MetLife Subsidiary Acquires Allstate’s Group Legal Plans Business

Hyatt Legal Plans, a MetLife company, said it has acquired Allstate's group legal plans business, known as Signature LegalCare. Terms were not disclosed.

Hyatt Legal Plans Inc., a MetLife subsidiary, is the largest provider of group legal plans in the United States, serving two million plan members and dependents through a network of 5,200 law firms, Hyatt said in a statement. In certain states, plans are provided through insurance coverage underwritten by Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Warwick, R.I.

"The size and strength of MetLife and the expertise of Hyatt Legal Plans are assurances that this business acquisition is in the best interest of customers," Patrick O'Brien, assistant vice president, Allstate Corp., said in a statement.

Covered benefits for individuals include office consultation, wills and codicils, powers of attorney, living wills, deeds, promissory notes and document review, according to the Hyatt Legal Plans website.

MetLife began offering will-preparation services as a standard feature on supplemental term and group life plans in 2000. Some 860 MetLife group-life customers offered it as of 2009 (Best's Review, September, 2009).

Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. has a current Best's Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior).