Complain about a product or service

Allstate Auto Insurance

John of Natrona Heights PA (07/18/08)
i was involved in an accident in myrtle beach sc. i was driving a rental van, rented by my mother in law. because my name was not on the rental agreement, allstate insurance refuses to pay the claim. i am an allstate customer in good standing. they preach on their national commercials that we will represent you if you are ever sued. they have denied representation and i am being sued for the damages totaling $5645.78.

they are listing me as an uninsured driver in the complaint. this is NOT the case!

Maria of Lincoln MT (07/16/08)
My husband and I have an Allstate Insurance policy and also our college age son. Monthly premiums for each policy were taken out of our checking account automatically. Our son was married two months ago and requested a quote for Allstate to add his new wife and her car. It was SUPER expensive, so he decided to cancel his Allstate policy and they purchased new insurance from another company.

Two weeks later he gets a paper bill from Allstate for his Quote Only amount. He again calls them..telling them to cancel his Allstate policy immediately effective two weeks prior when he first called and that the bill was in error for it was for the amount he was quoted and never purchased from them. He was apologized to, told it was now properly taken care of, he did not owe them any more $$ because he was paid up before he canceled and we thought that was that.

Now today Allstate debits my husband and I's personal checking account for the amount of the quote only. It throws our bank account into a mess! We have stopped payment on this transaction and filed a claim with our bank but that they tell us will take 10 days to resolve. All Allstate can say is sorry..it is taken care of now. I can't even begin to believe them this time.

NSIF fees from our bank for other transactions that rightfully posted to our account this AM, but did not get paid because of the Bogus payment taken out by Allstate that took a lot of $$.

Latrecia of Niagarafalls NY (07/14/08)
I was involved in a car accident back in August of 2006 I was badly injured. Sufferd herniated disc cracked front teeth had 20 stiches to the forhead. I missed there medical evaluation due to lack of transportation and no sitter for my disabled child. I tryed to explain to my ajuster at the time (Lisa Malimiester) she was very nasty and woudl not understand my situation.

Therefore my nafault benifit coverage was stopped. This is 2008 and Im still suffering not to mention I still suffer very bad vertigo attacks and all my front teeth have been replaced for caps that look like teeth. Also my disc cause numbness and tingling which radiates up and down my legs walking is sometimes difficult. I have tryed other things even speaking to supervisors nothing has worked is there any options?

BODILY INJURY SUBSTANED DURING A CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THE INSURER.

Jadale of Kansas City MO (07/13/08)
A customer of the company had a collision with my vehicle and was proven 100% at fault, however the company refused to pay. There was no investigation conducted from the company, and the individuals involved in the accident were not questioned.

There was $1500 worth of damage on my vehicle, and the welfare of two infant children was threatened.

Mary of Newark NJ (07/09/08)
In the year approx. 1999 I was involved in car accident, the automobile was a Ford Explorer, SUV. I filed a claim for lost wages, and homecare worker. I never received the funds for that accident. The policy was in my husband name, we resided in Staten Island at that time.

Because this situation, I lost my job, as a Manager in the Postal Office, I lost my home and my other necessaties that was vital to my well being Thank You

Tara of Rochester WA (07/09/08)
An 80-year-old woman (who indicated she was hard of hearing and also seemed very disoriented) took a left turn into the front of my car while it was stopped at a stop line in a Target parking lot. My boyfriend, the driver, honked the horn as we saw her vehicle cutting the corner too sharply, but she continued as though she were oblivious to our car sitting there.

The driver's side corner of her bumper impacted directly into the middle of my front license plate, and proceeded to swipe across the driver's side of my bumper as she tried to swerve away. She left the bumper scraped and even tore a hole in it. At the time, she admitted fault, saying she hadn't seen the car, but later lied and told her adjuster that we had come out of nowhere and driven into her as she was almost done with her turn. While the photographs of the damage most definitely confirm our story, the Allstate agent denies any fault on her client's side and refuses to compensate me for the $625 of damage to my vehicle. As I only have liability coverage, this pretty much screws me.

I am very upset with Allstate for failing to acknowledge the evidence and for allowing a woman whose mental and physical capacity for driving has diminished to the point of danger to avoid taking responsibility for her actions. It should also be noted that, while I am a witness to the accident, Allstate has expressed that they are not interested in obtaining my statement as evidence...of course they aren't.

$625 damage to my vehicle.

Ralph of Salem OH (07/07/08)
Allstates client hit our car and the company refused to send out an adjuster to document damages. They were requiring us to take our car to their claims center at their convenience not ours. I would like to start a class action laesuit against Allstate requiring the company to send an adjuster to our choice of location or to reimburse us for mileage at the allowable federal rate both to and from their location, pay us twice the minimun wage for the time from our house and the return to our house, and to require Allstate to have their claim centers open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

HAD TO PAY OUR $500 deductible and will file small claims action against their driver to get our money back.

Carol of Houston TX (06/27/08)
On June 11th 2008, I was hit and knocked off my bicycle by a Allstate client while attempting to cross the street at an authorized crossing. (The light indicated it was all right to cross) I am a 56 year old women, who has been a Registed Nurse 35 years and US Army Nurse Corps Veteran of Desert Storm. I reported the incident to this Allstate Rep. because I wanted to get my bike repaired. (I could deal with the pain and bruises) This rep. talked to me as though I haddeliberately stepped in front of the car.

She was so discourteous that I became extemely nervous and upset. I attempted to contact the Manager, Ron Hurts, leaving messages. He never returned my calls! I'm not trying to milk the company, I simply want to be treated with respect and dignity and get my bike repaired!

Brusing and pain of entire left side. Bicycle needs to be repaired.

N. of Houston TX (06/17/08)
I was in an automobile accident on 10/24/2007. I was not at fault. The person that hit me has Allstate Insurance and I've been dealing with them since then. I am working on finalizing my claim for personal injury. They offer $1,916 to cover my medical expenses incurred which is only 50% of my total expenses. My request was simple; reimburse 100% of my medical expenses for $3,829 instead of $1,916. I did everything that Allstate representatives asked me to do. I provided all the documents and was told to get my treatments done before they would speak to me about settlement. At no time, did any Allstate representatives mentioned that I was required to be treated [by their] recommended doctor. 

