Allstate Insurance said it will open a new $21.9 million customer information center in the Pocatello-Chubbuck area of Idaho. The nation’s second largest home and auto insurer plans to hire more than 500 people to help consumers around the country who call Allstate though the company’s 1-800-Allstate sales and service line.

Hiring for the center will begin in February 2011. Job postings will be available at www.allstate.jobs beginning Jan. 1. In addition, the company will announce dates for a series of recruiting events in the Pocatello-Chubbuck area.

The 75,000 square foot facility is scheduled to open in September 2011. Pitchford said calls will range from providing after-hours customer service for Allstate’s local agencies to outbound customer calling.

Allstate considered several locations across the United States before choosing the Pocatello-Chubbuck area. The company says it specifically decided on the Pocatello-Chubbuck area because of its stable employee base, attractive cost of living and strong communities.

“The Pocatello-Chubbuck area is a terrific community that offers an enthusiastic and energetic population,” said Allstate Vice President of Direct Sales and Service Mark Pitchford. “This center, along with our three existing facilities in San Antonio, Texas, Woodridge, Illinois, and Charlotte, North Carolina, work in partnership with Allstate’s local agencies to take care of consumers.”