Michigan advocate wants investigation of Allstate

DETROIT _ Michigan's new insurance consumer advocate wants the state to investigate Allstate Insurance Company.

Melvin "Butch" Hollowell said Tuesday the insurer reported that Michigan's drivers drastically reduced accidents for several years in a row. But the Detroit Free Press reports the company now is planning to raise rates, claiming the state's drivers are among the worst in the U.S.

Northbrook, Illinois-based Allstate had said that between 1996 and 2006, Michigan drivers had 9,000 fewer accidents, a 54 percent drop. The company on September 18th sent a letter to Hollowell saying its safety reports on Michigan drivers were incorrect.

A message comment was left Tuesday with an Allstate spokeswoman.