Now, they are claiming that they are only required to cover reasonable treatments. Their guideline said they would only cover 6 to 8 weeks of treatments. I've asked for medical expert to review my case, they have a RN and a chiropractor that are not a practicing chiropracotr. They are making excuses why they will not reimburse those expenses. My car was totaled, all my airbags were deployed, and the paramedics arrived on the scene. I received all of my treatments as directed by my physician. The time and gas expenses incurred going to the doctor for treatments on a weekly basis was inconvenient and time consuming. I had to rearrange my work schedule to accommodate and incurred additional gas expenses to get to my appointments.

On 10/24/2007, I went to the Emergency room and paid $227.38 for my visit, plus $66.53 in prescriptions and medical supplies for my injuries. The earliest available appointment to see my treatment doctor was on October 30, 2007, which 6 days after the accident. I was treated for my injuries for the period of 10/30/07 to 4/9/08 and incurred a total of $3,535 in medical expenses. This equated to being treated 2 times a week during this period at considerable inconvenience, pain and discomfort. I am required to continue to do stretching exercises and swimming exercises in order to reduce the pain and discomfort I experience when I stand, sit or sleep. I dont have a private pool; therefore I am paying for a gym membership in order to maintain my daily mobility. I lost 40 hours worth of pay due to the accident and my injuries for a total of $1,250; they would only pay $1,054.89 net.

Allstate Insurance Company is taking advantage of the fact that this is my first accident and that I didn't get an attorney from the beginning. They are not reimbursing my medical expenses due to a text book guideline. I don't know how these people sleep at night. What if something like this happens to them? Allstate Insurance Company is not a company I would ever do business with.

Fred of Riverview FL (06/02/08)
I feel Allstate Insurance is creating a pretense in their ad online that depicts a man with long hair popping in and out of the picture and describing how the 20% is usually an important factor. The images of the other people are scowling when the long hair is visible and not when he is gone. Is this a predetermined slam against a sect of American society? If so, I have long hair and would like you to answer a few questions about Americanism, rights and the function of an insurance company. Or am I so undesirable that I don't deserve a straight answer?

I think I do, as we have been good customers of Allstate for 25 years and when renewal came up once a few years ago, I was told that they would renew me but not my Girlfriend. The same woman that has been sharing the auto, home, flood insurance for all this time. I swithced offices as this was a bigoted attitude. When Allstate dropped many homeowners insurance in Florida we, of course, were one and after that we swithed auto insurance providers to return the favor.

A feeling that my money was going to someone who is out to destroy the comfort level that I and all of us are trying to attain. Having to scurry and find providers at an inconvenience so insurance doesn't lapse. Actually, we SAVED $350 by changing auto insurance providers (no bull) indicating we were dealing with overpriced for 20 YEARS!!! So look around, there are REPUTABLE providers out there that don't want you to get a hair cut or assume a lifestyle that your agent approves before they will issue insurance!

John of Granada Hills CA (05/27/08)
I have been with All State Insurance for over 30 years. In Feb of 07 I got a minor traffic ticket, my first in over 30 years ( illegal left turn) This year my insurance has a surcharge of $600.00 a year (40% hike), because of the minor ticket. They say the surcharge rule has been approved by the California State Insurance Department and they cannot remove it....

So for one ticket in more than 30 years, my insurance surcharge will cost be $1800.00 (will take 3 years to remove) I think this is outrageous and cannot believe other customers are being charged this, what if they had an accident?

Ed of West Frankfort IL (05/26/08)
their tv commercials say they dont raise their rates becouse of an accident. but they raised my rates 33% after a small accident claim w/ no injuries. have to $200 more per year for insurance.

Carol of Huntingtown MD (05/24/08)
My husband has been with Allstate Insurance Company for 14 years and I have been with them for nine. We have switched all of our vehicles to Allstate from Geico. We currently have a Deluxe Homeowners Policy with at 2423 Springbrook Court in Huntingtown, MD. We signed all the papers and were due to move in on July 4th. We went on vacation to the Dominican Republic and upon our re-entry to the United States found that we had messages from Allstate about a claim that had been filed for water damage to our new home. While we were away Calvert County and the surrounding areas experienced terrible storms (June 2006).

At the time there was water damage to the basement where the water had entered through the door leading into the theater room from the outside drain. We had a $1000.00 deductible, that was paid and Servpro charged $865.28 for water removal and fans/dehumidifiers for drying the carpet. Allstate sent a check to us to cover that amount. When we moved from the rental to our new home (July 2006) my husband made sure that our Homeowners Policy covered and provided for water that backs up through the sewer and outside drains. He made these arrangements through our agent Mike Masri. This was done so that in the event that a similar incident occurred, as what happened in 2006, we would be covered. Our agent Mr. Masri added that coverage to our policy after being specifically informed, by my husband, as to how the water came to be in the home (through the outside drain and under the door) in June 2006.

Now we come to 2008-May 11-12, 2008 and we have a similar occurrence after another storm. After making a claim on Monday, May 12, 2008 and waiting an entire week for an adjuster (Kevin Kelly) to come out (who by the way was in no way professional or sympathetic to our situation), we discovered that the policy that we have to cover incase of water damage from sewer or drain backup is in no way coverage at all. We have since been told that the drain that backed up is not covered because it was not in the dwelling. So why was it covered in 2006? When this question was asked of Mr. Bret Nill, Mr. Kellys manager, he said it probably should not have been covered. Note the probably. Why did Mr. Mike Masri sell us insurance that he knew we would not be able to use, knowing full well what the previous situation had been? He probably shouldnt have sold it.

Why do we pay such high premiums for insurance, no Deluxe Insurance, if it is going to be misrepresented and then not cover what it is said to cover in the long run? We probably shouldnt be paying such high premiums. I still do not understand all of what has occurred except for the fact that we have been duped, ripped off, cheated and lied to. My husband has already suggested that we look into switching our insurance coverage from Allstate to State Farm or Nationwide. Co-workers that I have told of this problem noted similar problems that they have had with Allstate and have switched to State Farm and are quite please not to mention covered to their satisfaction.

