TORONTO — December 6, 2011 — ’Tis the season to make expensive gift purchases and be out of the house celebrating the holidays. According to Allstate Insurance Company of Canada’s data it’s also the season for robberies—with theft as the second most common claim made during the winter months. With that in mind, Allstate Canada wants to remind Canadians of ways to reduce the risk of theft and also make sure their valuables are properly protected by reviewing their insurance coverage this holiday season.

“Getting an alarm system is a great first step to protecting your home, but it’s a good idea to take some extra precautions in the event that the unexpected happens,” says Karen Benner, official spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “At this time of year, the valuables in your home often increases as you receive holiday gifts, so you’ll want to ensure any new items are properly insured.”

Although contents insurance within a home or tenant insurance policy covers expensive items like jewelry and electronics, there may be limits to the coverage. “A person’s policy should reflect what they own,” says Benner. “If someone recently bought or was given jewelry worth $10,000 and they only have a $5,000 limit for coverage under their current policy then an adjustment needs to be made.”

Benner recommends Canadians consult their insurance agent to determine any additional coverage they may need to protect items like a new computer, an engagement ring or expensive sporting equipment.

“We encourage Canadians to get into the habit of reviewing and updating their insurance when what they own has changed, particularly after the holiday season when they’ve received expensive gifts or made big Boxing Day purchases,” says Benner. Allstate Canada offers a Homeowner’s Checklist to help Canadians keep track of what they own and to calculate if they have enough insurance.

Allstate Canada wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season and shares the following tips from goodhandsadvice.ca to protect their home and belongings:

• Do an inventory of recent purchases and holiday gifts received to estimate how much they are worth and check if additional coverage is needed.
• Take note of important information such as an item’s make, model and serial number where applicable. This information is important in the event it is stolen.
• Have expensive items received as gifts properly appraised to ensure they are covered by the appropriate amount of insurance.
• Keep sales receipts or any other purchase documents for larger items.
• Take photos or videos of your valuables and save the files to an external hard drive or online backup website so they are safe. Photos or videos can help later on when you make a claim.
• Store valuables in a secure location in the home.
• Make appropriate arrangements if you and your family plan to be away for the holidays, such as having a neighbour check the house while you are gone.
• Don’t discuss when you will be out of the house on social media—not everyone needs to know when you’re away from home!

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more about this program at www.allstate.all-canadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information about protecting your valuables during the holidays or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO – November 29, 2011 — Allstate Insurance Company of Canada’s latest Ontario Safe Driving Study shows Ontario drivers have improved over the past two years. Overall, Ontario’s collision frequency rate had a seven percent decrease between 2007–2009 and 2009–2011. According to the data, Brockville had the lowest collision rate, while five GTA communities had the highest collision rates in the province. The Ontario Safe Driving Study looks at collision frequencies in 45 communities in the province and ranks them based on Allstate Canada claims data for 2009–2011 and also compares them to data from 2007–2009.

“We are pleased to see the overall decrease in Ontario’s collision rate and hope to see this trend continue,” says Tony Irwin, spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “To help, we are reminding drivers to be attentive and patient behind the wheel. We have developed a series of safe driving tips at goodhandsadvice.ca that we encourage drivers to read and keep in mind whenever they are on the road,” says Irwin.

There will also be an event in Brockville today with the city’s mayor, David Henderson, and Chief John Gardiner of the Brockville Police Service to congratulate the city’s drivers for having Ontario’s lowest collision rate.

“At Allstate Canada we believe the more we bring attention to road safety — whether by examining trends in collision data or demonstrating the implications of driving and using cell phones at a distracted driving course — the closer we can get to achieving our goal of making communities safer for everyone. The Ontario Safe Driving Study is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on what’s happening on our roads and to kick-start a discussion between drivers, governments, police and other organizations about what makes a safe driver,” says Irwin.

Allstate Canada calculates the Ontario Safe Driving collision frequency rates by dividing the number of claims made with Allstate Canada within a community by the number of cars insured by Allstate Canada in that community. Only communities where Allstate Canada insures a minimum of 900 cars between 2009 and 2011 are ranked. Collisions are linked to the address of the insured, not where the collision took place. Rankings are based solely on Allstate Canada’s car collision frequency data and are in no way tied to insurance rates.

