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Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance Opens for Business

2 January 2001

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance Opens for Business

    VISTA, Calif., Jan. 2 Unitrin Direct Insurance Company, a
new auto insurance company headquartered in Vista, in suburban San Diego
County, has officially launched its initial sales campaign in the state of
Pennsylvania.  The company has started a series of radio, TV and direct mail
advertisements throughout that state.  Unitrin Direct sells auto insurance
directly to Pennsylvania consumers through its Vista call center and Internet
web site (http://www.unitrindirect.com).
    "We chose to offer our insurance in Pennsylvania because it's a very
attractive market, and we felt that we could provide Pennsylvania drivers with
an excellent value in auto insurance," said Larry Sundram, President of
Unitrin Direct.  According to Sundram, "With Unitrin Direct, consumers could
save up to 20% on their auto insurance."
    Sundram went on to explain that although Unitrin Direct is headquartered
in California, it will initially concentrate its marketing efforts on the East
Coast, with plans to add other large states there by the end of next year.
    The company began operations in early 2000 and has spent the past few
months building up its infrastructure in order to service the expected rush of
business.  This process has included assembling a staff of nearly 100 licensed
insurance sales professionals, information technology experts and other
support personnel.  The company has quietly become a major employer in the
Vista area, with plans to double its work force even more over the next year.
    According to Sundram, "Vista is an outstanding location for an insurance
call center.  The commute to Vista is against traffic for most county
residents, and the San Diego region offers a wonderful pool of qualified,
highly skilled applicants."
    Unitrin Direct offers a new concept in auto insurance sales, that of team
service for consumers.  Consumers who purchase a Unitrin Direct policy will be
assigned to a team of customer service representatives.  "Not surprisingly, we
call this Team Unitrin," explained Sundram.  "By focusing on their assigned
customers, team members will be able to provide a higher level of personalized
service.  Our customers will be given a special toll-free number that rings
directly to their particular team.  Every member of that team will have the
information necessary to provide a superior customer service experience.  The
Team Unitrin concept combines the best aspects of traditional, customized
service, with the flexibility of greater availability of service personnel."
    Unitrin Direct is a member of the Unitrin family of insurance companies,
headquartered in Chicago .  Unitrin, Inc. member companies have
served the basic financial needs of individuals, families and small businesses
for more than 70 years.  Through its subsidiaries, Unitrin provides property
and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, and consumer finance
services.  The Unitrin family of companies currently has over $5 billion in
assets and over 6 million insurance policies in force.  Unitrin's companies
employ more than 6,800 associates.
    Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance policies may be ordered over the phone at
(877) 495-6222 or on the Internet at http://www.unitrindirect.com.