ALL » Topics » Catastrophe reinsurance

These excerpts taken from the ALL 10-K filed Feb 25, 2010.

Catastrophe reinsurance

       Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes nationwide. Our program provides reinsurance protection for catastrophes including storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, fires following earthquakes, earthquakes and wildfires including California wildfires. These reinsurance agreements are part of our catastrophe management strategy, which is intended to provide our shareholders an acceptable return on the risks assumed in our property business and to reduce variability of earnings, while providing protection to our customers.

       A description of our catastrophe reinsurance treaties, most of which are placed on a multi-year basis, that reinsure Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in geographic regions or single states and provide reinsurance for specific perils follows:

    Aggregate excess agreement comprising three contracts (two contracts effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010 and one contract effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011) providing coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida. The contracts cover losses from storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, fires following earthquakes, and California wildfires in excess of $2.00 billion in aggregated losses per contract year. The contract expiring May 31, 2011 represents 47.5% of the placement with the Company retaining the option in 2010 to place up to the entire $2.00 billion limit of this contract. For the contract term June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, the Company retains 5% of the $2.00 billion reinsurance limit.

    For the June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011 term, the Company's multi-peril, South-East, North-East, Texas, California fires following earthquakes and Kentucky agreements are deemed in place, and losses recoverable under these agreements, if any, are excluded when determining coverage under this agreement.

    Effective June 1, 2010, the two contracts expiring May 31, 2010 will be combined into one contract and renewed with a two year term contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012 providing coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida. The two contracts effective June 1, 2010 provide a $2.00 billion limit in excess of $2.00 billion in aggregated losses per contract year for losses from storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, fires following earthquakes and California wildfires. For the term June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011, the Company retains 5% of the $2.00 billion reinsurance limit.

    For the June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012 contract, the Company's multi-peril, California fires following earthquakes, Texas, Kentucky, Gulf States and Atlantic States agreements are deemed in place, and losses recoverable under these agreements, if any, are excluded when determining coverage under this agreement.

    Multi-year reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multiple perils in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Texas effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2012.

    Effective June 1, 2010, with the exception of the Texas agreement, the following agreements will be renewed.

    Connecticut and Rhode Island — The current agreement provides a $200 million limit in excess of a $200 million retention and is 80% placed. One contract providing one-third of the limit expires May 31, 2010 and will be

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      replaced with a three year term contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013. The two remaining contracts will continue in effect and expire May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2012, respectively. The limit for the contract effective June 1, 2010 will be $250 million. In addition, the placement will be increased to 95% to replace coverage previously provided by the North-East contract which expires June 8, 2010 and will not be replaced.

      New Jersey — The current agreement provides a $300 million limit in excess of a $200 million retention and is 95% placed. One contract providing one-third of the coverage expires May 31, 2010 and will be replaced with a three year term contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013. The two remaining contracts will continue in effect and expire May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2012, respectively. The agreement effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013 provides a $300 million limit in excess of a $200 million retention. For the term June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011 the Company retains 5% of the $300 million reinsurance limit.

      New Jersey Excess — The current agreement provides a $200 million limit in excess of a $500 million retention and is 80% placed. The contract expiring May 31, 2010 will be replaced with a three year term contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013. The remaining two contracts will continue in effect and expire May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2012, respectively. The agreement effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013 provides a $200 million limit in excess of a $500 million retention. The June 1, 2010 placement will be increased to 95% to replace coverage previously provided by the North-East contract which expires June 8, 2010 and will not be replaced.

      New York — The current agreement provides a $1.00 billion limit in excess of a $750 million retention and is 80% placed. The contract expiring May 31, 2010 will be replaced with a three year term contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013. The remaining two contracts will continue in effect and expire May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2012, respectively. The limit for the agreement effective June 1, 2010 will be $1.00 billion. The retention for the new contract effective June 1, 2010 will be $600 million. The June 1, 2010 placement will be increased to 95% to replace coverage previously provided by the North-East contract which expires June 8, 2010 and will not be replaced.

      Pennsylvania — The Pennsylvania agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multi-perils and is effective June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2012. The current agreement provides a $100 million limit in excess of a $100 million retention and is 95% placed.

