Agents sue Allstate over pay, sales goals; The trade group is upset that the insurer cut commissions and raised sales quotas.(BUSINESS)

Byline: JOHN HIELSCHER john.hielscher@heraldtribune.com

A group of insurance agents has sued Allstate Insurance Co. for raising sales quotas and cutting commissions.

The National Association of Professional Allstate Agents contends that the insurer's push to sell more policies has forced agents to pursue sales goals rather than customers' needs.

"It is not in the best interest of the company, the agents or customer to sell products that aren't really needed," said Ron Mathison, the association's director of agent affairs.

Spokeswoman Kathy Thomas said that Allstate has not reviewed the lawsuit and could not comment.

The Canton, …