strengthened guidelines for nighttime driving; 3) passenger restrictions; and 4) a strong provision banning the use of cell phones and other mobile devices while driving for teens. Greater incentives for states to enact strong GDL provisions would also help to advance safer driving among our nation's young people.

We are encouraged that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of a teen safe driving provision in federal transportation legislation and we strongly support the process moving forward. We will continue to work with members to ensure the strongest bill with the most protection possible for our nation's young drivers.

For additional information or to make your voice heard on teen safe driving issues, please visit www.facebook.com/save11.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

Contact:
Brian Faith
(847) 402-0899

Advocacy: Allstate Kicks Off Sponsorship of THE HILL's "A Healthy America"

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:01:00 -0500

Company to host policy briefing with Congressional, transportation industry leaders on teen driving safety
This release contains: 1 Photo, 1 Related Document

Allstate today announced its inaugural sponsorship of THE HILL's "A Healthy America" series of events that will tackle issues critical to the health of our nation from nutrition and wellness to safety and personal finances. The first briefing event in Washington, D.C. today focuses on teen driving safety.

The speakers will examine the risks associated with motor vehicle crashes remaining the number one killer of American teenagers. More than 4,000 teens die each year on our nation's roads in crashes involving young drivers. Provisions of the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act were recently added to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Reauthorization bill in the United States Senate.

The STANDUP Act requires the establishment of minimum standards of graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. State and national evaluations of such programs have found crash reductions for 16- and 17-year-old drivers in the 20 percent to 40 percent range.

"Americans face a public health risk that is plaguing our roads and highways. Congress is taking major steps forward in the effort to pass minimum GDL standards and save lives," said Bill Vainisi, senior vice president and deputy general counsel for Allstate. "Sponsorships like ours in partnership with THE HILL's ‘A Healthy America' provide a forum to keep the conversation moving until minimum GDL standards are enacted."

Consumers can get involved by visiting facebook.com/save11 for information and resources on contacting their lawmakers, inviting family and friends to take action, and lending their voices to this vital movement.

Advocacy: Allstate's Safe Teen Driving Initiative Reaches Major Milestone

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Facebook/Save11 Fan Page Continues to Garner National Grassroots Support
This release contains: 1 Photo, 1 Related Document

Allstate's efforts to save the lives of teen drivers reached a new milestone with the registration of its 100,000th Facebook fan. Allstate's facebook.com/save11 fan page is designed to raise awareness that the number one killer of American teenagers is motor vehicle crashes, killing an average of eleven teens per day.

"We are thrilled that 100,000 people have joined our cause to make our roads safer for teen drivers," said Bill Vainisi, senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Allstate Insurance Company. "The viral movement generated by Allstate's Save 11 Campaign has produced a chorus of advocates across the country seeking to enact graduated driver licensing laws that will protect and prepare America's youngest drivers."

Designed to put a real, human face on the issue, facebook.com/save11 encourages consumers to get involved, contact their lawmakers, invite family and friends to take action, and lend their voices to the vital movement.

Allstate supports the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act that encourages states to implement minimum graduated drivers license (GDL) law standards. Research has shown that optimum GDL laws are proven to save 16 and 17-year-old drivers in the 20 percent to 40 percent range.

The company is deeply committed to reducing teen deaths and making roads safer for all Americans and believes the collective voice of citizens in every corner of the country can help Save 11 teens each day. Allstate has been supporting the grassroots actions of consumers with an integrated national advocacy campaign that includes online, print and social media components, among other means to reach lawmakers and the public.

Advocacy: Americans Say 'Yes' to New Requirements for Teen Drivers

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:15:00 -0500

Allstate poll shows support for national GDL law; doubt about teen driving skills
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A recent national survey from Allstate Insurance reveals that nearly six in 10 Americans favor a federal law that establishes minimum requirements for state graduated driver licensing (GDL). Survey results show that support for a national law corresponds with low opinions about teen driving skills, which received the lowest ranking among all ages surveyed.

Currently, the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act is pending in Congress as part of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011 (MVHSIA) or Mariah's Law, named after an Arkansas teen killed in a crash involving texting. STANDUP calls for uniform standards that restrict nighttime driving, limits the number of passengers in a teen's car, prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, and issues permits and licenses with specific age requirements and through a gradual, multi-phased process.

