Our verdict: Allstate is among the oldest companies on the market, with an A+ rating from BBB. It offers great discounts and a handy mobile app. Its rate for property claims is average, but Allstate is worth considering for home insurance.
We will explore the services of Allstate home insurance and help you decide whether it would be a good fit for you. The Allstate Corporation offers an array of products that protect homes, automobiles, lives, businesses, and more.
The company was founded in 1931, and today, it’s a pioneer in providing insurance to people across the US. It’s based in Illinois and is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Keep reading to find out all about Allstate and its offers.
Allstate Home Insurance Pros and Cons
Let’s take a look at the best and worst sides of Allstate to help you decide whether this is the right insurance company for your needs.
Pros
- Many discounts
- A low number of complaints to state regulators
- A+ rating from A.M. Best
- Available in all 50 states
- Optional add-ons for extra coverage
- Policy upgrade benefits
Cons
- Average rating for property claims
- Lower default coverage compared to other carriers
Allstate Homeowners Insurance Overview
The company offers various kinds of insurance plans. When it comes to home insurance, you’ll have access to innovative tools, great discounts, and a local agent. You’ll be assisted in finding the right policy fitting your needs and property.
The standard policy includes:
- Dwelling and personal property coverage;
- Guest medical protection;
- Damage from the most common perils like frozen plumbing or hail.
If you need additional coverage, you’ll find a personal umbrella policy, flood insurance, and others. Keep in mind that some of these options aren’t available in every state.
Features
Now, we’ll explore each feature of the Allstate home insurance.
Renters Insurance
Allstate renters insurance protects you, your family, and belongings from the four most common risks:
- Theft
- Fire and smoke
- Vandalism
- Water damage from plumbing
The standard renters insurance policy includes personal property coverage to reimburse you for destroyed or stolen personal belongings. It also pays off living expenses if you need to move and guest medical coverage.
It also has liability protection that pays for medical bills or damages if another person gets injured on your property and files a lawsuit.
Allstate home renters insurance comes with additional coverage, such as identity theft restoration, flood, or a personal umbrella policy. It also has a couple of discount options available to help you save.
Landlord Insurance
If you own a rental property, you might want to consider getting a landlord insurance policy. It protects you from significant threats, and the additional policies can completely secure your property.
Condo Insurance
The standard condo insurance policy protects your unit and belongings inside. Similar to renters insurance, you’ll be covered for theft, smoke and fire, vandalism, and sudden water damage.
However, Allstate home insurance for condos doesn’t include basic maintenance repairs, appliance breakdowns, floods, and earthquakes. Although some valuables are covered, it might be best to have additional protection for items like fur, expensive jewelry, or silverware.
Condo insurance comes with many available discounts that we’ll discuss more later.
Mobile, Motor and Manufactured Home Insurance
This policy is a perfect option for RV owners. Allstate mobile home insurance covers the physical structure and contents of the home and the people. Keep in mind that some of these policies cover only specific damage, so you should consult your agent about it.
For example, if your mobile home gets damaged by hail, fire, or vandalism, the policy would cover the costs of repairs. It may also include damage to the patio, garage, or your personal belongings.
The mobile home policy comes with liability coverage, which can protect you and your family if they damage someone else’s property. However, it doesn’t include injuries of the household members.
Allstate manufactured home insurance covers similar issues to the standard homeowners policy:
- Dwelling
- Personal property
- Guest medical protection
- Liability protection
- Other structures
You can also include some optional policies, such as:
- ID theft restoration
- Water backups
- Scheduled personal property
- Sports equipment
- Green improvement reimbursement
- Yard and garden
- Electronic data recovery
- Musical instruments
Second Home Insurance
If you have a second home, Allstate provides a separate policy for your other property. Vacant home insurance from Allstate might differ slightly from the standard one in terms of coverage and cost.
Usually, the insurance for the second home is created on a named-perils basis as you are unlikely to keep valuable items in it. That way, your property will be safe from explicitly stated events.
One way to save on this insurance is to bundle it with another policy. Keep in mind that these types of home insurance with Allstate has limited coverage for other structures like garages or sheds.
