If you have any questions call your agency first. If they are unable to answer, direct your questions or insurance claim reports to Allstate Canada’s 24 hour, 7 days a week claims line at either 1-800-661-1577 or 1-800-387-0462. Or contact Allstate online.

Allstate Canada offers these safety tips in the event that your home is in danger of possible damage or if power is lost for an extended period of time:

When heavy rains hits

• Before water enters your home. Shut off the electricity and outside gas valve. If possible, block sewers in the basement to avoid backflow. Go quickly to the upper floors of your home and turn on a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
• Listen. If told to leave, grab your emergency preparedness kit and go to your designated shelter. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes. Never take shortcuts.
• Keep out of any standing water. Hazards from floating debris, sewer contamination, live electrical wires and slippery footing can make wading in flood waters extremely dangerous.
• Never go near or touch fallen power lines. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times. Call your local energy utility to alert them to the damage and keep family members away from fallen lines and downed trees that may have power lines tangled in them.
• If you are outdoors. Climb to high ground in a highly visible and safe area. Never cross floodwaters as water as shallow as 15 centimetres could sweep you off your feet.
• If you are in your vehicle. If you come to a flooded area, turn around, head for elevated ground and park there. Avoid remaining in your vehicle since as little as 60 centimetres of water can carry away a car.

After the Damage

• Safe return. Return to your home only when emergency authorities have advised you it is safe to do so.
• Keep the power off. Do not turn on the power in your home after significant water damage. Ask your hydro company for assistance.
• Record the damage. If possible, record details of any damage before you clean up. Take photos or video to help with your insurance company’s assessment.
• Contact Your Insurance Company. Once you’ve assessed the damage as best you can, contact your insurance company to make a claim. Allstate representatives are available, and customers who need to report a claim can call 1-800-661-1577 or 1-800-387-0462.

More tips on preventing water and wind damage or surviving a power outage from Allstate Canada can be found online:

• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/water-damage-risks
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/protect/wind-and-severe-weather-protection
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/power-outage-risks.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in “Good Hands®” as well as its employees, and has recently been listed on the Best Employers in Canada, Best Employers in the GTA, and the Best Employers in Quebec lists. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way and Junior Achievement. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
Kevin Wilson, Senior Communications Specialist
T: 905.475.4527
kwilson@allstate.ca

TORONTO, ON— January 31, 2013— A recent online poll conducted by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada found that the majority (78 per cent) of respondents said they don’t drive distracted because of increased awareness of the dangers.

While 94 per cent of respondents are aware they could receive a ticket for distracted driving, only 7 per cent of respondents said this punishment deters them from driving distracted. Personal safety, it seems, ranks much higher than the threat of a monetary penalty. Some 89 per cent of high school students (aged 13 to 17) specifically said that they would also voice concern as a passenger in a vehicle where a driver was driving distracted.

This awareness of the danger of distracted driving was reflected in the entries received for the national bilingual Just Drive Canada contest, where high school students were invited to upload video, audio or an image of their solution to distracted driving (during the six-week entry period, Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 2012).

“Many of the students’ solutions to distracted driving featured a simple message: just don’t do it,” says Saskia Matheson, spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “We hope that they put this idea into practice. Some students took the idea even further with in-car reminders like decals and gadgets, including a thumb cover that inhibits texting while reminding the driver to focus on driving.”  

