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Allstate Insurance Company Files $14 Million Insurance Fraud Case

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:19:00 -0500

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Allstate Insurance Company is seeking to recover $14 million against 111 New York area defendants in its 4th insurance fraud lawsuit of 2012. The complaint, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO") and principles of common law, alleges that the defendants engaged in schemes in which fraudulent and misleading bills were submitted to Allstate for durable medical equipment, medical supplies and orthotic devices.

The complaint specifically cites 49 durable medical retail equipment companies and 41 individuals who allegedly owned one or more of these retail companies and 16 durable medical wholesale companies and 5 individuals who allegedly owned one or more of the wholesale companies. Since 2003, Allstate has filed 40 fraud lawsuits in New York State seeking more than $217 million in damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the state of New York is in an insurance fraud crisis and no-fault fraud is costing New Yorkers millions of dollars year-after-year in higher premiums. "In essence, honest, hardworking New Yorkers are paying a "fraud tax," said Krista Conte, spokesperson for Allstate. "We need lawmakers to enact meaningful insurance reform that puts the citizens of New York first."

Among the allegations in the complaint are that the retailers (through their respective individual owners and in conspiracy with the wholesalers and their respective owners) submitted or facilitated the submission of fraudulent and misleading bills and supporting documents to Allstate for reimbursement under New York State's No-fault Law.

Allstate is joined by other insurers and many New York State leaders in its pursuit for comprehensive reform of the no-fault system. "The no-fault system is being exploited and responsible citizens are the victims," Conte said. "Without the support of lawmakers, incidents of fraud will continue to increase. We need to work together to fix the broken no-fault system."

The lawsuit was filed following an investigation by Allstate's Special Investigative Unit and seeks to recover personal injury protection benefits Allstate paid on behalf of its customers during timeframes specified in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is the latest in a string of actions taken by the insurer to protect consumers from these and similar activities.

For more information on the dangers of insurance fraud, and how you can help fight it, please visit Fraud Costs NY.

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®.

Allstate Ramps Up Agent Recruiting in Northeastern U.S.

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 -0500

Trusted Brand Offers $5000 Referral Award for Appointed Candidates
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In a strong demonstration of its commitment to increasing its presence in the Northeastern U.S., Allstate Insurance Company has announced that it is looking to appoint 140 new agency owners in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The company is also offering a referral award to be paid upon appointment.

“We see a significant opportunity in the current economy to attract entrepreneurs and mid-career, mid-level managers who are looking to own and operate their own business* and represent Allstate,” said Jeanette Beard, Allstate Insurance Recruiting Leader. “We currently work with our existing Allstate agents, business brokers and recruiters to find professionals with financial or sales backgrounds, or other qualified candidates from a number of diverse fields.”

Candidates are required to meet a liquid capital minimum, all of which can be directly invested in their business to kick-start a successful agency. Even with the hints of an economic recovery under way, many are unsure if now is the right time to invest money needed to open a small business. The advantage of investing in Allstate is agency owners are able to leverage one of America's most recognized brands without ever having to pay a franchise or licensing fee.

“Allstate is unique among all other insurers because its agents own the economic interest in the business that they write from day one,” said Beard. “Allstate agents can sell the economic interest in their agency. No other branded insurer has this option. If you enjoy working with people to help protect the things they value most and prepare them for the future you'll enjoy running an Allstate agency.”

To bolster its candidate pool, Allstate is offering a $5000 referral award to anyone who refers a candidate who is determined as qualified by our team of recruiters and appointed as an Allstate agent in 2012.

“Allstate is now offering consumers the opportunity to cash in by helping to identify candidates who are dedicated to customer service” said Beard. “You may know someone who is looking for the opportunity to be their own boss, or is looking to start their second career. These could be ideal candidates for Allstate agency ownership – and could earn you $5000.”

Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont represent key consumer touch points in Allstate’s broader strategy to aggressively expand the provider’s auto insurance presence. From 2009 to 2011, the company deployed 220 agents in these states.

Interested candidates can apply to become an Allstate agency owner in any of these states by visiting www.allstateagent.com or by connecting with Allstate recruiters Phillip Scargill at 800-733-7010 Ext. 3324 or James West at 800-733-7010 Ext. 3527.

In addition, Allstate’s new and existing insurance agencies in these six states plan to hire a minimum of 150 licensed sales professionals**. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Terry Tomon at 800-733-7010 Ext. 3540.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®,” Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, 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.

*subject to the terms and conditions of the Allstate Agency agreement.
**agency owners are independent contractors, not employees of Allstate Insurance Company

Contact:
Chris Conner
610.251.3094
chris.conner@allstate.com

Allstate Ramps Up Agent Recruiting in Northeastern U.S.

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:52:00 -0500

Trusted Brand Offers $5000 Referral Award for Appointed Candidates
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*subject to the terms and conditions of the Allstate Agency agreement.
**agency owners are independent contractors, not employees of Allstate Insurance Company

Contact:
Chris Conner
610.251.3094
chris.conner@allstate.com

Allstate Benefits to Offer Guardian Group PPO Dental Product

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 -0500

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Allstate Benefits, a leading provider of employee benefits, and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), one of America's largest mutual life insurers, today announced an agreement to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective group PPO dental product. Allstate Benefits expects to begin offering DentalGuard®, Guardian's group PPO dental plan, to employers starting in July 2012.

This agreement expands Allstate Benefits' capabilities by providing planholders with access to Guardian's leading dental network of more than 79,000 dentists at over 181,000 locations.

"Allstate Benefits is pleased to team up with Guardian to deliver a new option to planholders that complements our already wide-ranging product portfolio," said Jim Baum, senior vice president, group operations at Allstate Benefits. "Guardian is a name that customers know they can trust, which is important to us."

The agreement covers several plan options, including value plans, which can save employers an average of 15 percent to 20 percent compared to a typical PPO dental plan, and network access plans, for employers that require provider choice. An orthodontia benefit is optional on all plans. The DentalGuard® plan also will provide Guardian's Preventive Advantage, which does not deduct the dollars spent on preventive care services from the annual maximum benefit, providing more insurance against unpredictable, higher-cost dental needs.

"This arrangement gives Allstate Benefits customers access to Guardian's leading dental benefits, efficient claims payment process, and extensive network of dentists, ensuring not only quality of care but the means to get it," said Chris Swanker, Guardian Vice President of Worksite and Specialty Markets.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

Allstate Benefits, a leading voluntary benefits insurer, was founded in 1956 as American Heritage Life Insurance Company (American Heritage Life®) in Jacksonville, Fla. It was acquired by Allstate in 1999. Allstate Benefits offers a portfolio of products that include universal life, term life, disability income, cancer, accident, heart and stroke, critical illness, hospital indemnity, vision and dental insurance. For more information, visit www.allstateatwork.com.

About Guardian

A mutual insurer founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries are committed to protecting individuals, business owners and their employees with life insurance, disability income insurance, dental insurance products, and offer funding vehicles for 401(k) plans, annuities and other financial products. Guardian operates one of the largest dental networks in the United States, and protects more than six million employees and their families at 115,000 companies. The company has approximately 5,000 employees in the United States and a network of over 3,000 financial representatives in more than 80 agencies nationwide. For more information, visit www.guardianlife.com.

Contact:

Maryellen Thielen
(847) 402-5600

Allstate, UNITE Team Up To Bring Arrive Alive Tour 2012 to Northern High School

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:53:00 -0500

Students to Have Opportunity to Use Distracting Driving Simulator on May 15, 2012
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Allstate Insurance Company is sponsoring a distracted driving education program for students at Northern High School, in Greensboro, N.C., on May 15, 2012, as part of the “Teens in the Driver’s Seat” program.

The Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE will visit Northern High School, located at 7101 Spencer Dixon Road in Greensboro, N.C.,, 27455, from 8:50 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on May 15, 2012. UNITE’s Arrive Alive program uses a high- tech simulator, impact video, and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential consequences of distracted or drunken driving.

One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone, according to CTIA – The Wireless Association. Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, they text more than any other age group and the numbers of young drivers who text is only increasing.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and distracted driving. Their follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

About the Allstate Corporation
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.

MEDIA CONTACT
John Heid
678.589.6102
john.heid@allstate.com

Allstate, UNITE Team Up To Bring Arrive Alive Tour 2012 to J.L. Mann High School

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:31:00 -0500

Students to Have Opportunity to Use Distracting Driving Simulator on May 14, 2012
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Allstate Insurance Company is sponsoring a distracted driving education program for students at J.L. Mann High School, in Greenville, S.C., on May 14, 2012, as part of the “Teens in the Driver’s Seat” program.

The Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE visit J.L. Mann High School, located at 160 Fairforest Way, Greenville, S.C., 29607, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on May 14, 2012. UNITE’s Arrive Alive program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video, and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential consequences of distracted or drunken driving.

school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and distracted driving. Their follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

MEDIA CONTACT
John Heid
678.589.6102
john.heid@allstate.com

U.S. Olympic Committee and Allstate Unveil U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2012

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Olympic, Paralympic, Team and Special Inductees to be honored on July 12 in Chicago
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Fans of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport have let their voices be heard. The United States Olympic Committee and Allstate Insurance Company today announced the members of the Class of 2012 who will be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate during a press conference at the Team USA Media Summit in Dallas. The Class of 2012, partially determined by fan voting, is comprised of six Olympians, one Paralympian, one team, as well as three additional individuals: a coach, veteran and a special contributor.

The list of inductees includes Gail Devers (track & field), Jean Driscoll (Paralympic track & field), Gary Hall, Jr. (swimming), Lisa Fernandez (softball), Kristine Lilly (soccer), Dan O'Brien (track & field), Jenny Thompson (swimming), the 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team, Ed Temple (coach – track & field), James Connolly (veteran – track & field) and Ted Stevens (special contributor).

"Over the years, these men and women captured our hearts and inspired us as Americans to strive for greatness, paving the way for today's Olympians and Paralympians who will soon compete in this summer's London Games," said Lisa Cochrane, senior vice president of marketing for Allstate. "Allstate is proud to support such a prestigious, lifetime achievement and extends its gratitude to the fans for their role in determining the very deserving U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012."

The Class of 2012 was determined by a voting process that includes Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic Family and a public voting element. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate is one of the only national sports halls of fame that includes fan voting as part of its selection process. This year more than 100,000 votes were cast at TeamUSA.org.

"The Class of 2012 inductees have provided fans of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams with countless inspiring moments, and it's an honor to welcome them to the U.S Olympic Hall of Fame, where both their achievements and impact will be celebrated," said Scott Blackmun, USOC chief executive officer. "Together with Allstate and fans of Team USA, we congratulate them on their accomplishments and thank them for their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements."

The Class of 2012 is the 15th class to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate and will bring the total membership to 96 Olympians, five Paralympians, 10 teams, four coaches, 10 veterans, 16 contributors and two Olive Branch award inductees.

"I am completely overwhelmed by this honor," said Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic gold medalist. "I never thought that playing the game of softball that I love so much would allow me to reach this level of accomplishment. This is bigger than anything I have dreamed of. What we have been able to achieve as a sport is incredible, and there is no greater honor than being inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame."

In addition to the introduction of the aforementioned athletes, coaches and contributors, the Olive Branch Achievement Award – created to honor an individual who best represents the international ideals of the Olympic Movement by working to build a peaceful and better world through sport – will be introduced and presented at the induction ceremony.

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be formally introduced and honored on July 12 during an awards ceremony at the Harris Theater in Chicago. The ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Roberts and Alex Flanagan, will air in a nationally-televised broadcast on NBC Sports Network on August 24 at 7 p.m. ET. Additional event details, including media access and registration information, will be available soon.

###

About the USOC
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.

About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, 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.

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame – Class of 2012 and Special Inductees

Gail Devers – Track & Field
Gail Devers is a five-time Olympian, three-time gold medalist and one of only two women to win back-to-back titles in the 100 meters at the Olympic Games. Devers, a three-time world champion and four-time world indoor champion, still holds the current American records in three events.

One of the great 100-meter sprinters and hurdlers in track and field history, Devers was a two-time gold medalist at the 1987 Pan American Games before making her first Olympic team in 1988, the same year she set an American record as a national champion. Devers did not compete from 1988-1990 as she faced a career-threatening battle with Graves disease.

When Devers reentered Olympic competition, she upset the field by winning the 100 meters at the 1992 Barcelona Games. In 1993 and 1995, Devers earned her first two world championships before becoming the second woman to defend her Olympic gold-medal title at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Kristine Lily - Soccer
Kristine Lilly is a three-time Olympian who solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time. With one silver and two gold medals, including the first ever offered for women's soccer in 1996, Lilly started every Olympic match of her career and played all but 22 minutes in Olympic competition.

Lily assisted the first goal in the 1996 gold-medal victory over China and scored four goals during her Olympic Games experience, including a hat trick at the 2004 Athens Games against Greece. She captained the U.S. Women's National Team from 2005-07 and was at the center of every key U.S. win in the first three Olympic Games featuring women's soccer.

Second only to Mia Hamm, Lilly tallied 130 career goals and was named the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 1993, 2005 and 2006.

Gary Hall Jr. – Swimming
Champion swimmer Gary Hall, Jr. followed in the footsteps of his famous father, competing in three Olympic Games and earning 10 Olympic medals, including five gold medals.

Hall Jr. was a two-time Olympic gold and silver medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Games before he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in 1999. He set an American record in the 50 meter freestyle at 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials before winning back-to-back gold medals in Sydney and Athens. Hall was also a three-time member of the gold-medal winning men's 400-meter freestyle relay team.

Out of the pool, Hall has been an advocate for diabetes research and serves as the spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.

Lisa Fernandez – Softball
Lisa Fernandez is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time All-American and is considered one of the most versatile softball players of all time. During her three Olympic Games, USA Softball went 23-4 and Fernandez went 7-2 as a pitcher. She maintained a .333 batting average and currently holds four Olympic records.

At the 1996 Atlanta Games, Fernandez pitched a near-perfect performance against Australia before earning the save and a U.S. victory over China in the gold-medal game. Fernandez went 2-1 at the Sydney Games in 2000, earning her second gold medal and etching her name in the Olympic record books with the most strikeouts in an Olympic softball game (25) and the fewest runs allowed (two runs in 29.2 innings).

At age 33, Fernandez exploded at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. She rewrote the Olympic record books both from the plate and from the circle, setting the current Olympic record for best batting average at .545. She set a new mark for most Olympic doubles, contributed eight RBI's, tallied a 4-0 record as a pitcher and sealed the U.S. gold medal with a 5-1 win over Australia.

Fernandez's dominance in the 2004 Olympic Games earned her the distinction of USA Softball's Player of the Year and the 2004 ESPY for Best Female Olympic Performance.

Dan O'Brien – Track & Field, Decathlon
Dan O'Brien is a celebrated decathlete and he proved to be one of the most dominating athletes of his era. Not only did O'Brien win Olympic gold in the 1996 decathlon, but he remains the current record holder in that event.

O'Brien claimed five U.S. national 10-event titles and his 1996 Olympic gold medal was his 11th consecutive decathlon win - a streak that started in September of 1992. After O'Brien missed qualifying for the 1992 Olympic Games, he broke his previous world and existing American record with 8,891 points during a meet in Talence, France.

O'Brien is a three-time world decathlon champion (1991, 1993 and 1995) and earned six of Track & Field News' year-end world number one rankings. O'Brien also finished in the top 10 of T&FN's World Athlete of the Year rankings four times during his career.

Jenny Thompson – Swimming
During a record-setting Olympic career, Jennifer (Jenny) Thompson amassed an incredible 12 medals – including eight gold medals – a mark that still stands as the most for a female Olympic swimmer in history.

Thompson made her first appearance on the international scene at age 14, winning the 50-meter freestyle and placing third in the 100-meter freestyle at the 1987 Pan American Games. She won her first world championship in 1991 as part of Team USA's winning 4x100-meter freestyle relay team, and broke the world record in the 50 and 100 meters in the 1992 Olympic Games. Thompson won two gold medals as part of the 4x100-meter freestyle and 4x100-meter medley teams.

Between 1997 and 1999, Thompson won eight more world championship titles, including three in a row in the 100-meter freestyle. In the 2000 Olympic Games, Thompson and her 4x100-meter freestyle and medley teams set new world records. That same year, she also broke the world record in the 100-meter butterfly for the fourth time.

At age 31, Thompson was the oldest member of the 2004 U.S. Swimming Team, when she competed in her fourth Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. She anchored the 400-meter freestyle relay team that set a national record of 3:36.39 and earned a silver medal.

In 2006, she received a medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Jean Driscoll – Paralympic Track & Field
Jean Driscoll is a three-time Paralympian who was born with spina bifida (or, an open spine), a condition that not only affected her ability to walk but also caused some neurological complications.

Driscoll began using a wheelchair at age 15 and started pursuing athletic opportunities soon after. By the end of her career, she won two Olympic medals, 12 Paralympic medals and holds the world record in the 10,000-meter (6.2 mile) track event.

Jean retired from her successful racing career following the 2000 Paralympic Games and was inducted into the USA Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team
The 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team, coined the "Real Dream Team" on the cover of Sports Illustrated, will go down in history as one of the most dominant teams in Olympic history. With a perfect 9-0 record and a string of eight consecutive shutouts, this team lived up to the hype. In 2004, the team outscored its opponents 51-1 in nine games in Athens and did not allow a run until the sixth inning of the gold medal game against Australia.

