The Allstate Corporation is an American insurance company headquartered in Glenview, Illinois since 2022. It was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Co. and was spun off in 1993. Allstate became a fully independent company in June 1995. The company also operates personal line insurance in Canada.
1925: Allstate name origin
In 1925, Sears held a national contest to decide the name of a new brand of car tires. After over two million submissions, the name "Allstate" was chosen.
1930: Idea for Allstate Insurance conceived
In 1930, during a bridge game on a commuter train, insurance broker Carl L. Odell proposed the idea of selling auto insurance by direct mail to his neighbor, Robert E. Wood. The idea was approved by the Sears board of directors.
April 17, 1931: Allstate Insurance Company founded
On April 17, 1931, Allstate Insurance Company was founded, offering auto insurance by direct mail and through the Sears catalog.
1931: Allstate founded
Allstate was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck, and Co., offering auto insurance by direct mail and through the Sears catalog.
1938: First Collegiate Football Game at Wrigley Field
In 1938, Wrigley Field hosted its first collegiate football game, featuring DePaul University, marking the beginning of its history with football.
1941: New York auto liability insurance law
In 1941, the state of New York passed a law establishing the financial responsibility of drivers for damage or injuries resulting from auto mishaps, leading to similar legislation in other states.
1950: Creation of Allstate's Slogan
In 1950, Allstate's iconic slogan "You're in good hands" was created by sales executive Davis W. Ellis, inspired by a phrase he used to reassure his wife about their child's doctor.
1950: Allstate's iconic slogan creation
In 1950, Allstate's general sales manager Davis W. Ellis created the iconic slogan, "Are you in good hands?", which became a long-running advertising campaign.
1950: Creation of Allstate's slogan
In 1950, Allstate's general sales manager Davis W. Ellis created the slogan "You're in Good Hands with Allstate." This slogan was later used in the company's first network-television advertising campaign featuring actor Ed Reimers.
1952: Allstate car produced
In 1952, Sears sold an automobile called Allstate, but it was discontinued by 1953 due to poor sales.
1952: Allstate car produced
In 1952, Sears sold an automobile called Allstate, but it was pulled from stores by 1953 due to its failure in the market.
1953: Insurance sales in Canada
In 1953, Allstate started selling insurance to Canadians.
1953: Allstate car discontinued
In 1953, the Allstate car was discontinued after being a commercial flop.
1954: Introduction of fire insurance
In 1954, Allstate added fire insurance to its product lineup.
1957: Introduction of homeowners and life insurance
In 1957, Allstate began offering homeowners and life insurance products.
1964: Introduction of worker's-compensation insurance
In 1964, Allstate began offering worker's-compensation insurance.
1964: Allstate Insurance Company of Canada incorporated
In 1964, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada was officially incorporated.
1966: Introduction of surety bonds
In 1966, Allstate added surety bonds to its insurance offerings.
1967: Home office moved to Northbrook
In 1967, Allstate moved its home office from Skokie to Northbrook, Illinois.
1969: Introduction of business package policy
In 1969, Allstate introduced a business package policy for its customers.
1970: Last Football Game at Wrigley Field
In 1970, Wrigley Field hosted its last football game until 2010, when it would see a return to football with a collegiate game sponsored by Allstate.
1975: 1975 Allstate Commercial
In 1975, Allstate aired a memorable commercial featuring an egg rolling on a table and nearly cracking before being saved by a hand and placed gently in a nest.
1984: Neighborhood Office Agent program introduced
In 1984, Allstate introduced the Neighborhood Office Agent program to make its agents more accessible to customers.
1985: Agents moved out of Sears stores
In 1985, Allstate began relocating its agents from Sears stores to neighborhood offices.
1991: Allstate goes public
In 1991, Allstate went public before becoming completely independent in 1995.
1992: Creation of Mayhem Character
In 1992, Leo Burnett Worldwide pitched the Mayhem character to Allstate, comparing him to Mr. White from the film Reservoir Dogs.
June 1993: Allstate goes public
In June 1993, 19.8% of Allstate became public through a stock offering. This was the largest IPO at the time.
1993: Allstate's IPO
In 1993, Allstate went public when Sears sold 19.8% of the company. At the time, it was the largest IPO to date.
1993: Allstate's IPO
Since its IPO in 1993, Allstate has undergone significant growth and transformation, solidifying its position in the insurance industry.
