Allstate Car Insurance Review [2023]

Got insurance?

If you’re like us, you probably do. Insurance is something you have to have to keep you and your family protected if the unforeseen happens. But if you’re lucky, you may never have to use it.

In this guide, we’re going to take our gloves off and see if you are really in good hands. We’re going to provide you with everything you need to know about Allstate, including company history, ratings, coverage options, and more.

Want to start comparison shopping today? You can take advantage of our FREE online tool to start comparing rates in your area.

Let’s get started.

What are Allstate’s financial strength ratings?

Now that we have taken off our gloves, let’s see what multiple independent agencies have to say about Allstate and whether it’s the right company for your situation. Comparing the pros and cons is an important factor in determining which auto insurance company is best for you.

AM Best

AM Best rating measures the financial stability of a company, with A++ being the highest rating possible. Since Allstate has an A+ rating, it means Allstate has a stable financial future.

Moody’s

Moody’s rating looks at how well a company can pay off its debts (its creditworthiness). Moody’s A3 rating falls into the P-2 category, meaning the company has “a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 Standard and Poor’s (S&P)

S&P’s rating of Allstate is very good, though the best rating is AAA. An AA- rating means that Allstate has a robust ability to pay back debts, though not as strong as an AA or AA+ company.

Better Business Bureau

This rating looks at multiple aspects of a business, though the most important aspect is the company’s complaint history. A complaint history shows how satisfied customers are with the service they receive.

J.D. Power

JD Power rates companies solely on customer satisfaction levels. Allstate’s JD Power ratings are okay averaging 3/5; in most areas, there is room for improvement.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is another great company that measures customer satisfaction. The company based the overall score of 88 on the following category scores.

Allstate scores well in many of the above categories.

Consumer Affairs

As for the Consumer Affairs’ rating of Allstate, the overall rating of 4/5 is great. Allstate currently has over 400 negative reviews (three or fewer stars) on Consumer Affairs, though over a thousand reviews are four or more stars.

NAIC Complaint Index

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) measures the number of complaints a company receives. Allstate’s complaint ratio is fairly normal, as it is just a little over one percent. One thing to consider is that your experience may be better or worse than these ratings based on your insurance needs.

What’s Allstate’s history?

Allstate was founded in 1931 by Sears Roebuck and is only a few, short years from celebrating its centennial. Since its creation, Allstate has moved on to become one of the largest insurance providers, ranking as number 79 on the Fortune 500 in 2017.

as a series of natural disasters, from the California wildfires to Hurricane Michael, resulted in significant losses. Profits were down more than 29%, with the western wildfires alone resulting in $679 million in pre-tax losses. Exposure to losses like these has led the company to become an advocate for addressing climate change.

Why should you care about Allstate’s history? Essentially, looking at a company’s history gives you essential data about how successful the company is and what its future is like.

Up next, we are going to dig into everything from Allstate’s market share to its awards and accolades.

What’s the company’s market share?

Below, you will see NAIC’s data on Allstate’s market shares over three years.

Allstate’s market share has decreased steadily over the last three years. Several factors could be in play, such as increased premiums, customer dissatisfaction, and more brand recognition from competitors.

How to access Allstate?

Allstate has several options if you want to access information or get in touch with someone about your car insurance policy.

• Online You can find quotes and more online at Allstate’s website.
• Agents You can talk to agents by texting, calling, or emailing.
• Apps Allstate offers a mobile app, through which you can access your policy information and contact agents.

What’s the company’s advertising?

Whether it’s mayhem or good hands, car insurance companies do whatever it takes to grab your attention.

Consumers have been told:

We all want the good things in life, including good insurance, but are the good things really affordable?

Another smart advertising campaign which has swept us up into its chaos is the Allstate Mayhem commercials:

Another smart advertising campaign which has swept us up into its chaos is the Allstate Mayhem commercials Unlike other insurance companies, Allstate doesn’t base its advertising on how much you can save by switching or spending 15 minutes to save 15 percent, instead, the company markets itself as being there when and if it’s needed.

Does Allstate invest in the community?

Allstate is proud to give back to the community. Watch the video below to show how one employee is doing just that.

