(C2.2a) Which risk types are considered in your organization's climate-related risk assessments?
Relevance
&
inclusion
Please explain
Current
regulation
Relevant,
always
included
As an insurance company, Allstate is subject to extensive regulation and involved in various legal and regulatory actions, all of which affect specific aspects of the company’s business.
Allstate proactively monitors regulatory proposals that will have an impact on its business. Current regulations are included in Allstate’s risk assessment and risk management processes to
ensure that any risks are managed properly, including those that are climate related. Additional governance is provided through Allstate’s compliance processes and “three lines of
defense” risk model. For example, although Allstate is not currently subject to climate-related regulations for managing greenhouse gas emissions, it is possible that other types of
regulations may indirectly affect the company’s ability to manage climate-related risks to its business. In various states, Allstate is required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance
facilities, and joint underwriting associations that provide insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from private insurers. Over time,
Allstate consistently manages and monitors its aggregate insurance exposure to catastrophe losses in certain regions of the country that are subject to high levels of natural catastrophes.
However, the impact of these actions may be diminished by the growth in insured values and the effect of state insurance laws and regulations. Changes to current regulations, either
directly or indirectly climate-related, could result in higher operating costs and expenses for Allstate.
Emerging
regulation
Relevant,
always
included
Allstate is subject to extensive regulation and involved in various legal and regulatory actions, all of which affect specific aspects of the company’s business. Allstate proactively monitors
regulatory proposals that will have an impact on its business. Emerging regulations are included in Allstate’s risk assessment and risk management process to ensure that any risks are
managed properly, including anything climate-related. Additional governance is provided through Allstate’s compliance processes and independent oversight. For example, emerging
regulations may affect the company’s ability to manage climate-related risks to its business. In various states, Allstate is required to participate in assigned risk plans, reinsurance facilities
and joint underwriting associations that provide insurance coverage to individuals or entities that otherwise are unable to purchase such coverage from private insurers. Over time, Allstate
consistently monitors and manages its aggregate insurance exposure to catastrophe losses in certain regions of the country that are subject to high levels of natural catastrophes. However,
the impact of these actions may be diminished by the growth in insured values and the effect of state insurance laws and regulations. Emerging regulations, either directly or indirectly
climate-related, could result in higher operating costs and expenses for Allstate. Regulations focused on energy efficiency or carbon reduction could require changes to Allstate’s
operations and infrastructure.
Technology Relevant,
always
included
Technological innovations that improve energy efficiency in buildings are of great value to Allstate’s operations and are considered in its risk assessment process when evaluating these
types of capital expenditures. Return on investment is examined, and depending on the total costs involved, projects are reviewed at the appropriate level of approval within Allstate’s
organizational structure. Another example of a climate-related technological risk to Allstate is the processing of claims during hurricanes or severe weather events. In order to handle claims
on-site, Allstate needs reliable, secure, and effective technology for all communications and data processing. Vulnerabilities such as connectivity issues, security breaches, and insufficient
access to electricity must be mitigated, and these risks are included in Allstate’s risk assessment processes to ensure proper business continuity.
Legal Relevant,
always
included
Legal risks are included in the six categories of risks regularly assessed by Allstate. Losses from legal and regulatory actions may be material to Allstate’s operational results, cash flows,
and financial condition. Allstate is involved in various legal actions, including class-action litigation challenging a range of company practices and coverage provided by its insurance
products, some of which involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts. Allstate is also involved in various regulatory actions and inquiries, including market conduct exams by
state insurance regulatory agencies. In the event of an unfavorable outcome in any of these matters, the ultimate liability may be in excess of amounts currently accrued, if any, and may
be material to Allstate’s operational results, cash flows, and financial condition. One example of a climate-related legal risk to Allstate involves new notification of policy coverage in the
state of California for losses due to flood, mudslides, and earth movement related to recent wildfires. The California Department of Insurance has determined that while flood, mudslides,
and earth movement are excluded causes of loss in standard policy language, they must be covered if the proximate cause of loss was triggered by a wildfire. To eliminate disputes
regarding what is/isn’t covered, Allstate may choose to pay claims that have not been considered in the pricing and underwriting strategies for these property policies to avoid potential
legal action.
