FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 3, 2014

Contact: Jim Webster, Boulder County Land Use, 303-564-2600

Allstate Becomes First Insurance Company to Accept Wildfire Partners Certificate

Boulder County, Colo. – Allstate Insurance has announced their support for the Boulder County Wildfire Partners’ initiative by being the first insurance company to accept the certificate for customers who complete the program. In addition, Allstate Insurance will serve on the program’s advisory committee in order to collaborate with the program continuously.

To receive a Wildfire Partners Certificate, participating homeowners must perform required mitigation measures and “pass” their follow-up inspection.

“Allstate Insurance is excited to be the first insurance company to recognize the Wildfire Partners Certificate,” said Jeff Thompson, Field Senior Vice President. “Allstate reviewed mitigation requirements and participated in Wildfire Partner assessments, and we were impressed with all aspects of the program.”

Allstate Insurance anticipates that with their support, the Wildfire Partners Certificate can serve as a model for surrounding communities who will benefit from their experience and expertise.

“We made this decision based on a careful examination of the program,” Thompson added. “As an insurance company, Allstate understands the risks associated with wildfires and hopes that mitigation efforts can limit the effects of theses natural disasters.”

“Wildfire Partners is extremely pleased that Allstate is recognizing our certificate,” said Jim Webster, Wildfire Partners Program Coordinator. “Allstate is an industry leader when it comes to recognizing wildfire risk. They put the Wildfire Partners under a microscope and liked what they saw. The fact that Allstate is the first company to make this determination means a great deal to everyone who has worked so hard to make this program a success.”

After making it through a competitive application process, five hundred homeowners in Western Boulder County are participating in Wildfire Partners. Their participation includes:

1.      A comprehensive, detailed, on-site assessment with a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

2.      An exhaustive report explaining how to mitigate the property and reduce wildfire risk

3.      Implementation of mitigation actions identified during their assessments and in their reports

4.      Participation in a follow up inspection with the specialists

5.      Receive their Wildfire Partners Certificate and program rebates once they pass their inspection.

The Wildlife Partners Program hopes to ease the concerns of homeowners by integrating their initiatives into their insurance coverage, “There is a great deal of confusion and anxiety for some at risk residents when it comes to their insurance coverage. Our goal is to have all insurance companies recognize our certificate so homeowners who take the initiative and perform effective mitigation that meets Colorado State Forest Service guidelines do not have to worry about the insurability of their home,” said Jim Webster.

The program has proven very popular with participants. In a recent survey, 91% of respondents said it very likely or likely that they would refer the Wildfire Partners program to a friend or neighbor. The 2014 program is currently full. Interested homeowners can sign up to be on the waiting list at www.WildfirePartners.org.

Wildfire Partners is funded by Boulder County and a $980,000 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and includes more than 25 partner organizations.

–www.WildfirePartners.org

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2013, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $29 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.