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The Hartford Offers Its Omni Automobile Program in Michigan

1 December 1998

The Hartford Offers Its Omni Automobile Program in Michigan

              Program Specializes in Non-Standard Auto Insurance

    HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 1 -- The Hartford Financial Services
Group Inc. announced that it is now writing non-standard auto
insurance in Michigan.  The Hartford's Omni Automobile Program, available in
18 states, covers higher-risk drivers and vehicles.
    The Hartford, which acquired the Omni Group earlier this year, has
launched a multi-state expansion effort for the Omni program.  Other recent
state entries include California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Omni President Paul Kennedy noted that the company's expertise in the
specialty auto insurance product makes it a premiere choice for independent
insurance agents and consumers.
    "We want the Omni Automobile Program to be an agent's first choice for
non-standard auto insurance," Kennedy said.  "This product is an affordable,
reliable solution for insurance agents whose customers do not fit into the
classic insurance categories."
    The Hartford's Omni Automobile Program is available to consumers through
some 6,000 independent insurance agents.  Michigan agents interested in
offering the Omni product should contact Jim Carnley, sales administration
manager, at 800-777-OMNI, extension 9865.
    The Hartford's Omni program is also available to AARP members through the
company's Personal Lines Insurance Center, and to affinity groups such as
customers of financial institutions.
    To date, The Hartford is writing non-standard auto insurance in Alabama,
California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
    The Hartford is one of the nation's oldest and largest international
insurance and financial services operations, with 1997 revenues of $13.3
billion.  As of September 30, 1998, The Hartford had assets of $141.1 billion
and shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion.  The company is a leading provider
of commercial property and casualty insurance; reinsurance; automobile and
homeowners coverages; and a variety of life insurance, annuities, employee
benefits and asset management plans.
    The Hartford's Internet address is http://www.thehartford.com.
Omni's Internet address is http://www.omniins.com.