Unitrin Direct Gives Rocky Mountain Drivers a Break on Auto Insurance

DENVER, July 27 -- Unitrin Direct announces a 6% rate decrease in the state of Colorado. The reduction is largely due to recent legislative insurance reform, House Bill 1188, that shifted Colorado from no- fault insurance to a tort system on July 1, 2003.

Colorado was the eighth most costly state in the nation for auto insurance, and the no-fault system may have contributed to that ranking since it's often subject to fraud and abuse. Another major factor was the high state-mandated coverage level for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) associated with no-fault. Under tort, good drivers often experience a lower cost for auto insurance premiums, because it's the responsibility of a driver who causes an accident to pay all damages and related medical expenses.

Savings from insurance reform took effect for Unitrin Direct's new Colorado business on July 21 and existing customers will receive renewal reductions starting August 30. "We're implementing a rate-cut of 6% on most coverages, so all new and existing customers can benefit from this decrease," said Scott Carter, Unitrin Direct president. "We've experienced a decrease in claims costs and want to pass those savings on to consumers."

Giving Coloradans a good deal on their car insurance rates isn't new for Unitrin Direct. The company strives to save customers 20% or more when they switch. "Our rates have always been highly competitive," said Brian Crumbaker, Unitrin Direct senior vice president, operations and claims. "But the savings we offer are only part of a value-equation that's important when you're choosing an auto insurance company. Service is the other component. From Unitrin Direct's friendly customer service team to our experienced, licensed agents to our efficient and dedicated claims representatives, we have an unwavering commitment to providing our customers help they can count on."

Consumers save time as well as money with Unitrin Direct and can get an online auto insurance quote in minutes at www.UnitrinDirect.com. "Customers like the convenience of shopping and buying car insurance online," said Bill Caldwell, Unitrin Direct vice president of product. "We go out of our way to make it easy to do business with us, and people appreciate that. Some customers prefer to talk directly with a licensed agent, and we receive many requests for car insurance quotes in our call center. It's important to give choices." People who prefer to speak with someone can call (800) 642-5254 to talk with a knowledgeable agent.

About Unitrin Direct:

Unitrin Direct is dedicated to simplifying auto insurance with the right balance of competitive rates, stability and service. As a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. , in Chicago, Unitrin Direct is part of a Unitrin family of companies that has six million policyholders and $9 billion in assets. The Unitrin Property and Casualty Insurance Group is rated "A" (excellent) by A.M. Best Company, a leading provider of financial information for the global insurance industry.

Unitrin Direct offers affordable automobile insurance in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Bill Caldwell is available for interview