Data highlights from the 2011 Ontario Safe Driving Study:

• The top five cities with the lowest collision frequency rates for 2009–2011 are Brockville (2.48 per cent), Welland (2.95 per cent), Chatham (3.26 per cent), Amherstburg (3.50 per cent), and St. Thomas (3.55 per cent).
• GTA communities ranked 41 through 45 out of 45 communities for 2009–2011: Bolton (5.96 per cent), Markham (6.13 per cent), Toronto (6.16 per cent), Thornhill (6.24 per cent) and Brampton (6.78 per cent).
• Only five cities had a higher collision frequency rate in 2009–2011 than in 2007–2009: Belleville (moving from the top ranked community last year to number 13), North Bay (previously number 14 and now number 32), Markham (number 28 to 42), Brampton (number 38 to 45) and Toronto (number 35 to 43).
• Northern Ontario continues to be the region where drivers have the lowest crash frequency rate, with three Northern Ontario cities ranked in the top ten: Thunder Bay (6), Sault Ste. Marie (9) and Greater Sudbury (10).

Allstate Canada’s recent Get to Know Your Insurance survey also shows that many drivers do not know what to do after they have been in a car collision. The survey found 21 per cent of Canadians would accidentally break the law and not report a collision to their insurance provider, even though it’s mandatory to report one within 24 hours. “Regardless of who caused the collision, drivers should remember to collect and exchange information with the other driver about the car and driver and any witnesses to the crash,” says Irwin.

Allstate Canada offers these tips to help start the conversation about safe driving:

• Keep your eyes on the road — Distracted driving is the cause of eight out of every 10 collisions. Distractions can include changing your music, tending to a child in the back seat or using your cell phone to talk or text. In Ontario it’s against the law to use a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held communications and entertainment devices in the car, but even using a hands-free phone can distract you from driving. If you need to make a call, find a place to park the car and then pick up the phone.
• Be aware of road conditions — Drive slowly and with caution when battling the elements of snow, ice or rain as visibility declines and the ability to control your vehicle becomes more difficult. Remember to clear snow from your car before you head off.
• Leave a safe distance between vehicles — Maintain at least ‘three steamboats’ (seconds) between your vehicle and the one in front of you in good driving conditions. In wet conditions, leave ‘six steamboats,’ and in poor/slippery conditions, leave nine to 12 ‘steamboats.’
• Avoid reacting to and creating “road rage” — Angry drivers tend to hastily make decisions that affect drivers around them. Always try to remain calm when driving.
• Drive the speed limit — Drivers can reduce the need to speed by leaving early and allowing extra time to arrive at their destination. It’s better to be late than to rush and cause a collision.
• Break bad habits — A safe driver will always obey the rules of the road. Use your turn signal to indicate a turn or lane change, come to a complete stop at a stop sign, only enter an intersection if you can cross it before the light turns red and don’t jump the queue by sneaking into a lane at the last minute.
• Maintain Your Car — Make sure your brakes, exhaust, tires, lights, battery and hoses are all in good working order. Keep windshield wipers in good working order, too.
• Don’t Drive While Impaired — According to MADD Canada, every day, on average, four Canadians are killed and 190 are injured in impaired driving crashes. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, take a taxi, walk with a friend, make arrangements to stay over or take local transit.

Take the proper steps after a car collision

Unfortunately most drivers will at some point be in a collision. Collisions are often traumatic, as they happen quickly and can catch us off guard. It’s difficult to think clearly and remember what to do immediately after one has happened. If you are in a collision, regardless of who caused it, collect and exchange the following information with the other driver:

• license plate number;
• full name and contact information;
• insurance company;
• type, colour and model of the vehicle;
• number of occupants in each vehicle
• location of the accident;
• the full name and phone number of any present witnesses.

To see where Ontario cities ranked, view the complete 2011 Ontario Safe Driving Study visit http://bit.ly/AllstateSafeDriving.

Study Methodology

Allstate Canada conducted an in-depth analysis of company collision data to determine the safest communities in Ontario based on the frequency of collisions. The study spans a 24-month period beginning July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011 and also offers a comparison to the data from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009.