The consequences are that we still have a wet basement, we are running dehumidifiers night and day, there is a terrible mildew smell, we don't know how we are going to pay for the repairs to the basement, our basement is uninhabitable, my husban took sveral day off work to wait for an adjuster, I took a half day off work to get answers from the agent or anyone at Allstate who would give me information. I am contemplating taking money from my retirement fund to take care of this. I have not slept since I was told that the insurance company will not cover it. I am concerned with my and my husband's health as continue to breathe in this air.

Caroline of Wildwood NJ (05/24/08)
My mothers car was parked out front of my house. Late Sunday night, we got a rogue Nor'easter storm that blew in rather unexpectedly and caused major flooding. Her car had 3 inches of bay water. All State (the you're in good hands people) really are everything but that, they are arthritic, crooked and warped. 2 weeks after the claim, we still haven't heard anything and when we call the claims office, no one can find our policy, our claim number or any information as to when an adjuster will be going over to take a look at the car - meanwhile the car has had 2 weeks to dry out. Don't know about you, but I see the writing on the wall with this one - we're gonna get screwed to the wall.

Rental Car Insurance allotment - $20 a day - (now that's living it up) Rental car per day $85 We currently have 5 cars, 1 motorcycle, 3 houses and 1 boat, 1 apartment all covered by All State-We have had insurance with this company for over 20 years yet, I am still waiting for the adjuster to tell us what we are getting back and when a check will be sent to us... Priceless but even more pathetic - this doesn't even tell half of what has happened to me in the last two weeks due to this company incompetience.

Robin of Deer Park NY (05/21/08)
This is a dual insured situation. Both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions. The responsible party, either made a left hand turn, or lost control and crossed over into my son's lane of travel. My son saw him out of the corner of his eye, swereved right and breaked. The left front of my vehicle contacted with the right side doors of the adverse vehicle. The adverse vehicle, then drove aound my son's vehicle and drove abour 500 feet down the road in the oncoming travel lane. The adverse driver was an elderly man who has no recollection of the loss.

Ms. Thomas decided comparative negligence applies as she feels my son was speeding. There is no evidence of speeding and she has no expert report to prove her theory. She was going off the damage to her insureds vehicle, a 22 year old vehicle. She then found my son failed to recognize the danger of other vehicles, untimely evasive action, inattentive, all bogas allegations. I was then offered 70%. By the way, the adverse driver was cited on the police report for failure to yield the right of way. My son had photos of the accident scene. Clerly, this was a 100% case. I refused the offer.

My car was totaled. I was seeking $4182.25 at 100%. I did not dispute Allstates total loss evaluation. I filed a small claim action against the adverse driver and appeared in court 5/19/08. The attorney for Allstate offered 80%, in which I refused. The MVA occued 3/21/08 I was already in court, I was going for it. Since My husban was the registered owner of the car, only he and my son were allowed to testify, I attempted to get in since I had been dealing with Allstate, but the attorney objected and the judge granted it.

My husban, agreeded to settle for the 80% which was now off the table. So it was settled for 70% with the judge stating, its a good settlement, left hand turn cases are never settled for 100%. We never got to presnt our case. I'm angry at Allstate for their unfair claims handling....

Rich of Prospect CT (05/09/08)
Complaint:Excessive amount of time to process claim(3 days) and get adjustor out to view car for estimate (9 full days(includes 2 weekend days)and still not done) on Allstate claim. Agent and adjustors giving conflicting and untrue facts about adjustor being present on site at Stanley's Auto Body Shop, Waterbury, CT on May 7 and 8, 2008.

My agent,Sean,Waterbury,CT told me on April 29 and 30 that complete information was given to claims dept. and that an appointment would be set by adjustor with body shop for inspection within a couple of days. However,72 hrs later adjustor (? Mike) claimed he was unaware of location of car and so could not schedule appointment until after he spoke with me on Friday May 2.However, several hours before his coverstion with me that same date, the adjustor took a lengthy statement from my daughter, the driver, and never asked for the location of the car.

The appointment was then scheduled for Thursday May 7,another 6 days later, not satisfactory to me, and I insisted that he must set an earlier date. At that point I notified my agent who also called on my behalf and requested an earlier inspection date. Not only did that appointment not occur,I was told by my agent that an adjustor was sent out on Wed. May 7 (untrue). Then I was told by the adjustor Jessica on Thurs. May 8 that it had been inspected (also untrue) and that a check would be issued for the repairs.

However, later that day the auto body shop called me to report that the car had not yet been inspected,so I called the adjustor back and she told me that I misunderstood her and that the inspection was scheduled for Friday May9(10 days after the accident).I asked to speak with a manager to make a complaint and I was refused.She repeatedly refused me access to a manager at which point I became quite angry, and she finally put me on hold to try to locate one. A manager never came to the phone so after 10 min I called back and still was unable to speak to the manager, as I was told she was present but unavailable in conference. I called my agent to report this and he blamed the body shop. Why? They've been waiting for an inspection, and the adjustors haven't been there yet for their lack of appointment time as they say.

Rental car fees for first week totaling $184 plus fuel $38 when surrendered. Inconvenience and aggravation with phone calls of repeated untruths. POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!

Russell of Emmett ID (05/03/08)
Two an half months ago I contacted Allstate insurance paid six months in avanced and all was good untill 4/19/2008 when I got a receive a cancellation notice and there reason for this was that one of there agents she gave false information to corp. and now they are canceling our insurance for there mistakes and they won't give us a refund for what we paid in full for six months saying to me that it was human err . But we have to pay for there mistakes

having to come up with new insurance and having a cancellatons on my insurance record which i did'nt have at all .Plus messing with credit record and the cost of comming up with the fee to start all over again The stress of dealing with these people is all over whelming.

