Allstate Holiday Driver Report: How to stay safe during winter's most dangerous travel days
Rhea-AI Summary
Allstate (NYSE:ALL) released a Holiday Driver Report identifying where and when winter driving risk rises and which mobile tools can help. Key findings: Madison, WI falls 128 spots in safety ranking (9 to 137), Phoenix sees a +94% surge in out-of-state drivers, and Drivewise data covers about 2 million users. Risk behaviors spike around holidays: phone handling +10% on New Year's Eve, speeding +10% the weekend before Christmas, and hard braking +13% midday Christmas Eve. December 26 is the busiest day for roadside service; average tow distances reach up to 15 miles. The Allstate mobile app offers Drivewise, crash detection and Roadside tools to help drivers during winter travel.
Positive
- Drivewise dataset includes ~2 million customers
- Phoenix out-of-state drivers jump +94%
- Crash detection provides emergency 911 and roadside support
- Allstate Roadside available to non-customers
Negative
- Madison ranking down 128 spots (9 → 137)
- Phone handling spikes +10% on New Year's Eve
- Speeding increases +10% the weekend before Christmas
- Hard braking rises +13% midday Christmas Eve
- December 26 is the single busiest day for roadside events
- Average tow distances reach up to 15 miles on Christmas Day
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peers showed mixed, modest moves (TRV -0.7%, HIG -0.13%, CB +0.97%, WRB +0.36%, MKL -0.32%) and no momentum signals, suggesting this safety-focused holiday report is more of a brand/engagement event than part of a sector-wide catalyst.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25 | Brand/community initiative | Positive | +0.1% | Announcement of Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recognition of community service. |
| Nov 21 | Conference appearance | Positive | +1.2% | CEO presentation at Goldman Sachs financial services conference webcast to investors. |
| Nov 20 | Dividend declaration | Positive | +1.2% | Approval of $1.00 common dividend and $29.3M preferred dividends for early 2026. |
| Nov 20 | Monthly catastrophe update | Neutral | +0.9% | Disclosure of $83M October catastrophe losses and modest policy count growth. |
| Nov 20 | Product launch | Positive | +0.9% | Launch of Allstate Scam Protection covering cyber and crypto scam losses. |
Recent Allstate news items, including dividends, monthly metrics, and product launches, have generally coincided with small positive price reactions, suggesting investors have responded constructively to routine corporate updates.
Over the last few months, Allstate has highlighted a mix of shareholder and operational updates. A $1.00 quarterly common dividend and $29.3 million in preferred dividends were declared for early 2026, while an October 2025 release detailed $83 million in estimated catastrophe losses and modest policy growth. The company also launched Allstate Scam Protection covering up to $50,000 annually and continued brand initiatives like the Wuerffel Trophy. The current Holiday Driver Report fits this pattern of data-driven, consumer-focused communications rather than a balance-sheet event.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights Allstate’s use of claims and Drivewise data to spotlight winter driving risks, city-level ranking shifts, and spikes in behaviors like phone use and hard braking. It reinforces the role of the Allstate mobile app, including crash detection and roadside support, as engagement tools rather than altering financial guidance. In context of recent dividends, catastrophe-loss disclosures, and new protection products, investors may watch how expanded data-driven safety offerings support brand strength and policyholder stickiness over time.
Key Terms
collision technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Allstate analysis identifies the most hazardous holiday travel periods and shares data-backed tips and mobile tools to keep drivers safe
Key takeaways
- Drivers in some cities struggle far more in winter.
Madison, Wis. , plunges 128 spots in safety rankings, andFlorida leads with the most cities showing the biggest winter rank drops. - Snowbird cities in
Arizona ,Florida see the biggest increase in out-of-state holiday drivers.Phoenix traffic nearly doubles, andOrlando is up75% . - The closer the holiday gets, the worse drivers behave. Phone use peaks on New Year's Eve, speeding climbs the weekend before Christmas, and hard braking spikes midday on Christmas Eve.
Unlike traditional travel forecasts that focus on how many people are on the road, Allstate analyzes actual driving risk using claims data, trip patterns and roadside events to help drivers travel smarter during the holidays.
Allstate Safety Expert Brian Tidwell said, "Winter driving risks can change overnight. Whether you're staying local or traveling long distances, the Allstate mobile app offers helpful tools for everyone – not just Allstate customers – including Drivewise, Allstate Roadside and crash detection."
Which cities have the riskiest winter drivers?