Team Roster:
Leah Amico
Laura Berg
Crystl Bustos
Lisa Fernandez
Jennie Finch
Tairia Flowers
Amanda Freed
Lori Harrigan
Lovieanne Jung
Kelly Kretschman
Jessica Mendoza
Stacey Nuveman
Cat Osterman
Jenny Topping
Natasha Watley
Head coach: Mike Candrea
Assistant coach: Ken Eriksen
Assistant coach: John Rittman

Ed Temple – Coach, Track & Field
During the 1950s and 60s, Ed Temple became one of the greatest coaches in Olympic history and helped establish the U.S. as a women's sprinting powerhouse. He served as head coach of two U.S. Olympic teams (1960 and 1964), during which time his athletes brought home 23 Olympic medals (13 gold, six silver and four bronze).

Temple's 44-year coaching tenure at Tennessee State University saw him coach and mentor some of the greatest athletes in Olympic history, including Wyomia Tyus, Wilma Rudolph and Willie White. Rudolph was the first American woman of any race to win three track & field gold medals at a single Olympic Games, while Tyus was the first woman to successfully defend an Olympic 100-meter gold medal.

For Temple's athletes, a gold medal was only the start. The impact Temple had on his young female athletes stretched far beyond the track. Among the 40 Olympians he coached (35 of whom represented the U.S.), 28 of them have master's degrees and 14 of them have either an M.D. or Ph.D.

In addition to his 24 national titles, Temple has numerous other accolades, and is a member of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Helms Hall of Fame, Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, Harrisburg Central Area Chapter Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame, Black Athletes Hall of Fame and Communiplex National Sports Hall of Fame.

James Connolly – Veteran, Track & Field
The first modern Olympic champion, James Connolly is a four-time Olympic medalist who participated in both the 1896 and 1900 Olympic Games. In 1896, Connolly outsoared his nearest opponent by more than one meter in the triple jump, earning gold in the event. He also took home a silver medal in the high jump and bronze medal in the long jump. Four years later, he jumped to a silver-medal finish in the triple jump.

Before making an appearance at the inaugural modern Olympic Games in Athens, Connolly was a student at Harvard University. While most colleges and universities today would be thrilled to have one of their athletes competing in the Olympic Games, Connolly wasn't so fortunate and he was told he couldn't return to school if he left to compete in Athens.

Although he clinched three Olympic medals in 1896, Connolly didn't return to Harvard until 50 years later, not as a graduate, but as a successful writer invited to speak before the Harvard union. In 1948, the Olympian and writer of 25 novels and more than 200 short stories received an honorary athletic sweater from Harvard.

Ted Stevens – Special Contributor
United States Senator Ted Stevens is widely regarded as one of the great champions of the Olympic Movement in the U.S. His commitment saw him lead the charge to pass the Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, appointing the U.S. Olympic Committee as the coordinating body for all Olympic-related athletic activity in the United States.

The act which, would eventual be renamed in his honor as the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, not only protected athletes and centralized control of sports in the U.S., it also propelled the creation of national governing bodies, which serve as independently run organizations that funnel Olympic-caliber athletes into the movement. Stevens was also known as a proponent of Title IX, a legislation that gave women equal opportunities to participate in sports in the United States.

A graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, Stevens served as the U.S. Attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska. He also practiced law in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and served two terms as a representative in the Alaska State Legislature, holding positions of majority leader and speaker pro-tem. In 1999, Stevens was recognized for his dedication to the Olympic and Paralympic movement when he received a USOC Honorary Coach of the Year award.

Allstate Showcased at White House Summit on Financial Capability and Empowerment

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:57:00 -0500

$1 million in grants to support financial empowerment for domestic violence survivors and commitment to employee financial wellbeing announced at summit
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Allstate Insurance Company and The Allstate Foundation announced several financial empowerment program commitments today as part of a summit hosted by the President's Council for Financial Capability. The announcements are a part of Allstate's ongoing efforts to help all Americans improve their overall financial wellbeing. One of the commitments, through The Allstate Foundation's Moving Ahead Financial Empowerment Grant Program, will provide $1 million to offer financial education and training for domestic violence survivors.

"Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has helped break the cycle of domestic violence by providing survivors with the financial knowledge and resources they need to leave abusive relationships. Research consistently shows the number one predictor of whether a person will leave a violent relationship is having the financial resources to live independently," stated Victoria Dinges, vice president for public social responsibility at Allstate. "We are one of the only corporations helping survivors move from safety to long-term security through financial empowerment."

The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to state domestic violence coalitions. Funding will be used to provide survivors with the Foundation's comprehensive Moving Ahead through Financial Management curriculum, as well as other innovative programming in job training, matched savings, individual development accounts, micro-loans, microenterprise training and asset building strategies. The funding will help The Allstate Foundation reach its goal to provide 500,000 domestic violence survivors with financial empowerment services by 2015.

Also at the summit, Allstate renewed its commitment to further expand financial wellbeing as a part of an employee wellness program. The program, available to all Allstate employees, provides a variety of ways employees can invest in their financial future, including: tools for pursuing financial wellbeing, such as access to an online personal finance center, free phone consultations with a certified financial planner or referrals to credit counseling services; financial literacy education, including live seminars and webinars; and mechanisms to protect employee financial wellbeing, such as automatic enrollment in the 401(k) plan.

"At Allstate, we believe that wellbeing is a journey that encompasses not just physical wellbeing, but financial health," stated Catherine Winn, vice president human resources at Allstate. "We believe that by addressing the physical, emotional, and fiscal needs of our employees they will be happier and more productive while at work and at home."

New to the program this year was the addition of a variety of financial literacy seminars and free learning opportunities for employees on topics such as budgeting and using credit wisely, financial planning, home mortgages, saving for college, retirement readiness, and protecting yourself and your loved ones. Allstate recently updated its 401(k) plan to include automatic enrollment for new hires and created targeted marketing efforts to actively engage employees not participating in the plan. Through the plan, employees now have access to target retirement date funds, free online advice and professional management services.

"Giving people the right tools to make the right financial decisions not only helps them succeed, it helps America succeed." said Dinges. "The financial strength of our nation depends on the fiscal fitness of every citizen."

To learn more about The Allstate Foundation's Moving Ahead Financial Empowerment Grant Program and efforts to empower domestic violence survivors visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

Contact:

Kyle Donash
847-402-5600
Kyle.donash@allstate.com

Allstate Insurance Company Files $29.9 Million Insurance Fraud Case

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:12:00 -0500

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Allstate Insurance Company has filed a $29.9 million dollar insurance fraud lawsuit against 52 New York area defendants. The Complaint names 17 members and associates of an organization that owned and controlled multiple fraudulent medical clinics (the “No-Fault Organization”), 10 licensed medical professionals, 3 personal injury attorneys, and 22 medical professional corporations. All of the individual defendants are currently under federal indictment, and have been charged with health care fraud, racketeering, and other related charges, in connection with their involvement in a systematic scheme to defraud private insurance companies of more than $279 million under New York’s No-Fault automobile insurance law.

In the suit, Allstate alleges that the No-Fault Organization has engaged in a massive and sophisticated scheme to defraud Allstate of millions of dollars by establishing and operating medical clinics that were operated and controlled in violation of New York law. In order to mislead Allstate, the true owners and controllers of these medical clinics almost all of whom were unlicensed members and associates of the No-Fault Organization paid licensed physicians, chiropractors and acupuncturists to incorporate medical clinics as professional service corporations, and to act as their “papers owners.” These fraudulently-incorporated clinics were then used to bill Allstate for reimbursement of No-Fault benefits. Because each of the clinics were illegally operated and controlled by laypersons, none of the clinics were eligible to recover No-Fault reimbursement under New York law.

The alleged scheme is the largest single No-Fault automobile insurance fraud ever exposed to date. The lawsuit is the latest in a string of actions taken by Allstate to fight the growing problem of insurance fraud. Allstate is the first private insurance carrier to take a stand against this pervasive No-Fault Organization—and the massive scheme it perpetrated against the New York automobile insurance marketplace and the public at large by initiating a civil lawsuit seeking restitution of No-Fault proceeds unlawfully obtained by the fraudulent medical clinics on behalf of their layperson owners. Since 2003, Allstate has filed 41 fraud lawsuits in New York State seeking more than $ 227 million in damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the state of New York is in an insurance fraud crisis and no-fault fraud is costing New Yorkers millions of dollars year-after-year in higher premiums. “In essence, honest, hardworking New Yorkers are paying a “fraud tax,” said Krista Conte, spokesperson for Allstate. “We need lawmakers to enact meaningful insurance reform that puts the citizens of New York first.”

