Unitrin Direct Wins 2007 IASA Technology Award

Unitrin Direct, an innovative auto insurance company that offers affordable coverage with the highest-quality of customer service, has been awarded the 2007 IASA Technology Achievement Award, which recognizes ground-breaking technological applications that solve business challenges in the insurance industry. The award was presented by the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA) on Monday at the IASA 2007 Educational Conference and Business Show in Minneapolis.

"This is a real honor for Unitrin Direct, and it reflects our commitment to using the latest technology to save our customers money and provide them with the right coverage," said Brian Crumbaker, senior vice president, operations and claims. "We place great importance on developing new ways to make it easier for consumers to find affordable car insurance."

Unitrin Direct was selected for the award based on its vision to streamline its company-wide communications system by working jointly with Optical Image Technology, Inc. (OIT) to electronically connect departments such as underwriting, claims and customer service. This technology allows Unitrin Direct to process information more quickly and reduce costs, which not only translates into savings for the customer, it means a faster turnaround when claims are filed. It also helps the company's licensed agents provide more immediate answers when customers have questions about their policy.

"Our goal is to continue being a leader among direct auto insurance companies, and this investment in automation helps us accomplish that," said Ian Zimmerman, director of underwriting. "This system makes good financial sense, and it lets us provide our customers with the exact information they need when they need it."

By using DocFinity, a software program created by OIT, Unitrin Direct is able to dramatically reduce its use of paper. This is another cost-saver that can be passed on to the customer. Equally important, it serves the company's ongoing commitment to environmental efficiency.

Technology has always been at the forefront of Unitrin Direct's goal to reinvent auto insurance in a way that puts customer needs first. Anyone looking for a rate comparison can get an online insurance quote in a matter of minutes by going to http://www.UnitrinDirect.com. (Customers who switch to Unitrin Direct save an average of $303.*) Drivers who buy online with Unitrin Direct can also receive an instant $50 discount** by using Esignature, a convenient service that lets them sign policy documents electronically. People who prefer to talk with a licensed agent can call Unitrin Direct at (800) 642-5254.

About Unitrin Direct

Unitrin Direct is dedicated to providing its customers with outstanding service and quality coverage at competitive prices, making auto insurance simple by offering people the choices they want with the convenience they deserve. The Unitrin Direct insurance companies are subsidiaries of Unitrin, Inc. (NYSE: UTR) in Chicago, and part of the Unitrin family of companies that has over six million policyholders, $9 billion in assets and is rated "A" (excellent) by A.M. Best Company, a leading provider of financial information for the global insurance industry. Unitrin Direct offers affordable automobile insurance in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. To get a free auto insurance quote, log on to http://www.UnitrinDirect.com or call (800) 642-5254. * Average savings based on new customers who reported a savings between

March and June 2006. **Discount not available in all states.

Insurance is underwritten by Unitrin Direct Property & Casualty Company and Unitrin Direct Insurance Company.