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90 years of history

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Driven by a history of good

Our company timeline says a lot about what we stand for today. From helping pass historic seatbelt legislation to responding to national catastrophes, Allstate's history is proof of what rolling up your sleeves can do.

  1. Headshot of General Robert E. Wood.

    1931

    Allstate was founded by General Robert E. Wood, chairman of Sears, Roebuck & Co., to bring quality and service to auto insurance.

  2. Allstate annouced the new Allstate Merit Rating Plan.

    1939

    We introduced a sophisticated rate classification system that gave better rates to safe drivers.

  3. Women became Allstate Agents during WWII.

    1942

    During WWII, many men were on military leave. We kicked off a program that trained women to become Allstate Agents.

  4. The slogan - You're in Good Hands - was born.

    1950

    When an Allstate sales manager told a story about his sick daughter's caring physician, "You're in Good Hands" was born.

  5. The first drive-in claims office opened.

    1952

    Our first drive-in claims office opened, revolutionizing how claims are handled.

  6. Students learning to drive in the classroom.

    1953

    Just a year after its formation, The Allstate Foundation started a grant program to train thousands of educators to teach driver's ed.

  7. Allstate was the first major insurer to offer discounts to compact cars.

    1959

    We became the first major insurer to offer discounts to owners of small cars.

  8. Man holding up a seat belt in an car.

    1968

    We began working with the government on landmark driving safety legislation, like mandatory seat belts and airbags.

  9. Ann Allstate employee helping to paint a ceiling.

    1976

    The new Helping Hands program mobilized Allstate employees to volunteer in their communities.

  10. An Allstate agent outside of a Allstate agent office.

    1984

    Allstate agents became even more accessible through the Neighborhood Office Agent program.

  11. A house destroyed by a hurricane.

    1996

    After Hurricane Andrew, we formed a dedicated catastrophe response team to help when it's needed most.

  12. A business owner.

    2003

    We established the supplier diversity exchange to work with diverse business owners.

  13. An Agent helping an homeowner after a hurricane.

    2005

    We gave over $6 million to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

  14. Allstate Roadside Assistance logo.

    2010

    We began offering Good Hands® Roadside Assistance that you only pay for when you use it.

  15. Purple Purse logo.

    2011

    With the introduction of Purple Purse, we began raising awareness about domestic violence and economic abuse like never before.

  16. A woman driving a car.

    2013

    The National Safety Council honored us for our work to reduce teen car crashes. We've one of five to receive the Flame of Life Award.

  17. Allstate hosts a WE Day rally.

    2014

    We partnered up with Free the Children to hold WE Day rallies, activating youth to stand up and make a difference.


Founded in 1931, the Allstate Corporation is headquartered in Northbrook, United States

It is our mission to be the Good Hands—to help protect customers and be a force for good in our communities. To uphold that mission, we make decisions, define our values and shape our entire company culture around it.

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