      North Carolina — The North Carolina agreement effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 provides a $150 million limit in excess of a $150 million retention for losses to Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multi-perils and is 95% placed. Upon its expiration, this agreement will not be replaced as its coverage will be included in the Atlantic States reinsurance contract discussed below.

      Texas — Effective May 31, 2010 the multi-peril Texas agreement will be cancelled as Texas will be included in a new Gulf States reinsurance agreement discussed below.

    South-East — The current South-East agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in nine Atlantic and Gulf states (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama) and the District of Columbia. Effective June 1, 2010, the South-East agreement will be replaced with two new multi-year agreements.

    Gulf States — A new excess catastrophe reinsurance program will be placed effective June 1, 2010, providing coverage for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The Gulf States program will provide a $500 million limit in excess of a $500 million retention with one-third of the coverage expiring May 31, 2011, May 31, 2012 and May 31, 2013, respectively. For the June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011 term, the Company will retain 5% of the $500 million reinsurance limit.

    Atlantic States — A new excess catastrophe reinsurance program will be placed effective June 1, 2010, providing coverage for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and the District of Columbia. The Atlantic States program will provide a $500 million limit in excess of a $500 million retention with one-third of the coverage expiring May 31, 2011, May 31, 2012 and May 31, 2013, respectively. For the June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011 term, the Company will retain 5% of the $500 million reinsurance limit.

    North-East — The North-East agreement provides additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for Allstate Protection personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010. Upon its expiration, the North-East agreement will not be replaced.

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    Texas — The Texas agreement provides additional hurricane coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state of Texas effective June 18, 2008 to June 17, 2011.

    California Fires Following Earthquakes — This agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for fires following earthquakes in California and is effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2012. The current agreement provides a $750 million limit in excess of a $750 million retention and is 95% placed. One contract providing one-third of the coverage expires May 31, 2010 and will be replaced with a new contract effective June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2013. The new contract will provide multi-peril coverage as opposed to fires following earthquake only coverage, with a $500 million limit in excess of a $500 million retention. The two remaining contracts will continue in effect and expire May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2012, respectively.

    Kentucky — The Kentucky agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes and is effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011. The current agreement provides a $40 million limit in excess of a $10 million limit and is 95% placed.

    Reinsurance treaties providing coverage for our separately capitalized legal entities in the State of Florida.

    Florida — Five separate agreements are in place providing coverage for Castle Key Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Castle Key"), for personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Florida. The agreements coordinate coverage with our participation in the FHCF and are effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010. We expect to complete our Florida placement in the second quarter 2010.

       We estimate that the total annualized cost of all catastrophe reinsurance programs for the year beginning June 1, 2010 will be approximately $580 million or $145 million per quarter, compared to $640 million annualized cost for the year beginning June 1, 2009. The total cost of our reinsurance programs during 2009 was $158 million in the first quarter, $156 million in the second quarter, $162 million in the third quarter and $153 million in the fourth quarter. We continue to attempt to capture our reinsurance cost in premium rates as allowed by state regulatory authorities.

Catastrophe reinsurance

       The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance treaties in effect as of December 31, 2009:

    an aggregate excess agreement covered by three contracts (two contracts effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010 with one year remaining on their two year term, and one contract effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011) for Allstate Protection personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida. The contracts cover losses from storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, fires following earthquakes, and California wildfires in excess of $2.00 billion in aggregated losses per contract year. The contract expiring May 31, 2011 represents the remaining 47.5% of the placement with the Company retaining the option in 2010 to place up to the entire $2.00 billion limit of this contract. For the year June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, the Company retains 5% of the $2.00 billion reinsurance limit;

    The Company's multi-peril, South-East, North-East, Texas, California fires following earthquakes, Kentucky and Pennsylvania agreements are deemed in place, and losses recoverable under these agreements, if any, are excluded when determining coverage under this agreement.

    multi-year reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multiple perils in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Texas effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2012;

    a South-East agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in nine Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010;

    a North-East agreement for additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for Allstate Protection personal lines property and automobile excess catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010;

    a Texas agreement for additional hurricane coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state effective June 18, 2008 to June 17, 2011;

    a California fires following earthquakes agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in California, effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2012;

    a Kentucky agreement that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011;

    a Pennsylvania agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multi-perils effective June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2012;

    a North Carolina agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal lines property excess catastrophe losses for multi-perils effective from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010; and

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    Five separate agreements for Castle Key Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Castle Key"), for personal lines property excess catastrophe losses in Florida that coordinate coverage with the Company's participation in the FHCF, effective June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010.