Scott of Surprise AZ (04/29/08)
On Dec 27, 2007 I was involved in a auto accident. I was rearended by a 16 year old female driving her parents vehicle. She was cited for being the cause of the accident, and subsequently went to court and was also found responsible in traffic court. Since then she has changed her story at least 3 times, and her parents refused to allow her to the authorities, and her insurance company about the accident.

I was injured in the accident, and my truck sustained about $3k in damages along with about $3500 in diminished value, because it was brand new with only about 1700 miles on the it when she hit me. I have also racked up about $10k in medical expenses, have been the chiropractor at least 22 times, had X-rays, and an MRI, and have been through 8 sessions of Physical Therapy.

Allstate has done everything in their power to delay the settlement of the claim, and we are at over 4 months now, and even today I still have lower back pain. I was forced to retain an attorney for the medical/injury side, and now am having to get another attorney for the property damages.

Bonita of Hazlehurst GA (04/25/08)
My Son was in an accident with a client of Allstate. The Allstate client was charged. I reported the claim and was told I would hear from someone within 24 hours. It has been two weeks and the only person who contacted me was the Adjuster who was very nice and helpful. I have repeatly called Ms Brazell and left messages as I was told to do. We have not been contacted. When I call the number and hit the number to go to a person two people we spoke with told us that the investigation is not complete. They haven't called to get my sons statement or the Allstate client.

Therefore, my son is two hours away from home at college with one of our vehicles because Allstate will not approve one and we are stuck with sharing a vehicle between my husband and myself.

Kristel of Raleigh NC (04/24/08)
I was rear-ended by an Allstate Driver. Allstate refuses to pay for a minimal amount of therapy for diagnosed whiplash. I was told by Leigh Ann Ritter that if I was really hurt,then I would have called an ambulance. Not only that, but I sent a check back to her stating that it didn't cover my automobile damages. Marge Haller at Allstate stated that the check was endorsed two months later and deposited through Bank of America. Which is.......Allstate's Bank. I was told I signed it, but Marge Haller has not provided proof and I certainly didn't endorse a check that Ms Leigh Ann Ritter received via returned mail two months before it was cashed. The treatment that I have received from these individuals is unethical and illegal.

Beatriz of Mira Loma CA (04/23/08)
I called Allstate some time in July of last year. To ask for a quote for a bussiness. All I asked for was a quote. I never signed anything documents or contract accepting this insurance coverage. On 7/10/07 I was sent a quote by fax. Then in 07/12/2007 I received another fax. Eva Huerta was asking me if I wanted to start the policy on this day. The fax continued explaning that I didn't need to send any money for the down and that the monthy payments wiuld be sent every month and it would be about $98.00 per month. I never called her stating that I wanted the policy to start. I never received any payment coupons or anything like that.

So since I didn't sign or request the coverage I thought that it was never enforced. Then in April 17, 2008 I received a phone call from Eva Huerta. She was very rude she said that I had to pay for this policy. I don't think I have to pay for this policy because I never requested it. I only asked for a quote. She said she was not going to become rich from my dumb little bussiness. I don't think this person is at all professional due to the way she spoke to me over the phone and also for enforceing a policy which was never aske for or signed for.

The damages I don't know of yet. I don't don't want them to ruin my credit for something I never asked for.

Lisa of Petaluma CA (03/17/08)
I was rear ended and sustained medium to severe whiplash in December 2006 by an older driver who was insured with ALLSTATE. Since the accident and up until November I have been treated consistently weekly to bi-weekly by an osteopath and a bodywork massuese to control the pain in my neck. I was told by a local attorney's office that it is the responsibility of the insurance company to return me to the state I was in BEFORE the accident, not where they, in their grand wisdom, assume I should be. As someone with very early stage MS, they decided to focus on this alone for the first few months of what they refer to as negotiation. They wanted my neurologist to clarify if the pain in my neck was caused by the MS or by the whiplash I sustained at the hands of their client. First they said the goal was to understand if it was the MS. Then they decided that if the MS wasn't the cause then I should have healed a whiplash injury in 6 weeks. This is crazy. Soft tissue injuries often take 6 months to a year to heal or reach a plateau. Now they have decided I was over treated and had too much massage. I've never gone after them for labor losses due to pain because the massuese had my pain under control!

I've been offered a pitiful settlement and I owe the massuese close to $1500. After the Med-Pay ran out, I continued to pay to see the osteopath as my neck still hurt and I was still having major problems sleeping. I am totally frustrated at the computer-like insurance response. What are we paying for if these people are unwilling to pay out?

Faye-Linda of Westbrook ME (03/10/08)
After two or more years of having our homeowners insurance and many years of having our car insurance with Allstate, we get a notice today in the mail telling us they will not be able to renew our policy. They say it is because we run a business on the premises. They have known about this business right from the start and they still insured us. Because we have a State License to inspect vehicles and by law have to post our sign, they are cancelling us. Our insurance agent here in Westbrook, Me knew full well that we had a business and he was supposed to find us an insurance agent to insure our garage. He claims he did and that the Marsh Agency has tried calling us on several occasions....this is a LIE! Mr. Marsh has NEVER tried to call us.

We feel that because we made a claim when my diamond rings were stolen, they decided to cancel us. Our loss was over $8000.00 and we were only given $4000.00, which did not cover full replacement cost of our loss and we still ended up having to pay another $4000.00 to replace the two rings that were stolen. They have contacted our mortgage company telling them we won't be insured as of April. We do not understand the cancellation because we never lied about our business. Knowing we had a business, they still insured us. How do we fight this?

We may potentially end up paying double for more insurance. My husband and I survive on social security disability and try to make ends meet by having our business that helps pay the insurance and our taxes which doubled this year. They are damaging us financially.

Brian of Jacksonville FL (03/03/08)
I was involved in an accident in which I was at no fault (other person ran red light and a ticket was issued), and I filed my claim through the at faults person's insurance, Allstate. While the car was still being repaired, Allstate decided that they would no longer cover my rental car anymore. The car took over a month from the day they stopped paying to the day it was complete. I ended up taking the rental car back before my car was even ready because I did not want to incur any more charges. In the end, I had to cover over $700 worth of rental fees as well as the inconvenience of being without a vehicle, for an accident that was not even my fault.