Home Renovations
Home renovations are a common occurrence. However, any improvement work changes the value of your home, meaning that the old policy might not provide sufficient coverage. Each change or addition to your home should be added to your existing policy, and the price would be adjusted.
For example, make sure you contact Allstate Insurance in case of a roof replacement or if you’re adding another room to your residence.
Other Structures Coverage
That is a part of the homeowners insurance policy that will help you repair or replace other structures on your property if they’re damaged by a covered risk. Some items that are typically included are:
- Fences
- Detached garages
- In-ground swimming pools
- Gazebos
Home Warranty
Besides the standard home insurance, you can consider opting in for a home warranty. However, the Allstate home warranty is different from other companies’ offers.
It may cover broken appliances, limited coverage of workmanship, materials for some parts of your home, plumbing, or electrical work. It has specific rules on submitting claims and might also specify how the manufacturing company can repair the items.
Guest Medical Protection
This policy covers medical expenses if your guests injure themselves on your property. It’s a standard part of Allstate homeowners insurance coverage and helps you pay for:
- X-rays
- Surgeries
- Dental work
- Ambulance rides
- Hospital stays
Homeowners Liability Protection
That keeps you covered in case you or your family member get sued for accidental injury or property damage.
If you’re found legally responsible for the other person’s injuries, homeowners liability protection will help cover legal defense or settlement fees. Just like guest medical protection, it is a standard part of homeowners insurance.
Personal Property Coverage
Allstate personal property insurance covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items. It helps repair or replace your belongings after a loss. There are two types of coverages:
- Replacement cost
- Actual cash value
The replacement cost coverage ensures you’ll receive the cost of purchasing a new item. The actual cash value is a reimbursement based on the current value of the lost item. It applies only to belongings that are damaged by risks specified in the policy.
Dwelling Coverage
Also known as the home structure coverage, it protects the physical structure of your home and the attached objects, like a garage.
Allstate dwelling insurance against hazard includes common threats like fire, hail, or theft, and it’s a standard part of the homeowners policy.
Personal Umbrella Policy
The personal umbrella policy provides liability coverage beyond the standard auto or homeowners insurance. It’s the best solution when other limits are reached. This policy is optional and may cover:
- Home accidents
- Car accidents
- Your dog biting someone
- Defamation lawsuits and similar
- Another bodily harm, personal injury, or property damage
It can protect your spouse, a person named under the Policy Declarations, or any relative who’s living with you.
Flood Insurance
If you live in an area that often gets flooded, you can purchase Allstate flood insurance for an additional cost. With it, you’ll protect your property and personal belongings. Keep in mind that the following damage is not covered:
- Mildew and moisture damage
- Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers
- Trees, fences, and swimming pools
- Living expenses for temporary housing
HostAdvantage
Allstate HostAdvantage home-sharing insurance is suitable if you’re renting out your home, and it helps you protect your belongings from theft and damage. It’s an add-on that comes with the homeowners policy, so it will likely change the Allstate home insurance quote.
Financial Strength
Allstate had a strong financial performance in the first headquarter of 2020, with a reported GAAP combined ratio of 84.9%. According to Fintech, Allstate is likely to remain strong in the future.
The company has large cash balances and investments of $3.4 billion. Allstate Insurance subsidiaries also provide a significant dividend capacity.
It paid approximately $2 billion in dividends to the parent company in the first headquarter of 2020. Allstate Insurer’s financial strength is ranked with A+ by Fitch Ratings. The outlooks for the insurer are overall stable even during the pandemic.
Customer Service
When it comes to Allstate home insurance and its customer service, you can reach out to your local agent or contact the company via the information section on the website. There you’ll find multiple options, from filing a claim to receiving roadside assistance.
There’s also a Help center, phone number, and FAQ section, but no live chat available.
- The Zebra — 4.3/5
- NerdWallet — 4.5/5
- ConsumerAffairs — 3.9/5
- Wallethub — 3.3/5
Overall, Allstate’s ratings are average in claim satisfaction surveys, and it received fewer customer complaints than the national median. The homeowners insurance policy is ranked the best in trustworthiness.
