N.J. Court Rules in Favor of Allstate in Agency Franchise Lawsuits

By | January 7, 2012

Allstate announced on Friday that the Superior Court of New Jersey has entered judgment in favor of Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Insurance Company, and dismissed all claims in the franchise lawsuits filed against Allstate New Jersey.

Last year, three exclusive agents filed lawsuits seeking to prevent the termination of their agency agreements for failing to meet certain business objectives.They alleged they had franchise relationships with Allstate New Jersey and were protected under the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act. The plaintiffs’ application to stop their termination was denied.

The court determined that the agents were not franchisees and have no protections under the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act. The court noted in its decision that the “insurance industry has never been found by any court in New Jersey, or elsewhere, to be home to an insurance company franchisor, or agent franchisee.”

Allstate has maintained that exclusive agents are independent contractor agents and not franchisees. Allstate said the New Jersey court decision affirms the company’s position.

Topics Lawsuits Agencies Legislation New Jersey

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Latest Comments

  • April 18, 2012 at 9:44 am
    SS says:
    There are plenty of people out there that want Allstate. If rate was the only thing that mattered, there would be no need to have 'salespeople'. The quotas are not unattaina... read more
  • January 12, 2012 at 3:57 pm
    """ says:
    But if the rates are too high with Allstate in your area, and you are not selling anyway, why would you want to stay with them vs. ending the contract and going independent, f... read more
  • January 12, 2012 at 5:52 am
    LadyLiberty says:
    OK, MM, but when one of your companies has a product where rates are too high, you can roll your customers into another company. Captive agents have one company, one product, ... read more

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