Other ways Allstate works hard to give back to the community is through the Allstate Foundation. The Allstate Foundation focuses on the following:

• Good Starts Young — focuses on empowering youth through in-school and after-school programs
• Purple Purse — focuses on helping end domestic violence by assisting victims to reach financial independence
• Nonprofit Leadership Center — provides a leadership development program
• Helping Hands — supports Allstate’s employees in volunteering

What’s Allstate’s position for the future?

Currently, Allstate’s customer satisfaction ratings are acceptable, but they could be improved. Being known for fantastic customer service would help solidify Allstate’s position as a top insurance company in the future.

How’s working at Allstate like?

Out of all the reviews, 60 percent of the employees would recommend Allstate to a friend, and 72 percent approved of the CEO.

Why do we care what employees think of Allstate? Because an employee who enjoys working at Allstate and believes in the company’s purpose will do a better job of serving customers.

Has the company received any awards and accolades?

Allstate has received numerous awards and accolades, and we have included a few of the most recent below.

• 2018 The Civic 50 (corporate responsibility award)
• 2018 “Best-of-the-Best” Corporation for Inclusion from the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
• 2019 One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies from the Ethisphere Institute

Allstate has also received dozens of awards for the company’s inclusion of diversity, from awards for a military-friendly employer to awards for being a top company for women.

How to get cheap car insurance rates?

• Many variables can affect what you pay. Your rate will differ from what is listed below
• Allstate has discounts and options that may help offset the cost

Here’s how Allstate’s annual rates based on demographics compare to other top insurance carriers in the country. These averages are national, so where you live could affect your rates.

Allstate ranks consistently in the top three companies for cost when it comes to certain demographic rates. For example, if you have a teenage son, you can expect to pay over $10,000 a year for his car insurance. Of course, you can offset some of these rates based on certain discounts available to you and your current insurance needs.

Rates Compared to the Top 10 Companies by Market Share

In the table below, you’ll see how Allstate’s average annual premium for each state compare to that of other companies.

Rates Compared to State Average

If you’re considering purchasing Allstate car insurance, here’s how their rates stack up against the average rates in your state.

Use the table below to find out how Allstate does in your state.

Allstate is lower than average in 12 states, which essentially means you may pay more depending on your geographic location.

Rates by Make and Model

What vehicle you drive can also have an impact on your car insurance. Below, we show you what you can expect to pay for five specific models from Allstate and its competitors.

Average Annual Premiums by Commute

If you drive more than 12,000 miles a year, you may also see your car insurance rates start to rise.

Allstate customers can expect to pay the second-highest rates when it comes to their commute. Other factors such as living in a rural or urban area could also contribute to the cost of your insurance.

Coverage Level Rates

You might think that having the lowest minimum coverage in your state is the best way to ensure you and your family are protected. But that’s not necessarily the case, because sometimes the difference in low to high coverage is less than you think.

Check out the table below to see the differences in coverage in your state.

Up next, we discuss how your credit score could affect what you pay for car insurance with Allstate.

Credit History Rates

Besides not being able to secure a car loan or a mortgage, poor credit can also have an impact on how much you pay for car insurance. The table below reflects what you’ll pay for car insurance if you have good, fair, or poor credit. Of course, these are estimates, and your rates may be different based on your situation.

The average credit score in the U.S. is 675. If your credit score is lower than this, you may face increased rates on car insurance. In some states, poor credit can raise your rates by thousands of dollars.

Driving Record Rates

If you get a speeding ticket, have an accident, or get a DUI, your rates with Allstate will increase in most states.

The table below shows rates with these three violations compared to the rate for a clean record.

What type of coverage is offered by Allstate?

Allstate offers the same coverage as all of the other companies do, and in most cases, at a higher rate. Let’s take a look at standard insurance terms and go into detail about what they mean. Some companies advertise about coverage if a flying pig wrecks your car, but what is that actual coverage called?