Market Relevant,
always
included
Allstate considers market risk (the risk of loss from adverse changes in the value of the investment portfolio) in its assessment of climate risks. Investment portfolio management factors in
climate risk when considering specific investments, and from a portfolio perspective, Allstate aggregates and measures its sector exposures to more carbon-intensive industries,
considering their market risk profile and contributions to the portfolio. To further enhance Allstate’s identification and measurement of climate risks in the investment portfolio, the company
is working with a consultant to establish a financed emissions inventory and is evaluating evolving methodologies and approaches to explicitly measure the potential impact of climate
change on the market value of its investments. Allstate wants to help the world transition to a lower-carbon emissions footprint by considering investments in companies that will provide
capital for their transition. These investments also provide opportunities for value creation within the investment portfolio and improve returns to shareholders.
Reputation Relevant,
always
included
Allstate’s Strategic Risk Management process addresses loss associated with inadequate or flawed business planning or strategy setting. This includes reputational risk, which is the
potential for negative publicity regarding Allstate’s conduct or business practices to adversely impact profitability, operations, or the consumer base, or to require costly litigation and other
defensive measures. Climate-related reputational risks are incorporated in this process. Allstate proactively monitors its sustainability efforts through collaborative efforts across the
organization. The Sustainability Report is published annually, providing evidence of Allstate’s efforts and commitments. Further, ongoing support is provided by senior management through
various governance processes, including the Enterprise Risk and Return Council. Additionally, Allstate manages climate-related reputational risk through Allstate Board and senior
management strategy reviews that include a risk and return assessment of the company's strategic plans and ongoing monitoring of its strategic actions and the external competitive
environment. As a property-casualty insurance company, Allstate’s ability to pay claims in a timely fashion following outbreaks of severe weather and catastrophes is critical in managing
climate-related reputational risk. Allstate seeks to maintain an understanding of climate risks that directly affect both its liability insurance products and its assets, and the company acts to
modify those products and protect those assets accordingly to protect its shareholders, customers, and reputation. In doing so, Allstate enhances its reputation and wins support from
consumers, which can lead to increased willingness to buy a policy and recommend Allstate to other potential customers.
Acute
physical
Relevant,
always
included
The increased impacts of weather events and natural catastrophes affect the cost and number of claims submitted by Allstate’s customers. Associated rate increases can also impact the
Allstate customer experience and the company’s reputation. Allstate’s success depends, in part, on its ability to properly model, price, and manage climate-related risks, as well as to
develop products and services that address climate concerns. For example, there is generally an increase in the frequency and severity of auto and property claims when severe weather
conditions occur. Areas of heightened potential catastrophe losses due to hurricanes include major metropolitan centers in counties along the Eastern and Gulf coasts of the United States.
Additionally, wildfires and severe weather pose significant catastrophe risks to the company. Financial risks related to hurricanes, wildfires, and severe weather are included in Allstate’s
climate risk assessments. In addition, catastrophe teams model hurricanes and tropical storms, wildfires, and severe weather such as tornadoes and hail. Allstate monitors experience
closely to ensure trends are reflected in its pricing, thus mitigating its exposure and aligning pricing with exposure. On the Investments side, Allstate also models and measures potential
impacts on real estate and natural capital investments, as well as limits concentrations in catastrophe-prone areas.
Chronic
physical
Relevant,
always
included
In addition to exacerbating the impacts of natural catastrophes, climate change will likely also drive chronic impacts such as sea level rise. Chronic climate-related physical impacts are
regularly included in Allstate’s risk assessment process, to ensure the company is properly mitigating the potential risks. The increased risks in coastal regions due to sea level rise affect
the cost and number of claims submitted by Allstate customers. Associated rate increases can also impact the Allstate customer experience and the company’s reputation. Allstate’s
success depends, in part, on its ability to properly model, price and manage climate-related risks, as well as develop products and services to address the chronic physical impacts of
climate change. For example, in order to mitigate potential losses in areas subject to sea level rise, Allstate has been selective with personal homeowners' insurance new business
underwriting in certain coastal areas and utilizes deductibles or exclusions where appropriate. Allstate monitors experience closely to ensure trends are reflected in its pricing, thus
mitigating its exposure and aligning pricing with risk.
C-FS2.2b
(C-FS2.2b) Do you assess your portfolio’s exposure to climate-related risks and opportunities?
We assess the portfolio's exposure Explain why your portfolio's exposure is not assessed and your plans to address this in the future
Banking (Bank) <Not Applicable> <Not Applicable>
Investing (Asset manager) <Not Applicable> <Not Applicable>
Investing (Asset owner) Yes <Not Applicable>
Insurance underwriting (Insurance company) Yes <Not Applicable>
C-FS2.2c