Nationwide, Cross Country Offer Policyholders Peace of Mind This Winter Driving Season.

"On Your Side" Claims Service Begins at Time of Loss with Vehicle Towing

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The weather outside is frightful. So Nationwide Insurance and Massachusetts-based Cross Country Automotive Services are joining forces to make this winter driving season, and beyond, much easier for Nationwide customers by offering free vehicle towing services.

This new accident scene tow service gives Nationwide auto policyholders extra service and security. Whenever a Nationwide customer is involved in a covered loss, they will have 24 hour per day access to Cross Country Automotive Services' exclusive network of more than 20,000 road and tow professionals. Nationwide policyholders simply dial the 800# number listed on their insurance card to have their vehicle transported to a repair facility of their choice.

"This takes customer service to the next level, enabling policyholders to make informed decisions in the stressful moments after an accident, including the ultimate destination of their vehicle," said Terry Fortner, Nationwide associate vice president of Claims. "Policyholders gain an expedited claims process and the luxury of being reunited with their vehicle sooner."

The service is available to customers involved in a covered loss within the state their policy is issued, and who report the loss directly to Nationwide's claims hotline at (800-421-3535) from the accident scene. With one phone call, a pre-screened, pre-qualified tow truck will be dispatched for policyholders whose vehicle is in an accident and undriveable. Nationwide is one of the first major carriers to offer this unique customer service.

"Nationwide's accident scene towing is another way we provide the On Your Side([R]) experience for our customers," added Fortner. "It is also an example of how our superior claim service sets us apart from our competitors."

"We are delighted to be able to bring our accident scene management services to Nationwide Insurance and their policyholders," said Michael Saxton, president of Cross Country Automotive Services. "It's a win-win situation. This service significantly improves the customer experience with 24-hour accident scene assistance and an accelerated claims process, plus the opportunity for improved operating efficiencies should help insurers battle the issues surrounding rising costs."

The new service is currently available in TX, NC, SC, AL, GA, NY, OH, WV, ME, NH, VT, CT, RI, and MA and will be rolled out to all the states where Nationwide does business throughout 2007.

About Nationwide Insurance:

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $158 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #98 on the Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

About Cross Country:

Headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts, Cross Country Automotive Services (www.CrossCountry-Auto.com) is a leading provider of integrated vehicle and driver programs in North America. Over 1,800 Cross Country employees serve more than 100 corporate clients and their more than 50 million customers each year. Cross Country Automotive Service is a member of The Cross Country Group, one of the largest privately held provider of customer service programs in the United States.

Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.