However, some of the complaints have been about delayed or decreased payments, or denial of valid claims.
Allstate Home Insurance Quote
If you’re looking for affordable home insurance, know that Allstate has slightly higher prices than the national average. You can reach out to a local agent, discuss the quote, or head over to the official website, enter your zip code, and receive a personalized offer.
The cost of your insurance will depend on the type of policy you select and any add-ons. Other essential factors are the chosen deductibles, the value of your home, insurance claim history, and location.
Based on our research, the average annual premium is $1,730, which is about 26% higher than the average offers of other insurers. Luckily, Allstate provides a variety of discounts for each policy that can get your premiums down.
Allstate Home Insurance Discounts
Here’s a complete list and description of the discounts offered at Allstate. We recommend discussing your options with your local agent or check for your quote online to see which of them are available to you.
Multi-policy
This discount helps you save up to 25% when purchasing a bundle of home and renters or auto policies.
Responsible payment
If you pay out your premium in full, on time, etc., you’ll be eligible for this discount. Make sure you haven’t received a cancellation notice in the prior 12 months to qualify.
Claim-free
If you have no recent Allstate home insurance claims, you might save up to 20% with the new policy.
Welcome & Loyalty
With this discount, you can save up to 10% on your home insurance premium for switching to Allstate. If you remain an Allstate customer, you’ll save 10% each following year.
Home Buyer
If you decide to purchase a newly-constructed home or if you’re a recent homebuyer, Allstate will give you the Home Buyer discount.
Easy Pay Plan
Conducting an automated payment to Allstate is another way to receive a discount. If you’re unhappy with your personalized Allstate home insurance quote, this offer will help you save 5%.
Protective Device
If you set up an anti-theft system or a fire alarm in your home, you might be eligible for this discount.
Early Signing
You can sign up for a new policy at least seven days before expiration and save up to 10% on your home insurance premium.
Other discounts
Several other discounts can make an Allstate homeowners insurance quote more affordable. Chances are you’ll be eligible for saving offers if:
- You’re a nonsmoker;
- You’re 55 years old or older or retired;
- You’ve installed a gas leak detector or deadbolt locks;
- You’ve updated your home against common perils.
Rates Comparison
Allstate provides insurance policies for homes, cars, businesses, and others, so it’s hard to make an overall price evaluation. That’s why we’ll focus solely on how the homeowners’ rates compare to other popular insurers’ offers.
Allstate vs. State Farm
Allstate homeowners insurance comes with a variety of saving options. Discounts also include low rates for seniors or new homebuyers. It has an excellent mobile app for payments, claims, and other services. Still, Allstate has high rates for homeowners insurance.
On the other hand, State Farm’s coverage is up-to-date with energy-efficient appliances, includes utility lines and waterbeds, and has reduced rates for damage-resistant roofs. However, it also has higher prices, and some coverages are only available in a package.
Allstate vs. GEICO
The only difference between Allstate home insurance and GEICO is that first doesn’t charge one deductible for all events but rather splits it by peril.
That is why you’ll have windstorm and hail deductible, tropical cyclone deductible, and for all other perils — $2,500, $5,000, 1%, or 2% of the dwelling estimated price. Allstate also has a long list of available add-ons.
GEICO offers the same coverage, with total deductibles of $250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500 and fewer endorsement options available. Just like with Allstate, the cost depends on various factors.
Overall Competition Comparison
There’re many aspects to consider when selecting the right company for your homeowners insurance. Let’s take a look at the comparison of the leading insurers on the market.
Allstate vs. State Farm Home Insurance
Both State Farm and Allstate are excellent choices for homeowners insurance, and they have A+ ratings from the Better Business Bureau. Both companies are established and provide a line of services, even for mobile and manufactured homes.
State Farm is an insurance giant with 83 million active policies in all US states. However, it sells its services strictly via a network of independent agents.
Allstate also operates in 50 US states, including Washington DC, and owns several other insurance companies. Among its best perks is the home inventory tool on its mobile app.
