The Hartford's Life Insurance Policies Offer Some New Protections Against the Uncertainties of Life.

New optional feature on variable universal life policies allows consumers to use death benefits to help defray costs associated with chronic illnesses

SIMSBURY, Conn. -- For people who need life insurance and are comfortable with the risks of equity investing, variable universal life (VUL) has long been an option to protect families from the premature death of a breadwinner. Now, variable universal life can provide a valuable source of benefits for living needs, too.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is introducing a new benefit option, known as a rider, to select variable universal life insurance policies to help people who become chronically ill pay for care or other services they may need to continue their lifestyles. The LifeAccess Accelerated Death Benefit Rider, which allows policyholders to use, or 'accelerate,' their policy's death benefit for daily living needs, is the newest of five riders available on The Hartford's VUL policies that provide a range of benefits during chronic or terminal illnesses and disabilities.

"One in three Americans say the biggest problem they face in retirement is the cost of becoming chronically ill," said Maureen Mohyde, director of gerontology for The Hartford.1 "The Hartford's LifeAccess Rider helps people address that concern by providing a source of cash when they need care or other services for chronic health conditions. The benefit is designed to help make what can be a difficult time for many people easier, more comfortable and more secure."

The benefits of the LifeAccess Rider can be received free of federal income tax depending upon a policyholder's particular situation.

To qualify for benefits, the insured must be diagnosed annually by a physician as chronically ill due to the inability to perform at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) without substantial assistance from another person for at least 90 days. ADLs are defined as bathing, dressing, eating, continence, toileting or getting around (transferring). The rider's benefits can also be used if the insured requires the supervision or protection of another person due to a severe cognitive impairment that threatens his or her health or safety.

The receipt of care or related services is not required before benefits are paid. However, a physician must certify annually that services are needed for the remainder of the insured's life. The insured has flexibility in determining what type of care he or she is comfortable with, including nursing home, assisted living, home health care, adult day care or family care. While chronically ill, the insured can access the death benefit on a monthly basis and use the benefit proceeds for virtually any need, whether health-related or not. The policyholder can also use the benefits to pay family members who provide care or assistance, maintenance on their home, basic living expenses or other needs.

The LifeAccess Rider is available on Stag Accumulator II Variable Universal Life and Stag Protector II Variable Universal Life policies.

"As Americans live longer, they are increasingly turning to life insurance for a wider variety of financial needs," Mohyde said. "People are looking for financial products that address more than one concern. With The Hartford's LifeAccess Rider, our customers can help protect their incomes against a premature death as well as help protect their assets against the costs associated with chronic illnesses."

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2006 revenues of $26.5 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

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1Data drawn from research conducted by Kelton Research, 2006

The Hartford is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the issuing companies of Hartford Life Insurance Company (New York) and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance company (outside of New York). Variable universal life insurance is underwritten and distributed by Hartford Equity Sales Company, Inc. (HESCO), a broker-dealer affiliate of The Hartford.

This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed in this material. The information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice.

If you are considering the purchase of variable universal life insurance, you should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the product and its underlying funds before investing. This and other information can be found in the prospectus for the variable universal life insurance policy and the underlying fund prospectuses, which can be obtained from your financial professional or by logging on to www.hartfordinvestor.com. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest or send money.

Stag Accumulator II Variable Universal Life is a flexible premium variable universal life insurance policy. When issued outside of New York by Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, the policy form number is LA-1240(03). When issued in New York by Hartford Life Insurance Company, the policy form number is HL-15898(03). In certain states, the policy form number may be followed by a state abbreviation. Not all product features are available in all states. The prospectus and contract will reflect the appropriate issuing company.

Stag Protector II Variable Universal Life is a flexible premium variable universal life insurance policy. When issued outside of New York by Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, the policy form number is LA-1238(03). When issued in New York by Hartford Life Insurance Company, the policy form number is HL-15894(03). In certain states, the policy form number may be followed by a state abbreviation. Not all product features are available in all states. The prospectus and contract will reflect the appropriate issuing company.

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.