When asked about the specific provisions included in the STANDUP Act, Americans are solidly in favor of the policies. Key findings include:

Seventy-six percent back a minimum age of 16 to receive a learner's permit, and 69 percent favor requiring three stages of licensing.
Seven in 10 Americans favor restricting unsupervised nighttime driving for those under age 18, and 65 percent support restricting the number of non-family passengers for drivers under 18.
When asked about the prohibition of cell phones or texting while driving for younger drivers, 81 percent are in favor.
Support for STANDUP and its individual provisions crosses all age groups, geographic regions, and political affiliation.

The survey also shows that American drivers are highly critical of teenage drivers, giving them the lowest rating of all age groups. Eighty-one percent rate teenagers as "average" or "poor" drivers.

"Results from this survey show that Americans clearly understand that GDL laws can help save lives, and that a majority of them support a legislative solution that safely introduces teen drivers to the road," said Bill Vainisi, senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Allstate. "What's needed now is national leadership in the form of uniform standards for those GDL laws."

About the Survey

The survey of 1,000 American adults was conducted July 13, 14, 16 and 17 via landline and cell phone and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent. Of the 1,000 adults, the survey identified 848 drivers who hold a license and drive at least occasionally. The survey was conducted by Financial Dynamics (FD) for Allstate.

About Allstate

Advocacy: Allstate Applauds Important Legislative Step to Help Make Roads Safer for Teen Drivers

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:33:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company issued the following statement in support of graduated driver licensing provisions in the NHTSA reauthorization. Major provisions of the STANDUP Act (S.528) are in the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011 (MVHSIA) or Mariah's Law, named after an Arkansas teen killed in a crash involving texting.

"The Senate Commerce committee took an important step forward today in ending an epidemic that claims nearly 4,000 teen lives every year.

"Thanks to the advocacy and hard work of Senators Gillibrand, Klobuchar and others, this legislation includes key provisions of the STANDUP (Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection) Act that will ensure our teens have the proper training and experience they need to safely handle the responsibilities of driving. We know these provisions save lives, because we have seen the rate of teen driving fatalities dramatically drop in states that have adopted similar laws.

"Through the Allstate Save 11 campaign more than 95,000 Americans have added their voices to the growing number of citizens urging Congress to work together to save lives.

"Once passed, this bill will bring relief to parents all across the country, who will be able to rest easier knowing their sons and daughters are safer behind the wheel."

Advocacy: Allstate Applauds U.S. Department of Transportation Distracted Driving Enforcement Pilot Program

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company today issued the following statement in response to the release of the findings from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s distracted driving enforcement pilot program.

"Allstate applauds U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for continuing to lead the charge on curbing distracted driving. The results of efforts in Hartford, Conn. and Syracuse, N.Y. reinforce what we have said all along – that ending dangerous driving behavior is a multi-phase process.

"To truly make a difference, we need to enact, enforce and educate the public about texting bans that can save lives. This three-step approach is a reliable formula for helping to create safer roads.

"Allstate strongly believes that legislation must be combined with law enforcement and public education programs to create a real shift in changing safe driving norms. We support and encourage legislation banning texting behind the wheel, especially for teen drivers.

"Programs like Allstate's Save 11 campaign focus on enacting graduated driver's licensing laws to protect and prepare America's youngest drivers behind the wheel. Movements like Allstate's X the TXTSM help build awareness about the dangers of texting behind the wheel and curb distracted driving."

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Advocacy: Allstate Applauds Bipartisan Support of STANDUP Act in House

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:29:56 -0500

Company urges other lawmakers to co-sponsor effort to save teen lives
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company announced today its support for the introduction of the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Tim Bishop (D-NY), Lois Capps (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Tim Holden (D-PA), Mike Honda (D-CA), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Steve Israel (D-NY), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

"Allstate applauds the bipartisan effort by leaders in Congress to directly address safe teen driving through the introduction of the STANDUP Act," said Bill Vainisi, senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Allstate. "By enacting uniform graduated driver licensing (GDL) standards, the STANDUP Act will empower states to establish teen driving laws that arm teens with the education and experience they need to become safe drivers."

