Allstate's strategy of pulling back from homeowners policy risk pays dividends

This Dave Carpenter story, I thought, is a refreshingly sober and even-handed look at Allstate's strategy to reduce risk from homeowners policies. A couple excerpts:The Consumer Federation of America says the Northbrook, Ill.-based company favors investors at the expense of consumers and has engaged in price-gouging. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., has repeatedly assailed Allstate and other big insurers for what he claims is negligence since Katrina and even sued State Farm for related claims, ultimately settling the lawsuit. He is pushing to crack down on the industry through various legislative initiatives."It's OK to make a profit, but they are ripping people off," said J. Robert Hunter, the consumer group's insurance director. "Why are they so risk-averse? If they