Allstate Insurance

Allstate Insurance (NYSE: ALL) is the largest publicly held insurer in the United States. Their total revenue for 2008 was $29.4 billioin. It is second only to Statefarm. It was started in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Co. At the time, you could purchase auto insurance through their catalog. Later, Sears set up offices in their departments stores.  Allstate was the first insurance company to customize rates based on a person's driving record.

Allstate sells 13 major lines of insurance, including auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and commercial insurance. Allstate also offers retirement and investment products, and banking services.

Visit them on the web at www.allstate.com.