New Insurance Plan for Ohio Teachers; Auto Insurance Analysis Leads to Unique Educator-Specific Program

    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--Feb. 12, 2002--Teachers are safer, more responsible drivers, whose low risk cost auto insurance companies less to insure, according to research conducted by a new insurance program.
    As a result, Teachers' Insurance Plan, a unique program exclusively for educators, is being introduced in Ohio to help save teachers money.
    "We've created a `community of educators' who can benefit from their innate responsibility and sense of commitment," said Steve Oakley, program manger of Teachers' Insurance Plan (TIP). "We think Ohio's educators deserve to keep some of the money that's been going to the general interest insurance companies."
    An analysis of insurance company, actuarial and demographic data in various geographic areas found that TIP could offer educators a better deal than insurers who do not offer teacher-specific programs. Rate comparisons to some of Ohio's largest insurers show Teachers' offering excellent value.
    Teachers' Insurance Plan is a direct-to-the-consumer program tailored to the specific needs of educators and their families. It provides an array of programs for teachers that are not available from other insurers. Some of the services include customer service and claims hours that are accessible to teachers' schedules, an education newsletter, a school calendar, a referral program, scholarship program, and the availability of a state approved defensive driving program conducted within their own school.
    Teachers' Insurance Plan was formed in New York in 1992 to provide insurance and other services exclusively to teachers. In 2001 the program began to expand nationally. It is available to members of the education community, including active and retired education employees and their families, employees of schools, universities, school districts and other educational institutions. Additional information is available to educators by calling 1-800-2TEACHERS or by visiting www.Teachers.com. Teachers' Insurance Plan is underwritten by Response Insurance Company. Teachers' is headquartered in White Plains, NY.