"STANDUP calls for uniform standards that restrict nighttime driving, limit the number of passengers in a teen's car, prohibit the use of cellphones while driving, and issue permits and licenses with specific age requirements and through a gradual, multi-phased process. These common-sense rules will prepare today's young people to become the safest generation of drivers and provide parents peace of mind to know their child has reliable behind-the-wheel experience. Ultimately, STANDUP can help reduce the tragic number of teens who die on the road, on average 11 each day."

"As long-standing supporters of safe driving, Allstate proudly stands by Representatives Bishop, Capps, Davis, Holden, Honda, Hultgren, Israel, Speier and Van Hollen in leading the charge on this issue in the 112^th Congress. We call on their colleagues to take a major step forward on an issue that gets to the very heart of something we Americans hold dear – the safety of our families. Together, we have the opportunity to turn this idea into action. In fact, through Allstate's Save 11 Campaign, more than 70,000 Americans have already added their voice to a growing chorus of citizens urging Congress to pass this bill."

Advocacy: Allstate Hails Renewed Push to Pass Stronger Teen Driving Laws

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:39:55 -0600

STANDUP Act would empower states, parents to save lives; teens strongly agree
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company issued the following statement in support of the introduction of the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act in the 112th Congress by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY).

"No subject bears as much life-threatening consequence to a mom or dad as putting their son or daughter behind the wheel of a car. An average of 11 American teens are killed each day as a result of preventable car crashes. More should be done to help parents prepare their children for a lifetime of safe driving.

"We can make parents' jobs a little easier by arming them with the resources of proven graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs. These tools give new drivers valuable experience under supervised conditions. Not every state's GDL program is as strong as it can be, which is why we believe resources and guidelines at the national level are critical. Now, a new survey by The Allstate Foundation found that the overwhelming majority of teens - 74 percent - also approve of a national GDL law.

"Allstate proudly stands by Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Bishop in once again leading the charge to pass the STANDUP Act. Building on the support we generated last year puts us in a strong position to turn this idea into action. In fact, through Allstate's Save 11 Campaign, more than 60,000 Americans have already added their voice to a growing chorus of citizens urging Congress to pass this bill.

"We owe it to the parents of the thousands of teens we've lost to keep the momentum going, pass the STANDUP Act, and save more lives."

# # #

Contact:

Kate Hollcraft
(847) 402-5600

Advocacy: Allstate's Safe Teen Driving Campaign Unveils a Cautionary Live Display in Washington, D.C.

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:12:56 -0500

Allstate Raises Awareness of Safe Teen Driving, Urges Congress to Pass Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act
This release contains: 3 Photos, 1 Related Document

Local teenagers, Montgomery County Police Captain Tom Didone and Members of Congress joined Allstate today to unveil its live display featuring nearly 5,000 key chains, which represent the alarming number of teens who die each year in teen-related car crashes.

"With schools letting out for the summer, this is an important time to remind both teenagers and parents that the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest timeframe of the year for teenagers behind the wheel," said Dean Pappas, Allstate assistant vice president for federal affairs. "We hope today's event reminds parents and teens to have safe driving discussions on topics, such as wearing seatbelts and not texting or talking on cell phones while driving."

The Allstate Foundation recently conducted a survey of young drivers with the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), which found that despite the recognition of danger, 83 percent of teenagers admit that they talk on a cell phone while driving, and 68 percent admit to texting while driving.

"Teen drivers need to know it doesn't matter what you did yesterday, it matters what you do today and tomorrow," said Captain Didone. "As my family learned, nobody is immune and one mistake can have tragic results."

Captain Didone is a second-generation police officer who has been with the Montgomery County, Md. Police Department since 1986. His 15-year-old son, Ryan, was killed when a car he was riding in veered off the road and struck a tree not far from Damascus High School. According to reports, Ryan was not wearing his seat belt. Captain Didone spends his time today educating teenagers about the importance of staying safe on the road.

The new display is designed to raise awareness of safe teen driving and The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (H.R. 1895). The act would create federal graduated driver licensing (GDL) standards that reflect sound research on how best to reduce teen driving crashes. The act is sponsored by Reps. Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Michael Castle (R-DE) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in the U.S. House of Representatives, and backed by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) in the U.S. Senate.