Rukhsana of Glendale Heights IL (02/23/08)
The Allstate insured car hit my car and caused an accident. We filed a complaint and the person was supposed to be there to examine the car. They were just beating about the bush. Then we complaint against it in better business bureau, which resulted in an examination. After the examination, the investigative agent told us the details, and also mentioned that Allstate is liable for the loss of the car, and told us to contact Michael for the authorization and the check on Monday. So we called on Monday to inquire about the issue and the person simply refused, what the agent told us. That is, they changed their decision all of a sudden.

This is simply ridiculous! First they were beating about the bush, and then they refused to compensate. This is causing trouble to commute to work and other necessities, in spite of all the mental stress!

David of Newark CA (02/16/08)
I was involved in an auto accident on Fri. 2-15 at 5:05 pm on the way home from work. The individual who hit me was going 45- 50 mph and didn't even step on his brakes. This is the next day, and I'm writing to you to let you know this person has not made his claim yet and probably won't until after the weekend which leaves my car in the shop and unaccessible until Tues. because of the holiday. I do have his Policy # and his name, but it is in my car. So now I seem to be left with out a car, no tools that were in my car to go to work with today through Tues., and no rental car to get around with. I was hit from behind with no fault of my own, and because I was at a complete stop on the freeway in rush hour traffic I hit the person in front of me, and I'm the one left without a car to get to my 6-day-a-week job. Now you tell me if this sounds fair.

My car has no radiator anymore; it was smashed--all the front end was smashed, also the rear of my car and bumper, including everything that was inside. I had a computer and a high end stereo with speakers and all kinds of tools and forms. The tow truck driver said when he drove the car up the lift that the power steering seemed damaged, too, so it sounds bad.

Tiffany of Coushatta LA (02/13/08)
I have been with Allstate for 8+ yrs. When my agent decided not to be with Allstate anymore, they decided to drop us. I never got the letter to switch over to a new agent because of the address or something. Anyway, we were terminated and had no insurance. When I went to the new agent to reinstate my insurance, he said they wouldn't pick us up as customers anymore. We had to start all over as new customers. To do this he raised our premium by 100%. We lost all of our deductions.

We've never missed a payment, had no tickets, no wrecks, nothing on our record. Needless to say, I switched to Geico and saved that 100% that he raised our premium to. I don't know how someone could do this to a customer that had been with them for so many years; but oh well. I'll now tell everyone I talk to, what Allstate did to me.

We drove without insurance until I got it switched over. It also caused me to have to leave work several times to get it taken care of.

Wayne of Bradenton FL (02/12/08)
I had an accident on Nov. 30, 2007. It was not my fault; a man backed into me. I have been trying to get my money for 3 months with no results--just jibberish from my agent in FL. I'm changing insurance companies at once.

The door is banged in and outside rear view mirror torn off.

Anthony of South Palinfield NJ (02/01/08)
I've been an Allstate Auto Insurance customer for at least 20+ years. During this time I've had no accident claims. It has been at least 15-18 years with no tickets. My driving record was pristine. I received my first speeding ticket after all this time. A 4-point ticket 40 in a 25 zone. As a result of this 1 single ticket, Allstate raised my premium by over 75%. I attempted to contact my agent of 20+ years, and was only able to speak with his assistant, who agreed the increase was unreasonable but unchangeable, due to Allstate's new underwriting policies. Even after leaving several additional message complaints, my Agent never had the courtesy to return my calls. His assistant stated, there was nothing further which could be done, and if I wanted to leave Allstate, it was my prerogative, and he understood. How unbelievably callous of Allstate to treat a long standing 20+ year customer this way.

I actually feel violated. A rate increase of this magnitude is reprehensible. It is an absolute crime, one of which Allstate without accountability has perpetrated upon a unsuspecting victim, me. Naive, maybe, but I would have never expected to be treated with such disrespect and indifference. I am currently exploring all of my insurance options, and you can be certain, I would never recommend Allstate Insurance to anyone.

Graciela of Houston TX (01/29/08)
I was rear-ended in a hit-and-run. I thought I would be fine because I have uninsured motorist coverage, but I was WRONG! Allstate refuses to pay all of my medical bills and lost wages. They were okay with taking my money for years, but will not keep up their end of the bargain. I will no longer do business with them. If you have Allstate, look elsewhere for insurance!

I was unable to work for several days due to the excruciating back pain and the medication that the doctor prescribed. My car was damaged, and on top of that, the claims adjuster was so hostile and threatening towards me, that the added stress actually aggravated my back injury.

Dagmar of Columbia SC (01/28/08)
I decided in August 2007 to sign up with Allstate Insurance over the phone and I asked then already, familiar with SC DMV policies if they would sent the new insurance information to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Generous answer Yes. The payment is taken out via direct deposit. So payments are never late. In September 2007 I received a letter from the SC DMV stating I was in front of suspension of driver's license and tags because I have no insurance. So, I called Allstate again over the 1-800 number and they stated We will put it into the system right away! I called back at the beginning of October (October 03, 2007) to make sure that it was sent and yes, it was sent. I heard nothing back from the DMV and AllState, except AllState took the premiums out of my account.

On January 26, 2008, I get stopped on a military installation and the police officer asked me why I was driving when my tags and my license were suspended indefinitely. That was great news! So, my car was towed for $75, my husband had to take off from his job to pick my daughter and me up. I could not accomplish my schedule, I could not vote in the primary in SC, but I was lucky I did not got arrested. I called, with the police officer present and my insurance card in hand, AllState and they stated, yes we send it in October 2007 but we will send it again. And someone from the Corporate Office will call me. So, I called today, January 28, 2008 the SC DMV at 8:34, they had not received it again. So, I called AllState back and started getting rude, yelling at them for not doing their job-they pulled the old office trick, I can't hear you, so I called an AllState Office in town after someone gave me that number. The lady, Stephanie was helpful or at least tried to help and filed the FR 4 form with the DMV. All this anguish, trouble etc. could have been avoided if AllState would have done, what all other insurances did so far with their customers: file the Electronic Registration with the DMV right away. Insurances are fast filing a form to tell DMV you have no insurance when you cancel but they are incompetent to do it the other way around: when you sign up, they need to file this proof of insurance electronically. I do not have access to this system to do that myself. A warning to all South Carolina AllState customers: Check with the SC DMV if AllState did their job.

a) I could not vote in the South Carolina primary on January 26, 2008 b) I had to pay $75.00 for towing my car, $6 for my replaced license tags and $25 for my driver's license, totally $106 in damages, besides the stress and anguish. c) I got fussed at by police- luckily not arrested d) got a migraine based on that e) missed a day at work, had to get a substitute f) spent immense time on phone to get things done g) felt like got the run-around and have to babysit incompetent employees who can barely read and write.

