Allstate opening insurance agencies at car dealerships
John Egan
The next time you buy a car at an auto dealership, you may be able to pick up an insurance policy while you’re there, too.
Following a test program in 10 states, Allstate is teaming up with auto dealerships nationwide to set up Allstate insurance agencies at the dealerships’ showrooms. At those agencies, customers will be able to buy car, home, life and other types of insurance sold by Allstate.
Allstate spokeswoman Meghann Dowd says the agency program is available to dealerships across the country, as allowed by state law. The company doesn’t have a set number of in-dealership agencies in mind, she says.
“Allstate’s dealer program seamlessly integrates the purchase and service of a vehicle with the opportunity to price your auto insurance with Allstate and work with a licensed insurance professional on all your coverage needs in a way that’s never been done before,” Mark LaNeve, Allstate’s chief marketing officer, says in a news release. “Our agency owners are at the heart of Allstate’s business, and this program allows us to attract new customers at a time and location that’s convenient for the customer.”
The 11 dealerships that were part of the pilot project are in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Texas and Utah.
One of those dealerships is Plant 45 Ford in Spring, Texas. Randall Reed, president and CEO of the dealership’s owner, says in a news release: “The expansion of our relationship with Allstate to include an on-site, full-service Allstate insurance agency differentiates us from our competition. And our customers love it.”