"We have to do everything possible to prepare teenagers to drive," said Pappas. "With an ounce of prevention and education today, we can save thousands of teenagers' lives tomorrow."

Results from the Allstate Foundation/NOYS survey also revealed that nearly 40 percent of teens have heard about graduated driver licensing (GDL), but only 23 percent say their parents know their state's GDL laws. Parents who do enforce GDL, however, have a big impact - fewer of their sons and daughters say they've been ticketed (15 percent vs. 23 percent) and fewer have come close to being in a collision (56 percent vs. 72 percent).

"Allstate supports the STANDUP Act because we are committed to reducing teen fatalities on our nation's roads," Pappas added. "Recent findings about dangerous teen driving only underscore the need for Congress and communities across the United States to address this public health risk."

For additional tools and resources on protecting teen drivers, including an interactive parent-teen driving contract, visit www.allstate.com/teen. For additional information on graduated driver licensing visit www.saferoads4teens.org.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

Contact:
Adam Shores
(847) 402-5600

Advocacy: Allstate Applauds Introduction of STANDUP Act

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:02:34 -0500

Bill seeks to reduce teen crashes through uniform graduated driver licensing
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Allstate Protection President George Ruebenson issued the following statement in support of the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act sponsored by Reps. Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Michael Castle (R-DE) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in the U.S. House of Representatives and backed by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) in the U.S. Senate.

"Americans face a public health risk that is plaguing our roads and highways - the staggering number of deaths and injuries as a result of teen-related auto crashes. This is an issue of epidemic proportions, claiming the lives of 5,000 teens each year. The time is long overdue to address this crisis through uniform driving standards that make our roads safer.

"Allstate supports the creation of federal graduated driver licensing (GDL) standards that reflect sound research on how best to reduce teen driving crashes. Today's patchwork system of varying state teen driving laws fails to fully include all of the proven elements of reliable behind-the-wheel training for young drivers. A comprehensive GDL approach will change that.

"We applaud the work of Congressmen Bishop, Castle and Van Hollen and Senator Dodd in championing this issue through their leadership on the STANDUP Act. We urge their colleagues to join them in helping to save thousands of lives every year."

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

# # #

Contact:

Adam Shores
(847) 402-5600

Advocacy: Allstate Hails Introduction of Federal Charter for Insurance Bill

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:39:57 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate issued the following statement today in support of the National Insurance Consumer Protection Act introduced in Congress by Representatives Melissa Bean (D-IL) and Ed Royce (R-CA).

"The American consumer is burdened with a patchwork of insurance regulatory systems that are cumbersome and ineffective in managing risks in an era of rapid change and innovation. American families need better protection from systemic risks and access to products and services that will help better manage their financial futures," said Allstate Chairman, President and CEO Thomas J. Wilson.

"Our regulatory infrastructure has simply not kept pace with the level of innovation in the financial markets and the growing risks embedded in financial products. A more comprehensive system of regulatory oversight will increase transparency and ensure the long-term stability of our capital markets. This means creating a sophisticated federal insurance regulator to oversee the financial stability and innovations of large insurance companies and pre-empting state-based regulation, just as has been done for the banking industry for 100 years.

"Allstate applauds Representatives Bean and Royce for their continued leadership in bringing the insurance regulatory framework of the United States into the 21st century. In response to the current financial crisis, they have improved upon the federal charter plan introduced in the 110th Congress by giving regulators the ability to better protect and serve consumers.

"We believe that legislation covering financial system reform can build on the recent admirable actions of the U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve, Congress and the FDIC to lower the threat of additional burdens on taxpayers. A strong, open and transparent regulatory framework will support the continued innovation and competitiveness of U.S. financial institutions while ensuring the safety and soundness of our financial system. Regulatory reform should reflect a collaborative approach among industry, the public sector and consumers. Together, we need to incorporate the lessons from this crisis and anticipate future challenges to improve the regulatory system and restore confidence to our economy," concluded Wilson.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

Contact:
Maria Gemskie
(847) 402-5600

Advocacy: Allstate Applauds House Passage of Landmark Homeowners' Defense Act

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:53:00 -0600

H.R. 3355 Prepares and Protects America from Major Natural Catastrophes
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company today lauded U.S. House passage of a bill designed to prepare and protect communities ahead of major natural catastrophes. The Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007 (H.R. 3355), approved Thursday by a wide margin, offers a comprehensive solution to communities hit by catastrophic events such as massive hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.