Jeff of Libertyville IL (01/26/08)
My car was totaled on Dec. 2nd, 2007 at 1:15 am by an Allstate insured driver. My car was parked, and I was asleep in my bed. Initially Allstate was corporative, providing me with a rental vehicle and promising to help me get compensated for my loss. It is now January 26, 2008, and I still have not been compensated and have nothing but false promises, unreturned phone calls and lies. I have a rental vehicle that is on MY credit card #. Allstate has not paid the Enterprise rental fees yet. I have spoken with Peter Estrada, Frank Algone, Barb Labanco (manager)--none of whom have returned my MANY, MANY phone calls. These agents all work out of the Woodridge, IL, office. I was offered $2923 for my Mercury Villager. I can't find a Villager of similar condition and mileage for less than $5000. Plus I'm liable for the rental cost at this point.

Finally, Barb Labanco told me my claim has been transferred out of her office and is now with Barb Mandelson in their Barrington, IL, office. Barb Lambanco promised she would personally contact Barb Mandelson and get back to me on that business day. The next day I called the Barrington office and found Barb Mandelson was out of the office for the next week--and no phone call from Barb Lambanco. They tell me that they haven't determined liability yet! (I was legally parked, and their driver hit my car.) All I want is a reasonable check to purchase a vehicle and for Allstate to cover my rental costs. I have explained to Allstate this many times to their voicemail vortex, but this simple matter is still not resolved.

Jackie of Elizabeth PA (01/25/08)
On 1/02/2008, while in Florida, a senior citizen hit my vehicle. His front end went into my driver's door, as he was crossing the road. The police officer gave him a $123.00 citation for wreckless driving and not yielding to the right of way and suggested he take a driving course. It's several weeks later and Allstate is now saying this may be my fault. My car is being fixed and Patrick Hinds from Allstate states I'll have to pay the deductible. I do not want to do business with a company who isn't going to stand beside me.

Hector of South Ozone Park NY (01/16/08)
I had a car that caught fire on 5/28/07. I filed a claim and now it is 1/16/08 and they are still giving me the runaround. I would like to know what I can do about this.

Petranka of St.petersburg FL (12/27/07)
Here is my ordeal with Allstate. For many years I was the perfect costumer - paying my premiums, no accidents, nothing exciting. My child was about to start driving so I bought a second car. I never knew how much information Allstate withdrew from me till our first accident. I trusted my agent so I never read back the very fine prints. I have been driving the second car (7000 miles/5 year old car just out of warranty) without having a collision on it. I gave this car to my child, renewed the policy and the agent never said a thing about not having a collision. Not only that but at the time I added my child to the policy, my agent just forgot to inform me about their new product and the benefits of it--the new accident forgiveness plan.

But most disappointing was the way Allstate is threatening me now. My 17 1/2 year old rear-ended a senior citizen who dropped her phone while driving and stopped in the middle lane on green light to pick it up. Her damages were estimated at $530. Allstate didn't even want to talk to me. My car was the 2nd vehicle and a teenager driving behind the wheel. This is all that mattered to them. They double my insurance; took discounts away and gave me accident penalty. For next 3 years they would make $4500 profit..... The fact that the 1st driver's 3-year old vehicle had obvious signs of reckless driving.... Who cares? This is Florida: it is senior citizen state. I filed a complaint about this outrageous increase. A woman called me and spent 20 mins. on the phone to tell me that she can't do anything--just rules and regulations. And she told me all about the statistics...as if the years I did trauma nursing I didn't know anything about car accidents and who can cause them.

I never got the answer why they increased my premium by 40%--which is the maximum and corresponds to a serious car accident with car that needs to be totaled. Such a rip off. So  parents who have Allstate already, have a proactive agent to keep you informed about all new plans and discounts. Make sure you stay abreast and read, read everything and don't trust completely your agency. Don't forget that their paychecks come from Allstate.

How can I describe the economic damages - everyone who is a single parent can figure it out.... Emotional disappointment- huge... Working nights as a ICU nurse, staying up during days to argue with Allstate....Can someone do the math and tell my how much overtime I have to pick up so I can earn for them the$4500 profit.....

Alfredo of Miami FL (12/27/07)
On November 16, 2007, I was involved in an auto accident with another vehicle insured by Allstate in which I was clearly not at fault. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for causing the accident under Florida Statute 316.121 (Violation of Right of Way). As of today's date Allstate Insurance Company refuses to pay for the 100%-- and only for 60% of my automobile repairs. It will soon be two months since the accident occurred, and my car is still not repaired. I don't have means of transportation, and all the while I continue to make monthly car and insurance payments on it. This behavior on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company completely unacceptable. Their slogan should be NOT PAYING OUR CLAIMS - THAT'S ALLSTATE STAND

Now I'm responsible for paying a deductible for an accident that I CLEARLY did not cause. Limited on everything I do, as I don't have a car I can depend on!

