Roanoke, Virginia --May 19, 2011 --The Allstate Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with White Mountains Insurance Group, in which Allstate will purchase Esurance and Answer Financial for about $1 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the fall.

"Consumers today expect to have their specific needs met by their insurance companies. Our strategy is to focus on individual preferences and utilize different value propositions for distinct consumer segments," said Thomas J. Wilson, Allstate's president, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our Allstate agencies do an outstanding job of serving customers who want a local personal touch and prefer to purchase a branded product. Esurance will expand our ability to serve customers that are more self-directed but still prefer a branded product. Answer Financial will strengthen our offering to individuals who want to be offered a choice between insurance carriers and are brand-neutral. Allstate will be the only company serving all of these consumer segments with unique insurance offerings."

Esurance is the third-largest provider of online auto insurance quotes through its website and combines technology developed specifically for the needs of self-directed and brand-sensitive consumers with a 24/7 call centre, the company says. It's also the third most-recognized brand for companies that sell personal auto insurance online. Over the past five years, Esurance has more than doubled policies in force and grown premiums on average 20 per cent per year.

Answer Financial serves self-directed consumers who seek a choice among insurance companies. It says customers are given quote comparisons and assistance in choosing from 20 brand-name insurance companies.

Toronto, Ontario -- May 17, 2011 --The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has issued a legal bulletin informing drivers and insurers about handling notification of policy terminations, as well as payment of accident benefits claims, during a postal strike.

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have yet to negotiate a new collective agreement, meaning Canadian postal workers will have a right to strike as of May 24.

"As a result of the possible mail strike, a number of members have expressed concern as to the correct method of canceling policies of insurance in mid-term and delivery of accident benefits payments," says a ‘Legal Bulletin' issued by the IBC to its insurance company membership.

Legislation requires policy terminations to be done according to certain methods and specified timelines, the IBC notes in its bulletin. A postal strike would likely limit these notification options.

The bulletin notes that the only permitted methods of cancelling a policy are by registered mail or delivering written notice of termination personally. A postal strike would mean that the insured driver could not cancel a policy via registered mail.

"Even if the strike is on a rotating basis, cancellation by registered mail would be risky, since the 15 days notice period commences on the date following receipt of the registered letter at the post office to which it is addressed. There could be significant delays before the letter reached that post office," the IBC bulletin says.

In regards to cancellation by personal delivery, IBC recommends, “the person who affects the personal delivery prepares an affidavit of service as evidence that the notice was delivered."

The bulletin also notes that Ontario insurers must give 45 days of written notice to brokers – 30 days of written notice to the insured – if the insurer does not intend to renew an insurance contract, or renew on varied terms. "Since failure to comply with these requirements results in the contract of insurance remaining in force until there is compliance, members might consider using couriers to deliver the required written notice," the bulletin says. "It would be prudent to keep proof of delivery on file."

The bulletin also provides information about handling payment of accident benefits claims during a strike.

Mississauga, Ontario -- March 14, 2011 -- Fix Auto has announced that it has signed a new insurance partnership with The Economical Insurance Group. The partnership has been in effect since March 1, 2011.

“We look forward to our new relationship with Fix Auto, and feel the terms of the service level agreement will greatly benefit the Economical, our policy holders and the Fix Auto organization,” said Keith Hudd, National Vendor Manager, The Economical Insurance Group. “Fix Auto network’s ability to centralize and manage all internal and external processes is a very nice fit for the Economical, especially from a national perspective. These benefits will allow us to develop and deploy future ‘strategic service programs’ in all regions where we do business and that the level of quality and service from the Fix Auto repair facilities will be consistent throughout Canada.”

“Fix Auto is excited about this new strategic partnership and looks forward to working with The Economical Insurance Group,” said Steve Leal, Chief Operating Officer, Fix Auto Canada. “I would also like to thank The Economical Insurance Group for recognizing Fix Auto’s ability to effectively measure and benchmark our network’s KPI’s. We look forward to this prosperous relationship.”