The ratings reflect Allstate?s solid risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating performance and significant market presence. The group?s capital position reflects its profitable earnings, which have contributed to surplus growth over the previous five-year period, excluding policyholder dividends. The group?s non-catastrophe operating results have been favorable through tightened underwriting guidelines, improved risk segmentation, adequate pricing and favorable loss trends. Additionally, Allstate has a significant market presence and strong overall business profile as the second-largest personal lines writer in the United States. Furthermore, Allstate maintains moderate financial leverage as well as additional liquidity at the holding company level at both Allcorp and Kennett Capital, Inc., and through access to capital markets, lines of credit and its commercial paper program. The group?s operating returns compare favorably to its industry composite peers due to its solid underwriting capabilities and investment income. Underwriting results reflect the favorable impact of Allstate?s various expense management initiatives and its significant investment in technology.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are Allstate?s exposure to frequent and severe weather-related events, significant dividend payments to its parent and above average underwriting and investment leverage. Allstate?s exposure to natural disasters is attributable to its expansive market presence throughout the United States. This exposure was evident over the previous five-year period as net catastrophe losses totaled $3.3 billion in 2008 with an overall combined ratio impact of 13 points and $5.7 billion in 2005 with an overall combined ratio impact of 21 points. However, in recent years, Allstate has executed an extensive catastrophe risk exposure reduction program, which includes a significantly enhanced property catastrophe reinsurance program, non-renewals, stricter underwriting guidelines, policy transfers, increased deductibles and discontinuance of selected lines of coverage, including earthquake.

Additionally, the group has made large dividend payments to its parent over the previous five-year period, which has contributed to volatility in risk-adjusted capitalization at times of heightened losses. Furthermore, the group maintains above average underwriting and investment leverage, relative to industry norms. This was evident in 2008, when the group reported approximately $2.4 billion in unrealized capital losses and $900 million in realized capital losses, primarily on its equity and bond portfolios, attributable to unfavorable market conditions from an economic downturn. However, due to improved investment markets and profitable underwriting performance, Allstate has been able to increase its current risk-adjusted capital position relative to year-end 2008.

The ratings of the primary life/health members of Allstate Financial acknowledge the financial strength and support from their direct parent, Allstate Insurance Company (AIC) (Northbrook, IL). To offset statutory net losses in both 2008 and 2009, AIC provided ALIC, the lead company within Allstate Financial, with $2 billion in capital contributions in the form of cash, securities and surplus notes. A.M. Best believes this support demonstrates Allcorp?s commitment to Allstate Financial, and its operations remain strategically important to the Allstate group.

Despite this ongoing support, A.M. Best notes that the severity of investment losses incurred in 2008 and 2009 and the remaining investment risk in the portfolio have weakened Allstate Financial?s stand-alone credit profile. Allstate Financial experienced over $2.5 billion of GAAP investment impairments in 2008 ($1.2 billion of which represented change in intent writedowns taken as a discretionary risk mitigation action) and approximately $900 million through third quarter 2009. Although the unrealized loss position has improved dramatically in 2009, A.M. Best believes additional investment losses are likely to occur within Allstate Financial?s corporate bond, structured asset and commercial mortgage portfolios given the current economic environment. These concerns, combined with the life/health operations? diminished operating trends, drive the negative outlook on the ratings of the four primary insurance entities within Allstate Financial.

For a complete listing of The Allstate Corporation and its property/casualty and life/health subsidiaries? FSRs, ICRs and debt ratings included in this rating event, please visit http://www.ambest.com/press/112005allstate.pdf.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors, which may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

"People often think of the physical bruises associated with domestic violence, but the financial devastation that results from an abusive relationship can also be especially crippling," said Jennifer Kuhn, Program Manager with The Allstate Foundation. "Our goal is to work with advocates through statewide and local initiatives, to help survivors build financial skills which are critical during these financially turbulent times."

The Allstate Foundation's Economics Against Abuse program has provided more than $12 million in funding to national and state domestic violence organizations since its launch in 2005.

"Our partnership with The Allstate Foundation has been instrumental in helping survivors achieve financial independence, " said Sue Else, President of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). "The Allstate Foundation has provided critical resources and financial support to create innovative programs that directly help victims overcome the tough economic challenges of beginning a new life, free from abuse."

In addition to efforts by The Allstate Foundation and NNEDV, FICO, a leading proponent of consumer credit empowerment, has stepped in to provide support for survivors to help them surmount the financial hurdles often encountered when leaving abusive relationships. FICO is donating 500 free FICO scores for survivors involved with the Economic Empowerment Grant Program. The FICO credit score is a snapshot of how lenders view consumer credit profiles; the higher the score, the lower the risk to lenders. Tools such as FICO scores and financial education lessen the initial fear of being out on one's own and maintaining a certain level of care for the survivor's family.

Part of moving beyond an abusive relationship involves declaring financial independence--which means establishing one's own, independent credit history," said Shon Dellinger, vice president of consumer services for FICO. "In addition to their FICO scores, which provide a snapshot of that history, survivors will learn about the factors impacting their credit profiles and information to understand their FICO scores from our award-winning credit resource, myFICO.com. Understanding this information is the ticket to more favorable terms on credit cards, automobile loans, and mortgages--elements of financial success for survivors and their families."