To ensure the data provides a realistic outlook of what is happening on Ontario roadways only communities with at least 900 cars insured by Allstate Canada during the 24-month period were included in the study. Claims data is limited to collisions for which there was a payout, claims for incidents such as break-ins or vandalism are not included in this analysis. Two-year periods were chosen to provide a larger sample for more meaningful analysis. Survey data ranks frequency of collisions, not severity of accident. Collision data can be traced back to the registered car address.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more about this program at www.allstate.all-canadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information or to book an interview with Tony Irwin, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, or to speak to a regional Allstate spokesperson please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
Office: 416.515.7517 x 350
Mobile : 416-473-9565
Email: fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO, October 25, 2011 — Canadians spent an estimated $140 million on motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in 2010, according to the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council. With winter soon approaching, these vehicles — along with convertibles and other seasonal cars — will need to be stored. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada offers owners advice on storing a vehicle properly during the winter in order to protect their investment and to ensure it will run smoothly come spring.

Karen Benner, spokesperson for Allstate Canada, says that while insurance policies for motorcycles are typically pro-rated to cover the months when owners cannot ride, this is not the case for most automobiles that are only driven in warm weather. Benner recommends owners speak with their insurance agent to learn what adjustments might be made to save on insurance while the vehicle is off the road. As well, if an owner is keeping it in a storage facility, they should ask about the facility’s insurance coverage before signing any contracts. “It is important for owners to know before they store their vehicle who will pay for repairs if it is damaged over the winter. This way there will be no hassles over reimbursement when you pick the car or bike up and discover it’s been dinged or scratched,” says Benner.

To help Canadians better protect what they have today, Allstate Canada offers the following winter storage advice for cars, motorcycles and ATVs from goodhandsadvice.ca:

1)      A good thorough cleaning, inside and out, will ensure the vehicle is free of any debris and unpleasant surprises in the spring. Plus, a breathable cover is a good option to keep the vehicle clean during storage.

2)      Fill the gas tank and add stabilizer to it, then run the engine for five minutes. Doing this will prevent moisture from collecting and creating rust from the inside out.

3)      Change the vehicle’s oil before storage as old oil can become acidic and cause damage over the winter.

4)      Put the vehicle up on a jack or on blocks to prevent flat spots on the tires. If the vehicle will not be on a jack or blocks, then inflate the tires to the maximum pressure as this will also help prevent flat spots.

5)      Either remove the battery or invest in a battery tender to maintain its charge throughout the winter months. A battery tender is an easy way to keep the battery fresh while the vehicle is not in use.

Save money on insurance while the vehicle sits idle

Allstate Canada recommends owners speak with their insurer to discuss money-saving options during the time the vehicle is stored. “If no one is driving the car during the winter, you may be able to save money by modifying your coverage while the vehicle is not in use,” says Benner. “For example, you could suspend all but the comprehensive coverage on the insurance policy if the vehicle will not be driven. This means the vehicle will be insured if it is damaged while in storage, but you will not be paying for coverage that you would normally need when actually driving the car. Once the warm weather arrives, don’t forget to call your agency to resume coverage before you take your car out for a spin.”

For additional tips and useful advice on winterizing vehicles, visit goodhandsadvice.ca, or contact your local Allstate Agency.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more about this program at www.allstate.all-canadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

For more information about car storage or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO, August 30, 2011 — As students prepare to hit the books this fall and pack up laptops, cellphones, iPods and other valuables, an important question for them to consider is how much would it cost to replace everything they owned if it was stolen or damaged? Allstate Insurance Company of Canada wants post-secondary students to be prepared as they start another school year and consider including tenant insurance on their packing checklist.

“Students might be surprised at the value of all the items they have when they move away for school, such as clothing, laptops, or jewelry. Many even bring musical instruments or sports equipment, so it’s really important their belongings are protected in the event that they are damaged or stolen,” says Karen Benner of Allstate Canada.

Benner also points out that renters can be held accountable for damage done to an apartment and the safety of their visitors as well. “Tuition and supplies are expensive enough, so students who rent should ask themselves if they can afford to replace damaged or stolen items out of their own pocket or be held financially responsible if a guest is injured in their apartment,” says Benner.

 Thousands of students rent accommodations each year while pursuing their education. Yet Statistics Canada reports that fewer than 50 per cent of all Canadian renters have tenant insurance. For parents who have kids going away to school, their personal home insurance policy will likely cover children while they are full-time students. However, young Canadians who are not full-time students or who have made a permanent move from their parents’ house may need their own insurance coverage. In either case, parents should check with their insurance provider.