       The Company ceded premiums earned of $616 million and $679 million under catastrophe reinsurance agreements in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

These excerpts taken from the ALL 10-K filed Feb 26, 2009.

Catastrophe Reinsurance

        Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to catastrophes nationwide. Our program provides reinsurance protection to us for catastrophes including storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, wildfires, earthquakes and fires following earthquakes.

        Our catastrophe reinsurance program which will be effective June 1, 2009 is currently being negotiated. We expect to bind coverage in March 2009, except for certain coverage in Florida which we expect to bind by June 1, 2009. We anticipate reporting the details of our catastrophe reinsurance program renewal upon finalizing coverage. See The Allstate Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2007 and The Allstate Corporation Form 10-Qs for 2008 for additional details on our current program.

        We expect to renew expiring coverages including the coverage expiring on programs placed for 2 years (Aggregate excess), 3 years (various state specific), and 1 year (South-East and Florida). We anticipate purchasing coverage that has similar retentions and limits as our expiring program, with either retentions and limits or premiums being subject to re-measurement for exposure differences from estimates initially provided to reinsurers. In addition, effective June 1, 2009, we are contemplating two new agreements: a Pennsylvania only agreement (up to $100 million limit, $100 million retention) to enhance protection in Pennsylvania, and a Texas/Louisiana agreement (up to $150 million limit, $500 million retention) whereby losses resulting from the same

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named or numbered storm but taking place in both Texas and Louisiana may be combined to meet the agreement's per occurrence retention and limit. We also intend to purchase a portion of our annual Florida reinsurance program in the first quarter of 2009, deferring our remaining Florida reinsurance purchase until the FHCF reimbursement program is finalized.

        Our reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 is comprised of agreements that provide coverage for the occurrence of certain qualifying catastrophes in specific states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Texas ("multi-peril"); additional coverage for hurricane catastrophe losses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut ("North-East") in other states along the southern and eastern coasts ("South-East") and in Texas ("Texas"); in California for fires following earthquakes ("California fires following earthquakes"); in Kentucky for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes ("Kentucky"); and four agreements for our exposure in Florida. The Florida component of the reinsurance program, which expires on May 31, 2009, is designed separately from the other components of the program to address the distinct needs of our separately capitalized legal entities in that state. Another reinsurance agreement provides coverage nationwide, excluding Florida, for the aggregate or sum of catastrophe losses in excess of an annual retention associated with storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, California wildfires, earthquakes and fires following earthquakes ("aggregate excess"). For further discussion on catastrophe reinsurance, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

        The multi-peril agreements have various retentions and limits commensurate with the amount of catastrophe risk, measured on an annual basis, in each covered state. The multi-peril agreement for Connecticut and Rhode Island provides that losses resulting from the same occurrence but taking place in both states may be combined to meet the agreement's per occurrence retention and limit. One-third of the coverage expires each year with each of the three contracts in this agreement.

        The North-East agreement was placed with Willow Re Ltd., a Cayman Island insurance company, and covers Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess catastrophe losses. Amounts payable under the reinsurance agreement are based on an index created by applying predetermined percentages representing our market share to insured personal property industry losses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as reported by Property Claim Services ("PCS"), a division of Insurance Services Offices, Inc., limited to our actual losses. This agreement covers 38% of $658 million, our estimated share of estimated modified personal property industry catastrophe losses between $9.2 billion and $13.5 billion, or 38% of our catastrophe losses between $1.6 billion (initial trigger) and $2.2 billion (exhaustion point) in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The initial trigger and exhaustion points are reset by AIR Worldwide Corporation ("AIR") annually based on changes in the underlying industry exposures and our share of industry exposures. Willow Re Ltd. issued to unrelated investors principal-at-risk variable market rate notes of $250 million to collateralize hurricane catastrophe losses covered by this reinsurance agreement. Willow Re Ltd. entered into a total return swap with Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. ("Lehman") which guaranteed the value of the collateral and a predetermined fixed rate of return to be paid to note holders. Upon the failure of Lehman in the third quarter of 2008, the total return swap was settled and terminated without replacement. Allstate continues to make the required premium payments to Willow Re and the reinsurance remains in place, but the underlying assets have not generated enough interest to meet the quarterly bond interest payment requirement due in February 2009, resulting in a default to note holders. The default does not create any obligations for Allstate and the reinsurance contract remains in place, although the value of the reinsurance provided by Willow Re depends upon the market value of the underlying assets held in collateral for reinsurance trust, with Allstate as the beneficiary. The underlying assets held in collateral are comprised largely of illiquid mortgaged-backed securities and cash with a current market value less than $250 million.