The Just Drive Canada contest generated 142 entries from 37 schools and 53,000 public votes for favourites (during the six-week voting period, November 2-December 14, 2012). Today, Allstate Canada is pleased to announce the winners of the Just Drive Canada contest

Video

Tie for First place

Wallise Wu from Glenforest Secondary School
Mississauga, ON
$1500 prize plus $1000 to the school

Matt Girard, Gabrielle Semail and Stephanie Clarke from Belmont Secondary School
Victoria, BC
$1500 prize plus $1000 to the school

Audio

First placeJonathan Dumas, Maxime Haché, Scott Cowan, and Nathan Chiasson-Jones from École Marie-Esther
Shippagan, NB
$1000 prize plus $500 to the school

Runner-up

Jordan Ladell, Zach Valeri and David Martens from Kingsville District High School
Kingsville, ON
$500 prize plus $250 to the school 

Picture

First place

Angel Carberry from John Paul II Catholic Secondary School [download image here]
London, ON
$500 prize plus $250 to the school

Runner-up

Tayner Murdock from Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School [download image here]
Hamilton, ON
$250 prize plus $150 to the school

In order to help students share their message, schools were also encouraged to get involved. Judges evaluated the combination of number of entries and votes that came in from each school, as well as quality of submissions to determine the most engaged school as the Just Drive Canada School Spirit Prize recipient. The recipient of the school spirit prize is

School Spirit Prize

John Paul II Catholic Secondary School
London, ON
$2500 to the most engaged school

Judging occurred in two stages including online public voting from November 2 to December 14, 2012, followed by review from a panel of judges including Phoebe Dykstra, MuchMusic VJ; Scott Marshall, Director of Training for Young Drivers of Canada; Constable Helen Pappas, RCMP; Kevin McConkey, Director, Claims at Allstate Canada; Martha Binks, Director, Legal Services at Allstate Canada; Blake Reichert, Director, Business Development at Allstate Canada; Carmine Venditti, Agency Manager at Allstate Canada; and Yvan Gelinas, Linguistics Services Manager at Allstate Canada.

 “We hope that distracted driving will soon be viewed in the same light as driving without a seatbelt,” says Scott Marshall, Young Drivers of Canada Instructor and contest judge. “We need to keep reinforcing the dangers of distracted driving and hope that we see a change in opinions as well as behaviours.”

Car collisions are the number one cause of death among Canadian teens and recent figures show that distracted driving is a factor in anywhere from 20 to 80 per cent of collisions.

Additional information about the contest including rules and regulations can be found at justdrivecanada.ca and facebook.ca/justdrivecanada.  More information about the contest judges can be found here. Winning entries can be seen at www.justdrivecanada.ca. Any image can be downloaded by right clicking and saving to a desktop.

Allstate Canada is also urging teens and parents to talk about distracted driving and offers an Action Against Distraction teen-parent contract and Action Against Distraction online pledge at goodhandsadvice.ca/distraction to make a promise not to drive distracted. 

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in “Good Hands®” as well as its employees, and has recently been listed on the “Best Employers in Canada” list. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to create future community leaders through the sport of hockey. Learn more about this program at allcanadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit allstate.ca and goodhandsadvice.ca.

About the Abacus Data Inc. online poll

Abacus Data Inc. is a full-service, national public opinion and marketing research firm. It specializes in public and corporate affairs research and research with Canadian Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000).

Abacus Data was responsible for the collection of online polling responses. Responses were solicited through postcards that were distributed by Allstate Insurance at high school events, through links on the Just Drive Canada contest website, through contest Twitter and Facebook accounts and by email to Canadian high schools. In all, 205 individuals completed the poll, between Sept. 20 and Dec. 31, 2012, including 132 high school students (aged 13 to 17) across Canada.

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For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Media Contact

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
416-515-7517 ext 350
Mobile: 416-473-9565
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO – November 27, 2012 — Ontario roads have become a little bit safer in the past two years, according to a new study from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. The fourth annual Ontario Safe Driving Study released today looks at collision claims from Allstate Canada customers across the province and found Ontario drivers had 3.3 per cent fewer collisions from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012, than in the previous 24 month period. Sarnia was the most improved with a 24.69 per cent decrease in collision frequency, while Brockville took the top spot as the community with the lowest collision rate (3.06 per cent). This is the second time Brockville topped the Ontario Safe Driving Study.

