Allstate Comments on California Homeowners Rate Ruling.

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. -- Allstate Senior Corporate Relations Manager Peter DeMarco today issued the following statement regarding the California Department of Insurance's order to lower Allstate's homeowners rates in California by 28.5%:

"While we are disappointed in this order, we respect the authority of the Department and will comply. We are reviewing the order in detail and communicating with the Department about the process for adjusting the rates of our 850,000 homeowners policyholders in the state. Californians can continue to rely on more than 1,300 Allstate agents to help them with insurance and retirement needs."

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 helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate([R]). Encompass([R]) and Deerbrook([R])Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.