Allstate - You're in good hands

10/31/2007 NORTHBROOK, Ill., -

Allstate Insurance Company customers whose homes or automobiles have been damaged or destroyed by the Southern California wildfires can contact Allstate through The Good Hands Network by calling their Allstate agent, dialing, 1-800-547-8676, or logging on at Allstate.com.

10 Tips for Fire Recovery...

• Make sure your home is structurally safe. Be extremely careful inside your home. Fire damaged structures may be hazardous and the potential for collapse may exist. If you're told by authorities to stay out, stay out.


• Make temporary repairs as possible to prevent unnecessary secondary damage, keeping receipts for materials. Call your Allstate agent and get advice about what to do next.


• If your home is unlivable, find out what living expenses Allstate will pay for.


• Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer.


• Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you're unable to pay.


• Ask your utility company to stop billing if your home is unlivable or has been destroyed.


• Report your claim to Allstate promptly. Be aware, if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures.


• Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.


• Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process.

Work with a qualified tax expert to find out about tax breaks you may be eligible for because of your losses.

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

Contact:
Laura Strykowski
(847) 402.5600