Allstate Canada created the study to generate discussion about driving behaviour in Ontario and to help keep roads and communities safer for everyone by emphasizing the importance of safe driving habits. “We’re pleased to see fewer collisions in the province. Whether this is because of an increased awareness of the dangers of hand-held devices starting to take effect, drivers reducing their speed, increased police activity or other influences we don’t yet know, we hope to see this trend continue,” says Saskia Matheson of Allstate Canada.

Not only was Brockville the community with the lowest collision rate, it also had the second largest improvement, a 21.01 per cent decrease, to its collision frequency between the two time periods. Chatham was the third most improved community with a 16.67 per cent decrease.

When analyzing the data for the Ontario Safe Driving Study, Allstate Canada noted a worrying trend about when collisions take place and the severity of injuries. “Ontarians may be surprised to learn that our claims data shows, and this is backed up by provincial road safety studies, that more fatal collisions happen when conditions are clear and roads are dry,” says Matheson. “Speed is often the issue.”

Though winter typically sees the most car crashes for drivers in the province, it is the summer months when collisions are most deadly. The Ontario Road Safety Annual Report released earlier this year (2009 data) shows that July had the highest incidence, 10.9 per cent, of fatal collisions. Surprisingly, 79.8 per cent of all fatal collisions in Ontario happen when driving conditions are clear, while 12.8 per cent of fatal collisions happen in rain and 3.7 per cent in snow.

Allstate Canada reminds drivers that collisions can happen at any time of the year, not just in bad weather conditions. “We encourage all drivers to be attentive, sensible and patient behind the wheel to help keep our roads safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists,” adds Matheson. “Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on the job.”

Highlights from the Ontario Safe Driving Study

• Northern Ontario continues to be the region with the lowest crash frequency (3.87 per cent for 2010–2012, 3.82 per cent for 2008–2010). The region with the highest rate was the GTA (including metro Toronto) with a collision rate of 5.63 per cent for 2010–2012.
• Except for Hamilton, Ontario’s five most populous cities were all in the bottom quarter of the rankings with higher collision frequencies. In order of population size: Toronto (ranked 43, 6.12 per cent collision frequency), Ottawa (42, 6.10 per cent), Mississauga (38, 5.81 per cent), Brampton (46, 6.45 per cent) and Hamilton (28, 5.24 per cent).
• The newly released 2011 Census shows that Milton had the highest population growth rate, 56.5 per cent, for any municipality in Canada between the 2006 and 2011 census. However, according to Allstate Canada data, Milton’s collision rate increased by only 7.51 per cent between 2008–2010 and 2010–2012.

Allstate Canada offers these tips to help start the conversation about safe driving:

• Just Drive — You are up to 23 times more likely to crash if you drive while distracted. An Allstate Canada survey found that 75 per cent of Canadians admit to driving while distracted.
  • Distractions can include changing your music, tending to a child in the back seat or using your cell phone to talk or text.
  • It’s against the law in Ontario to use hand-held devices while driving. Drivers who text, talk, dial or send an email from a hand-held cell phone or any other communications device will be fined. Ontario law also prohibits drivers from viewing display screens unrelated to the driving task, such as DVD players or laptops. Always have directions of where you are going beforehand, and if you need to consult a hand-held device make sure you pull over first.
  • Allstate Canada conducted distracted driving tallies in cities across Canada this fall and spotted 1,333 distracted drivers at intersections in nine Ontario cities during one hour of the morning commute.
  • Allstate Canada urges teens and parents to download the parent-teen contract and to sign the Action Against Distraction online pledge at goodhandsadvice.ca/distraction and make a promise not to drive while distracted.
• Adapt to road conditions in every location — While drivers must be extra careful when driving in snow, ice or rain, studies have shown that more fatal collisions happen when conditions are clear and roads are dry. A study from Transport Canada indicates that drivers are often tempted to take risks with speed when road conditions are normal. Always drive carefully regardless of the weather.
  • The most recent Ontario Road Safety Report, based on provincial collision data from 2009, shows that January had the highest percentage of all collisions (both fatal and non-fatal) at 12.4 per cent but July had the highest (or greatest) number of fatal collisions at 10.9 per cent. The report also shows that 79.8 per cent of fatal collisions happened when conditions are clear, and 67.8 per cent of fatal collisions happened when roads are dry.
• Never tailgate — The Ministry of Transportation recommends that drivers maintain at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you in good driving conditions. In wet or slippery conditions, you should leave more than two seconds.
• Don’t give in to “road rage”— Aggressive driving behaviours can lead to serious collisions. Remember to drive considerately and remain calm while driving.
• Slow down — Drivers can reduce the need to speed by leaving early and allowing extra time to arrive at their destination. Another way to maintain a steady speed is to use your vehicle’s cruise control.
• Obey the rules of the road — Use your turn signal to indicate a turn or lane change, by signalling, other drivers can gauge their reactions and maintain safety on the road. Always come to a complete stop at a stop sign and only enter an intersection if you can cross it safely before the light turns red.
• Keep your car in good shape — Make sure your brakes, exhaust, lights, battery, windshield wipers and hoses are all in good working order. Tires should also be properly inflated. Keeping your car in good condition will help to keep it safe.
• Don’t drive while under the influence — According to MADD Canada, every day, on average, four Canadians are killed and 174 are injured in impaired driving crashes. A recent Canadian study also shows that driving while under the influence of drugs is becoming more common than drinking and driving in some areas of the country. Research has found that teens who drive within three hours of smoking marijuana are twice as likely to be in a car collision. Always plan ahead: designate a sober driver, take a taxi, walk with a friend or make arrangements to stay over or take local transit.

What do I do after a car collision?
A car collision can happen even to the most careful drivers. It’s often hard to think clearly and remember what to do immediately after one has happened, and it is important that the right steps are taken. By knowing what to do before a collision happens, you will be more prepared. Speak to your insurance agent and know what your insurance covers. They will also help you learn what to do if you are in a car collision. Regardless of who caused it, if you are in a collision, collect and exchange the following information with the other driver:
license plate number;

• full name and contact information;
• insurance company;
• type, colour and model of the vehicle;
• number of occupants in each vehicle
• location of the accident;
• full name and phone number of any present witnesses.

It’s the law to report all collisions to your insurance provider within 24 hours.

To see where Ontario cities ranked, view the complete 2012 Ontario Safe Driving Study visit http://bit.ly/2012SafeDriving.

Study Methodology
Allstate Canada conducted an in-depth analysis of company collision data to determine the safest communities in Ontario based on the frequency of collisions. The study spans a 24-month period beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2012 and also offers a comparison to the data from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2010.

To ensure the data provides a realistic outlook of what is happening on Ontario roadways only communities with at least 900 cars insured by Allstate Canada during the 24-month period were included in the study. Claims data is limited to collisions for which there was a payout; claims for incidents such as break-ins or vandalism are not included in this analysis. Two-year periods were chosen to provide a larger sample for more meaningful analysis. Survey data ranks frequency of collisions, not severity of accident. Collision data can be traced back to the registered car address.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, and also recently named to Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers in Canada list. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 83 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information or to book an interview with Saskia Matheson, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, or to speak to a regional Allstate spokesperson please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
Office: 416.515.7517 x 350
Mobile : 416-473-9565
Email: fox@thornleyfallis.ca

TORONTO – November 27, 2012 — After two months without professional hockey, loyal fans may be itching to find new ways to keep their “friendly” city rivalries alive, so Allstate Insurance Company of Canada offers the Urban Safe Driving Challenge: a head-to-head look at auto collision claims from Allstate Canada customers between July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012, in five NHL cities (Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal).