Allstate is joined by other insurers and many New York State leaders in its pursuit for comprehensive reform of the no-fault system. “The no-fault system is being exploited and responsible citizens are the victims,” Conte said. “Without the support of lawmakers, incidents of fraud will continue to increase. We need to work together this legislative session to fix the broken no-fault system.”
For more information on the dangers of insurance fraud, and how you can help fight it, please visit Fraud Costs NY at www.i-issues.com/new-york
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:
Jaclyn Darrohn, 631 233 6067
Jaclyn.Darrohn@allstate.com

Allstate Files $796,000 Insurance Fraud Case in NY

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:52:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance is seeking to recover more than $796,000 from eighteen New York-area defendants. The complaint, filed in Federal District Court as a Declaratory Judgment/Recovery action, alleges that two medical doctors, along with four laypersons and five lay entities illegally owned and controlled two professional medical corporations allegedly owned on paper by a medical doctor and used them to submit fraudulent billing to Allstate. In addition, two other individual and three other companies were also named as being part of the overall scheme to submit fraudulent bills to Allstate. Since 2003, Allstate has filed thirty-nine fraud lawsuits in New York, seeking nearly $204 million dollars in damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the state of New York is in an insurance fraud crisis and no-fault fraud is costing New Yorkers hundreds of millions of dollars year-after-year. “In essence, honest, hardworking New Yorkers are paying a “fraud tax,” said Krista Conte, spokesperson for Allstate’s New York office. “We need lawmakers to enact meaningful insurance reform that puts the citizens of New York first.”

As detailed in the lawsuit, Allstate contends that professional service corporations were actually owned and controlled by laypersons, rather than by licensed medical professionals. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that the defendants submitted claims for services that were performed by independent contractors in violation of the No-Fault Law. The suit contends that Kingscare Medical, P.C. and FOT Hamilton Medical, P.C. were fraudulently incorporated through a scheme using the name of licensed medical doctors, Humphrey Iroku, M.D. and Xeumei Qu, M.D. However, those medical entities were actually run by laypersons Sam Yu, Ruilen Weng, Astrid Schneider, and Man Tat Tsui. None of these individuals is a medical doctor. There are also five management companies that were utilized to effectuate this scheme. They are NY Acucare Management Corporation, OMD Management Corporation, Powermark Express, Inc, ABS Marketing & Consulting, Inc. and 268 Management Corp.

Included in this lawsuit are claims for unjust enrichment against Aashik Merchant and his companies Wellcare Physical Therapy, P.C. and Theraplus Physical Therapy Services & Assessment, P.C.; and Hong Zhuan Chen and his company Kingscare Acupuncture, P.C.

The lawsuit was filed following an investigation by Allstate’s Special Investigative Unit and seeks reimbursement for personal injury protection benefits Allstate paid on behalf of its customers during timeframes specified in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is the latest in a string of actions taken by the insurer to protect consumers from these and similar activities.

For more information on the dangers of insurance fraud, and how you can help fight it, please visit Fraud Costs NY.
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®.

Jaclyn Darrohn
jdarb@allstate.com
631.233.6067

Pool Safety Puts You "In The Swim" For Summer Fun!

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Swimming pools provide countless hours of summertime recreation and family fun. However, pools are a tremendous responsibility and require strict safety practices. According to the National Safety Council, more than 1,000 children drown and 4,000 are hospitalized due to near-drowning every year. The majority of these incidents occur in residential swimming pools.

FACT: Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

FACT: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and drowning is usually quick and silent.

FACT: A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.

Tragically, over 60 percent of all children who drown are under age four. In addition, nearly 70 percent of children under age five who have drowned were not expected to be in or near the pool at the time of the drowning; nearly half were thought to be inside the house.

"Unfortunately, when drowning occurs, it happens quickly, which means the window of opportunity for rescuing a potential victim is short," says Allstate Agent Adam Ware. "To avoid accidents, it's important to discuss pool rules and safety measures with guests and family members before they enter the water and that all adult family members learn CPR."

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at the pool, here are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

All residential pools should be completely enclosed by a fence that stands at least four feet high and has a self-closing and self-latching gate. Avoid fences with vertical bars spaced more than four inches apart and chain-link fences that are easy to climb. Keep patio furniture away from the fence so kids can't use it to boost themselves over the fence.

Never leave your child alone or out of eye contact while he or she is in or near the pool. Children lose consciousness after being submerged in water for only two minutes. Irreversible brain damage occurs after only four to six minutes. It's also a good idea to keep a phone poolside so you won't have to leave children unsupervised to make or answer a call.

Always use approved personal flotation devices, rather than inflatable toys, to keep your child afloat. Don't consider younger children "drown proof" because they've had swimming lessons. Children under the age of three should be kept within arm's reach of an adult while in or around the pool.

Keep basic lifesaving equipment on the pool deck at all times. These include a strong, lightweight pole (10 to 12 feet) and a ring buoy with a line attached. Also keep emergency phone numbers (police, fire, hospital, rescue squad/paramedics, etc.) on hand.

Enroll children in a learn-to-swim or water safety course. These courses encourage safe practices. The decision to provide your children with an early aquatic experience will benefit them for life.

Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

For more information on pool safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Adam Ware at (801) 495-1800 or adamware@allstate.com.

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:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Pool Safety Puts You "In The Swim" For Summer Fun!

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

FACT: Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

FACT: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and drowning is usually quick and silent.

FACT: A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.

"Unfortunately, when drowning occurs, it happens quickly, which means the window of opportunity for rescuing a potential victim is short," says Allstate Agent Mike DeMarco. "To avoid accidents, it's important to discuss pool rules and safety measures with guests and family members before they enter the water and that all adult family members learn CPR."

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at the pool, here are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

For more information on pool safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Mike DeMarco at (918) 749-1300 or mike.demarco@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

What's Your Life Worth? There's an App for That

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Technology Offers a Fun Way to Get People Talking About Life Insurance
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Have you ever wondered about the value of your life? Not the worth of the things you own, but the value of all the things you do: working hard to earn that coveted promotion, caring for kids, housekeeping, yardwork and more.

Allstate offers an iPhone application called, What's Your Life Worth? designed to get consumers to think about the monetary value of their lives – and whether they're properly protected in the event of their deaths. To calculate the value of their lives, consumers use the app to answer a few easy questions about their lives, savings and lifestyles. The app helps measure what these pursuits could be worth to them and their loved ones down the road.

To view a demo of the app, visit http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/wylw.html.

"While the What's Your Life Worth? app is not an actual risk assessment tool, it can provide insight into how much might be necessary to protect your loved ones," Personal Financial Representative Michael Rose. "There are many common myths about the value of life insurance and how much protection is needed. This app provides a snapshot of your income level and expenses and shows what your life could be worth to beneficiaries – and most importantly, if your life assets are currently under-protected."

Rose said that far too often, people don't have life insurance – or enough life insurance. Reasons vary from lack of knowledge about the appropriate coverage amount to confusion about the different types of insurance available.

Some common myths about life insurance include:

I'm single, or married with no children, so I don't need life insurance. Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones: parents, siblings, a spouse or "significant other."
I can't afford life insurance. Term life insurance is very affordable for many people and covers you for a given length of time, or term. For example, if you are a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female with a good family health history, you may be able to purchase a policy for about the cost of a pizza per month.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don't need life insurance. Many people underestimate the effect of losing one income due to the death of a loved one. Most Americans don't have enough in their personal savings to cover long-term expenses. If you don't have enough saved, it is possible your loved ones won't be able to hold onto major assets, such as a home.
I don't need life insurance once my children are adults. Life insurance can help you leave an inheritance to children or other loved ones. It also can help relieve the burden of paying for a funeral or end-of-life medical bills.

"Life insurance policies should be an integral part of most people's financial plans," said Rose. "We hope the Allstate What's Your Life Worth? app will address some of these myths and be a fun way to get people talking about the benefits of life insurance with their family and friends."

For more information on life insurance myths and some simple tools to help consumers understand the value of life insurance, visit www.Allstate.com/lifeinsurance.

Life insurance is issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, Ill.; Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, Neb.; American Heritage Life, Jacksonville, Fla.; and in New York, by Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, N.Y.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Allstate Annuities Introduced in Oklahoma

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Allstate IncomeProtector℠ and Allstate GrowthProtector℠ Address Retirement Worries, Meet Demand for Income, Protection, Growth and Flexibility
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate recently introduced two new fixed indexed annuities in Oklahoma to meet its customers' concerns about income, wealth protection, growth and flexibility in retirement savings.