Allstate Canada’s recent Get to Know Your Insurance study revealed that only seven per cent of 18–34 year olds said they were very familiar with the specifics of their tenant insurance and 29 per cent didn’t know if their home or tenant insurance covered them for loss or damage from a fire. Fire damage coverage is included in all home and tenant insurance policies, and Allstate Canada claims data shows that fire damage, along with theft and water damage, account for the majority of claims made by renters. Tenant insurance will also protect students for these situations:

• Vandalism and lock replacement;
• Leaving water running and flooding the apartment or a neighbour’s apartment;
• Living expenses if the apartment or house is so damaged the student must stay elsewhere while repairs are made;
• Medical expenses if someone is hurt on the property.

To help students protect what they have today and help them better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada advises that students and parents speak with the family’s insurance agency to determine what coverage they have and learn what they may consider adjusting. Parents must also be aware that extending their home insurance to cover their children away at school may change their policy. Other considerations for student renters:

1)      All roommates require their own insurance: Roommates sharing a property should have their own insurance coverage and everyone should be named on the lease. If only one person is listed, they will likely be held accountable if someone is injured or if damages occur to the rental unit.

2)      Campus Accommodation: Students living on-campus will notice that most rental agreements state that the school is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property. Students living in a campus residence should also have their own insurance to cover theft or damage.

3)      Expensive Items: Students should be aware that there are limits for coverage on some items. If a student is covered under their parents’ home insurance, or if they purchase tenant insurance, they should consider adding extra protection for expensive items with a personal articles floater, which provides special coverage for items such as jewelry and sporting equipment.

Consider student Danielle’s story: she returned to her apartment after spending the holiday break back home, only to discover that a crack in her radiator released steam into her room for a week, causing mould to grow everywhere and ruining all of her belongings. But because she was covered, her insurance policy paid to replace her belongings and provide accommodations while her apartment was restored. Visit goodhandsadvice.ca/learnmore to watch Danielle’s story and to read Allstate Canada’s Starting Out on Your Own guide to insurance for more information.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

For more information about tenant insurance or to speak with Karen Benner, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

Every year thousands of Quebec residents pack up and relocate on July 1st, and yet fewer than 50 per cent of Canadian renters have tenant insurance, Statistics Canada reports.

“Insurance is not just for homeowners,” says Jacinthe Perron of Allstate Canada. “Even if you don’t own your residence you probably own everything in it, and those possessions added together can hold a lot of value. And it’s not just about your stuff; people are often surprised at how much tenant insurance covers them for in comparison to how little it costs.”

Allstate Canada reports that theft, water and fire damage account for the majority of claims made by renters. Renters without insurance would have to pay most, if not all, the costs of repairing or replacing their valuables out of their own pocket. Renters without insurance can also be held liable for the safety of their visitors. “People who rent should ask themselves if they can afford to be held financially responsible if a guest is injured on their property or if they can replace everything they own if it’s damaged or stolen,” says Perron.

If you think you don’t need insurance, consider this:

• Who will pay for the damages caused to your neighbour’s apartment if you accidentally leave the water running?
• Who will pay for you to stay in a hotel if your apartment is damaged in a fire?
• Who will pay to replace your laptop if it is stolen?

Every renter needs insurance. You can’t afford to be uninsured. Before visiting your Allstate Canada insurance agent to discuss tenant insurance, you need to ask yourself three important questions:

1. How much coverage do I need? — Tally up the cost of your possessions. Is a $25,000 policy enough to replace your clothes, shoes, furniture, linens, dishes and electronics?
2. What kind of coverage do I need? — You can tailor your coverage to suit your specific needs. If you live in a basement apartment, for example, you may want to add coverage for sewer back up to your policy.
3. Do I have special items to consider? — Do you have items that are of greater value than your policy will cover? For example, do you own a $5,000 engagement ring that is only protected by a $1,000 limit for jewelry on your current policy?

Allstate Canada wants you to protect your home and belongings. In addition to purchasing tenant insurance, here are a few helpful tips to remember during your move:

1. Make a checklist of all your belongings. Note both the condition and value of each item and even take photos if you can.
2. Set up your tenant insurance in advance so you will be covered the moment you move in.
3. If you are using professional movers, confirm the company has insurance and can pay if your belongings are damaged during the move.

For additional tips and useful advice, visit goodhandsadvice.ca, contact your local Allstate agency or call 1-800-Allstate.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 93 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

 For more information about protecting yourself before and after Moving Day or to speak with Jacinthe Perron, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca