Be Cautious Hiring Help with Catastrophe Recovery

Important Hurricane Recovery Information
NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
Residents recovering from Hurricane Gustav should not let their
guard down. Consider the following tips from Allstate (NYSE: ALL) to
protect your property from unscrupulous contractors and ensure you are
working with true professionals who can repair your homes and partner
with you to begin the rebuilding process.

Ten Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed:

1. Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your
home.

2. Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.

3. Check contractors' credentials with your local Better Business
Bureau or Home Builders Association.

4. Inspect contractors' licenses and proof of liability insurance.

5. Get a contract in writing.

6. Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will
require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments
shouldn't exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total
estimate.

7. Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.

8. If anyone performs unauthorized work on your house or property
and demands payment, consider contacting local authorities.

9. Don't sign over an insurance settlement check to the
contractor.

10. Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local
police, sheriff's department or your state's Department of Insurance.

Allstate policyholders who have suffered damage as a result of
Hurricane Gustav should call 800-54-STORM to file a claim. Allstate is
prepared to work side-by-side with our policyholders during the
recovery process.

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 individuals in approximately 17
million households protect what they have today and better prepare for
tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as
auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700
exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S.
and Canada, 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. Customers can also access information
about Allstate Financial Group products and services at
myallstatefinancial.com.

The Allstate Corporation
Rich Halberg
847.402.5600

Copyright Business Wire 2008