        The Texas agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in Texas for hurricane catastrophe losses. The agreement was placed with Willow Re Ltd., which completed an offering to unrelated investors for principal at risk, variable market rate notes of $250 million to collateralize hurricane catastrophe losses covered by this agreement. Amounts payable under the reinsurance agreement will be based on an index created by applying predetermined percentages representing our market share to insured personal property industry losses in Texas as reported by PCS limited to our actual losses. The limits on our Texas agreement are designed to replicate as close as possible 100% of $250 million, our estimated market share of estimated modified personal property industry catastrophe losses between $12.5 billion and $15.8 billion, or 100% of our catastrophe losses between $950 million (retention) and $1.2 billion (exhaustion point). The Texas agreement placed with Willow Re is independent of the North-East agreement and is not impacted by the termination of the North-East agreement's total return swap.

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        The Florida reinsurance program, which will be effective June 1, 2009, should be similar in design to the current program, however containing limits based on reduced underlying exposure, assuming there is no further change in Florida insurance markets. Our current program comprises, four separate agreements entered into by Allstate Floridian for personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida, effective June 1, 2008 for one year. These agreements coordinate coverage with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, including our elected participation in the optional temporary increase in coverage limit ("TICL"), (collectively "FHCF"). We chose not to participate in the optional temporary emergency additional coverage option ("TEACO") that is below the mandatory FHCF coverage. The FHCF provides 90% reimbursement on qualifying Allstate Floridian property losses up to an estimated maximum of $398 million in excess of a $80 million retention, including reimbursement of eligible loss adjustment expenses at 5%, for each of the two largest hurricanes and $27 million for all other hurricanes for the season beginning June 1, 2008. The four agreements are listed and described below.

    FHCF Retention—provides coverage on $59 million of losses in excess of $40 million and is 100% placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.

    FHCF Sliver—provides coverage on 10% co-participation of the FHCF payout, or $40 million and is 100% placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.

    FHCF Back-up—provides coverage after the exhaustion of an amount equivalent to the anticipated FHCF reimbursement protection on $398 million of losses in excess of $80 million and is 90% placed.

    FHCF Excess—provides coverage on $99 million of losses in excess of the FHCF Retention, FHCF and the FHCF Back-up agreements and is 100% placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.

        We are currently evaluating the FHCF's capacity to timely reimburse us in the event of a major catastrophe, and await any changes that might be made by the FL legislature.

        We have approximately $175 million or 9% of the Aggregate excess agreement limits for the June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 period, $25 million or 5% of the South-East agreement limit, $250 million or 100% of the North-East agreement limit; $250 million or 100% of the Texas agreement, and $2 million or less than 1% of the Florida limit placed with alternative market sources. Alternative market sources refers to a reinsurer that hedge funds, private equity firms, or investment banks substantially or wholly support; retrocedes 100% of its assumed liability to a specific retrocessionaire; provides collateral to us equal to its assumed per occurrence limit; or funding is provided by an unrelated third party issuance of bonds financing the reinsurance limit ("catastrophe bond").

        Our total annualized cost for catastrophe reinsurance for the year beginning June 1, 2008 is $613 million (originally $660 million before annual exposure re-measurements). The total cost of our reinsurance program during 2008 was $227 million in the first quarter, $223 million in the second quarter, $164 million in the third quarter and $136 million in the fourth quarter. We estimate that the total annualized cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program for the year beginning June 1, 2009, including the new Pennsylvania and Texas/Louisiana agreements, to be within 10% of our expiring annualized reinsurance contract premiums of $613 million. We continue to attempt to capture our reinsurance cost in premium rates as allowed by state regulatory authorities.