1993: Allstate partially spun off
In 1993, Sears sold 19.8% of Allstate, making it the largest initial public offering (IPO) to date at the time. This marked the beginning of Allstate's journey towards full independence.
June 1995: Allstate becomes fully independent
In June 1995, Allstate became a completely independent company after Sears spun off its remaining 80% stake in the company. This move distributed 350.5 million shares of Allstate stock to Sears' stockholders.
June 1995: Allstate becomes fully independent
In June 1995, Allstate became completely independent when Sears spun off the remaining 80% stake in the company, distributing 350.5 million shares of Allstate stock to its stockholders.
1995: Allstate becomes fully independent
In 1995, Allstate became a completely independent company, ending its partial ownership by Sears.
1996: Allstate website launched
In 1996, Allstate launched its website, www.allstate.com.
1999: Acquisition of CNA Financial division
In 1999, Allstate purchased the personal-lines division of CNA Financial and renamed it Encompass Insurance Company, marking a significant expansion of its offerings through independent agents.
1999: New business model unveiled
In 1999, Allstate unveiled a new business model that created a single contract for exclusive, independent agents selling Allstate insurance and established a network of call centers. Additionally, the company signed a 10-year contract for naming rights to the Rosemont Horizon.
2000: Allstate's Slogan Recognition
In 2000, a study by Northwestern University found that Allstate's slogan "You're in good hands" was the most recognizable in America.
2003: Dennis Haysbert as Allstate Spokesman
In 2003, Allstate began using Dennis Haysbert as a spokesman in their TV commercials to highlight their superior service compared to low-cost providers.
2003: Dennis Haysbert becomes spokesman
In 2003, actor Dennis Haysbert became Allstate's spokesman, using the tagline "That’s Allstate’s stand."
2005: Allstate Sponsor of Allstate 400 at the Brickyard
In 2005, Allstate began sponsoring the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, an annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late summer. This sponsorship included featuring driver Kasey Kahne in advertisements.
November 2006: Allstate Reduces Exposure in Florida
In November 2006, Allstate announced its intention to reduce exposure in hurricane-prone Florida by not renewing 120,000 expiring policies. This decision led to a temporary emergency order from Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet to prevent insurance companies from nonrenewing policies.
2006: Book Publication: From Good Hands to Boxing Gloves
In 2006, the book 'From Good Hands to Boxing Gloves' was published, criticizing Allstate's profit-boosting strategies recommended by McKinsey & Company. The book alleged that Allstate used a 'low-ball' strategy on claim settlements. Allstate contended that the allegations were unfounded.
February 2007: CNN Investigative Report on Auto Insurance Claims
In February 2007, a CNN report found that major car insurance companies, including Allstate, were increasingly fighting auto insurance claims from injured parties. This report shed light on the company's claim-handling practices.
February 20, 2007: Clarification of Nonrenewal Order in Florida
On February 20, 2007, Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty clarified the emergency order on nonrenewing policies, allowing insurance companies to nonrenew if they filed new, lower rates with the state and provided customers with 100 days' notice.
2007: Allstate Sponsor of Mexico National Team
In 2007, Allstate became a sponsor of the Mexico National Team, showcasing its support for international soccer. This marked a significant partnership for the company as it ventured into sports sponsorship.
2007: Allstate Sponsors Sugar Bowl
Since 2007, Allstate has been the title sponsor of the Sugar Bowl, one of the four games in the Bowl Championship Series, played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
July 2008: Allstate Ranked Worst Insurer
In July 2008, the American Association for Justice ranked Allstate as the number one worst insurer in the nation. The ranking criticized Allstate's 'boxing gloves' strategy against policyholders despite its public 'good hands' approach. Allstate disputed the report, arguing that the claims were unfounded.
2009: End of Allstate 400 Sponsorship
In 2009, Allstate concluded its sponsorship of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, marking the end of a four-year partnership with one of NASCAR's notable events.
2009: Allstate Declines TARP Funds
In 2009, Allstate fought to obtain eligibility for Federal government TARP funds only to decline them after becoming eligible. This move highlighted the company's financial strategy and independence during a challenging economic period.
April 2010: Launch of Mayhem Campaign
In April 2010, Allstate launched the Mayhem campaign featuring Dean Winters as the character Mayhem, who wears a black suit and is often bruised or bandaged.
June 2010: Launch of Mayhem Campaign
In mid-June 2010, Allstate launched the Mayhem campaign to attract younger customers, featuring the character in various media and winning numerous industry awards by 2011.