Domestic violence survivors often face significant financial barriers stemming from abuse. These problems are heightened in times of economic downturn, making it increasingly difficult to escape abusive relationships. Many survivors are prohibited from entering the workforce or pursuing a higher education and job training activities because of their abusers. Abusers often use financial control to keep victims in abusive relationships, including destroying a victim's credit score or running up high debts.

The 11 new economic empowerment grants were awarded to the following statewide coalitions against domestic violence, to enhance already existing economic empowerment programs or build new ones throughout their respective states:

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence awarded $50,000
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence awarded $50,000
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence awarded $75,000
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence awarded $25,000
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence awarded $52,000
Kentucky Domestic Violence Association awarded $90,000
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women awarded $50,000
Ohio Domestic Violence Network awarded $50,000
Texas Council on Family Violence awarded $50,000
Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence awarded $63,000
Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence awarded $80,000

About The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities;" "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity;" and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream.

About the Economics Against Abuse Program

The Allstate Foundation created the Economics Against Abuse Program to help domestic violence survivors overcome economic challenges and lead financially independent lives, free from abuse. Through a partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the program provides a network of financial resources, including a comprehensive financial empowerment curriculum; funds direct services, including education and job training assistance; and spreads the word on how to empower those touched by domestic and economic abuse. For more information and to find out how to help, visit www.ClickToEmpower.org.

About the National Network to End Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies. Its members include the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence. It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and service providers. NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for the past 15 years, after leading efforts among domestic violence experts and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994. To learn more about NNEDV, please visit www.nnedv.org.

About FICO

FICO (NYSE: FICO) transforms business by making every decision count. FICO's Decision Management solutions combine trusted advice, world-class analytics and innovative applications to give organizations the power to automate, improve and connect decisions across their business. Clients in 80 countries work with FICO to increase customer loyalty and profitability, cut fraud losses, manage credit risk, meet regulatory and competitive demands, and rapidly build market share. FICO also helps millions of individuals manage their credit health through the www.myFICO.com website.

SOURCE Allstate

http://myallstatefinancial.com

"Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget the dangers of texting and driving when you get behind the wheel. That's why it is important for teens, their friends and families to acknowledge its risks and pledge together not to do it," said Sparks. "I'm glad to take this public pledge with Allstate, because sending a text isn't worth taking a life."

The tour will include live pledge events in each tour city throughout the holiday season and a "Top the Tally" competition to see which city can gather the most thumb pledges. The general public will also be encouraged to get involved by joining a Facebook cause page and taking a virtual pledge not to text and drive. Allstate will donate $1 to the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) for every Facebook "Thumbs Up" pledge supporter (www.facebook.com/thumbsuppledge).

Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, 82% of driving teens claim to use cell phones while driving, and 49% admit to being extremely distracted by texting and instant messaging while driving. Recent research conducted by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute reveals that texting while driving can increase the risk of an accident by 23 times.

The study also shows parents can have a profound effect on their teen's driving behavior. 81% of teens admit their parents have the most influence on how they drive, and 79% say they are most likely to take driving safety advice from their parents.

"Everyone is susceptible to distractions behind the wheel. Our kids learn about what is acceptable driving behavior from us and as parents, it is important that we lead by example and make this a family issue," added Jodi Sparks.

"Allstate has a long history of promoting safe driving. Our teen driving programs inspire ongoing discussions about safe driving and we know that save lives, said Joan Walker, senior vice president of corporate relations. "The peace of mind that comes from taking the pledge not to text and drive is the best gift anyone could give their loved ones. It helps to ensure teens return home safely for the holidays and every day."

For a complete list of tour cities, tour schedule, and to download the family pledge, please visit www.facebook.com/thumbsuppledge.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R).

SOURCE Allstate Corporation

http://www.allstate.com

"We're excited to be a part of this partnership that brings together two great Chicago organizations dedicated to exploring science. Our goal with Wonder Kids is to make science fun and show kids how it can be incorporated into their daily lives," said Vicky Dinges, assistant vice president, Allstate Insurance Company.

A highlight of the partnership is the development of Wonder Kids, an annual interactive science event scheduled for November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of Science and Industry. Fun and interactive science experiments created jointly by educators from both museums will teach children how their minds and bodies work. Visitors to Wonder Kids will also receive tips on how families can create and instill "wonder" at home all year long.

"The programming Chicago Children's Museum created for Wonder Kids provides playful experiences that tap into how children learn, and engages them at an early age so they develop a lifelong love of science learning," said Jennifer Farrington, President and CEO, Chicago Children's Museum. "This effort is an essential part of our mission and is reflected in the ongoing development of our partnership with Allstate and the Museum of Science and Industry."

Through the collaboration between the Chicago Children's Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, museum members receive enhanced event opportunities and museum staff benefit from additional training.

"Wonder Kids is designed to stir children's curiosity about how the world works and to inspire and motivate them to reach for their full potential when it comes to learning science, technology, medicine and engineering," said David Mosena, President and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. "It's a shining example of how a public and private partnership can be beneficial to the city and its residents."

About Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit the Museum's Web site at www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

About Chicago Children's Museum

The mission of Chicago Children's Museum is to create a community where play and learning connect. CCM is the only cultural institution in the city dedicated to young children and the important adults in their lives. Playful experiences, including over fifteen interactive exhibits and programming spaces, tap into how kids learn, and engage them at an early age so they develop a lifelong love of learning. For more information, please visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

About Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R).

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

http://www.allstate.com