        The reinsurance agreements have been placed in the global reinsurance market, with all limits on our current Florida program and the majority of limits on our other programs placed with reinsurers who currently have an A.M. Best insurance financial strength rating of A or better. The remaining limits are placed with reinsurers who currently have an A.M. Best insurance financial strength rating no lower than A-, with three exceptions. Of the three exceptions, one has a Standard & Poor's ("S&P") rating of AA, one has an S&P rating of AA- and we have collateral for the entire contract limit exposure for the reinsurer which is not rated by either rating agency.

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Catastrophe Reinsurance



        Our personal lines catastrophe reinsurance program was designed, utilizing our risk management methodology, to address our exposure to
catastrophes nationwide. Our program provides reinsurance protection to us for catastrophes including storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, wildfires, earthquakes and fires
following earthquakes.



        Our
catastrophe reinsurance program which will be effective June 1, 2009 is currently being negotiated. We expect to bind coverage in March 2009, except for certain coverage in
Florida which we expect to bind by June 1, 2009. We anticipate reporting the details of our catastrophe reinsurance program renewal upon finalizing coverage. See The Allstate Corporation Annual
Report on Form 10-K for 2007 and The Allstate Corporation Form 10-Qs for 2008 for additional details on our current program.



        We
expect to renew expiring coverages including the coverage expiring on programs placed for 2 years (Aggregate excess), 3 years (various state specific), and 1 year
(South-East and Florida). We anticipate purchasing coverage that has similar retentions and limits as our expiring program, with either retentions and limits or premiums being subject to
re-measurement for exposure differences from estimates initially provided to reinsurers. In addition, effective June 1, 2009, we are contemplating two new agreements: a Pennsylvania
only agreement (up to $100 million limit, $100 million retention) to enhance protection in Pennsylvania, and a Texas/Louisiana agreement (up to $150 million limit,
$500 million retention) whereby losses resulting from the same



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named
or numbered storm but taking place in both Texas and Louisiana may be combined to meet the agreement's per occurrence retention and limit. We also intend to purchase a portion of our annual
Florida reinsurance program in the first quarter of 2009, deferring our remaining Florida reinsurance purchase until the FHCF reimbursement program is finalized.




        Our
reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 is comprised of agreements that provide coverage for the occurrence of certain qualifying catastrophes in
specific states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Texas ("multi-peril"); additional coverage for hurricane catastrophe losses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
("North-East") in other states along the southern and eastern coasts ("South-East") and in Texas ("Texas"); in California for fires following earthquakes ("California fires
following earthquakes"); in Kentucky for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes ("Kentucky"); and four agreements for our exposure in Florida. The Florida component of the reinsurance program,
which expires on May 31, 2009, is designed separately from the other components of the program to address the distinct needs of our separately capitalized legal entities in that state. Another
reinsurance agreement provides coverage nationwide, excluding Florida, for the aggregate or sum of catastrophe losses in excess of an annual retention associated with storms named or numbered by the
National Weather Service, California wildfires, earthquakes and fires following earthquakes ("aggregate excess"). For further discussion on catastrophe reinsurance, see Note 9 to the
consolidated financial statements.



        The
multi-peril agreements have various retentions and limits commensurate with the amount of catastrophe risk, measured on an annual basis, in each covered state. The multi-peril
agreement for Connecticut and Rhode Island provides that losses resulting from the same occurrence but taking place in both states may be combined to meet the agreement's per occurrence retention and
limit. One-third of the coverage expires each year with each of the three contracts in this agreement.



