Allstate - You're in good hands

12/12/2005 NORTHBROOK, Ill. -

The sales/marketing kit created for the January 2005 re-launch of the Allstate Advisor Variable Annuity suite has been ranked number one by financial advisors, according to Marketing Matrix International's 2005 Best Practices in Variable Annuity Sales Literature Study. The kit was also ranked number three among investors.

"Allstate's variable annuity kit is functional and easy-to-use," said Marcia Selz, Ph.D., president of Marketing Matrix, a marketing consulting firm that specializes in research on sales literature for financial services companies. "They have done an exceptional job in designing visually appealing marketing pieces and applying the elements that financial advisors find most helpful in educating themselves and their clients about Allstate's variable annuity products."

According to Rob Shore, president, Allstate Distributors, L.L.C., the Allstate Advisor Variable Annuity sales kit was completely redesigned and rewritten from the previous version to re-introduce the product suite and in particular, SureIncome, Allstate's guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit. The objective of the new kit's design was to break through the clutter and make an impact.

"Based on our research, we wanted to present our product suite as a comprehensive solution offering something for nearly every client whether they're saving, spending or building a nest egg for their heirs," explained Shore. "In addition, we felt it was important to offer easier to understand information when it came to variable annuities and all the features available with the product." In line with these objectives, the redesigned kit included profiles of customers in various stages of retirement and explanations on how they could benefit from various choices based upon their goals for retirement.

The kit also included information about why an investor would choose Allstate, which has been in the financial services business for more than 45 years, but is most recognizable to consumers as a home and auto insurer. Shore anticipates that this recognition will help create broader awareness for the range of financial product solutions Allstate offers. "We're extremely proud of these rankings," said Shore. "We hope this recognition helps to educate financial advisors and consumers about the many benefits of variable annuities and how, under the right circumstances, they can fit into an individual's comprehensive financial plan."

In order to receive this top ranking, the kits were ranked on the following six components:

• Visual Appeal
• Readability
• Usability
• Information Substance
• Information Comprehension
• Motivation (to sell or buy)

In addition to this recognition by Marketing Matrix, the Allstate Advisor Variable Annuity sales kit also won a "Best of Show" award in the Personal Lines Sales Promotion to Producers category at the Insurance Marketing Communications Association's (IMCA) showcase competition this past June.

Variable annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment alternatives before purchasing a contract or investing money. These contracts have limitations and are sold by prospectus only. The prospectus contains details on the investment alternatives, contract features, the underlying portfolios, fees, charges, expense and other pertinent information. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before purchasing a contract or sending money.

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of Allstate Life Insurance Company: Home Office, Northbrook, IL.

The Allstate Advisor Variable Annuity is issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company and underwritten by Allstate Distributors, L.L.C.: Home Offices, Northbrook, IL.

Allstate Life Insurance Company is a proud member of the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association - IMSA. Membership signifies the company's commitment to honesty and fairness in the sales and service of individually sold life insurance and annuity products.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rebecca Hirsch, Media Relations, 847-402-5600