Insurance Claim Guide

Filing a Claim with Allstate After a Car Accident in Colorado

Allstate markets themselves as the "Good Hands" company, but their claims record tells a more complicated story. With the highest complaint ratio among tier-1 insurers and a software-driven approach to valuing claims, Allstate claimants need to be especially well-prepared. Here is what you should know.

Claims Phone:1-800-255-7828(24/7)

Online:allstate.com

Allstate Claims Track Record

3.53

NAIC Complaint Index

253% more complaints than average

Highest

Among Tier-1 Insurers

Most complaints of major carriers

Market Share

Fourth-largest U.S. auto insurer

Understanding Allstate's Claims Approach

The McKinsey Connection

In the 1990s, Allstate hired McKinsey & Company to redesign their claims handling process. The resulting strategy, documented in what became known as the "McKinsey slides," shifted Allstate from a company that negotiated settlements to one that used a more adversarial approach. The core philosophy: make low offers, use software to value claims, and force claimants to either accept or litigate. This approach is still reflected in how Allstate handles claims today.

Colossus Software Valuations

Allstate uses Colossus, a claims evaluation software, to calculate settlement offers for injury claims. Colossus takes inputs like medical diagnosis codes, treatment types, and treatment duration, then generates a dollar range for the claim. The problem: Colossus does not see you. It does not know how the injury affects your daily life, your ability to work, or your relationship with your family. It reduces human suffering to a formula. When Allstate makes an offer "based on their evaluation," understand that it was likely generated by software.

What to Expect from Allstate's Claims Process

Report the Accident

Call 1-800-255-7828, use the app, or file at allstate.com. Get your claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster.

Adjuster Investigation

An Allstate adjuster will investigate the accident, review the police report, and contact all parties. Expect more thorough investigation than some competitors. They will look for any basis to reduce their liability.

Software-Generated Offer

For injury claims, Allstate will input your medical information into Colossus or similar software and generate a valuation. This becomes the basis for their offer. Be prepared for this number to be lower than your actual damages.

Negotiation or Litigation

If you reject the initial offer, Allstate's approach depends on whether you have an attorney. Represented claimants generally receive higher offers. Allstate has a reputation for being willing to go to trial rather than settle for amounts above their software valuation.

Common Allstate Claims Tactics

Software-Driven Low Offers

Allstate's Colossus-generated offers often undervalue claims, particularly for soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and emotional distress. The software cannot capture the full impact of your injuries on your life.

"Good Hands" Marketing vs. Reality

Allstate spends billions on advertising that creates an image of a caring, supportive insurer. Their actual complaint record, with 253% more complaints than average, suggests a gap between marketing and claims experience. Do not let brand perception lower your guard.

Aggressive Fault Attribution

Allstate adjusters aggressively look for ways to attribute fault to you. In Colorado, being 50% or more at fault bars you from any recovery. Even attributing 30% fault to you reduces their payout by 30%. Expect Allstate to scrutinize every aspect of the accident for your potential fault.

Challenging Medical Treatment

Allstate frequently argues that medical treatment was excessive, unnecessary, or unrelated to the accident. They may request independent medical examinations (IMEs) from doctors they regularly hire. These "independent" doctors often minimize your injuries.

Colorado-Specific Guidance for Allstate Claims

Your Rights Against Allstate in Colorado

Colorado's bad faith statute (CRS 10-3-1115/1116) provides strong protections. If Allstate unreasonably delays or denies your claim, you may recover double damages plus attorney fees.
Allstate cannot require you to use their preferred repair shops. Colorado law protects your right to choose.
If Allstate's Colossus valuation seems unfair, you can demand a detailed explanation of how they calculated their offer.
File a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA) if Allstate is acting in bad faith.

MedPay with Allstate

If you have MedPay on your Allstate policy, file this claim immediately. MedPay pays your medical bills regardless of fault with no deductible. Do not wait for the liability claim to be resolved. Allstate is required to offer MedPay under Colorado law.

