Nationwide Insurance Offers Three Options When Choosing Auto Insurance

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 17 Nationwide Insurance introduces
Customer Choice in Ohio and Virginia, giving customers three ways to purchase
auto insurance -- through a local agent, via a toll-free telephone number
(1-877-On Your Side) or over the Internet at http://www.nationwide.com .

    Nationwide has integrated its Internet and toll-free sales initiatives
with existing agent offices and offers three customer access points in five
states.  Customer Choice was introduced last year in Indiana, Illinois, and
Texas.

    "Customer Choice is a giant step toward serving a changing marketplace,"
said Nationwide President Galen R. Barnes. "We want to become America's
lifelong insurer, and this program helps us provide superior value in auto
insurance coverage."

    Kathy Ricord, Nationwide Insurance's vice president of marketing and
strategy, said customers choosing to access Nationwide through the Internet
and toll-free number will also be offered the option of having a local agent
to contact for service, questions and advice.  "Customers told us they like
the convenience and 24 hour availability of the Internet and the toll-free
number.  The time of day, the type of transaction, and their need for advice
will determine which way they deal with the company."