The State Auto Insurance Group has been named 2009 Company of the Year by the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana (IIAI). According to the IIAI, this award recognizes the company that most demonstrates a strong commitment to the independent insurance agency system in Indiana.

State Auto received high scores for its commitment to growth in Indiana; the uniqueness of products, value added services and programs offered to agencies; a strong, long-term marketing plan for Indiana; and the quality of its Indiana staff.

"We're grateful to the Indiana Big 'I' for choosing State Auto to receive this honor," said State Auto Chairman and CEO Bob Restrepo. "Our association with Indiana's independent agents dates to our founding in 1921, and to this day, Indiana remains one of our most significant states of operation. Working with our agents, we've produced a track record of financial security and stability, along with products and service that benefit our tens of thousands of Indiana policyholders."

The State Auto Group, which includes State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, also scored high for its stability in the marketplace, and for being one of 13 property and casualty companies to have maintained an A+ rating from A.M. Best each year since 1954. State Auto's strong commitment to and support of the independent insurance agency system, along with its support of IIAI, also delivered high scores.

Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana (IIAI)

The Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana is a trade association representing over 800 independent insurance agencies in the State of Indiana. The association was formed so insurance agents and insurance consumers have a unified voice in government and can share common goals and information. Among the numerous services IIAI provides to its membership are over 100 continuing education seminars across the state annually, offering over 30 property and casualty programs, and over 20 Life/Accident/Health self study programs. IIAI's education opportunities provide increased knowledge and insurance license continuing education credits to independent insurance agents in Indiana.

State Auto Insurance Group

State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a super regional property and casualty insurance holding company. The company is primarily engaged in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through independent insurance agencies in 33 states and is proud to be a Trusted Choice® company partner. State Auto Mutual is part of the State Auto Group. The State Auto Group is rated A+ (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company and consists of State Automobile Mutual, State Auto Property&Casualty, State Auto National, State Auto Ohio, State Auto Wisconsin, State Auto Florida, Milbank, Farmers Casualty, Meridian Security, Meridian Citizens Mutual, Beacon National, Beacon Lloyds, Patrons Mutual and Litchfield Mutual Fire.

State Auto Mutual also writes specialty insurance and workers' compensation products through its Rockhill insurance subsidiaries. The Rockhill insurance subsidiaries, rated A- (Excellent) by the A.M. Best Company, write business on a non-admitted basis in 49 states and the District of Columbia, and are licensed on an admitted basis in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Additional information on State Auto Mutual can be found online at http://www.StateAuto.com/.

Contacts:

State Auto Insurance Group
Kyle Anderson, Director of Media Relations, 614-917-5497
M 614-477-5301