Oink coverage? We know it can be confusing, so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of common coverages with a brief explanation. Different coverage types fall into four basic categories:

When you are at fault:

Liability coverage covers the physical damages you inflict upon another vehicle and the bodily injuries sustained by all individuals in the other vehicle

When you are not at fault:

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage covers your expenses if the at-fault driver has little or no liability coverage.

https://youtu.be/cSEQmmlPMuQ

Vehicle Protection:

• Collision Coverage – covers your vehicle repairs or replacement after an accident
• Comprehensive Coverage – includes what most would consider “out of our control” such as storm damage, hitting an animal, and more
• Emergency Road Service – covers standard roadside services like tire changes, jump starts, and lockout services
• Rental Reimbursement Coverage – includes a rental car while yours is getting repaired for a covered loss
• Mechanical Breakdown Coverage – covers parts and systems failure of your vehicle that is not caused by normal wear and tear or improper maintenance

Personal Protection:

• Medical Payments Coverage – covers medical expenses of those in your vehicle
• Personal Injury Protection – covers costs incurred from injuries to yourself or others in the vehicle, lost wages and funeral expenses no matter who is at fault
• Umbrella Policy – extends your liability coverage to a much higher limit which blankets over multiple policies such as home and auto as well as others

Allstate’s extensive list of auto insurance coverages means you can tailor a car insurance plan to meet your needs.

Additional Car Insurance Options

In addition to the numerous car insurance options we’ve already covered, Allstate offers the following add-on insurance options.

• Classic Car Insurance — Custom-tailored insurance for your classic car.
• Ride-Sharing Coverage — If you want to be a rideshare driver, then you’ll need ridesharing insurance.
• Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance — Planning a trip to Mexico? Allstate offers a car insurance policy that helps cover drivers in Mexico (policy matches length of stay for up to a year).
• Rental Reimbursement — Pays for the cost of a rental car while yours is in the repair shop due to a covered loss
• Roadside Assistance — Pays for the cost of most common roadside services (such as tire changes).
• Property Protection — Covers the cost of damages that you accidentally caused to someone else’s property.
• Sound System Coverage — Can’t live without music in your car? This coverage covers the cost of replacing stolen/damaged sound systems in your vehicle.
• Drivewise® — Allstate has a usage-based program that runs on an app (Drivewise®) and creates a policy discount.
• Milewise® — Usage-based program that charges premiums based on the actual miles driven each month.

These additional coverages and options are perfect if you want a little extra coverage on your policy. For example, classic car insurance is essential because even if your classic car never leaves your garage, you’ll need coverage on it.

The good news is that classic car insurance is generally cheaper than regular car insurance because classic cars aren’t driven as much.

The other add-on policies on the list are similar to classic car insurance they give you needed protection at a reasonable cost.

Where is Allstate available?

Allstate is available in all 50 states, so, no matter where you live, you’re in good hands. However, keep in mind that you must notify Allstate when you change geographic locations so that they can adjust your rates accordingly.

What auto insurance discounts are offered?

We’ve already learned that Allstate’s basic rate is more expensive than other insurance companies, which is why we want to look at Allstate’s discounts.

Discounts can help bring costs down, making car insurance more affordable. Below is a list of Allstate’s discounts.

While Allstate is more expensive than other providers, it also offers a lot of discounts. If you’re a safe driver, getting Allstate’s driving app that monitors driving habits could save you money on your premiums each month.

When considering Allstate, be sure to discuss all of these discount options with your agent to see if any of them apply to you.

What stands out at Allstate?

So what makes Allstate stand out from other insurance companies? Allstate’s rates are higher than its competitors, but its plethora of discounts available to its customers could reduce rates to a more manageable level.

Allstate also has programs that can save you money, such as Allstate’s driving apps. Allstate also has an accident forgiveness policy.

https://youtu.be/nnGWqyAYDYY

What’s missing at Allstate?

We know that Allstate offers a lot of discounts, but the company is notably missing a significant discount that most other providers give.

Allstate doesn’t have a discount for military personnel, an option that is available at most providers.

If you are military personnel, USAA generally offers the best affordable rates and discounts. This doesn’t mean you still can’t get a good deal at Allstate. If you utilize multiple discounts and programs, you can reduce Allstate premiums significantly.

How to cancel your auto insurance policy?

Over time, there may be occasions when you may need to cancel or adjust your insurance policy with Allstate. Here are four examples which may apply to you:

• Selling a car and not replacing it
• Storing a classic or antique car
• A teen is heading to college and will no longer be driving the car
• A car has been paid off and no longer requires comprehensive cover

But what if you want to cancel your policy for other reasons such as customer dissatisfaction, rates that are too high, or you’re moving geographic locations?

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Cancel

You’ll need to pick up the phone and call your local agent if you want to cancel your policy. Allstate’s website does allow you to modify or change some policies but doesn’t allow for canceling a policy.

Is There a Cancellation Fee?

Allstate doesn’t generally charge a cancellation fee, but could if state law allows it. The company will also prorate any unused portion of your paid premium and refund you the difference.

When can I cancel?

Don’t cancel your policy until you’ve secure representation with another company. Even a one day lapse in coverage can cause unwanted headaches and possible fines in some states. The cancellation will go into effect at midnight the following day after your policy expires or whatever day you have chosen to end the policy.

How to make a claim?

Uh, oh. You’ve been in an accident and need to file a claim. How does that work?

Is making a claim easy?

Well, Allstate makes it easy with these simple steps:

• Online through the Allstate website
• Via the Allstate mobile app
• Calling the 24/7 claims phone number at  1-800-ALLSTATE
• Find an agent locally to get help with your claim.

Allstate also offers a Claim Satisfaction Guarantee., which makes sure the claim process is to your satisfaction.

If you feel a claim wasn’t handled properly, you can send a letter with your complaint within 180 days of the accident. If your complaint meets the Claim Satisfaction Guarantee, Allstate will refund you six months of your policy premium. This guarantee isn’t available in all states.

Now, that we’ve shown you how to file a claim, let’s look at how Allstate pays out claims to its customers. Loss ratios can give us some insight into the answer to that question.

What’s the number of written premiums and loss ratio?

The information below comes from NAIC and shows the premiums written by Allstate compared to its loss ratio over four years.

The company has shown consistent growth over the lookback period, which means it’s attracting more customers. The loss ratio, though, has declined slightly.

What exactly is a loss ratio?

The decrease in Allstate’s loss ratio could mean that the company is paying out fewer claims, or it could mean that in those years Allstate’s customers were in fewer accidents.

Nevertheless, Allstate is a financially stable company, meaning that if you have a valid claim, the company will be able to pay it.

How to Get a Quote Online

Maybe you don’t want to let your fingers do the walking and speak with an agent by phone. No problem. Up next, we’re going to show you how to get a quote online in simple, easy to follow steps.

Step #1 – Find Quote Box and Enter your zip code

The first thing you’ll need to do is go to Allstate’s website and click on the auto insurance quote option.

Next, you will see a page that requests your zip code and offers an option to add bundled policies to your quote. Remember, bundling policies can help you earn a discount.

Step #2 – Enter Your Basic Info

From there, you will proceed to pages that request basic personal information, such as your name, birth date, address, and email address.

Step #3 – Enter Additional Info

Other information you will have to provide includes the following:

• Vehicle Information (how it’s used, how old it is, safety devices, etc.)
• Job Information (occupation, length of time at that career)
• Driving History (accidents and violations)
• Coverage Level (chose what level of coverage you want)

Step #4 – Add Vehicles

Step #5 – Enter Your Phone Number

The final step is entering your phone number and permitting an agent to call you. If you don’t, you can’t continue with the quote process.

This process allows you to speak directly to an agent, who can answer any questions or concerns you have about your quote and whether you missed anything when filling in your information.

Step #6 – Your Quote is Saved

Your quote is also saved in Allstate’s database so that you can access it at any time.

As a reminder, below is the personal information Allstate requires for a quote.

To get as accurate a quote as possible, be sure to fill out all required information about your vehicle and driving record.

How does the design of website/app look like?

While other insurance company websites and apps may be difficult to navigate, Allstate’s is relatively simple and easy to use. On the website, it is easy to find whatever information you’re searching for. Just click and go.

You will see four different dropdown options on the top of the page.

1. Get a Quote — Allows you to select the type of insurance you want a quote for, from condo insurance to auto insurance.
2. Insurance and More — Shows what types of insurance Allstate offers.
3. Claims — Provides everything from an overview of claims to claims tracking.
4. Tools and Resources — Articles explaining insurance coverages and basic insurance questions.