In the Urban Safe Driving Challenge Western Conference, Calgary beat out its Edmonton rivals, in a result similar to their team’s 2011-12 season record. Calgary drivers reported fewer collisions per 100 cars, a collision rate of 5.63 per cent, compared to Edmonton’s 6.02 per cent collision rate. Over in the Eastern Conference, not only did Montreal end last season behind both the Leafs and the Senators, according to Allstate Canada claims data, the city finished last to its bitter rivals in collisions frequency: 8.54 per cent for Montreal, 6.12 per cent for Toronto and 6.10 per cent for Ottawa.

Three of the urban centres saw their collision rate decrease between 2008–2010 and 2010–2012. Calgary’s rate dropped by 5.63 per cent; Edmonton’s reduced by 4.87 per cent and Toronto’s collision rate decreased by 4.76 per cent.

Allstate Canada created the Urban Safe Driving Challenge to generate discussion about driving behaviour in Canada and to help keep roads and communities safer for everyone by emphasizing the importance of safe driving. “We’re pleased to see fewer collisions in three of our Challenge cities. Whether this is because of an increased awareness of the dangers of hand-held devices starting to take effect, drivers reducing their speed, increased police activity or other influences we don’t yet know, we hope to see this trend continue,” says Saskia Matheson of Allstate Canada.

When analyzing the data for the Urban Safe Driving Challenge, Allstate Canada noted a worrying trend about when collisions take place and the severity of injuries that are a result of these crashes. “Drivers may be surprised to learn that our claims data and studies have shown that more fatal collisions happen when conditions are clear and roads are dry,” says Matheson. “Speed is often the issue.”

Allstate Canada reminds drivers that collisions can happen at any time of the year, not just in bad weather conditions. “We encourage all drivers to be attentive, sensible and patient behind the wheel to help keep our roads safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists,” adds Matheson. “Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on the job.”

Highlights from the Urban Safe Driving Challenge

• While Ottawa drivers had a lower collision rate than Montreal and Toronto, the city may be headed for the penalty box as its collision rate increased by 3.95 per cent between 2008-2010 and 2010-2012. Montreal also saw a 3.41 per cent increase.
• According to the City of Edmonton Motor Vehicle Collisions report for 2011, someone was either injured or killed in 14.95 per cent of the city’s collisions.[i] The Calgary Police Service reports that 7.43 per cent of collisions resulted in an injury or fatality in 2011.[ii]
• While Montreal had the highest collision rate in the study, according to the service de police de la Ville de Montréal annual report for 2011, when looking at severity of collisions only 16.68 per cent of collisions reported to the police resulted in an injury or fatality.[iii] This percentage is higher in both Ottawa and Toronto. The 2011 Ottawa Road Safety Report shows that someone was injured or killed in 24.92 per cent of reported collisions[iv], and according to the 2011 Annual Statistical Report from the Toronto Police Service, someone was hurt or killed in 19.87 per cent of reported collisions.[v]

Data is not available for the other NHL cities, Vancouver or Winnipeg, as these cities are covered by government-run insurance companies.

Allstate Canada offers these tips to help start the conversation about safe driving:

