Independent Allstate agents look toward unionization

The National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA) is looking to unionize as independent Allstate agents accuse the insurer of unfair treatment. Agents are claiming that the company is manipulating independent contractor rules for their benefit as well as reducing compensation for agents. The association, which accounts for nearly 10% of Allstate’s agent force, will be holding votes over the course of the week to determine whether aligning with a union is in the best interest of its members. If members choose to unionize, the NAPAA will become affiliated with…

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Kentucky obtains federal waiver on insurance provisions

Insurance companies in Kentucky have been granted a waiver from a provision of the health care law that requires insurers to spend at least 80% of the money they collect from premiums on improving medical care. The waiver does not remove mandate, however, and insurers will still need to spend 75% of their premiums toward medical care. According to federal law, if companies do not follow this mandate, they must refund the money to policyholders. The state’s Department of Insurance petitioned the federal government for a waiver in an effort…

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Allstate invests heavily in online market

Allstate has announced the acquisition of insurance giant Esurance as well as its subsidiary Answer Financial. Allstate will pay in excess of $1 billion for both. The move comes in an effort to capture a bigger portion of the online market. An increasing number of consumers are shopping for insurance policies online, making Esurance a popular medium for finding affordable coverage. The massive insurance corporation has witnessed business in its personal lines dwindle of late. Allstate is looking to expand its service to online consumers, many of whom favor the…

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