State Auto Insurance Offers Policyholders Identity Theft Protection Program

Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 2006--

The State Auto Insurance Companies announced today they will be providing their homeowner insurance policy holders and farmowner policyholders with their new Identity Theft Protection Program. Partnering with Arizona-based Identity Theft 911, policyholders will have a full-range of services at their fingertips, at no additional cost. Augmenting the program of identity fraud-related resolution, State Auto policyholders will also receive assistance in recovering or re-creating missing personal identification after the occurrence of a natural disaster or other mishap. In addition, State Auto will provide an endorsement, Identity Fraud Expense reimbursement coverage, also at no additional cost.


This coverage provides up to $15,000 to reimburse for expenses incurred as a direct result of identity fraud. Some of the expenses covered include costs for obtaining notary service on fraud affidavits or similar documents, costs for certified mailings and lost income resulting from time off work to meet with law enforcement or credit agencies - up to $200 per day or $5,000 total.

Identity Fraud Resolution Services

"Identity theft is a serious crime, one that robs people of time, dignity and security. Among the services we can provide our customers, this is one of the most important," said State Auto Director of Corporate Sales John Petrucci. "That's why we are pleased with this opportunity to partner with Identity Theft 911, a leader in identity theft resolution and education."

The services provided through Identity Theft 911 offer a personal advocate who works one-on-one to direct and assist policyholders through the challenges of identity and credit restoration. Some highlights of the services include:

-- Access to proactive educational materials at http://idtheft.stateauto.com

-- Placing credit file fraud alerts with all three major credit bureaus

-- Completing the Federal Trade Commission Fraud Victim Affidavit

-- Resolution of account takeover and true identity theft, as well as assistance for policyholder inquiries

-- A full year of credit monitoring and fraud monitoring

-- All services apply to immediate family members

"State Auto is one of the largest insurers in the U.S., working across 27 states. The company was named by Forbes Magazine as the Best Managed Company in the insurance industry and was also listed among the 26 Best Managed Companies in America. It is an honor to partner with them," said Sheryl Christenson, CEO of Identity Theft 911. "The fact that State Auto has recognized the need to protect their policyholders against America's fastest-growing crime, and is willing to offer it for at no additional cost, demonstrates their commitment and loyalty to their customers."

Identity Disaster Response

Identity Theft 911 will also help disaster victims obtain emergency identity authentication and verification, as well as access to their financial accounts. Identity Theft 911 will work with government agencies and institutions to reclaim documents such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, passports and Social Security cards, as well as checks and credit/debit cards.

"In a crisis situation, such as a tornado, flood, hurricane, fire, or even a terrorist attack, individuals are often left stranded with no means to identify themselves or access their finances," said Christenson. "The Identity Disaster Response program will help facilitate the arduous process of getting people back on their feet."