---

Nationwide Lowering Auto Rates in Texas

30 July 1999

Nationwide Lowering Auto Rates in Texas

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 29 -- Nationwide has filed with the
Texas Insurance Department to lower its auto insurance rates in Texas by an
average of 2.4%.  The rate reduction is planned to be effective in mid-
September.
    The overall annual savings for Nationwide's Texas policyholders is
estimated at some $4.1 million.  Nationwide worked closely with the Texas
Department of Insurance to reach agreement on changes in its auto rates.
Individual rates will vary according to drivers' ages, rating territory,
accident and violation records, types and amounts of coverage, and other
factors, such as discounts.
    "Nationwide is pleased to make this reduction for our policyholders," said
Bob Saik, state officer for Nationwide's Texas operations.  "These changes are
a direct result of our customer's good driving experience and a decrease in
the number of bodily injury claims."
    Nationwide is the fourth largest auto insurer in the country and the 7th
largest auto insurer in Texas, where it insures more than 235,000 vehicles.
The company's agency operations have flourished since their beginning in 1989.
Nationwide, a Fortune 500 company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the
country's largest multi-line insurers and financial services organizations.