An easy claims process and great discounts with Allstate car insurance.
Allstate was established in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co and has since grown to become one of North America's largest auto insurance providers, with a 10.4% market share and $32 billion in direct written premiums.
Allstate is highly commended for its extensive coverage and a multitude of discounts, including one of the largest bundling discounts in the market. Additionally, Allstate offers a range of add-ons, such as rideshare insurance, custom parts and equipment coverage, and trip interruption protection. Notably, Allstate is one of the few major insurers that provide pay-per-mile insurance, which can result in significant savings for infrequent drivers, up to 40% compared to traditional insurance.
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Allstate car insurance: Pros and cons
Types of Allstate car insurance
Allstate offers car insurance in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Basic coverage
Full coverage is typically required if you're financing or leasing.
- Liability car insurance: In most states, the minimum coverage required covers expenses related to injury, death, or property damage of others when you are at fault. Collision coverage covers expenses related to the damage or destruction of your vehicle from an accident or other collision. Comprehensive coverage covers expenses related to the damage to your vehicle caused by vandalism, theft, hail, fallen trees, and more.
Additional coverage
These policies are required in some states and optional in others
- No-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP), covers expenses related to injuries sustained in a covered accident.
- Medical expense coverage: Protects you and your passengers from financial burden due to accidents, irrespective of fault.
- In the event of a total loss or theft of your car, gap insurance covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and the car's actual cash value.
- If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will cover your expenses.
Add-ons
Allstate offers a variety of optional features.
- Your rates won't increase due to a single at-fault accident.
- Custom parts and equipment: Optional protection for aftermarket parts and accessories
- If your car is damaged in a covered incident, Allstate will cover the cost of a rental car for up to 30 days at a rate of up to $30 per day.
- If you drive for a transportation network company like Uber or Lyft, Ride for Hire offers up to $2,500 in additional coverage.
- Allstate provides various roadside assistance tiers, including the Roadside Advantage plan which includes tire and wheel repair/replacement and $1,500 in trip interruption protection.
- If your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home, trip interruption coverage will reimburse up to $500 for food, lodging, and other expenses.
- Newer cars are protected by vehicle covers that safeguard major systems, repair minor dents, and replace lost keys.
Allstate car insurance discounts
Not all discounts offered by Allstate are available in all states, and some cannot be combined.
- Bundle and save: Up to 25% off when you combine Allstate home and auto insurance.
- Drivewise: Lower your rate up to 25% with this safe-driving app.
- Sign your policy early to receive a discount.
- eSmart® discount: Go paperless and save
- EZ pay plan discount: Save by setting up autopay
- No at-fault accidents in the last five years can result in discounts for safe driving club members.
- Safety features: Vehicles with anti-lock brakes may qualify for a discount.
- Eligible for a new car if you own the current model year or the previous one and it's your first time owning it.
- Signing policy documents online for an online quote can earn you extra savings.
- If you pay your policy in full or have not missed any payments, it will be available.
- Students can save if they meet certain criteria, including having a GPA of 2.7 or above, completing the teenSMART driver education program, or attending school more than 100 miles from where their car is garaged.
Allstate customer satisfaction
In J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Allstate ranked below average for overall customer satisfaction in most regions. However, it scored above average with the claims process and has a lower volume of complaints than expected, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Despite this, the Better Business Bureau gave Allstate a B- , citing unresolved complaints.
Allstate customer service representatives are accessible via phone around the clock, and both the website and chat feature support English and Spanish.
Other types of Allstate insurance
Allstate offers a variety of insurance, including for:
- Business insurance
- Life insurance
- Pet insurance (through Embrace)
- Travel insurance
Allstate states that combining auto and home insurance policies can result in a 25% reduction in monthly premiums.
Besides offering life insurance, the company also provides a range of other financial products, such as annuities, IRAs, and mutual funds.
How does Allstate compare to other car insurance companies?
How does Allstate compare to two prominent auto insurance companies?
Allstate vs. Geico
Two of the largest auto insurers in the U.S, Allstate and Geico, offer policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Geico is known for providing lower rates for both minimum and comprehensive coverage, making it one of the cheapest auto insurance providers on the market.
Geico may not have as many coverage options as Allstate, but it does offer discounts for military members and a multi-vehicle discount that can save up to 25%. While both companies have mixed records for customer service, Allstate performed better in J.D. Power's survey on the claims process, while Geico earned an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, compared to Allstate's B-.
Allstate vs. Progressive
Allstate's average rates are higher than Progressive's in most categories, but its bundling discount is more generous and its Drivewise program doesn't increase premiums based on safe driving behavior. Additionally, Allstate offers pay-per-mile insurance, which can be a significant cost-saving option for infrequent drivers.
Although neither company excelled in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction rankings, Allstate generally received fewer complaints than expected.
Read on: Progressive car insurance review
How do I buy car insurance from Allstate?
You can purchase Allstate car insurance through various methods, including online, over the phone at 800-726-6033 or in person with an insurance agent. To obtain coverage, you will be asked to provide personal information, such as your location and driving history, as well as details about your vehicle, including its make, model, and year.
After customizing your policy, coverage limits, and deductibles, you will receive a price quote and have the option to set up a payment method.
You can easily locate an insurance agent near you by entering your ZIP code on the Allstate website if you want to purchase a plan.
You can manage your Allstate policy, view your insurance cards, request roadside assistance, and file claims through the Allstate website and mobile app.
Is Allstate car insurance right for me?
If you're seeking a company with nationwide availability, an easy-to-use online portal, and a wide range of coverage options, Allstate is a great choice.
Although its rates are higher than many competitors, it offers numerous discount options, including substantial savings for bundling and usage-based driving.
If you prioritize customer service, you may want to consider other options as Allstate has scored below average in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction surveys and has reduced the number of agents and physical branches available for in-person service.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
Our goal at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and in-depth consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make well-informed decisions when it comes to their finances. Each car insurance review we publish is the result of thorough reporting by our team of expert writers and editors, who possess extensive knowledge of insurance products. At CNBC Select, we are committed to maintaining our journalistic standards and ethics, even when we earn a commission from our affiliate partners on many offers and links.
Our methodology
CNBC Select evaluates auto insurance products based on several factors, including coverage options, average rates, accessibility, discounts, and customer satisfaction.
We utilize data from various sources, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' complaint index, Better Business Bureau ratings, A.M. Best's financial strength scores, J.D. Power surveys on insurance shopping, the claims process, the digital consumer experiences, and overall customer satisfaction.
The sources of auto insurance rates can include both the provider and state insurance departments.
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