Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance is Now Available in New York

    CHICAGO--April 16, 2002--New York drivers pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country. With the entrance of Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance into the state, responsible drivers have a new option for insurance. " We have been very successful in our other states because responsible drivers could save up to 20% on their auto insurance with us," said Larry Sundram, President of Unitrin Direct. "We think insurance consumers in New York need another choice in auto insurance--one that could save them significant dollars."
    Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance is also offered in California, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. With the addition of New York, Unitrin Direct is now available to almost one-third of the U.S. population.
    Unitrin Direct has started a series of direct mail advertisements throughout the state, and sells auto insurance directly to consumers through its call center (1-800-UNITRIN). Consumers can also get free auto insurance quotes through the Unitrin Direct web site (www.unitrindirect.com).

    Headquartered in Vista, California, 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 Property & Casualty 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 is a business segment of Unitrin, Inc. (www.unitrin.com) ("Unitrin"), headquartered in Chicago (NYSE stock symbol: UTR). Unitrin's member insurance companies have served the basic financial needs of individuals, families and small businesses for more than 75 years. Through its insurance subsidiaries, Unitrin provides property and casualty insurance and life and health insurance. As of December 31, 2001, the Unitrin family of insurance companies had more than $6 billion in assets and more than 6 million insurance policies in force. At December 31, 2001, Unitrin's insurance companies employed more than 6,800 associates.
    For more information, or to get a free quote for Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance, call 1-800-UNITRIN or visit www.unitrindirect.com.