Farmers Insurance Group to Offer DMV Online Registration Renewal in California; More Than 2.5 Million California Drivers Will Benefit

    LOS ANGELES--June 4, 2001--Farmers Insurance Group(R), California's largest domestic insurance group, today announced an alliance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that will allow Farmers customers to renew motor vehicle registrations online.
    Farmers is the largest insurance group in California to allow its insureds to register their vehicles online with the DMV.
    "This is outstanding news for our customers. Not only are we making the renewal process easier for them, we are using technology to offer more choices in how they wish to renew," said Jerry Carnahan, Farmers state executive director of California. "It's the latest example of how we are using e-business to simplify life and improve government services for our customers."
    Farmers customers will no longer have to mail in or physically provide proof of insurance to the DMV. Evidence of insurability will automatically be transmitted to the DMV every year.
    This new service will also allow customers to use a credit card to pay for the annual DMV registration renewal of vehicles including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. Customers will also continue to have the option of paying their registration by check or by visiting their local DMV.
    California motorists will receive information about this service in the mail with their regular DMV renewal notices. The notice will inform them that there is no need to mail in proof of insurance and that it has been transmitted automatically.
    "This program represents a significant opportunity for vehicle owners to have more choices in how they wish to conduct business with the DMV," said Steven Gourley, director of the California DMV. "Together, our department and the insurance companies are providing real improvements to the services we provide our mutual customers."
    "We realize people are busy, time is precious and the last thing people want to do is mail paperwork in. Instead of mailing it in or waiting in line, our customers can go online, renew and do other things with their day," said Carnahan.
    Online registration renewal can be done by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov.
    Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is the nation's third-largest home and auto insurance group. With headquarters in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, Farmers provides home, auto, business and life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers.
    For more information about Farmers, visit the company's Web site at www.farmers.com.