• Just Drive — You are up to 23 times more likely to crash if you drive while distracted. An Allstate Canada survey found that 75 per cent of Canadians admit to driving while distracted.
  • Distractions can include changing your music, tending to a child in the back seat or using your cell phone to talk or text.
  • It’s against the law in Ontario to use hand-held devices while driving. Drivers who text, talk, dial or send an email from a hand-held cell phone or any other communications device will be fined. Ontario law also prohibits drivers from viewing display screens unrelated to the driving task, such as DVD players or laptops. Always have directions of where you are going beforehand, and if you need to consult a hand-held device make sure you pull over first.
  • Allstate Canada conducted distracted driving tallies in cities across Canada this fall and spotted 1,333 distracted drivers at intersections in nine Ontario cities during one hour of the morning commute.
  • Allstate Canada urges teens and parents to download the parent-teen contract and to sign the Action Against Distraction online pledge atgoodhandsadvice.ca/distraction and make a promise not to drive while distracted.
• Adapt to road conditions in every location — While drivers must be extra careful when driving in snow, ice or rain, studies have shown that more fatal collisions happen when conditions are clear and roads are dry. A study from Transport Canada indicates that drivers are often tempted to take risks with speed when road conditions are normal. Always drive carefully regardless of the weather.
  • The most recent Ontario Road Safety Report, based on provincial collision data from 2009, shows that January had the highest percentage of all collisions (both fatal and non-fatal) at 12.4 per cent but July had the highest (or greatest) number of fatal collisions at 10.9 per cent. The report also shows that 79.8 per cent of fatal collisions happened when conditions are clear, and 67.8 per cent of fatal collisions happened when roads are dry.
• Never tailgate — The Ministry of Transportation recommends that drivers maintain at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you in good driving conditions. In wet or slippery conditions, you should leave more than two seconds.
• Don’t give in to “road rage”— Aggressive driving behaviours can lead to serious collisions. Remember to drive considerately and remain calm while driving.
• Slow down — Drivers can reduce the need to speed by leaving early and allowing extra time to arrive at their destination. Another way to maintain a steady speed is to use your vehicle’s cruise control.
• Obey the rules of the road — Use your turn signal to indicate a turn or lane change, by signalling, other drivers can gauge their reactions and maintain safety on the road. Always come to a complete stop at a stop sign and only enter an intersection if you can cross it safely before the light turns red.
• Keep your car in good shape — Make sure your brakes, exhaust, lights, battery, windshield wipers and hoses are all in good working order. Tires should also be properly inflated. Keeping your car in good condition will help to keep it safe.
• Don’t drive while under the influence — According to MADD Canada, every day, on average, four Canadians are killed and 174 are injured in impaired driving crashes. Arecent Canadian study also shows that driving while under the influence of drugs is becoming more common than drinking and driving in some areas of the country. Research has found that teens who drive within three hours of smoking marijuana are twice as likely to be in a car collision. Always plan ahead: designate a sober driver, take a taxi, walk with a friend or make arrangements to stay over or take local transit.

What do I do after a car collision?
A car collision can happen even to the most careful drivers. It’s often hard to think clearly and remember what to do immediately after one has happened, and it is important that the right steps are taken. By knowing what to do before a collision happens, you will be more prepared. Speak to your insurance agent and know what your insurance covers. They will also help you learn what to do if you are in a car collision. Regardless of who caused it, if you are in a collision, collect and exchange the following information with the other driver:
license plate number;

• full name and contact information;
• insurance company;
• type, colour and model of the vehicle;
• number of occupants in each vehicle
• location of the accident;
• full name and phone number of any present witnesses.

It’s the law to report all collisions to your insurance provider within 24 hours.

To see the full Urban Safe Driving Challenge visit http://bit.ly/UrbanSafeDrivingChallenge or the Ontario Safe Driving Study, also released today, visit http://bit.ly/2012SafeDriving.

Study Methodology

Allstate Canada’s researchers analyzed collision data and policy claims data from its Ontario, Quebec and Alberta customers for a 24-month period beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2012, and compared it to collision data from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2010, to see how collisions rates in five large cities compared. By analyzing two data sets, Allstate Canada can determine improvements and review declining results for these cities.

Claims data is limited to collisions for which there was a payout; claims for incidents such as break-ins or vandalism are not included in this analysis. Two-year periods were chosen to provide a larger sample for more meaningful analysis. Survey data ranks frequency of collisions, not severity of accident. Collision data can be traced back to the registered car address.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, and also recently named to Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers in Canada list. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 83 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca or www.allstate.ca.

