1. General

Basis of presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”). ALIC is wholly owned by Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”), which is wholly owned by Allstate Insurance Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation (the “Corporation”).

The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes as of March 31, 2014 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Premiums and contract charges

The following table summarizes premiums and contract charges by product.

($ in millions)		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
Premiums
Traditional life insurance	$	123	$	112
Immediate annuities with life contingencies		5		7
Accident and health insurance		28		26
Total premiums		156		145

Contract charges
Interest-sensitive life insurance		261		261
Fixed annuities		6		3
Total contract charges		267		264
Total premiums and contract charges	$	423	$	409

Pending accounting standard

Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects

In January 2014, the FASB issued guidance which allows entities that invest in certain qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities the option to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense or benefit. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations and financial position.