        The
North-East agreement was placed with Willow Re Ltd., a Cayman Island insurance company, and covers Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess
catastrophe losses. Amounts payable under the reinsurance agreement are based on an index created by applying predetermined percentages representing our market share to insured personal property
industry losses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as reported by Property Claim Services ("PCS"), a division of Insurance Services Offices, Inc., limited to our actual losses. This
agreement covers 38% of $658 million, our estimated share of estimated modified personal property industry catastrophe losses between $9.2 billion and $13.5 billion, or 38% of our
catastrophe losses between $1.6 billion (initial trigger) and $2.2 billion (exhaustion point) in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The initial trigger and exhaustion
points are reset by AIR Worldwide Corporation ("AIR") annually based on changes in the underlying industry exposures and our share of industry exposures. Willow Re Ltd. issued to unrelated
investors principal-at-risk variable market rate notes of $250 million to collateralize hurricane catastrophe losses covered by this reinsurance agreement. Willow
Re Ltd. entered into a total return
swap with Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. ("Lehman") which guaranteed the value of the collateral and a predetermined fixed rate of return to be paid to note holders. Upon the failure
of Lehman in the third quarter of 2008, the total return swap was settled and terminated without replacement. Allstate continues to make the required premium payments to Willow Re and the reinsurance
remains in place, but the underlying assets have not generated enough interest to meet the quarterly bond interest payment requirement due in February 2009, resulting in a default to note holders. The
default does not create any obligations for Allstate and the reinsurance contract remains in place, although the value of the reinsurance provided by Willow Re depends upon the market value of the
underlying assets held in collateral for reinsurance trust, with Allstate as the beneficiary. The underlying assets held in collateral are comprised largely of illiquid mortgaged-backed securities and
cash with a current market value less than $250 million.



        The
Texas agreement provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in Texas for hurricane catastrophe losses. The agreement was placed with Willow
Re Ltd., which completed an offering to unrelated investors for principal at risk, variable market rate notes of $250 million to collateralize hurricane catastrophe losses covered by
this agreement. Amounts payable under the reinsurance agreement will be based on an index created by applying predetermined percentages representing our market share to insured personal property
industry losses in Texas as reported by PCS limited to our actual losses. The limits on our Texas agreement are designed to replicate as close as possible 100% of $250 million, our estimated
market share of estimated modified personal property industry catastrophe losses between $12.5 billion and $15.8 billion, or 100% of our catastrophe losses between $950 million
(retention) and $1.2 billion (exhaustion point). The Texas agreement placed with Willow Re is independent of the North-East agreement and is not impacted by the termination of the
North-East agreement's total return swap.



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        The
Florida reinsurance program, which will be effective June 1, 2009, should be similar in design to the current program, however containing limits based on reduced underlying
exposure, assuming there is no further change in Florida insurance markets. Our current program comprises, four separate agreements entered into by Allstate Floridian for personal property excess
catastrophe losses in Florida, effective June 1, 2008 for one year. These agreements coordinate coverage with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, including our elected participation in the
optional temporary increase in coverage limit ("TICL"), (collectively "FHCF"). We chose not to participate in the optional temporary emergency additional coverage option ("TEACO") that
is below the mandatory FHCF coverage. The FHCF provides 90% reimbursement on qualifying Allstate Floridian property losses up to an estimated maximum of $398 million in excess of a
$80 million retention, including reimbursement of eligible loss adjustment expenses at 5%, for each of the two largest hurricanes and $27 million for all other hurricanes for the season
beginning June 1, 2008. The four agreements are listed and described below.





    FHCF Retention—provides coverage on $59 million of losses in excess of $40 million and is 100%
    placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.



    FHCF Sliver—provides coverage on 10% co-participation of the FHCF payout, or $40 million
    and is 100% placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.



    FHCF Back-up—provides coverage after the exhaustion of an amount equivalent to the anticipated
    FHCF reimbursement protection on $398 million of losses in excess of $80 million and is 90% placed.



    FHCF Excess—provides coverage on $99 million of losses in excess of the FHCF Retention, FHCF and the
    FHCF Back-up agreements and is 100% placed, with one prepaid reinstatement of limit.



        We
are currently evaluating the FHCF's capacity to timely reimburse us in the event of a major catastrophe, and await any changes that might be made by the FL legislature.




        We
have approximately $175 million or 9% of the Aggregate excess agreement limits for the June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 period, $25 million or 5% of the
South-East agreement limit, $250 million or 100% of the North-East agreement limit; $250 million or 100% of the Texas agreement, and $2 million or less
than 1% of the Florida limit placed with alternative market sources. Alternative market sources refers to a reinsurer that hedge funds, private equity firms, or investment banks substantially or
wholly support; retrocedes 100% of its assumed liability to a specific retrocessionaire; provides collateral to us equal to its assumed per occurrence limit; or funding is provided by an unrelated
third party issuance of bonds financing the reinsurance limit ("catastrophe bond").