"No matter what their age, our Allstate customers are concerned about financing their retirements," said Tony Albanese, regional financial sales leader for Oklahoma. "For example, our research has shown that Baby Boomer Americans age 50 or older who have not yet retired expect to delay retirement, work in retirement, and have a less secure retirement than their parents. To address that need for retirement security, Allstate has expanded its retirement product suite and our efforts to inform consumers about their retirement saving and protection options."

Allstate IncomeProtector℠ and Allstate GrowthProtector℠ annuities were launched in 40 states on Monday, April 30. The new fixed indexed annuities are expected to be available in 49 states by year-end 2012. These Allstate retirement savings vehicles offers a minimum guaranteed interest rate combined with an interest rate linked to a market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500®. This type of annuity has no downside market risk and higher return potential than many traditional fixed annuities, based on positive changes in the S&P 500 up to a maximum cap.

Each Allstate Protector annuity focuses on either income or savings:

Allstate IncomeProtector is a "deferred income," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement income – protecting what consumers have saved, while guaranteeing lifetime income in the future with the flexibility to start taking retirement income when the time is right. Allstate guarantees to double the amount of a customer's first-year purchase payment including bonuses (also known as the income base) less any withdrawals after 10 years, as long as income payments have not begun. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Allstate guarantees 7 percent annual growth on the income base for 10 years if income payments have not yet begun. The income base is separate from the contract value and is not available as a surrender value or death benefit.
Allstate GrowthProtector is a "flexible premium," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement savings – helping consumers' money grow, protecting what they have accumulated while simplifying their ability to save. Another feature of this product is that you can voluntarily increase your premium to accelerate your savings growth – in other words, a "flexible" premium.

Both Allstate Protector annuities have a purchase payment bonus. For as long as the annuity contract is in force, the bonus remains part of your contract value and your IncomeProtector income base. Therefore, it is used to determine your "guaranteed lifetime income benefit," or the income payments you eventually will receive. A bonus is fully vested after 10 years.

Withdrawals of gain or other taxable amounts are subject to current ordinary income taxes and if made prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. If the contract is tax qualified, generally all withdrawals are treated as distributions of gain.

For more information on Allstate IncomeProtector and GrowthProtector annuities, contact the financial professional at your local Allstate agency. Information about retirement planning can be found online at http://www.myallstatefinancial.com/life-tracks/planning-retirement.aspx.

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 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.

Allstate IncomeProtector Annuity is a limited flexible premium deferred indexed annuity contract issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Home Office: Northbrook, IL. Allstate IncomeProtector Annuity is available in most states with contract series number LU10996. Riders/Endorsements: LU10998 Annual Point to Point with Low Water Mark, LU10999 Annual Point to Point with Monthly Averaging, LU11000 Monthly Cap Crediting Strategy, LU11001 Purchase Payment Bonus Endorsement, LU11003 Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Rider, LU11005 Waiver of Charges, LU11021 WOC for LTC or Hospital, LU11022 WOC for Terminal Illness, LU11023 WOC for Unemployment, LU11024 ADL Waiver of Charges.

Allstate GrowthProtector Annuity is a limited flexible premium fixed indexed annuity contract issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Home Office: Northbrook, IL. Allstate GrowthProtector Annuity is available in most states with contract series number LU11002. Riders/Endorsements: LU11001 Purchase Payment Bonus Endorsement, LU11005 Waiver of Charges, LU11021 WOC for LTC or Hospital, LU11022 WOC for Terminal Illness, LU11024 ADL Waiver of Charges.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Pool Safety Puts You "In The Swim" For Summer Fun!

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

FACT: Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

FACT: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and drowning is usually quick and silent.

FACT: A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.

“Unfortunately, when drowning occurs, it happens quickly, which means the window of opportunity for rescuing a potential victim is short,” says Allstate Agent Frank Schubert. “To avoid accidents, it’s important to discuss pool rules and safety measures with guests and family members before they enter the water and that all adult family members learn CPR.”

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at the pool, here are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Never leave your child alone or out of eye contact while he or she is in or near the pool. Children lose consciousness after being submerged in water for only two minutes. Irreversible brain damage occurs after only four to six minutes. It’s also a good idea to keep a phone poolside so you won’t have to leave children unsupervised to make or answer a call.

Always use approved personal flotation devices, rather than inflatable toys, to keep your child afloat. Don’t consider younger children “drown proof” because they’ve had swimming lessons. Children under the age of three should be kept within arm’s reach of an adult while in or around the pool.

Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

For more information on pool safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Frank Schubert at (480) 515-6259 or fschubert@allstate.com.

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:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Play it Safe: Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

A summer vacation trip can be a very pleasant experience for you and your family. According to a recent study by the Travel Industry Association of America, nearly 80% of past-year travelers plan on taking at least one trip this summer. However, vacationing away from home can present safety risks as well as pleasures.

"You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you will become an easy target for thieves who prey on tourists, or that your home will be robbed in your absence," says Allstate Agent Adam Ware. "Following some simple precautions can make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. "

To help you enjoy a safe family vacation, the following are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Make sure your home is protected while you're away:

Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight - anything that might suggest someone's home.

Make sure you don't pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:

Clean out your wallet or purse before you go; take only essential credit cards.
Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.

In unfamiliar locations, you and your family should try to blend in with the crowd and not look too much like tourists:

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times.

Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport

Don't use your home address on you luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead.

For more information on summer vacation safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Adam Ware at (801) 495-1800 or adamware@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact: Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Pool Safety Puts You "In The Swim" For Summer Fun!

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

FACT: Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

FACT: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and drowning is usually quick and silent.

FACT: A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.

"Unfortunately, when drowning occurs, it happens quickly, which means the window of opportunity for rescuing a potential victim is short," says Allstate Agent Bob Margison. "To avoid accidents, it's important to discuss pool rules and safety measures with guests and family members before they enter the water and that all adult family members learn CPR."

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at the pool, here are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

For more information on pool safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Bob Margison at 702-258-7371 or bobmargison@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Play it Safe: Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

"You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you will become an easy target for thieves who prey on tourists, or that your home will be robbed in your absence," says Allstate Agent Bob Margison. "Following some simple precautions can make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. "

To help you enjoy a safe family vacation, the following are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Make sure your home is protected while you're away:

Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight - anything that might suggest someone's home.

Make sure you don't pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:

Clean out your wallet or purse before you go; take only essential credit cards.
Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.

In unfamiliar locations, you and your family should try to blend in with the crowd and not look too much like tourists:

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times.

Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport

Don't use your home address on you luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead.

For more information on summer vacation safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Bob Margison at 702-258-7371 or bobmargison@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Play It Safe: Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

“You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you will become an easy target for thieves who prey on tourists, or that your home will be robbed in your absence,” says Allstate Agent Frank Schubert. “Following some simple precautions can make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. “

To help you enjoy a safe family vacation, the following are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Make sure your home is protected while you're away:

Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight - anything that might suggest someone's home.

Make sure you don’t pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:

Clean out your wallet or purse before you go; take only essential credit cards.
Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.

In unfamiliar locations, you and your family should try to blend in with the crowd and not look too much like tourists:

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times.
Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport
Don't use your home address on you luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead.

For more information on summer vacation safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Frank Schubert at (480) 515-6259 or fschubert@allstate.com.

Contact:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Play it Safe: Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

"You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you will become an easy target for thieves who prey on tourists, or that your home will be robbed in your absence," says Allstate Agent Mike DeMarco. "Following some simple precautions can make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. "

To help you enjoy a safe family vacation, the following are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Make sure your home is protected while you're away:

Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight - anything that might suggest someone's home.

Make sure you don't pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:

Clean out your wallet or purse before you go; take only essential credit cards.
Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.

In unfamiliar locations, you and your family should try to blend in with the crowd and not look too much like tourists:

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times.

Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport

Don't use your home address on you luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead.

For more information on summer vacation safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Mike DeMarco at (918) 749-1300 or mike.demarco@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

What's Your Life Worth? There's an App for That

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Technology Offers a Fun Way to Get People Talking About Life Insurance
This release contains: 1 Related Document

To view a demo of the app, visit http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/wylw.html.

"While the What's Your Life Worth? app is not an actual risk assessment tool, it can provide insight into how much might be necessary to protect your loved ones," Personal Financial Representative John Dixon. "There are many common myths about the value of life insurance and how much protection is needed. This app provides a snapshot of your income level and expenses and shows what your life could be worth to beneficiaries – and most importantly, if your life assets are currently under-protected."

Dixon said that far too often, people don't have life insurance – or enough life insurance. Reasons vary from lack of knowledge about the appropriate coverage amount to confusion about the different types of insurance available.

