According to the investigation, the defendant since 1995 has contacted Pennsylvania consumers who were not insured by Allstate, to inform them of the benefits of allowing the company to settle their claims without hiring an attorney. These consumers received an Allstate Quality Service Pledge that claimed the insurance company would act in their interest, conduct a quick and fair investigation of the facts and determine if the potential claimant is eligible to receive compensation for any injuries or property losses. According to a study by the Insurance Research Council, claims are settled faster if the potential claimant does not retain an attorney. It is in the best monetary interest of the consumer to deal directly with the insurance company. To obtain court approval for a claim involving a minor, the company would provide an attorney and pay the attorney s fees.
Consumers have the right to decide for themselves if they want an attorney.
I find it hard to believe that this insurance company can at the same time represent its policyholders and the very people who were injured. That s just nonsense. The suit also alleges that Allstate used deceptive tactics to convince consumers to allow the company full access to their medical and employment records. Potential claimants were not advised that the company could gather information unrelated to the claim itself. Allstate represented that the information would be used only during the claims handling process.