How to Get Allstate to Stop Calling You
Do you ever feel bombarded by calls from Allstate or other insurance companies? I totally get it. As a home improvement expert, I rely on my phone for business, so unwanted calls drive me crazy. But there are steps you can take to stop the insurance calls for good. This comprehensive guide will provide tips to stop calls not just from Allstate, but nuisance insurers in general.
Put Your Number on the National Do Not Call List
The first thing you should do is register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service operated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows you to list home, cell, and business numbers to reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.
Once your number is on the list, companies have 31 days to stop calling you. If they don‘t comply, they can face fines of up to $43,792 per call!
To sign up, go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. You‘ll need to provide your phone number and email address.
According to the FTC, the registry has helped reduce unwanted calls by 80% since 2003. As of September 2022, there were over 239 million numbers registered.
While this stops calls from legitimate businesses, illegal robocalls may still get through. But it‘s a critical first step to limiting unwanted insurance calls.
Directly Contact Allstate to Opt Out
If you have a policy or have provided your number to Allstate in the past, call them directly to request removal from their contact lists:
- Call – Allstate‘s customer service number is 1-800-255-7828. Explain the situation calmly and request they stop calling you and remove your number.
- Email – Send an opt-out request to [email protected]. Include your full name, policy number, phone number, and a request to no longer be contacted.
- Write – Send a removal letter via certified mail (for proof of receipt) to: Allstate Insurance Company, 2775 Sanders Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062.
- In-Person – Visit your local agency and speak with an agent face-to-face.
Having records of your requests will be helpful if the calls continue. Follow up regularly until they stop.
Block Bothersome Numbers
If Allstate calls you repeatedly from different numbers, take steps to block each one:
Smartphone Call Blocking
Most smartphones now allow you to block specific numbers:
- iPhone – Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification > Block Contact.
- Android – Open the Phone app > Tap the 3 dots icon > Settings > Block numbers > Add a number.
You can also report junk callers on iPhone by going to Phone > Recents > Report Junk.
Carrier Call Blocking Services
Major phone carriers offer opt-in services to block unwanted calls:
- Verizon – Download the Call Filter app or enable Call Filter Plus.
- AT&T – Add AT&T Call Protect Plus to automatically block fraud calls.
- T-Mobile – T-Mobile customers can enable Scam Block to stop scam calls.
Call Blocking Apps
Apps like YouMail, RoboKiller, Hiya, and Nomorobo can block and filter robocalls automatically. I use YouMail which screens unknown calls to voicemail.
Landline Call Rejection
For landlines, most phone companies offer anonymous call rejection services. This blocks calls without identifiable caller ID information.
Know When Allstate Can Keep Calling
If you have an active Allstate policy, they may be legally allowed to call you regarding:
- Policy changes, renewals, payments, claims
- Customer satisfaction surveys
- New product offers
- Appointment reminders
I know even legitimate calls feel excessive sometimes. Be polite but firm in asking Allstate to limit calls only to what is necessary.
Watch Out for Allstate Imposter Scams
Some persistent callers may not actually be Allstate. Scammers use spoofing technology to mimic real company numbers.
According to the FCC, scammers often impersonate insurance companies to falsely offer better rates or claim there‘s an issue with your policy.
Signs of an Allstate scam call:
- Asks for personal information like SSN, bank details
- Pressures you to make immediate payment by unusual methods
- Caller gets hostile if you ask clarifying questions
- References a policy you don‘t actually have
Hang up right away if a call raises red flags. Do not confirm any personal details. Block the number and report it to the FTC and Allstate.
Use Call Blocking and ID Apps
In addition to built-in call blocking, third party apps provide enhanced protection:
- Hiya – Get alerts about suspected spam calls and easily block numbers.
- RoboKiller – Stops over 95% of robocalls and uses audio recordings to waste scammers‘ time.
- Nomorobo – Blocks illegal robocallers and screens unwanted calls to voicemail.
- YouMail – Provides smart visual voicemail with automatic call blocking options.
Test different apps to find the best solution for your specific needs. I rely on YouMail which has stopped my unwanted calls by over 90%!
Report Excessive Calling to Authorities
If calls persist after asking Allstate to stop, report the issue to:
- FTC – File a complaint at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
- FCC – Report excessive business calls or illegal practices at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
- State Attorney General – Find yours here and report excess calls violating state laws.
Having a record of requests for Allstate to stop calling will help regulators take action on your behalf.
Be Cautious Providing Information
As a final reminder, use caution providing personal or financial data over the phone without verifying the caller‘s identity.
Allstate reps will already have your policy information. Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls asking for sensitive details like your SSN or bank login.
It‘s smart to protect your private data from potential phone scams. Never hand over sensitive info if you have doubts about who is calling.
Prevent Your Number from Being Shared
To limit unwanted calls in the first place, be cautious about sharing your cell number publicly.
- Avoid entering it on websites until absolutely necessary
- Don‘t provide it right away when asked by stores and other businesses.
- Check terms and conditions before submitting to any call or text lists.
- Opt out of your number being listed in phone directories.
Also watch out for potential data breaches where your info may have been compromised. Regularly review statements for any suspicious activity. Consider a credit monitoring service which will alert you if your identity is used fraudulently.
Take Action if You Suspect Your Number Was Leaked
If you‘re suddenly getting a surge of unexplained calls, it‘s possible your number was leaked, sold, or erroneously made public:
- Run a Google search on your phone number – are you surprised by anything that pops up?
- Check Have I Been Pwned to see if your number appears in breach databases.
- Call your phone provider and ask them to investigate where the calls are originating.
- Consider changing your number as a last resort – this can be a hassle but ensures a clean slate.
- Continue reporting unwanted calls to authorities to help crack down on illegal practices.
Being proactive about protecting your number will help limit frustrating unwanted calls.
I hope these tips help you reduce unwanted insurance calls for good. Be sure to report excessive callers, but also take preventative measures to keep your number private. With some diligence, you can keep the Allstate calls at bay and maintain a spam-free phone!