Allstate - You're in good hands

11/11/2004 NORTHBROOK, Ill. -

Recognized for building the industry's most comprehensive online offering, Allstate.com has received the No. 1 Overall Ranking in the Q4 2004 Watchfire GómezPro Scorecard™ survey of insurance carrier Web sites. With this milestone accomplishment, Allstate.com bumped Progressive.com, which held the top spot in the GómezPro Scorecard for over three years.

The Watchfire GómezPro Scorecard measures the quality of online financial services offerings by focusing on four categories: ease of use, customer confidence, on-site resources and relationship services. Based on the high marks in each of the four key evaluation categories, Allstate.com claimed the No. 1 Overall Ranking, outranking the Web sites of several insurers including State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive and Geico.

"We take a tremendous amount of pride in this milestone achievement for Allstate.com," said Judy Seiler, director, interactive marketing, Allstate. "We are focused on ensuring that policyholders and prospective customers who visit Allstate.com are able to quickly find what they came for—whether it is an auto quote, a local Allstate agency, or information on preparing for retirement."

In addition to receiving the #1 Overall Ranking, Allstate also received the highest marks in the ease of use category which looks at critical Web features like consistency of design and navigation. In highlighting Allstate.com's ease of use features, Watchfire GómezPro recognized Allstate.com's integration of data to provide efficient access to information, simplicity of account opening and transaction processes as well as adherence to user-friendly navigation principles.

According to Watchfire GómezPro, Allstate.com also excelled at integrating its over 12,000 strong agency force into its Web site. Allstate.com visitors are able to use a convenient state-by-state search feature that can link them directly to a local Agency Web site. The robust, local agency sites include an array of valuable information and time-saving tools for both policyholders and insurance shoppers.

For more information on the Watchfire GómezPro Scorecards please visit: http://www.watchfire.com/scorecards/default.aspx?tc=90&firm_id=1548

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 more than 16 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through more than 12,900 exclusive agencies and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services 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, annuity, retirement, banking and investment products through distribution channels that include Allstate agencies, independent agencies,financial institutions and broker-dealers.

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