GEICO to Begin Hiring Now for New Metairie Claims Facility

METAIRIE, La., Nov. 19, 2003 -- GEICO will begin hiring and training experienced claims examiners and telephone adjusters immediately in order to get ready to open a new Metairie claims facility in March.

The new GEICO claims office will ultimately handle all of the claims for the company's Louisiana customers, now being managed from GEICO's regional office in Macon, Ga.

"We are growing at a strong, steady rate," said Randy Thompson, manager of GEICO's planned New Orleans liability claims operation in Metairie. "As we grow, we recognize the need for a closer claims presence in the marketplace. Now is the time to expand our capabilities here. We want to be close to our customers in Louisiana and make it as easy as possible for them to do business with us."

GEICO Regional Vice President Dave Pushman added, "We are pleased to be opening an office in this area where there are so many skilled claims professionals. Louisiana is an important state for GEICO. We are aware of the opportunities for growth in Louisiana and want to have a dedicated local claims staff on board to service our customers' needs. We're excited about the potential that the Metairie claims office will afford us."

When the hiring process is completed, Thompson expects that the new GEICO office will be home to dozens of claims professionals.

GEICO currently operates a small claims office in Metairie to handle auto damage losses. The proposed new facility will be located nearby at South I-10 and Causeway Boulevard.

To apply for a position, readers can go to www.geico.com (look under GEICO's Macon, Georgia location). Also to apply or for further information, e-mail questions to r3jobs@geico.com, fax to 478-744-5540, or phone at 800-841-9160, ext. 4051.

GEICO is the fifth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 5.3 million policyholders and insures more than 8.6 million vehicles. GEICO uses television, radio, print media and direct mail to attract customers to call its 1-800-841-3000 number and to its www.geico.com Web site, and keeps its rates low by dealing directly with the customer. GEICO offers sales and claim services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, go to www.geico.com.

GEICO and its affiliates (GEICO General, GEICO Indemnity and GEICO Casualty) enjoy the highest ratings in the industry for financial strength and claims-paying ability, including an "AAA" rating from Standard and Poor's, "Aaa" from Moody's and "A++" from A. M. Best.

GEICO is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, headed by Warren Buffett, one of the country's most successful investors.