Some common myths about life insurance include:

I'm single, or married with no children, so I don't need life insurance. Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones: parents, siblings, a spouse or "significant other."
I can't afford life insurance. Term life insurance is very affordable for many people and covers you for a given length of time, or term. For example, if you are a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female with a good family health history, you may be able to purchase a policy for about the cost of a pizza per month.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don't need life insurance. Many people underestimate the effect of losing one income due to the death of a loved one. Most Americans don't have enough in their personal savings to cover long-term expenses. If you don't have enough saved, it is possible your loved ones won't be able to hold onto major assets, such as a home.
I don't need life insurance once my children are adults. Life insurance can help you leave an inheritance to children or other loved ones. It also can help relieve the burden of paying for a funeral or end-of-life medical bills.

"Life insurance policies should be an integral part of most people's financial plans," said Dixon. "We hope the Allstate What's Your Life Worth? app will address some of these myths and be a fun way to get people talking about the benefits of life insurance with their family and friends."

For more information on life insurance myths and some simple tools to help consumers understand the value of life insurance, visit www.Allstate.com/lifeinsurance.

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:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Enjoy The Sizzle – Avoid Hazardous Fizzle

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Grilling safety steps are key for enjoying holiday weekend barbecues
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Firing up your backyard grill this Memorial Day weekend? Before you ignite the charcoal briquettes or crank open the gas valve on the propane tank, make sure you've run through your grilling safety checklist before tossing food over the flames. Even the slightest oversight can spark danger, potentially leading to extensive property damage and severe burn injuries.

"After a long winter, Memorial Day weekend is often the first opportunity for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties," said Allstate Agent Dominic Roderiguez. "But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it's easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in smoke."

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, Allstate Insurance provides the following safety tips to promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

What's Your Life Worth? There's an App for That

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Technology Offers a Fun Way to Get People Talking About Life Insurance
This release contains: 1 Related Document

To view a demo of the app, visit http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/wylw.html.

"While the What's Your Life Worth? app is not an actual risk assessment tool, it can provide insight into how much might be necessary to protect your loved ones," Personal Financial Representative Mel Weinberg. "There are many common myths about the value of life insurance and how much protection is needed. This app provides a snapshot of your income level and expenses and shows what your life could be worth to beneficiaries – and most importantly, if your life assets are currently under-protected."

Weinberg said that far too often, people don't have life insurance – or enough life insurance. Reasons vary from lack of knowledge about the appropriate coverage amount to confusion about the different types of insurance available.

Some common myths about life insurance include:

I'm single, or married with no children, so I don't need life insurance. Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones: parents, siblings, a spouse or "significant other."
I can't afford life insurance. Term life insurance is very affordable for many people and covers you for a given length of time, or term. For example, if you are a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female with a good family health history, you may be able to purchase a policy for about the cost of a pizza per month.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don't need life insurance. Many people underestimate the effect of losing one income due to the death of a loved one. Most Americans don't have enough in their personal savings to cover long-term expenses. If you don't have enough saved, it is possible your loved ones won't be able to hold onto major assets, such as a home.
I don't need life insurance once my children are adults. Life insurance can help you leave an inheritance to children or other loved ones. It also can help relieve the burden of paying for a funeral or end-of-life medical bills.

"Life insurance policies should be an integral part of most people's financial plans," said Weinberg. "We hope the Allstate What's Your Life Worth? app will address some of these myths and be a fun way to get people talking about the benefits of life insurance with their family and friends."

For more information on life insurance myths and some simple tools to help consumers understand the value of life insurance, visit www.Allstate.com/lifeinsurance.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Enjoy The Sizzle – Avoid Hazardous Fizzle

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Grilling safety steps are key for enjoying holiday weekend barbecues
This release contains: 1 Related Document

"After a long winter, Memorial Day weekend is often the first opportunity for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties," said Allstate Agent Bob Margison. "But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it's easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in smoke."

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, Allstate Insurance provides the following safety tips to promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

What's Your Life Worth? There's an App for That

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Technology Offers a Fun Way to Get People Talking About Life Insurance
This release contains: 1 Related Document

To view a demo of the app, visit http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/wylw.html.

"While the What's Your Life Worth? app is not an actual risk assessment tool, it can provide insight into how much might be necessary to protect your loved ones," Personal Financial Representative Neil Barney. "There are many common myths about the value of life insurance and how much protection is needed. This app provides a snapshot of your income level and expenses and shows what your life could be worth to beneficiaries – and most importantly, if your life assets are currently under-protected."

Barney said that far too often, people don't have life insurance – or enough life insurance. Reasons vary from lack of knowledge about the appropriate coverage amount to confusion about the different types of insurance available.

Some common myths about life insurance include:

I'm single, or married with no children, so I don't need life insurance. Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones: parents, siblings, a spouse or "significant other."
I can't afford life insurance. Term life insurance is very affordable for many people and covers you for a given length of time, or term. For example, if you are a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female with a good family health history, you may be able to purchase a policy for about the cost of a pizza per month.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don't need life insurance. Many people underestimate the effect of losing one income due to the death of a loved one. Most Americans don't have enough in their personal savings to cover long-term expenses. If you don't have enough saved, it is possible your loved ones won't be able to hold onto major assets, such as a home.
I don't need life insurance once my children are adults. Life insurance can help you leave an inheritance to children or other loved ones. It also can help relieve the burden of paying for a funeral or end-of-life medical bills.

"Life insurance policies should be an integral part of most people's financial plans," said Barney. "We hope the Allstate What's Your Life Worth? app will address some of these myths and be a fun way to get people talking about the benefits of life insurance with their family and friends."

For more information on life insurance myths and some simple tools to help consumers understand the value of life insurance, visit www.Allstate.com/lifeinsurance.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Enjoy The Sizzle – Avoid Hazardous Fizzle

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Grilling safety steps are key for enjoying holiday weekend barbecues
This release contains: 1 Related Document

"After a long winter, Memorial Day weekend is often the first opportunity for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties," said Allstate Agent Mike DeMarco. "But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it's easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in smoke."

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, Allstate Insurance provides the following safety tips to promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.

Contact:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Allstate Annuities Introduced in Arizona

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Allstate IncomeProtectorSM and Allstate GrowthProtectorSM Address Retirement Worries, Meet Demand for Income, Protection, Growth and Flexibility
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate recently introduced two new fixed indexed annuities in Arizona to meet its customers’ concerns about income, wealth protection, growth and flexibility in retirement savings.

“No matter what their age, our Allstate customers are concerned about financing their retirements,” said Tony Albanese, regional financial sales leader for Arizona. “For example, our research has shown that Baby Boomer Americans age 50 or older who have not yet retired expect to delay retirement, work in retirement, and have a less secure retirement than their parents. To address that need for retirement security, Allstate has expanded its retirement product suite and our efforts to inform consumers about their retirement saving and protection options.”

Allstate IncomeProtectorSM and Allstate GrowthProtectorSM annuities were launched in 40 states on Monday, April 30. The new fixed indexed annuities are expected to be available in 49 states by year-end 2012. These Allstate retirement savings vehicles offers a minimum guaranteed interest rate combined with an interest rate linked to a market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500®. This type of annuity has no downside market risk and higher return potential than many traditional fixed annuities, based on positive changes in the S&P 500 up to a maximum cap.

Each Allstate Protector annuity focuses on either income or savings:

Allstate IncomeProtector is a “deferred income,” fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement income – protecting what consumers have saved, while guaranteeing lifetime income in the future with the flexibility to start taking retirement income when the time is right. Allstate guarantees to double the amount of a customer’s first-year purchase payment including bonuses (also known as the income base) less any withdrawals after 10 years, as long as income payments have not begun. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Allstate guarantees 7 percent annual growth on the income base for 10 years if income payments have not yet begun. The income base is separate from the contract value and is not available as a surrender value or death benefit.
Allstate GrowthProtector is a “flexible premium,” fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement savings – helping consumers’ money grow, protecting what they have accumulated while simplifying their ability to save. Another feature of this product is that you can voluntarily increase your premium to accelerate your savings growth – in other words, a “flexible” premium.

Both Allstate Protector annuities have a purchase payment bonus. For as long as the annuity contract is in force, the bonus remains part of your contract value and your IncomeProtector income base. Therefore, it is used to determine your “guaranteed lifetime income benefit,” or the income payments you eventually will receive. A bonus is fully vested after 10 years.

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 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:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Allstate Annuities Introduced in New Mexico

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Allstate IncomeProtector℠ and Allstate GrowthProtector℠ Address Retirement Worries, Meet Demand for Income, Protection, Growth and Flexibility
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate recently introduced two new fixed indexed annuities in New Mexico to meet its customers' concerns about income, wealth protection, growth and flexibility in retirement savings.