Allstate vs. Farmers Home Insurance
Both companies rate similarly on financial strength. Farmers offer home insurance in three tiers:
- The Standard tier is the most basic package covering the dwelling, separate structures, home contents, loss of use, and liability;
- The Enhanced tier includes roof coverage;
- The Premier package has the highest policy limits, and users can add Guaranteed Replacement Coverage that pays 100% of rebuilding.
Like Allstate, Farmers offers discounts, but some of the offers are available only for people living in specific states. Its rates, however, are higher than the average.
Allstate vs. Liberty Mutual Home Insurance
Liberty Mutual is one of the nation’s largest insurers and operates in 29 countries worldwide. This company is geared towards home and condo owners, landlords, and tenants.
The standard homeowners’ policy might not cover all perils, like floods, but Liberty offers diverse add-ons. Still, they can increase your premium. Military and bundle discounts are available.
If you purchase your policy online at Liberty Mutual, you’ll be eligible for a 10% discount. Overall, Allstate offers far more deals than Liberty Mutual.
Expert Thoughts
Allstate is an industry leader in insurance policies. Allstate homeowners insurance will protect your home and help you cover the damage caused by the most common perils and risks like theft, falling objects, water damage, etc.
Its standard policy covers the dwelling, personal property and provides liability and guest medical protection. Still, your premium and available discounts will depend on many factors.
You can get a quote online or speak with a local agent to discuss your options. You might be eligible for a claim-free discount, or if you decide to purchase a bundle, you’ll get one more way to save.
Overall, even though its prices are higher than the national average, Allstate makes up for it by offering great discounts, solid customer support, and various insurance policies.
People Also Ask
Allstate has been in business for almost a whole century. Its services are available across the US, with slight differences in the policies. Regardless, it has a financial rating of A+, meaning the company is reliable.
It also has a high rating for customer satisfaction, which is always a great sign. There are many discounts to look for when deciding on the right policy. You’ll also have the option of insuring mobile and manufactured homes.
State Farm and Allstate are two of the largest companies when it comes to insurance, and both companies have A+ ratings from Better Business Bureau.
What makes Allstate affordable is the variety of discounts for insurance policies. On the other hand, State Farm is suitable for people looking to develop a personal relationship with their agent.
The companies have different advantages — Allstate has a great home inventory tool on its mobile app, and State Farm has a few customer complaints. Both companies are available in all US states.
There are many homeowners insurance companies on the market. The top 10 companies that you can choose from are: Nationwide, Hippo, Chubb, Travelers, State Farm, Auto-Owners, Amica, Allstate, The Hanover, and NJM.
Each has its own strengths, for example, Hippo emphasizes technology, while Chubb is suitable for expensive homes, and Auto-Owners has an array of homeowners coverage.
Amica offers a Home Repair Assistance Program, NJM is available in a few states, but it provides the ultimate online experience. The Hanover lets you select optional extras that are usually not available at other companies.
Allstate provides a wide range of coverage options and an excellent mobile app. You’ll also have a local personal agent if you have difficulties managing your policy online. This company is the second-largest home insurer in the country.
It has excellent discounts, a high customer satisfaction rating, good financial health and is available for homeowners in all 50 states and Washington DC.
Besides the standard coverage, you’ll have additional options, like identity theft restoration, increased coverage for valuable items, yard and garden protection, and more.
When you purchase a new home, you start thinking about home insurance. The question of the cost is among the primary concerns, and unfortunately, there’s no unique answer for all.
The total cost depends on the deductible you choose, home value and history, your belongings, insurance claim history, and other variables like the location of your home.
With any add-ons you include in your insurance, the cost will likely go up. Allstate has an average rate of $1,730 per year.
Allstate is not cheaper than its competitors, but it makes up for it by offering excellent discounts. The offers include autopay or paperless discounts, paid-in-full, and others that make its premiums affordable for many users.
Those who pay extra for an Enhanced package also have additional benefits of Claim Rateguard that prevent the rates from going up. The claim-free bonus gives back 5% for each year without a claim, and many other offers keep the Allstate home insurance company above its competition.
