Vista, Calif.-Based Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance Expands Availability to Michigan

    CHICAGO--Sept. 19, 2001--Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance has expanded sales into Michigan, its third state. "The addition of Michigan introduces Unitrin Direct into three of the ten most populated states," said Larry Sundram, President of Unitrin Direct. "We continue to move into states where we have the opportunity to be very competitive, while saving consumers up to 20% on their auto insurance rates."
    Headquartered in Vista, in suburban San Diego County, Unitrin Direct has started a series of TV and direct mail advertisements throughout Michigan, and sells auto insurance directly to consumers through its call center (1-800-UNITRIN) and web site (www.unitrindirect.com). Unitrin Direct also sells auto insurance in Florida and Pennsylvania and maintains satellite claims offices in those states.
    Unitrin Direct combines the personalized service of a small organization with the financial security of a much larger organization. Unitrin Direct's underwriting insurance companies are members of the Unitrin P&C Group, and enjoy an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, one of the leading experts in assessing the financial stability of insurance companies.
    Unitrin Direct currently employs approximately 150 people, with the majority based at the facility in Vista. As the company continues its expansion into other states, that number will increase substantially.
    Unitrin Direct is a business segment of Unitrin, Inc. (www.unitrin.com), headquartered in Chicago (stock symbol: UTR). Unitrin's member 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 6,700 associates.
    Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance policies may be ordered over the phone at 1-800-UNITRIN or on the Internet at www.unitrindirect.com.