Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance is Now Available in Florida

    CHICAGO--April 30, 2001--Continuing its sales expansion on the East Coast, Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance has begun sales in the Florida auto insurance market. "We considered expanding our business into various states, but we chose Florida because we think Unitrin Direct has the combination of ingredients to be very successful in that state. Our focus group testing told us that Florida drivers were very concerned with insurance company stability, service and rates. Our stability is demonstrated by the fact that our parent organization, through its member companies, has insured consumers since 1926. Our approach to service provides the best of both worlds--the personal attention consumers expect from traditional insurance channels, with the convenience of dealing with a team of service members," said Larry Sundram, President of Unitrin Direct. "Additionally, with Unitrin Direct, consumers could save up to 20% on their auto insurance."
    Unitrin Direct has started a series of TV and direct mail advertisements throughout the state, and sells auto insurance directly to consumers through its call center and web site (www.unitrindirect.com).
    Unitrin Direct also offers a new concept in auto insurance sales, that of team service for consumers. Consumers who purchase a Unitrin Direct policy will be assigned to a team of customer service representatives. "Not surprisingly, we call this Team Unitrin," explained Sundram. "By focusing on their assigned customers, team members will be able to provide a higher level of personalized service. Our customers will be given a special toll-free number that rings directly to their particular team. Every member of that team will have the information necessary to provide a superior customer service experience. The Team Unitrin concept combines the best aspects of traditional, customized service, with greater availability of service personnel."

    Unitrin Direct is a business segment of Unitrin, Inc. (www.unitrin.com), headquartered in Chicago (stock symbol: UNIT). Unitrin's. insurance companies have served the basic financial needs of individuals, families and small businesses since 1926. Through its insurance subsidiaries, Unitrin provides property and casualty insurance and life and health insurance. The Unitrin family of insurance companies currently has over $5 billion in assets and 6 million insurance policies in force. Unitrin's insurance companies employ more than 6,500 associates.

    Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance policies may be ordered over the phone at (877) 495-6222 or on the Internet at www.unitrindirect.com. In Florida, Unitrin Direct policies are underwritten by Alpha Property & Casualty Insurance Company.