        Our
total annualized cost for catastrophe reinsurance for the year beginning June 1, 2008 is $613 million (originally $660 million before annual exposure
re-measurements). The total cost of our reinsurance program during 2008 was $227 million in the first quarter, $223 million in the second quarter, $164 million in the
third quarter and $136 million in the fourth quarter. We estimate that the total annualized cost of our catastrophe reinsurance program for the year beginning June 1, 2009, including the
new Pennsylvania and Texas/Louisiana agreements, to be within 10% of our expiring annualized reinsurance contract premiums of $613 million. We continue to attempt to capture our reinsurance
cost in premium rates as allowed by state regulatory authorities.



        The
reinsurance agreements have been placed in the global reinsurance market, with all limits on our current Florida program and the majority of limits on our other programs placed with
reinsurers who currently have an A.M. Best insurance financial strength rating of A or better. The remaining limits are placed with reinsurers who currently have an A.M. Best insurance
financial strength rating no lower than A-, with three exceptions. Of the three exceptions, one has a Standard & Poor's ("S&P") rating of AA, one has an S&P rating of
AA- and we have collateral for the entire contract limit exposure for the reinsurer which is not rated by either rating agency.



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Catastrophe reinsurance

        The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance treaties in effect:

    an aggregate excess agreement covered by three contracts with different effective dates for Allstate Protection personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida. The first contract which is 47.5% placed, covers storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, earthquakes, and fires following earthquakes, and is effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2009. The remaining two contracts are 47.5% placed and cover storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, fires following earthquakes, and California wildfires, and are effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010;

    a California fires following earthquakes agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in California, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011;

    multi-year reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal property excess catastrophe losses in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Texas effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011;

    a South-East agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in 10 Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009;

    a Texas agreement for additional hurricane coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in the state effective June 18, 2008 to June 17, 2011;

    a Kentucky agreement that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009;

    a North-East agreement for additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010; and

    Four separate agreements for Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Allstate Floridian"), for personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida that coordinate coverage with our participation in the FHCF, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009.

        Under all reinsurance agreements, the Company ceded premiums earned of $679 million and $811 million in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Catastrophe reinsurance



        The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance treaties in effect:





    an aggregate excess agreement covered by three contracts with different effective dates for Allstate Protection personal
    lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida. The first contract which is 47.5% placed, covers storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, earthquakes, and fires
    following earthquakes, and is effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2009. The remaining two contracts are 47.5% placed and cover storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service,
    fires following earthquakes, and California wildfires, and are effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010;



    a California fires following earthquakes agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe
    losses in California, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011;



    multi-year reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal property excess catastrophe losses in
    Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Texas effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011;



    a South-East agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses for storms
    named or numbered by the National Weather Service in 10 Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009;



    a Texas agreement for additional hurricane coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in
    the state effective June 18, 2008 to June 17, 2011;



    a Kentucky agreement that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in the
    state for earthquakes and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009;



    a North-East agreement for additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for
    Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010; and



    Four separate agreements for Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Allstate Floridian"), for
    personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida that coordinate coverage with our participation in the FHCF, effective June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009.



        Under
all reinsurance agreements, the Company ceded premiums earned of $679 million and $811 million in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.




These excerpts taken from the ALL 10-K filed Feb 27, 2008.

Catastrophe reinsurance

        The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance treaties in effect:

    an aggregate excess agreement that covers storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, earthquakes, and fires following earthquakes for Allstate Protection personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida, effective June 1, 2007 with 15% expiring May 31, 2008 and the remainder expiring May 31, 2009;

    a California fires following earthquakes agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in California, effective February 1, 2006 to May 31, 2008;

    multi-year reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal property excess catastrophe losses in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Texas effective June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2008;

    a New Jersey agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property catastrophe losses in excess of the New Jersey multi-year agreement effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008;

    a South-East agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in 11 Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008;

189


    a Kentucky agreement that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquake and fires following earthquakes effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008;

    a North-East agreement for additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010; and

    Four separate agreements for Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Allstate Floridian"), for personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida that coordinate coverage with our participation in the FHCF, effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008.