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For more information or to book an interview with Saskia Matheson, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, or to speak to a regional Allstate spokesperson please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
Office: 416.515.7517 x 350
Mobile : 416-473-9565
Email: fox@thornleyfallis.ca

[i] http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/2011_Annual_Collision_Report.pdf
[ii] http://www.calgarypolice.ca/pdf/December%202011%20Statistical%20Report.pdf
[iii] http://www.spvm.qc.ca/upload/documentations/AnnualReport2011.pdf
[iv] http://ottawa.ca/en/roads_trans/driving/road_safety/saferroads/annual_reports/report_2011/index.htm
[v] http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/2011statsreport.pdf

“Heavy rains and wind can pose a significant safety issue and cause major damage to a home if you’re not prepared,” says Saskia Matheson of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Water damage, especially caused by sewer backup following heavy rainfall is the leading cause of property damage. While Allstate Canada has people standing by to assist customers, prevention may help avoid discomfort and danger to your property and family. It’s important to ensure you take steps to reduce your exposure to the risks presented.”

 Allstate Canada offers preparation and safety tips in the event that your home is in danger of possible damage or if power is lost for an extended period of time:

 If you live in an area likely to be affected by Hurricane Sandy

• Prepare your home. Disconnect downspouts from the municipal sewer system or add extension tubing and extend them away from your home, but make sure you don’t direct water toward neighbouring properties. High velocity winds can turn garden furniture, barbecues and tree branches into destructive missiles. Store recycling and garbage bins, patio furniture, yard debris or other objects that heavy winds could blow around.
• Leave some space. If possible, store items on shelves rather than directly on the basement floor. To keep important documents safe, store them in a water-tight plastic container.
• Stay connected. Ensure you have at least one telephone that does not need electricity to function. Most home cordless phones will not work in a power outage. If you have a cell phone, keep it charged.
• Protect perishables. Keep freezer and fridge doors closed as much as possible to keep the food inside cold longer. If you expect the power to be out for more than four hours, move all dairy products, meat and fish into the freezer and keep the door closed.
• Plan ahead. Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit in case you have to evacuate. This kit should have a three-day supply of food, water and other essential items. Find the complete list at goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.

 If there is flooding

• Before water enters your home. Shut off the electricity and outside gas valve. If possible, block sewers in the basement to avoid backflow. Go quickly to the upper floors of your home and turn on a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
• Listen. If told to leave, grab your emergency preparedness kit and go to your designated shelter. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes. Never take shortcuts.
• Keep out of any standing water. Hazards from floating debris, sewer contamination, live electrical wires and slippery footing can make wading in flood waters extremely dangerous.
• Never go near or touch fallen power lines. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times. Call your local energy utility to alert them to the damage and keep family members away from fallen lines and downed trees that may have power lines tangled in them.
• If you are outdoors. Climb to high ground in a highly visible and safe area. Never cross floodwaters as water as shallow as 15 centimetres could sweep you off your feet.
• If you are in your vehicle. If you come to a flooded area, turn around, head for elevated ground and park there. Avoid remaining in your vehicle since as little as 60 centimetres of water can carry away a car.

After the Damage

• Safe return. Return to your home only when emergency authorities have advised you it is safe to do so.
• Keep the power off. Do not turn on the power in your home after significant water damage. Ask your hydro company for assistance.
• Record the damage. If possible, record details of any damage before you clean up. Take photos or video to help with your insurance company’s assessment.
• Contact Your Insurance Company. Once you’ve assessed the damage as best you can, contact your insurance company to make a claim. Allstate representatives are available, and customers who need to report a claim can call:
  •  1-800-387-0462 in Ontario
  • 1-800-463-2813 in Quebec
  • 1-800-561-7222 in the Maritimes

More tips on preventing water and wind damage or surviving a power outage from Allstate Canada can be found online:

• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/water-damage-risks
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/protect/wind-and-severe-weather-protection
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/power-outage-risks.

 About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 83 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates. This year, Allstate Canada celebrates 25 years of partnership with MADD Canada in the effort to protect us all from impaired driving. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to create future community leaders through the sport of hockey. Learn more about this program at www.allcanadians.com. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.

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For more information about how you can protect your family and home during a heavy rainfall or to speak with Saskia Matheson, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca