Consumers Can Get Auto Insurance Quotes in Three Minutes or Less From Unitrin Direct.

Business Editors

VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2001

Getting an auto insurance quote is a lengthy, complicated process. Consumers who have just started shopping for auto insurance will spend 15-20 minutes completing a quote online, only to find that the quote is not competitive for their situation.

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance (Unitrin Direct) has taken a major step towards simplifying the shopping process with its Express Estimate system. Using Express Estimate, consumers can enter minimal information and obtain an estimated rate for auto insurance. This estimate can usually be obtained in three minutes or less, depending upon the number of drivers and vehicles entered.

Consumers can obtain estimated rates anonymously because the Estimate does not require the entry of any personally identifiable information.

Larry Sundram, President of Unitrin Direct, states, "Our goal is to make it easy for people to do business with us. Express Estimate is a big step in that direction. Consumers can quickly obtain an estimate and decide if they want to obtain an actual quote through Unitrin Direct. Very few companies provide this type of service for auto insurance shoppers."

In order to streamline the Estimate process, the company makes a number of assumptions concerning driving record, credit rating, home ownership and other factors. Those assumptions are disclosed to the consumer during the Estimate process. While the consumer cannot purchase a policy based upon the Express Estimate rate, it does give a quick idea of what a Unitrin Direct policy might cost based on such assumptions.

Once the consumer obtains an Express Estimate, they are given the option of proceeding on to a Complete Quote, which will provide the most accurate rate. All driver and vehicle information entered during the Express Estimate process is automatically transferred to the Complete Quote screens, further expediting the process. Consumers can purchase a policy online once a Complete Quote is generated.

Unitrin Direct is a business segment of Chicago-based Unitrin, Inc. (NYSE stock ticker symbol: UTR). The Unitrin family of insurance companies has served the basic financial needs of individuals, families and small businesses since 1926. Through its insurance subsidiaries, Unitrin provides property and casualty insurance and life and health insurance. The Unitrin family of insurance companies currently has over $5 billion in assets, and 6 million insurance policies in force. Unitrin's insurance companies employ more than 6,500 associates.

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance policies are available in Pennsylvania and Florida and may be ordered over the phone at [phone] or on the Internet at www.unitrindirect.com. Unitrin Direct policies are underwritten by Unitrin Direct Insurance Company and Alpha Property & Casualty Insurance Company.