As Ernesto Eyes South Carolina, Liberty Mutual is Ready to Assist Customers in Affected Areas.

BOSTON -- Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to strengthen to hurricane force and head to South Carolina, and Liberty Mutual Group is prepared for a prompt response to customers' potential property damage. Liberty Mutual catastrophe teams are ready to assist in the areas hardest hit by the storm.

Liberty Mutual auto and homeowner customers can report their claims 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-2-CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467). Montgomery Insurance auto and home policyholders can use the Montgomery Insurance ANYTIME(TM) claim service at 1-800-561-0178.

"It's critical to prepare ahead of time," said Sue White, vice president of Property Claims for Liberty Mutual, the nation's eighth-largest personal lines insurer. "Taking precautionary measures right now are the best way to minimize the impact Ernesto will have on your home and family."

Liberty Mutual offers the following checklist to help homeowners protect their property against Ernesto's force. A complete checklist is available in the Claims section at www.libertymutualinsurance.com.

Preparing Your Home/Family for a Hurricane

--Teach your children and family members what to do in the event of an emergency. Plan an evacuation route and safe meeting place.

--Ask an out-of-town family member or friend to be your "family contact." After Ernesto hits, anyone not at home should check in with the contact person.

--Take an inventory of your personal property. Document this information on videotape or with photographs, and store this information in a safe location such as a safety deposit box.

--Bring outside objects such as patio furniture or toys into the house or a secured garage. Secure large items such as boats or swing sets to the ground.

--Have first-aid supplies, as well as prescription and non-prescription medicines.

--Have a flashlight and battery-powered radio, as well as extra batteries.

--Prepare emergency rations including bottled water and non-perishable items, such as canned meats, soup, juice and powdered milk, and store them in non-breakable containers.

--Just before the storm, turn off circuit breakers, close all doors and secure all windows.

--If you evacuate your home, turn off electric, gas and water utilities. If you experience a power loss, this will help prevent damage from a surge once it is restored.

About Liberty Mutual Group

Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (LMG) is a leading global insurer and sixth largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. whose largest line of business is private passenger automobile based on 2005 direct written premium. As of December 31, 2005, LMG had $21.2 billion in annual consolidated revenue. The Company ranks 102nd on the Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the United States based on 2005 revenue.

LMG offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, workers compensation, commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, general liability, global specialty, group disability, assumed reinsurance, fire and surety.

LMG (www.libertymutual.com) employs over 39,000 people in more than 900 offices throughout the world.