Allstate Corp.'scatastrophe reinsurance program for its personal lines property and automobilebusinesses is slightly higher for 2016.

According to an update of the program published May 4, the programprovides reinsurance coverage of $4.55 billion, less a $500 million retention.The 2015 program provided $4.42 billion of coverage with the same retention andwill expire May 31.

The 2016 program will be effective June 1 to May 31, 2017.

In addition, it reinsures excess catastrophe lossesresulting from multiple perils on a per-occurrence basis in every state exceptNew Jersey, with only per-occurrence coverage for excess auto losses inFlorida. The 2015 program offered per-occurrence coverage in every state exceptNew Jersey and Florida.

A separate program addressing other property lines inFlorida is expected to be placed during the second quarter.

The program provides reinsurance protection from multipleperils, including hurricanes, windstorms, hail, tornadoes, earthquakes, firesfollowing earthquakes, riots, freeze and wildfires.

Allstate's property reinsurance programs had a total cost of$103 million during the first quarter, compared with $111 million in the firstquarter of 2015.