The format of the website is similar on tablets and phones, though it will be different on Allstate’s app. If you can’t find an answer to your question on the website, Allstate also has a Youtube channel that offers solutions to common questions.

Allstate® Mobile App

Allstate’s mobile app has 4.8 out of five stars in the app store from over 256,000 reviews. For people that are always on their phones and other devices, the Allstate app makes it easier to access their policy information wherever their location.

Some of the common complaints in the review section were about bugs with the Drivewise® section of the app, such as the app deactivating the program when closed.

Here’s a quick video about Drivewise® and how it may be beneficial for your situation.

https://youtu.be/W1zpEsgzYIU

Other App Features

Have you been in an accident? Allstate has an option called QuikFoto Claim where you can snap a picture of the damage and start the claims process.

According to Allstate’s website, here are other convenient options available on the app:

• Instant Agent Access
  Instantly contact your agent through the app. Plus, store agent and auto policy information to Passbook for quick and easy access
• Digital ID Cards
  Access proof of insurance without having to reach for the glove box or sift through papers.
• Policy Documents
  View your policy documents and agent information on the spot, and even email it directly from the app, whenever you need it.
• Manage Claims
  Start a claim and track any changes or updates. Plus, you can use the Accident Toolkit to follow the step-by-step checklist immediately following a collision.
• Roadside Assistance
  Have a flat? Car break down? Every minute counts when you’re stranded on the road. Know who’s coming and when with our 24/7 Roadside Network. Our On-Demand service is accessible to any driver, any car, any time.
• Escape Route
  Use augmented reality to create paths to safety in the event of a fire.
• Preference Management
  Easily manage your contact information and communication preferences. Choose from email and push notifications for billing/payment, policy communications, and more.
• Helpful Extras
  Additional features like Allstate’s Car Buying Service, Parking Reminder and Gas Finder make navigating each day a little easier.

What are the pros and cons?

Now that we have covered everything you need to know about Allstate, let’s check out the biggest takeaways in terms of pros and cons.

What’s the bottom line?

We’ve shown you everything you need to know about Allstate, so you can decide for yourself whether Allstate is right for you. With Allstate, you may be in good hands, but you certainly don’t want to pay too much by being so.

One thing to consider is that everyone’s needs are different, and rates can vary significantly based on individual factors.

As thorough as this guide is, we still strongly suggest that you shop around with your personal details and specific vehicle information before you choose an auto insurance provider.

Get quotes today to find out how much you could save on car insurance. Get started by simply entering your zip code in our FREE comparison tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you still have questions, don’t fear. We are going to go through some of the most common questions people ask about Allstate.

Will using Drivewise® increase my auto insurance rates?

Since Drivewise® monitors your driving habits, some people think that bad driving habits will add to their policy’s costs.

The good news is that Drivewise® only lowers your costs Allstate doesn’t add more costs for bad driving habits.

While you may not receive a discount for that month you slammed on the brakes one too many times, costs won’t be added on.

What is Milewise®, and does it work?

Milewise® is a usage-based program. It is perfect for people who don’t drive that much (such as people who work from home). You’ll have to download the Milewise® app or get a Milewise® device.

You’ll then pay a daily rate and then a per-mile rate, which is lower than the usual premiums.

Does Allstate cover damages from fires or floods?

Allstate doesn’t cover car damages from natural disasters UNLESS you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will cover losses from natural disasters, animal collisions, and theft/vandalism.

Can I switch Allstate agents?

Absolutely. If you like Allstate but not your agent, you can easily switch to a different agent without it affecting your rates.

You can research agents through Allstate’s homepage to find a new agent near you. This is useful if you like meeting in person with an agent to discuss your policy (rather than over a phone).

Allstate will help guide you through the process, which is basically signing a form so that your information can be switched over to your new agent.

Does Allstate car insurance cover rental cars?

It is best to call an agent and ask directly, as not all Allstate policies cover rental insurance.

If your policy does cover rental cars, you should be aware that Allstate generally doesn’t cover rental cars outside of the U.S.

Now that you’ve made it through our extensive review of Allstate, you are prepared to decide of if Allstate is the right company for you.

Enter your zip code below to start comparison shopping today.