November 20, 2010: Football Game at Wrigley Field
On November 20, 2010, Allstate sponsored a collegiate football game at Wrigley Field between Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini, the first football game at Wrigley since 1970.
2010: Allstate Commands 18% of Auto Insurance Market
In 2010, Allstate held an 18% share of the auto insurance market in the United States, demonstrating its strong presence in the industry despite ongoing controversies.
2010: Allstate Settles Colossus Lawsuit
In 2010, Allstate settled a lawsuit brought by 41 states concerning the use of the Colossus software program to process claims by paying a $10 million fine. The settlement required Allstate to standardize its use of the software, although no systemic underpayment of claims was found.
2010: Dean Winters joins Mayhem campaign
In 2010, actor Dean Winters became part of Allstate's "Mayhem" campaign, personifying the risks and damages that can affect drivers.
January 2011: Release of The Lines Web Series
In January 2011, Allstate released The Lines, a multi-episode TV drama web series focusing on responsible teen driving, featuring a cast of high school seniors.
February 2011: Mayhem Advertising Recognition
In February 2011, Advertising Age reported that Mayhem was the third most-recognized insurance advertising character, with significant consumer recognition.
May 2011: Acquisition of Esurance and Answer Financial
In May 2011, Allstate announced the purchase of Esurance and Answer Financial for about $1 billion, aiming to counteract policyholder losses to major online policy retailers.
2011: Allstate Partners with Major League Soccer and US Soccer Federation
In 2011, Allstate expanded its sports sponsorship by partnering with Major League Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation. This partnership highlighted Allstate's continued investment in soccer within the United States.
2011: Mayhem Campaign Awards
By mid-2011, the Mayhem campaign had won around 80 industry awards, demonstrating its success and recognition in the advertising industry.
January 9, 2012: 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game
The 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship Game was played on January 9, 2012, and broadcast on ESPN, showcasing Allstate's sponsorship in collegiate sports.
2012: Allstate Solutions Private Limited inaugurated
In 2012, Allstate Solutions Private Limited, also known as Allstate India, was inaugurated in Bangalore to provide software development and business process outsourcing services.
2013: Allstate Headquarters Building vacant
By 2013, the Allstate Headquarters Building at 3246 W. Arthington Street in Chicago was vacant and in danger of demolition.
2015: Mayhem Commercial
In 2015, a Mayhem commercial featured the character playing a portable grill that causes an explosion, warning viewers about inadequate insurance coverage.
2016: Dennis Haysbert's Last Commercial
In 2016, Dennis Haysbert appeared in his final commercial for Allstate, ending a long-running campaign where he featured in more than 250 commercials.
January 2017: Acquisition of SquareTrade
In January 2017, Allstate acquired SquareTrade, a consumer electronics and appliance protection plan provider, for $1.4 billion.
2018: Mayhem's New Year's Resolution
In early 2018, Mayhem appeared in a series of ads where he made a New Year's resolution to help keep people and property safe before reverting to his chaotic ways.
2018: Allstate's 2018 revenues
In 2018, Allstate reported revenues of $39.8 billion, ranking it 79th on the 2019 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.
2018: Allstate collaborates with Red Cross
In 2018, Allstate collaborated with the Red Cross to distribute 1,000 disaster kits statewide in Hawaii.
2019: Allstate Donates to Red Cross
In 2019, Allstate donated $75,000 to the Red Cross and partnered with the organization to distribute over 2,900 disaster kits in California. This initiative aimed to support disaster relief efforts in the region.
2019: Allstate's Fortune 500 ranking
In 2019, Allstate was ranked 79th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue, with 2018 revenues amounting to $39.8 billion.
July 2020: Allstate Acquisition Announcement
In July 2020, Allstate announced its plan to acquire National General for $4 billion. This acquisition was a significant move to expand Allstate's market presence.
January 2021: Allstate Completes Acquisition
In January 2021, Allstate finalized the acquisition of National General for $4 billion, marking a major expansion in its business operations.
2021: Allstate Divests Life Insurance Businesses
In 2021, Allstate completed the sale of its life insurance and annuity businesses as part of a strategic shift to focus on personal-property businesses.
2022: Allstate headquarters relocation
In 2022, Allstate's headquarters moved to Glenview, Illinois, with a Northbrook, Illinois address.
2030: Allstate's Net-Zero Emissions Commitment
Allstate has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, with plans to transition to remote work environments and a climate-efficient office building.