Andrés of Miami FL (12/19/07)
The accident happened on 03/23/2007 (it wasn't my fault) and up to date, after almost nine(9) months of hard battle with this insurance company and the Maroone's Body shop, our leased car, a Volvo Xc-90, is yet to be fixed with mechanical and cosmetic problems. We had compiled a huge file with every thing related to the accident. The most relevant thing to say is my wife, our two little kids and I are driving and traveling in a car with mechanical problems, with no money to fix it. Allstate and no body cares about our situation. The Florida law procedures are delayed to get earned our demand according to our lawyer. Time is running and we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My wife lost her full time employment because it required daily car use. The Company let her keep working to get a basis commission only and her salary was terminated, because the job require lot of traveling (it represent $ 18,000.00 losses in salary).  We need to paid the deductible in the accident that wasn't our fault($500.00).  We need to paid an inspection to Dell Volvo, to determine what must be left to be done, after the car was considered repaired by Allstate (it cost us $485.00). The accident and the troubles related with it, misbalanced my psychological life and doesn't let me sleep well till the point that I needed to visit a doctor specialized in those matters (it costs me $ 150.00)  Stress has become part of our life in a way that we never felt before with no money to pay usual things, no vacation this year, driving a car that we are sure is going to fail any time.  My job production is down due to physical pains treatments and visits to the Physicians ($25,000.00).  The family was forced to acquire a second financed car, after rental time was gone (as we can't afford to rent a car by ourself, or assume another high monthly payment, we need to use our vacation budget of $5,000.00 to apply a downpayment to buy the substitute car; in the mean time, that the Volvo will be repaired).

Dwayne of Middletown OH (12/04/07)
I was hit by a man with no license on Wednesday, November 28th. The man had insurance with Geico, but the car was in his girlfriends name. I am injured with a contusion to my left lung. This was my only car, and I only had liability insurance. My insurance company (Allstate) has refused to help me until Geico makes a formal decision. Geico has informally told me that they will not cover him. Allstate should cover me under my uninsured motorist policy. My adjuster has left for vacation and will not be back until next week. In the mean time I have no car and no way to work which is 35 miles away. I need help from someone, and no one will help me. My car is in the salvage yard, and I have them all over me wanting me to pay for the bill, and I have no money.

Bruised lungs and constricted movement, loss of employment due to lack of transportation. Unable to drive my children to doctor when sick, or buy food for them.

Peggy of Long Beach CA (11/28/07)
I have been paying my son's Allstate auto insurance, and on September 4, 2007 we switched to AAA Insurance. We received the cancellation notice from Allstate, effective 9/5/0y, so we went with AAA on 9/4/07. We got better coverage for less money. We paid AAA for six months insurance $643.00. Allstate says that they continued to cover my son until the end of October, therefore, $183.03 is due. I was upset with them and spoke to the agent at Three Rivers Allstate Office in Oregon. I explained that we didn't send the payment that was due by 9/5/07 because we had canceled. She stated that they continued his coverage and we needed to pay; the bills keep coming.

I am sure if a claim would have been submitted to Allstate after 9/5/07 (the cancellation date), they would have said, because they hadn't received payment the claim could not be covered. I further told her they needed to correct their error and that this amount was not going to be paid. Can you please help us? From what I am reading on the internet Allstate's business practices are often incorrect. I assume that a great deal of the time they get away with this.

I am not in good health and this is just adding to my problems.

Rod of Medina, OH (11/21/07)
My wifes pays our insurance online. Each time a payment is due we get a call from our Agent telling us our policy was canceled or an automated call from Allstate telling us they are sending a cancellation notice if we do not pay immediately. My wife returned the last call and the person checked and said she had indeed made the payment a week ago.

Our agent called us last time and indicated Allstate had canceled our insurance several weeks before as they didn't receive a payment. Just as before the payment had been made several weeks before.

They suggested an automated payment, but we did this with her last car loan and last Christmas the company withdrew two $400 payments in two days. We had a very bleak Christmas and they said "whoops".

Darlene of Duluth, GA (10/10/07)
The insured member's under-age, unlicensed stepson hit my parked car in my apartment complex. While Allstate did take care of the majority of the damages, I was not made aware that I would be responsible for "betterment damages" ($95.00).  My muffler was damaged which resulted in me having to pay 40% of the damages for that.

I was not prepared to pay anything and financially it has caused me a hardship.

Peter of Seattle WA (07/07/07)

You may have seen the Allstate Insurance ads on television where they state they do not raise rates on a first accident. We had been Allstate customers for over 10 years with NO claims whatsoever on our home or autos. Then we had ONE small fender bender last summer and what do you know....our rates increased by $400.

Brian of Ponte Vedra Beach FL (06/08/07)

I have had auto and homeowners insurance with Allstate for over 14 years. I have had no claims. I overlooked my May bill and sent it in late. On June 6th I received a cancellation notice and a partial refund. It stated that my insurance was cancelled May 19th. That means I unknowingly drove 2 and 1/2 weeks without insurance.

When I contacted them to reinstate my policy they told me they would have to redraw a new policy. My insurance not only increased $35 a month, but I would have to make an initial deposit of 3 months coverage. I also found out they had an old contact number from me as well as my old driver's license information. The amazing thing is that that information was from Georgia and my policy, vehicle and house are all in Florida.

Arturo of Houston TX (05/26/07)

At 3:00 A.M. a truck crashed into my car which was parked in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Allstate does not want to take the liability even though their client hit my car. This is my only car and I need it for work. The estimate from Allstate is $3,000.00 and I don't have that money.

Christopher of Bothell WA (05/16/07)

2005 BMW damaged in rear by hit and run. Filed claim with Allstate, told to take vehicle to their adjuster or to the body shop of my choice. Took car to authorized BMW body repair shop. Total cost of repairs were $2784.24. Adjuster didn't show up to look at car until day car was finished. Then was told door paint damage had to be a separate claim making my deductible $600.00 not $300.00.

Allstate paid a total of $1324.17. Told me I should have taken car to Maaco for repair or some place similar. Told me Allstate has the right to decide how much to pay for repair labor.

Kathy of Pompton Lakes, NJ (03/18/06)
I was a client of Allstate Auto for years.  I had an oustanding record and I paid my preimiums on time, all the time.

Allstate advertised for years, on national television networks, how they go out of their way to help their clients. Well it wasn't that way for me! I had a situation where I required their assistance in a legal matter and have been trying to get this resolved for years!

When I asked for their assistance they refuse to help me. My lawyer and I were on the phone with the Allstate staff and they did not help.  The employees involved should lose their jobs for how they treated me. 

Jack of Christiansburg, VA (03/14/06)
My auto insurance has increased $313.83 due to reported change in my credit. I have had this insurance for over 13 years with no claims (auto or home). 

When I checked my ratings I found my credit to be in the very good range, with no late or missed payments and all credit paid off early. My credit score was 840 (labled very good). This reporting period covered 23 years. I have two children on my policies and this affected them the most. My children have the good student discount as well.

This increase is unjustified to say the least.

Bridget of Lombard, IL (10/19/05)
I have been with Allstate six or seven years for my automobile insurance and I have an excellent driving record. My complaint is that they have increased my premium $10 in the past six months, with no explaination.  They just send the policy in the mail with the increase. When I call them they all give me different excuses as to why its gone up again after six months. 

I am single and struggling to pay all the increases in food, gas, ultilities and now Allstate. It may not seem like much to most people, but its alot to me. I have not had any accidents or tickets for them to do this to me.

Their customer service is very rude and I am angry and dissapointed .

Amy of Warren, Vermont, writes:
On 6/1/99 I was driving W on Route 62 in Berlin, VT. As I approached the Berlin State Highway, I saw another car waiting at the yield sign to enter. I moved into the left lane to give that car room to get on in the right lane. They pulled into the right lane, then immediately attempted to enter my lane, where they collided with my car.

The police came, and their report clearly states that the other car had a yield sign. Somehow his insurance company (Allstate) came to the conclusion that 15% of this accident was my fault. I disagree completely with their decision, but apparently I have no recourse to dispute this. I made several attempts to rectify this matter on my own, both over the phone and in writing, but I was not successful.

I was suprised that there are apparently no mediation services available to consumers who disagree with an insurance company's decision. Allstate keeps telling me that they have made their decision, and that my only recourse is small claims court. I have started those proceedings, but this whole situation has left me feeling incredibly powerless and frustrated. I feel like I am being taken advantage of, and I can't seem to find the proper authority to complain to.

The dollar amount that I am disputing is insignificant, and I realize that. It is the principle of the matter that I am concerned about. It seems like insurance companies have the right to arbitrarily come up with any settlement they want, secure in the knowledge that most people aren't going to bother to go through what I have been dealing with for the past couple of months. I have found the entire situation extremely frustrating and annoying, and I would appreciate any help you could give me.

They have paid me $603.24 (I have not cashed this check). It will be an additional $106.46 to repair my car, and they had originally approved $40.00 towards two days of a rental car, but that money was not included in the check they sent. I have now also paid a $25.00 fee for Small Claims Court. Of course this doesn't include the multitudes of phone calls, letters and time that I have invested in this situation. I have also paid out of pocket for some of the repairs that couldn't wait, but I can't reimburse myself, because they wrote "final settlement" on the check, and I'm afraid I'll lose any future rights if I cash it.

You have summed up the situation perfectly in your report and you are absolutely right in going to Small Claims Court. It really is your only realistic option at this point.

Follow-up:

In March 2000, Amy wrote:
I thought you would be interested in hearing how it all turned out. Shortly after I filed a complaint in Small Claims Court, I received a call from Allstate's attorney. She informed me that I was not allowed to sue Allstate, as I had "no established relationship with them". I was advised by their attorney to try to get the money from the man who hit me (how's that for Allstate standing up for their customers?)

I did not want to go after this man; isn't that why the guy bought insurance? Their lawyer insisted that she was just trying to give me good advice - I could pursue the claim against them, but she assured me that the judge "would throw the case out".

For me, it was the principal of the thing, not the actual money, so I told her I intended to pursue this to the end just to make my point. I must admit that by this time I was getting fairly nasty with her; the entire thing had started to become somewhat ludicrous! At any rate, I hung up on her.

Therefore, I was surprised and amused to hear from the original woman who processed my claim THE VERY NEXT MORNING. She was all sweetness and politeness for this call. She informed me that they had looked into the case again (how many times had I asked them to do that?) and found that I "had been telling the truth all along". She actually said those words to me!!

So, it took a long time, and nearly drove me bonkers, but I got my $100 out of those unscrupulous folks! As a side note, I had a small accident this winter that was handled by my own insurance company, Champlain Casualty. I had never put in a claim with them before, so I braced myself for the same shabby treatment I got from Allstate, as I assumed this was an industry standard.

I am pleased to report that Champlain Casualty's handling of my claim was more than excellent. They arranged a rental car, talked to the body shop, and had enough respect for me to actually listen to what I was saying instead of assuming that I was lying. It's nice to know that there are reputable companies out there. I was extremely upset about this for months. I have a great feeling of satisfaction now, and I'm glad I stuck it out!

Small Claims Court is a great weapon, all right. As Amy learned, most cases settle long before they go to trial if the plaintiff has a good case and looks determined.

Lawrence of Maryland writes:
After recently moving to Maryland, I was in need of transferring my auto insurance from my previous state of PA. I contacted my current agent Mr. McB of West Chester PA to find out what I needed to do. He gave me a contact in Bel Air for Allstate and said that my account would transfer over without much effort.

I had been with Allstate for about 7 years, and after finally acquiring a decent rate due to good driving records (No accidents or claims ever!) I was informed that my rates would increase from about $900 per year to about $3,000!!!!

I asked where the justification was in this decision, they told me that they ran a credit check (without asking) and that my credit rating was less than average and I would have to accept their highest rates!!

This business practice of credit checks for auto insurance should be illegal. You are NOT being extended ANY credit whatsoever. It is the law that you have it to drive. They claim that folks with bad or poor credit tend to have more claims. This was very stressful because I then had to find another insurance company, which is like a crap-shoot. You pay the initial premium before you know if you have been acepted. I was rejected by one company and my money got tied up for 30 days because they'd cashed my check anyway. Technically I was uninsured.

Finally I was able to go with GEICO. No credit checks, and my rates lowered somewhat overall. Moral? Ask any prospective insurance co's about credit before providing any payment.

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