Our Thoughts on Allstate
Allstate is a good option for homeowners looking for discount opportunities, flexible coverage and affordable premiums compared to other insurers, according to our findings. We found that its online quote process wa straightforward and convenient, which makes signing up for coverage less intensive than with other companies we researched. The insurer encourages you to bundle your policy with other insurance products, such as auto insurance, for possible savings.
The company approves just 95% of claims received, which is lower than the industry average of 96%. Some customers also left negative reviews on Trustpilot about the company’s level of support and alleged unfair claims handling. We reached out to Allstate for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
Pros and Cons
How Allstate Scored in Our Methodology
Allstate State Availability
Allstate Cost
Allstate Coverage Options
Most homeowners insurance policies will detail what the company does and does not cover. If coverage is provided, the policy will also typically list the maximum amount of coverage available. This chart breaks down the types of coverage included in a standard Allstate policy.
You should always choose a policy with sufficient coverage for your needs. We have included recommendations from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) regarding the appropriate coverage amounts for comparison.
Endorsement Options
In addition to your standard policy, you can add on any of the following endorsements to enhance your coverage.
- Water backup: It protects you from water damage due to a broken sewer pipe or sump pump overflow.
- Identity theft protection: This coverage will pay legal fees, lost wages and other related expenses if you become a victim of identity fraud.
- HostAdvantage: If you’re renting out your property, you can get coverage against damage to or theft of your personal property.
- Green improvement reimbursement: You can get financial help when you replace or repair your damaged items with environmentally friendlier options.
- Scheduled personal property: This add-on will protect valuables, including antiques and jewelry, not covered by your policy’s standard personal property coverage.
- Business property: You can get protection for business property you keep in your home.
- Sports equipment: This endorsement provides extended coverage for items such as skis and golf kits.
- Yard and garden: You can include coverage for items in your yard and garden not typically covered by a standard policy, which includes lawnmowers, landscaping and trees.
- Electronic data recovery: This coverage can help pay for your data recovery from devices damaged in a covered event.
- Musical instruments: You can get special coverage for the repair or replacement of damaged musical instruments.
Allstate Quote Process
To get a quote from Allstate, you must first select what kind of policy you want and if you wish to bundle it with other policies. You will then enter your ZIP code and start the quote process. The insurer will ask for your address and information regarding your property, including the year it was constructed, how long you have been living in it, the roof’s age, and if the home has any security or safety features.
You will then provide your personal details and information about your household. This includes your contact details, age, whether you have filed any recent claims, and information on individuals you want to add to your policy. Once you provide these details, you will get an estimate of your policy costs and coverage limits.
Allstate Claims Process
You can file a claim with Allstate through its mobile app, website or by contacting an agent. Our research shows it takes an average of 15 days to get claims approval, which is more than other providers we’ve analyzed in the industry. While Allstate can deny claims if you miss the deadline, our analysis of customer reviews suggests payouts cover repair costs most of the time.
Note: We based the above information on responses to our 2023 survey of 1,500 policyholders who have filed a homeowners insurance claim with major insurers. Your experience will vary.
What Customers Think of Allstate
We analyzed customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to get a better sense of what Allstate customers think of their coverage. Here’s what we found.
What Customers Like
- Quick customer support: Many customers said Allstate provides fast customer support and addresses their concerns. Customers also appreciate the insurer’s helpful and responsive agents.
- High-quality service: Allstate policyholders find its service comprehensive and high quality.
- Easy sign-up: Customers seem to appreciate how easy it is to purchase a policy and get coverage.
- Straightforward claims filing: Policyholders think the company’s claims filing process is clear and straightforward.
What Customers Don’t Like
- High premium: Some customers claim their premiums keep increasing over time.
- Issues with claim processing: Many customers complain that Allstate does not do a good job of explaining their claims status, or denies claims unfairly.
- Long waiting time: Some customers complained about waiting too long when contacting the insurer’s customer support.
- Low estimates: Many customers complained about receiving low repair cost estimates from Allstate adjusters.
We reached out to Allstate for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
Allstate vs. the Market
Allstate is just one of several homeowners insurance providers available. Here’s how it compares to two of its biggest competitors, Liberty Mutual and Farmers.
*Average annual premiums for Allstate and Farmers are based on a policy with $350,000 in dwelling coverage. Liberty Mutual estimates are based on $285,000 in dwelling coverage.
Compared to other providers, Allstate charges lower rates for homeowners insurance and approves a significant number of claims. However, it receives many complaints about its services and offers actual cash value coverage with its standard policy.
