Unitrin Direct Launches a New, User-Friendly Website

VISTA, Calif., Jan. 11, 2007 -- In keeping with its commitment to simplify auto insurance, Unitrin Direct has redesigned UnitrinDirect.com with added features and a streamlined new look to make it even faster and easier for consumers to get an online car insurance quote or examine the company's coverage options.

"This is a great resource for people who are looking for affordable auto insurance from a company they can trust but don't want to spend hours doing tedious research," said Unitrin Direct President Scott Carter. "By using our new website, you can find the right coverage at the right price in a matter of minutes."

Among UnitrinDirect.com's many notable features is a convenient "Get A Quote" box on the home page, where, by simply typing in their zip code and answering a few questions, auto insurance shoppers can receive a quote at four popular levels of coverage: minimal, budget, select and elite. From there, all it takes is a few clicks to modify the quote to fit the customer's specific needs.

"Creating a faster quote process was a big part of why we redesigned the website," said Tom Mercer, Unitrin Direct vice president, marketing. "We know people don't want to wait around when they're looking for a car insurance rate. Our objective was to make it as routine as checking e-mail, and we've accomplished that."

Other highlights of the website are the new "Help Center," where customers can get answers to frequently asked questions about their quote, and the "Click to Talk" box, where you can get a return call from a licensed agent with one touch of the mouse.

Along with its emphasis on delivering quicker information to shoppers seeking an online auto insurance quote, Unitrin Direct has also refined the website to better serve customers after they purchase a policy. Now at www.UnitrinDirect.com, it's easier and faster than ever to electronically sign policy documents, sign up for automatic bill payment or make online coverage changes.

Since some people still prefer to talk with a licensed agent, Unitrin Direct offers the choice of calling (800) 642-5254 to get an affordable car insurance quote. Existing customers can also choose to manage their policy on the phone directly with an experienced agent.

Staying on the cutting edge of technology is a big part of Unitrin Direct's dedication to offering consumers a low car insurance rate while still providing outstanding coverage and the highest quality of customer support.

Unitrin Direct's goal is to save new customers money on their car insurance. "Our direct business model allows us to streamline the insurance process and reduce overhead," Carter said. "That means we can pass the savings on to customers and still give them first-class service."

About Unitrin Direct

Unitrin Direct is dedicated to simplifying auto insurance with the right balance of competitive rates, stability and service. The Unitrin Direct insurance companies are subsidiaries of Unitrin, Inc. , in Chicago, and part of the Unitrin family of companies that has over six million policyholders and $9 billion in assets. Unitrin Direct Insurance Company 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, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Insurance is underwritten by Unitrin Direct Property & Casualty Company and Unitrin Direct Insurance Company.