"No matter what their age, our Allstate customers are concerned about financing their retirements," said Tony Albanese, regional financial sales leader for New Mexico. "For example, our research has shown that Baby Boomer Americans age 50 or older who have not yet retired expect to delay retirement, work in retirement, and have a less secure retirement than their parents. To address that need for retirement security, Allstate has expanded its retirement product suite and our efforts to inform consumers about their retirement saving and protection options."

Each Allstate Protector annuity focuses on either income or savings:

Allstate IncomeProtector is a "deferred income," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement income – protecting what consumers have saved, while guaranteeing lifetime income in the future with the flexibility to start taking retirement income when the time is right. Allstate guarantees to double the amount of a customer's first-year purchase payment including bonuses (also known as the income base) less any withdrawals after 10 years, as long as income payments have not begun. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Allstate guarantees 7 percent annual growth on the income base for 10 years if income payments have not yet begun. The income base is separate from the contract value and is not available as a surrender value or death benefit.
Allstate GrowthProtector is a "flexible premium," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement savings – helping consumers' money grow, protecting what they have accumulated while simplifying their ability to save. Another feature of this product is that you can voluntarily increase your premium to accelerate your savings growth – in other words, a "flexible" premium.

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 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:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Enjoy The Sizzle – Avoid Hazardous Fizzle

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Grilling safety steps are key for enjoying holiday weekend barbecues
This release contains: 1 Related Document

"After a long winter, Memorial Day weekend is often the first opportunity for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties," said Allstate Agent Adam Ware. "But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it's easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in smoke."

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, Allstate Insurance provides the following safety tips to promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.
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:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Play it Safe: Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

"You can help make family trips more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the possibility you will become an easy target for thieves who prey on tourists, or that your home will be robbed in your absence," says Allstate Agent Dominic Roderiguez. "Following some simple precautions can make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. "

To help you enjoy a safe family vacation, the following are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Make sure your home is protected while you're away:

Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
Put several household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight - anything that might suggest someone's home.

Make sure you don't pack unnecessary items and that your valuables are protected:

Clean out your wallet or purse before you go; take only essential credit cards.
Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.

In unfamiliar locations, you and your family should try to blend in with the crowd and not look too much like tourists:

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times.

Leave an itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Carry an extra passport photo with you just in case you need to replace a stolen passport

Don't use your home address on you luggage tags. You don't need to let anyone know where your empty house is located. Consider using your business card instead.

For more information on summer vacation safety or other safety topics, contact Allstate Agent Dominic Roderiguez at (505) 836-2877 or droderiguez@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Allstate Annuities Introduced in Nevada

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Allstate IncomeProtector℠ and Allstate GrowthProtector℠ Address Retirement Worries, Meet Demand for Income, Protection, Growth and Flexibility
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate recently introduced two new fixed indexed annuities in Nevada to meet its customers' concerns about income, wealth protection, growth and flexibility in retirement savings.

"No matter what their age, our Allstate customers are concerned about financing their retirements," said Tony Albanese, regional financial sales leader for Nevada. "For example, our research has shown that Baby Boomer Americans age 50 or older who have not yet retired expect to delay retirement, work in retirement, and have a less secure retirement than their parents. To address that need for retirement security, Allstate has expanded its retirement product suite and our efforts to inform consumers about their retirement saving and protection options."

Each Allstate Protector annuity focuses on either income or savings:

Allstate IncomeProtector is a "deferred income," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement income – protecting what consumers have saved, while guaranteeing lifetime income in the future with the flexibility to start taking retirement income when the time is right. Allstate guarantees to double the amount of a customer's first-year purchase payment including bonuses (also known as the income base) less any withdrawals after 10 years, as long as income payments have not begun. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Allstate guarantees 7 percent annual growth on the income base for 10 years if income payments have not yet begun. The income base is separate from the contract value and is not available as a surrender value or death benefit.
Allstate GrowthProtector is a "flexible premium," fixed-indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement savings – helping consumers' money grow, protecting what they have accumulated while simplifying their ability to save. Another feature of this product is that you can voluntarily increase your premium to accelerate your savings growth – in other words, a "flexible" premium.

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 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:

Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Enjoy The Sizzle – Avoid Hazardous Fizzle

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Grilling safety steps are key for enjoying holiday weekend barbecues
This release contains: 1 Related Document

Firing up your backyard grill this Memorial Day weekend? Before you ignite the charcoal briquettes or crank open the gas valve on the propane tank, make sure you’ve run through your grilling safety checklist before tossing food over the flames. Even the slightest oversight can spark danger, potentially leading to extensive property damage and severe burn injuries.

“After a long winter, Memorial Day weekend is often the first opportunity for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties,” said Allstate Agent Frank Schubert. “But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it’s easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in smoke.”

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, Allstate Insurance provides the following safety tips to promote safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
Position your grill so sparks and smoke won’t fly towards people, furniture or buildings
Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don’t grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they’re disposed
Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it’s needed
Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.

Contact:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

What’s Your Life Worth? There’s an App for That

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Technology Offers a Fun Way to Get People Talking About Life Insurance
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Allstate offers an iPhone application called, What’s Your Life Worth? designed to get consumers to think about the monetary value of their lives – and whether they’re properly protected in the event of their deaths. To calculate the value of their lives, consumers use the app to answer a few easy questions about their lives, savings and lifestyles. The app helps measure what these pursuits could be worth to them and their loved ones down the road.

To view a demo of the app, visit http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/wylw.html.

“While the What’s Your Life Worth? app is not an actual risk assessment tool, it can provide insight into how much might be necessary to protect your loved ones,” Personal Financial Representative Keith Kellett. “There are many common myths about the value of life insurance and how much protection is needed. This app provides a snapshot of your income level and expenses and shows what your life could be worth to beneficiaries – and most importantly, if your life assets are currently under-protected.”

Kellett said that far too often, people don’t have life insurance – or enough life insurance. Reasons vary from lack of knowledge about the appropriate coverage amount to confusion about the different types of insurance available.

Some common myths about life insurance include:

I’m single, or married with no children, so I don’t need life insurance. Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones: parents, siblings, a spouse or “significant other.”
I can’t afford life insurance. Term life insurance is very affordable for many people and covers you for a given length of time, or term. For example, if you are a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female with a good family health history, you may be able to purchase a policy for about the cost of a pizza per month.
I have a comfortable amount of savings, so I don’t need life insurance. Many people underestimate the effect of losing one income due to the death of a loved one. Most Americans don’t have enough in their personal savings to cover long-term expenses. If you don’t have enough saved, it is possible your loved ones won’t be able to hold onto major assets, such as a home.
I don’t need life insurance once my children are adults. Life insurance can help you leave an inheritance to children or other loved ones. It also can help relieve the burden of paying for a funeral or end-of-life medical bills.

“Life insurance policies should be an integral part of most people’s financial plans,” said Kellett. “We hope the Allstate What’s Your Life Worth? app will address some of these myths and be a fun way to get people talking about the benefits of life insurance with their family and friends.”

For more information on life insurance myths and some simple tools to help consumers understand the value of life insurance, visit www.Allstate.com/lifeinsurance.

Contact:
Kari Mather
602-631-6248
@AllstateSW

Pool Safety Puts You "In The Swim" For Summer Fun!

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

FACT: Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

FACT: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and drowning is usually quick and silent.

FACT: A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.

"Unfortunately, when drowning occurs, it happens quickly, which means the window of opportunity for rescuing a potential victim is short," says Allstate Agent Dominic Roderiguez. "To avoid accidents, it's important to discuss pool rules and safety measures with guests and family members before they enter the water and that all adult family members learn CPR."

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at the pool, here are some tips from the Allstate Insurance Company:

Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

For more information on pool safety or other safety topics, Allstate Agent Dominic Roderiguez at (505) 836-2877 or droderiguez@allstate.com.

# # #

Contact:           Kari Mather
                        602-631-6248
                        @AllstateSW

Allstate Insurance Company Files $6 Million Insurance Fraud Case

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:51:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Allstate Insurance Company has filed its second insurance fraud lawsuit of 2012, seeking to recover $6 million dollars against 4 New York area defendants. The Complaint names a physician, a medical professional corporation, a management company, and an unlicensed layperson who allegedly used his management company to control at least one medical professional corporation.

The complaint alleges that a New York medical professional corporation, Richmond Radiology, P.C., was illegally managed and controlled by an unlicensed person and a management company in violation of New York law. As detailed in Allstate's complaint, an unlicensed layperson, who was not a physician, secretly owned and controlled professional corporations, and also shared in the proceeds of the companies' provision of professional services. All of this conduct was a direct violation of New York law, and rendered the defendants ineligible to receive No-Fault reimbursement.

