What Allstate auto insurance is and who sells it

Allstate is a large insurance company that sells car insurance directly to drivers and also through independent agents. You can get a quote online, by phone, or in person at a local Allstate office. The company offers several types of coverage — liability, collision, comprehensive, and others — that you can mix and match based on what you need and what your state requires.

Allstate is one of several major insurers in the United States, alongside State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and others. It has been in business since 1931 and operates in all 50 states. Like other insurers, Allstate sets its own rates based on your driving history, age, location, and the car you drive, so your price will differ from what someone else pays.

Key Takeaways

  • Allstate offers standard car insurance coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist — that you can choose based on your state's requirements and your own needs.
  • Your rate depends on your driving record, age, location, vehicle type, and coverage choices, and rates vary widely between drivers and between insurers.
  • You can get a quote from Allstate online, by phone, or through a local independent agent, and you can compare it to quotes from other companies before deciding.
  • Allstate also offers discounts for things like bundling home and auto insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, and paying your premium in full upfront.
  • If you have an accident or need to file a claim, Allstate has a claims process that typically involves reporting the incident, providing documentation, and working with an adjuster.

The types of coverage Allstate offers

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident. It has two parts: bodily injury liability (which covers medical bills and lost wages for the other person) and property damage liability (which covers damage to their vehicle or property). Every state requires you to carry at least a minimum amount of liability coverage, though the minimum varies by state.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage has a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — typically $500 or $1,000. Collision is optional but required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from things other than collisions: theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal, or falling objects. Like collision, it comes with a deductible. Comprehensive is also optional but usually required if you have a loan or lease.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage pays for your medical bills and vehicle repairs up to your policy limit. Requirements vary by state; some states require it, others make it optional.

How Allstate calculates your rate

Allstate looks at several factors when setting your price. Your driving record — accidents, tickets, and violations — is one of the biggest influences on what you pay. Drivers with clean records pay less than those with recent accidents or moving violations. Age matters too: younger drivers and very elderly drivers typically pay more because statistics show they have more accidents.

Your location affects your rate because some areas have more accidents, theft, or weather damage than others. Urban areas often cost more than rural ones. The type of vehicle you drive also matters — expensive cars, sports cars, and cars that are frequently stolen cost more to insure than safe, common sedans.

The coverage amounts you choose directly affect your price. Higher deductibles lower your premium but mean you pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. Lower deductibles raise your premium but reduce what you pay when something happens. Your annual mileage and how you use the car (commuting, occasional driving, business use) can also influence your rate.

Discounts Allstate offers

Allstate advertises several discounts that can lower your premium. A bundling discount applies when you buy auto and home insurance together from Allstate. A good driver discount rewards drivers with no accidents or violations in a set period, usually three to five years. A defensive driving course discount is available if you complete an approved defensive driving or safe driving course — many states recognize these courses, and some offer them free or low-cost.

Other discounts may include paying your full premium upfront instead of monthly, having safety features in your vehicle (airbags, anti-theft devices, automatic braking), being a student with good grades, or being a member of certain professional organizations. Discounts vary by state and change over time, so ask Allstate directly which ones you might receive.

How to get a quote and compare prices

You can request a quote from Allstate through its website, by calling 1-800-ALLSTATE, or by visiting a local Allstate agent's office. To get an accurate quote, you will need your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance information if you have it, and details about your driving history. The quote process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Before you buy, compare Allstate's quote to quotes from at least two or three other insurers. Rates vary significantly between companies for the same driver and vehicle, so shopping around can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Many insurers offer online quote tools that let you compare multiple companies at once, or you can contact each company separately.

Filing a claim with Allstate

If you have an accident or damage to your vehicle, you can report a claim to Allstate by phone, online through the Allstate mobile app, or in person at a local office. When you report, have your policy number, details about what happened, the date and location of the incident, and information about any other vehicles or people involved. Allstate will assign an adjuster to your claim.

The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle, review police reports if applicable, and gather documentation. This process typically takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the complexity of the claim. Once the adjuster approves the claim, Allstate will either pay you directly or pay the repair shop, depending on your policy and the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allstate cheaper than other insurance companies?

Allstate's price compared to competitors depends on your specific situation — your age, driving record, location, vehicle, and coverage choices. One driver might find Allstate cheapest while another finds it expensive. Always get quotes from multiple insurers to compare.

Can I cancel my Allstate policy anytime?

You can cancel your policy, but timing matters. If you cancel mid-term, you may owe a cancellation fee or lose a discount. Check your policy documents or call Allstate to understand any penalties before you cancel.

What happens if I get a ticket or accident while insured with Allstate?

A ticket or accident will likely increase your rate at your next renewal. The impact depends on the severity and your state's rules. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that waive the rate increase for your first accident; ask if Allstate offers this where you live.

Does Allstate cover rental cars while mine is being repaired?

Allstate offers rental reimbursement coverage as an add-on to your policy. This coverage pays for a rental car while yours is in the shop after a covered claim. You choose the daily limit when you buy the coverage, and it is not automatic — you have to add it to your policy.

How do I know if I have enough liability coverage?

Your state sets a legal minimum, but that minimum is often not enough to cover serious injuries or property damage. Many financial advisors suggest carrying limits higher than your state's minimum — for example, $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident instead of your state's possible $25,000 minimum. Allstate can explain what your state requires and what higher limits would cost.