ALLSTATE CORP | 2013 | FY | 3


Consolidation of variable interest entities ("VIEs")

       The Company consolidates VIEs when it is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the entity with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could potentially be significant to the VIE (see Note 13).


us-gaap:ConsolidationVariableInterestEntityPolicy