"We applaud this first step in creating a public and private partnership to properly address the devastation caused by large natural disasters. The current system was created before the recent warming of the oceans and is no longer adequate to deal with the increased frequency and devastation caused by hurricanes. This bill will help the 60% of Americans who live in danger of hurricanes or earthquakes destroying their homes, without requiring major support from low risk areas," said Tom Wilson, Allstate's chief executive officer, said. "We are proud to be a part of ProtectingAmerica.org, which has more than 300 members that have been actively advocating solutions to this problem."

The Homeowners' Defense Act establishes a national catastrophe program to increase access to insurance and protect consumers. The bill provides for federal loans and a financial backstop to state catastrophe funds that will help provide more protection at a lower cost to consumers. This encourages states to properly structure insurance regulations and pricing to accurately reflect risk. If losses exceed a fund's financial capacity, then the role of the federal government would be determined in advance of a loss.

"Passage of this landmark legislation provides additional momentum needed to bring this concept to reality," Wilson said. "Now that a companion bill has been introduced, we urge the Senate immediately to begin to take the additional steps needed to address this top national priority."

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,600 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

Contact:
Brad Keena
847/402-5600

Advocacy: Allstate Launches Advocacy Campaign Aimed at Waking Americans Up to Catastrophes

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 01:01:00 -0600

What if while Katrina was pounding New Orleans, California had been hit by an earthquake?

Actually, there were three that day.

The above is an example of one of the messages that Allstate is delivering to consumers in a new national advertising campaign launched today and set to appear in major newspapers across the U.S.

In the new campaign Allstate has taken a stand to raise awareness and spur a national dialogue about better preparing and protecting Americans from catastrophic events. The campaign offers ideas about how we can all help better manage our nation's response to these devastating events before they strike and offers some startling catastrophe facts for consumers to consider.

The campaign also represents a call to action for consumers to evaluate our country's disaster preparedness for themselves and get involved by becoming part of the solution through the http://www.ProtectingAmerica.Org coalition.

"Allstate is a vocal proponent of developing a new way for how America deals with catastrophes and this advertising campaign is intended to bring our message to consumers," says Thomas J. Wilson, president and chief operating officer, The Allstate Corporation. "The risks we all face from natural disasters are on the rise. In order to help ordinary Americans manage those risks and the financial consequences that result from catastrophes, a stronger public-private partnership at the local, state and federal levels must be forged."

"Insurance companies and individual Americans cannot solve this problem alone. State governments and our leaders in Washington must help develop a solution. The damage from catastrophes can be mitigated. But the country must act now - before another catastrophic hurricane or a major earthquake strikes."

The Allstate campaign will include full-page advertisements in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, the Chicago Tribune and Capitol Hill publications Roll Call and The Hill. The content of the advertisements offers some catastrophe facts for people to consider as well as what Allstate believes can be done to better prepare and protect our country from the impact catastrophes cause.

The ideas Allstate is offering on better preparing American for major catastrophes include:

Strengthen first responders. Build additional capacity into local police and fire departments so that the situation can be stabilized, human suffering minimized and further property damage prevented.
Better understand the growing risks. More people are moving into areas that are at higher risk for natural disasters. Many who live in these areas may not fully appreciate the risk or chose not to purchase broader protection. Either way, add the two together, and it's a disaster waiting to happen.
Rebuild smarter and stronger. In some parts of the country, building codes aren't strong enough to make buildings withstand the catastrophes that are likely to occur.
Create catastrophe funds. The public and private sectors must work together to create a financial backstop program at the state and federal level that can provide consumers more protection at lower cost. Funds would accumulate in advance of catastrophes so we are better prepared. Consumers and insurance companies cannot solve this crisis alone.

Allstate is the charter member of ProtectingAmerica.org, a coalition dedicated to developing a better system for handling catastrophes. Together, we are advocates for a stronger partnership between the U.S. and State Government and private insurers to better prepare and protect Americans from the impact of catastrophes.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 13,600 exclusive agencies and financial professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate^®. Encompass^SM and Deerbrook^® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
George Nolan, Media Relations, 847-402-5600