The lawsuit was filed following an investigation by Allstate's Special Investigative Unit and seeks reimbursement for no–fault benefits Allstate paid on behalf of its customers during timeframes specified in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is the latest in a string of actions taken by the insurer to protect consumers from these and similar activities. Since 2003, Allstate has filed 38 fraud lawsuits in New York State seeking more than $207 million in damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the state of New York is in an insurance fraud crisis and no-fault fraud is costing New Yorkers millions of dollars year-after-year in higher premiums. "In essence, honest, hardworking New Yorkers are paying a "fraud tax," said Krista Conte, spokesperson for Allstate's New York office. "We need lawmakers to enact meaningful insurance reform that puts the citizens of New York first."

For more information on the dangers of insurance fraud, and how you can help fight it, please visit Fraud Costs NY at www.i-issues.com/new-york

Contact:

Jaclyn Darrohn
631-233-6067
Jaclyn.Darrohn@allstate.com

How to Avoid Accidents

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:41:00 -0500

Allstate offers safety driving tips for all consumers
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An estimated 32,855 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2011, according to recent statistics released by the Insurance Information Institute. The III reports that motor vehicle crashes on average cause a death every 16 minutes and an injury every 14 seconds.

“Motor vehicle safety is of utmost importance and Allstate hopes to raise awareness among local residents with reminders of some basic safe driving tips that will hopefully save lives and prevent accidents from occurring,” said Allstate spokesman John Heid.

Allstate offers the following safe driver tips:

Buckle Up: Ensure the driver and all passengers are properly buckled up for safety and check to make sure that any child passenger safety seat is properly installed.
Don’t drink and drive: Alcohol-impaired crashes are those that involve at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or above, the legal definition of drunk driving in many states. On average there is an alcohol-impaired traffic fatality every 40 minutes in the United States, according to III.
Minimize distractions: Engaging in any other activity while driving – talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup – is a distraction.
Leave a safe distance between your car and others around you: Maintain at least a one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every ten miles per hour of speed.
Be aware of road conditions: Weather conditions such as ice, snow, fog and rain require extra caution and slower speeds.

For more information on automobile insurance, please contact your local Allstate agent.

About the Allstate Corporation
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: John Heid
Email: john.heid@allstate.com
Phone Number: (678) 589-6102

Tips on How to Complete a Home Inventory from Allstate

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:14:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

Have you been putting off completing a home inventory? Well it’s the perfect time of year to finally finish that home inventory that you have been putting off.

No matter the time of year, the aftermath of storms can be devastating, leaving people without homes or dealing with major repairs. While we can’t predict whether or not our homes will be affected by hail, heavy winds or strong thunderstorms, home owners and renters can make sure their property and belongings are properly protected.

Regardless of whether you own your house, condo or townhome, or if you rent, this next question should be very important to you: If disaster struck your home would you know what you owned? Remember that even though it can take years to collect your possessions, they could be gone in a split second following a disaster like a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, storm or another peril.

The Allstate Insurance Company recommends that you compile a home inventory to compile a list of your belongings to ensure the proper coverage in your home owners, condo or renter’s policy. If your home, condo or apartment is damaged or destroyed in a storm, an accurate and up-to-date home inventory can help make the possible recovery process easier on you and your family.

Here are some tips to help you complete a home inventory:

7 Steps to a Home Inventory…

Allstate recommends, whenever possible, make sure your home inventory list includes photographs or video of your belongings. If you have a home video camera, take periodic videos of each room in your house. Focus on individual items in each room. Take additional video of smaller items like jewelry, silver, and related valuables or keepsakes. The same recommendations apply if you’re using a conventional camera. Be sure to be thorough when taking pictures of your belongings.
Include with any picture or video home inventory list, a detailed, written account of what you own. Be specific in your written inventory. Whenever possible include make, model, serial numbers, receipts, and date of purchase for all items in your home inventory.
If you don’t have pictures, a written home inventory list is better than no inventory, but make sure you are as detailed as possible.
Store your home inventory list somewhere away from your home. If you have a bank safety deposit box, keep your list there. If you don’t have a safety deposit box, ask a friend or relative to keep your inventory list in a safe place. Allstate recommends, wherever you store your home inventory list, make sure the location is far enough away from your home it won’t be lost in the same event that may destroy your house. However, make sure your home inventory list is kept close enough so that it is easily accessible to you when you need it.
Be sure to update your home inventory after any major purchase or gift. You should be updating your home inventory periodically anyway, but make special effort to do so after any major purchase, holidays, or birthdays.
If time permits, share your home inventory with your Allstate agent so that he or she can help you decide if your coverage meets your needs.
Allstate's iPhone application, "Digital Locker," can help. Free and available to any iPhone user, not just Allstate customers, the home inventory tool makes it easy to catalog belongings and keep that vital information in one handy location - right in your pocket.

Coverage and discounts are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.

For more information on how to conduct a home inventory, contact your local Allstate agent.
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: John Heid
Email: john.heid@allstate.com
Phone Number: (678) 589-6102

Allstate Launches New Annuities to Address Retirement Worries, Meet Demand for Income, Protection, Growth and Flexibility

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:33:00 -0500

Allstate Introduces IncomeProtector℠ and Allstate GrowthProtector℠ in 40 States; Planned Rollout to 49 States by Year-End 2012
This release contains: 1 Related Document

After the “Great Recession” and economic uncertainty of recent years, people within five to 15 years of retirement are frankly worried. Baby Boomer Americans age 50 or older who have not yet retired expect to delay retirement, work in retirement, and have a less secure retirement than their parents, according to a recent Allstate-National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll.

Allstate has addressed these concerns by expanding its retirement product suite. Allstate IncomeProtectorSM and Allstate GrowthProtectorSM annuities were launched in 40 states on Monday, April 30. These new fixed indexed annuities are expected to be available in 49 states by year-end 2012.

"Allstate serves 16 million households in the United States and Canada, so we have a clear window into the retirement concerns of our customers as they move through life," said Don Civgin, president and chief executive officer, Allstate Financial. "In response, we designed Allstate IncomeProtector and GrowthProtector to guarantee future lifetime income, protect current assets and provide the flexibility to meet individual and family needs."

Allstate research shows that consumers of all ages worry about having enough money to fund their retirements – which makes minimum guaranteed interest rates very attractive when considering retirement savings vehicles. The Allstate Protector annuities offer a minimum guaranteed interest rate combined with an interest rate linked to a market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500®. This type of annuity has no downside market risk and higher return potential than many traditional fixed annuities, based on positive changes in the S&P 500 up to a maximum cap.

To more closely match consumers' top-of-mind retirement planning need for either income or savings, Allstate offers a choice of two Protector annuities:

Allstate IncomeProtector is a "deferred income" fixed indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement income – protecting what consumers have saved, while guaranteeing lifetime income in the future with the flexibility to start taking retirement income when the time is right. Allstate guarantees to double the amount of a customer's first-year purchase payment including bonuses (also known as the income base) less any withdrawals after 10 years, as long as income payments have not begun. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company. Furthermore, Allstate guarantees 7 percent annual growth on the income base for 10 years if income payments have not yet begun. The income base is separate from the contract value and is not available as a surrender value or death benefit.
Allstate GrowthProtector is a "flexible premium" fixed indexed annuity offering guarantees for retirement savings – helping consumers' money grow, protecting what they have accumulated while simplifying their ability to save. Another feature of this product is that you can voluntarily increase your premium to accelerate your savings growth – in other words, a "flexible" premium.

Withdrawals of gain or other taxable amounts are subject to current ordinary income taxes and if made prior to age 59-1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. If the contract is tax qualified, generally all withdrawals are treated as distributions of gain.

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 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:

Maryellen Thielen
(847) 402-5600

Allstate Reports Strong First Quarter 2012 Earnings

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:11:00 -0500

This release contains: 1 Related Document

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2012:

http://www.allstateinvestors.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=93125&p=irol-qii2012

Stay Aware of Motorcycles this Summer

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:14:00 -0500

May is Motorcycle Safety Month
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Riding on a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with some risks. Even if a motorcyclist follows every law, he or she can still be involved in an accident.

Nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle collisions occur with a passenger car, and in a typical motorcycle accident, motorcyclists have less than two seconds to take action to avoid a collision. "By following a few simple precautions, passenger cars who share the road with riders can help make sure that each trip they take is a safe one," says Allstate New York spokesperson Jaclyn Darrohn.

As a motorist or a passenger, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds us that there are some steps to become more aware of motorcyclists:

Respect the motorcyclist:
Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
Look out:
Look for the motorcyclist on the highway, at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn and when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.
Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver:
Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions.
Allow plenty of space:
Don't follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.

If you own a motorcycle, there's a good chance Allstate can help you protect it, and yourself, in case of an accident. Allstate's motorcycle policies are designed with bikers' needs in mind. To find a local agent near you, visit www.allstate.com.

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Contact: Brian Burke
631-233-6087
bburl@allstate.com