Carriers' Legal Troubles

* AT ISSUE: Concerned that the Internet and call centers are encroaching on their businesses, and claiming that carriers' new business practices are unfair, Allstate's and State Farm's agent associations have filed lawsuits against the carriers.* OUTCOME: Neither lawsuit seeks damages. Rather, both request declaratory relief-asking the courts to determine if the carriers' actions violate their contracts with agents. If the courts find violations, the carriers could be open to individual and class-action suits seeking monetary damages.