UM/UIM Coverage

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your Allstate UM/UIM coverage applies. Given Allstate's adversarial approach to claims, be especially prepared for pushback on UM/UIM claims, where Allstate is essentially negotiating against you, their own customer. Attorney representation is strongly recommended for Allstate UM/UIM claims.

When to Get a Lawyer for an Allstate Claim

Given Allstate's industry-high complaint ratio and McKinsey-influenced claims strategy, legal representation is recommended for most injury claims against Allstate. An attorney can counter Colossus valuations with evidence-based demand packages that reflect your actual damages.

Strongly Consider a Lawyer If:

You have any injuries, even those that seem minor at first
Allstate's offer seems unreasonably low compared to your actual bills and damages
Allstate is disputing fault or trying to shift blame to you
Allstate requests an independent medical examination (IME)
You are filing a UM/UIM claim against your own Allstate policy
Allstate is delaying the process or not returning your communications

Frequently Asked Questions: Allstate Claims in Colorado

How do I file a car accident claim with Allstate in Colorado?

File a claim by calling Allstate at 1-800-255-7828 (available 24/7), through the Allstate mobile app, or online at allstate.com. You will need your policy number, the date and location of the accident, a police report number if available, the other driver's information, and any photos or documentation you have.

Why does Allstate have so many complaints?

Allstate's NAIC complaint index of 3.53 is the highest among tier-1 auto insurers, meaning they receive roughly 253% more complaints per premium dollar than the industry average. Complaints commonly involve low settlement offers, delays in claims processing, disputes over vehicle valuations, and difficulty communicating with adjusters. Industry observers have linked this to Allstate's McKinsey-influenced claims strategy that prioritizes cost reduction.

What is Colossus and how does Allstate use it?

Colossus is a computer software program used by Allstate (and some other insurers) to evaluate injury claims. The software assigns a dollar value to your claim based on inputs like diagnosis codes, treatment type, and duration. Critics argue that Colossus systematically undervalues claims by not adequately accounting for individual circumstances, the severity of pain, or the impact on your daily life. When Allstate makes an offer based on Colossus, it is a software-generated number, not a human evaluation of your actual suffering.

How long does Allstate take to settle a car accident claim?

Allstate property damage claims are typically settled in 2 to 4 weeks when liability is clear. Injury claims take significantly longer. Simple injury claims may settle in 2 to 6 months, but more complex cases or cases where Allstate disputes liability can take a year or more. Allstate has been known to use delay as a negotiation tactic.

Should I accept Allstate's first settlement offer?

Almost certainly not, especially for injury claims. Allstate's initial offers are generated by Colossus software and are designed to be low starting points. They are made before the full extent of your injuries and damages is known. Insurance industry data consistently shows that claimants who negotiate or hire attorneys receive higher settlements. Do not accept until your medical treatment is complete and you have a clear picture of all damages.

Can I negotiate with Allstate without a lawyer?

You can, but Allstate's claims process is more structured and adversarial than many other insurers. Their adjusters follow a system designed to minimize payouts. If your claim is property damage only with clear liability, negotiating on your own is reasonable. For any injury claim against Allstate, consulting with an attorney is strongly recommended given their complaint record and software-driven approach to valuing claims.

What are my options if Allstate is acting in bad faith?

Colorado has strong bad faith insurance laws. Under CRS 10-3-1115 and 10-3-1116, if Allstate unreasonably delays or denies a covered claim, you can recover up to two times the covered benefit amount plus attorney fees and costs. Document all interactions with Allstate, keep records of unreturned calls and missed deadlines, and consult an attorney about filing a bad faith claim.

Dealing with Allstate After Your Accident?

An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can counter Allstate's software-driven valuations with evidence of your real damages. Free consultation, no obligation, and you pay nothing unless they win your case.

Talk to an Attorney - Free, No Obligation

Related Resources

All Insurance Guides Browse Crash Records Find an Attorney