Allstate claims data shows winter flips many safe-driving cities into high-risk zones, with rankings from the Allstate America's Best Drivers Report shifting dramatically between November and March.*
Drivers in
Top 10 cities most impacted in late fall and winter (Nov.–March) | |||||
Rank | City | Change in spots | Annual rank | Nov.-March rank | |
1 | -128 | 9 | 137 | ||
2 | -121 | 32 | 153 | ||
3 | -102 | 75 | 177 | ||
4 | -97 | 16 | 113 | ||
5 | -86 | 37 | 123 | ||
6 | -79 | 87 | 166 | ||
7 | -79 | 59 | 138 | ||
8 | -73 | 98 | 171 | ||
9 | -73 | 25 | 98 | ||
10 | -72 | 52 | 124 | ||
Why it matters: These dramatic shifts show that winter risk isn't just about snow and ice, it's also lack of preparation, unfamiliar drivers and seasonal traffic changes.
Where does holiday traffic surge?
Holiday travel isn't just about snow. Warm-weather states see the biggest influx of out-of-state drivers, according to insights from 2 million Drivewise customers.** Allstate's safe-driving program, available in the Allstate mobile app, shows
Cities with the biggest surge in out-of-state drivers | |||
State | City | Increase in out-of-state drivers | |
+ | |||
+30 % | |||
+75 % | |||
+56 % | |||
+47 % | |||
+45 % | |||
+35 % | |||
+29 % | |||
+28 % | |||
Why it matters: A surge in out-of-state drivers can lead to unfamiliar routes, heavier congestion and higher crash risk, making planning and caution essential for holiday travel. Tools in the Allstate mobile app like crash detection help keep drivers safer by detecting collisions and offering immediate assistance, such as helping users call 911, request roadside help, or start a claim.
When do risky driving behaviors peak during the holidays?
Insights from Drivewise during the same timeframe also show exactly when dangerous behaviors peak around the holidays:
- Phone handling is the worst on New Year's Eve (+
10% ), especially late at night. - Speeding jumps the weekend before Christmas (+
10% ), with many drivers exceeding +15 mph over the limit. - Hard braking peaks midday Christmas Eve (+
13% ), as last-minute shoppers flood the roads.
Why it matters: Holiday travel isn't just busier, it's riskier. Drivewise in the Allstate mobile app gives drivers personalized feedback to help drivers course-correct before risky patterns cause an accident.
What's the worst day for holiday breakdowns?
Allstate Roadside consistently sees one of its biggest spikes of the year during winter holidays:
- December 26 is the single busiest day of the year for roadside service events.
- Tow distances are longest on Christmas Day, averaging up to 15 miles.
Why it matters: Colder temperatures and holiday congestion lead to dead batteries, flats, breakdowns and long waits. Allstate Roadside provides fast, flexible assistance through the Allstate mobile app, available to everyone, even non-customers.
Tidwell said, "Cold weather can turn minor issues into major problems. Check your battery, inspect your tires, top off fluids, keep your gas tank at least half full, and pack an emergency kit – a little preparation now can help you avoid big headaches later."
How can drivers stay safe with Allstate?
From real-time crash detection to safe-driving insights through Drivewise, download the Allstate mobile app to stay protected on the road all winter long. For more tips, tools and winter driving advice, visit Allstate.com.
Editor's note
*The Allstate Best Drivers Report supplement compares collision claim frequency in America's 200 most populous cities during the late fall and winter months (Nov. 1, 2022–March 31, 2023) with full-year averages (Jan.1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2023). Rankings are based on Allstate property damage and collision claims data, representing approximately
**Data is based on aggregated and anonymized national Drivewise driving information comparing the 2024 winter holiday period (Friday, Dec. 20, 2024–Wed., Jan. 1, 2025) with daily average driving behavior in 2024. Hours between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. were excluded from the analysis, as nighttime driving is inherently riskier due to factors such as reduced visibility, fatigue and impaired driving. Drivewise, a voluntary safe driving program customers can choose to enroll in, helps drivers earn a personalized auto insurance rate based on their everyday driving. Customers can save just for signing up and staying active, while avoiding risky behaviors like speeding, sudden braking, using their phone or late-night driving which may cause the price they pay to increase.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life's uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices, and identities. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online, and at the workplace. Allstate has more than 209 policies in force and is widely known for the slogan "You're in Good Hands with Allstate." For more information, visit www.allstate.com.
Contact:
Allstate Media Team
MediaTeam@allstate.com
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SOURCE Allstate
FAQ
What did Allstate's Holiday Driver Report say about Madison, WI (ALL)?
How much did out-of-state traffic increase in Phoenix according to Allstate Drivewise?
When do risky driving behaviors peak over the 2024–25 holiday period per Allstate?
Which day is busiest for Allstate Roadside services and how long are tows?
What Allstate mobile tools are highlighted to improve winter driving safety (ALL)?
Which Florida cities showed large winter rank declines in Allstate's report?
