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Highlands Today

What Is Allstate Hiding From The Public?

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Highlands Today staff

Published: January 24, 2008

Florida officials want copies of secret corporate papers held by Allstate Insurance Co. to see if unfair practices were used to adversely affect consumers. Allstate is fighting to keep the papers secret, but we hope citizens in Florida, and elsewhere, soon will learn about potentially unsavory tactics for the company to pay out as little as possible while maximizing profits.

The McKinsey documents were produced by a consultant years ago for Allstate, according to an article in The Tampa Tribune. They deal with automotive insurance, not home insurance, which is Florida's biggest complaint. But these documents might shed light on what's happening in the insurance industry these days.

Floridians, and other parts of hurricane-prone America, have learned how many of these companies operate. They love getting their premiums, but just try to make a claim in a time of need. Delays, threats and everything else that prevents them from reimbursing customers a fair amount are commonplace.

Few industries are as mysterious as the insurance business. Few people understand how it works. You pay for years, and if you have the audacity to actually use it a few times, you get canceled.

In Florida, some companies refuse to write homeowner's insurance. They are willing to sell car insurance, though. The state should have the right to deny any insurance company from operating within its borders if it discriminates on the service it provides.

We don't know what Allstate's secret documents will reveal, but we do know they fight like crazy to keep the public from finding out. That's even more reason for us to see them. We have a right to know if we're getting ripped off.

Insurance is a necessity, so there must be transparency in an industry like this. Let's hope the state prevails.

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