Allstate to Open Full-Service Agent Offices at Auto Dealerships Across the Country

March 4, 2012 - PRLog -- The next time a consumer buys a car from a dealer, they may be able to insure their new car, home and discuss their insurance protection needs with an Allstate agent before they drive off the lot. Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Dealer Services announced today that auto dealers have the opportunity to open full-service Allstate agencies inside their dealerships.

“Allstate’s dealer program seamlessly integrates the purchase and service of a vehicle with the opportunity to price your auto insurance with Allstate and work with a licensed insurance professional on all your coverage needs in a way that’s never been done before,” said Mark LaNeve, Allstate senior executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Our agency owners are at the heart of Allstate’s business and this program allows us to attract new customers at a time and location that’s convenient for the customer.”

Agency offices will be placed inside the dealership, typically on the showroom floor and operate during regular hours of the dealership. Licensed insurance professionals and a team of support staff employed by the agency owner will be onsite to help customers assess their insurance portfolio and help make sure they have the protection they want. The program combines the power of an Allstate Exclusive Agency, a Good Hands® Network Repair Facility and Allstate Dealer Service products with dealer F&I offerings and the ability to integrate Allstate Benefits into the dealer’s employee benefits platform.

“Many times there is a short waiting time between when a customer purchases a car and when they drive off the lot. During this time, the customer can talk with a licensed insurance professional about their insurance needs not only for their new vehicle, but also their home and other protection needs,” said Doug Herberger, president of Allstate Dealer Services. “With a continued focus on our partners, we are bringing Allstate’s suite of products and services to the consumer and giving auto dealers an opportunity to deepen their relationship with customers.”

Allstate and Allstate Dealer Services tested and modified this unique program during the past two years with Allstate agents in 11 dealerships around the country. The pilot revealed that the dealer program delivers the convenience of a one-stop-shop, the comprehensive and affordable coverage and the face-to-face interaction customers want.

“We have been extremely impressed with the Allstate program,” states Randall Reed, president and CEO of World Class Automotive Group. His Houston, Texas dealership Plant 45 Ford is a participating member of the pilot program. “The relationship allows us to leverage our product offerings with the strong suite of F&I products and repair network of Allstate which has helped us to increase profitability. The expansion of our relationship with Allstate to include an on-site, full service Allstate insurance agency differentiates us from our competition. And our customers love it.”

Dealers interested in learning more about this industry-leading program can visit Allstate Dealer Services at booth #772 at the NADA Conference in Las Vegas, February 3-6, 2012. Dealers can also contact Allstate Dealer Services directly at 904-992-6185 with any program questions.

The Allstate Corporation  is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) 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®. As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.