        Under all reinsurance agreements, the Company ceded premiums earned of $811 million and $521 million in the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Catastrophe reinsurance



        The Company has the following catastrophe reinsurance treaties in effect:





    an
    aggregate excess agreement that covers storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, earthquakes, and fires following earthquakes for Allstate Protection
    personal lines auto and property business countrywide, except for Florida, effective June 1, 2007 with 15% expiring May 31, 2008 and the remainder expiring May 31, 2009;


    a
    California fires following earthquakes agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in California, effective February 1,
    2006 to May 31, 2008;


    multi-year
    reinsurance treaties that cover Allstate-brand personal property excess catastrophe losses in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Texas effective
    June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2008;


    a
    New Jersey agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property catastrophe losses in excess of the New Jersey multi-year agreement effective June 1, 2007 to
    May 31, 2008;


    a
    South-East agreement that covers Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in 11
    Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008;


189












    a
    Kentucky agreement that provides coverage for Allstate Protection personal property excess catastrophe losses in the state for earthquake and fires following earthquakes
    effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008;


    a
    North-East agreement for additional hurricane coverage in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for Allstate Protection personal property and auto excess
    catastrophe losses effective June 15, 2007 to June 8, 2010; and


    Four
    separate agreements for Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and its subsidiaries ("Allstate Floridian"), for personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida
    that coordinate coverage with our participation in the FHCF, effective June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008.



        Under
all reinsurance agreements, the Company ceded premiums earned of $811 million and $521 million in the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.



This excerpt taken from the ALL 10-K filed Feb 22, 2007.

Catastrophe reinsurance

        The Company has multi-year reinsurance treaties, effective from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2008, that cover excess catastrophe losses in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. The Company also has an excess of loss agreement, effective from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2007, that covers excess catastrophe losses in Florida. On May 31, 2006, the Company terminated its previously existing multi-year treaties, effective June 1, 2005, in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Company entered into the following reinsurance agreements effective from June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2007: aggregate excess of loss agreement that covers storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service, earthquakes, and fires following earthquakes for personal lines auto and property business countrywide except for Florida; New Jersey excess of loss agreement that covers personal property catastrophe losses in excess of the New Jersey multi-year agreement entered into in 2005; South-East agreement that covers personal property excess catastrophe losses for storms named or numbered by the National Weather Service in 10 Atlantic and Gulf states and the District of Columbia; and four reinsurance agreements entered into by Allstate Floridian Insurance Company ("AFIC"), a subsidiary of the Company that sells and services residential property policies in the state of Florida, for personal property excess catastrophe losses in Florida. The Company also entered into a California Fire Following agreement, effective from February 1, 2006 to

180



May 31, 2008, that covers personal property excess catastrophe losses in California for fires following earthquakes. Under these contracts, the Company ceded premiums earned of $521 million and $111 million in the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

This excerpt taken from the ALL 10-K filed Feb 23, 2006.

Catastrophe reinsurance

        Effective June 1, 2005, multi-year reinsurance treaties cover excess catastrophe losses in seven states: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Florida. These reinsurance treaties replaced the reinsurance contracts entered in 2004 that reinsured losses from future catastrophic events in the state of Florida, which expired in May 2005, and five three-year cancelable excess of loss reinsurance contracts that reinsured personal property losses in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. In 2005, the Company ceded $111 million of premiums earned under these reinsurance treaties.

        At December 31, 2005, Allstate Texas Lloyd's ("ATL"), a syndicate insurance company, had $250 million of reinsurance recoverable on the Texas treaty related to losses incurred from Hurricane Rita. ATL cedes 100% of its business net of reinsurance with external parties to AIC.

        With the exception of the recoverable balances from the MCCA, FHCF, NFIP, Lloyd's of London and other industry pools and facilities, the largest reinsurance recoverable balance the Company had outstanding was $91 million and $87 million from Employers' Reinsurance Company at December 31, 2005

168



and 2004. No other amount due or estimated to be due from any single property-liability reinsurer was in excess of $57 million and $52 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

        The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance was $213 million and $230 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and is primarily related to the Company's discontinued lines and coverages segment. There were $17 million of net recoveries in 2005, and $138 million of bad debt expense and $9 million of deductions related to previous year provisions in 2004.

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