Oregon Drivers May Save Some Green with Esurance's Recent Launch

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Esurance, a direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, announced the launch of its auto insurance program in Oregon. Gary Tolman, Esurance President & CEO, stated, "We think Oregon drivers will appreciate our competitive rates and 24/7 convenience."

On top of the company's affordable base rates, Esurance offers a variety of discounts to Oregon drivers, including a $75 discount when a driver buys his or her policy online. Tolman explained, "Buying auto insurance online eliminates the paperwork that makes applying for auto insurance such a hassle. With less paperwork and with our online discount, customers can save time and money on their auto insurance, while saving a tree or two in the process."

With a rapidly growing policyholder base nationwide, Esurance's use of electronic documents and communications saves hundreds of trees a year. Esurance has also focused on making the rest of its operations as paperless as possible, and uses hybrid claims vehicles where they are available. Of these "green" operational initiatives, Tolman added, "Often, making the environmentally friendly decision is also the right thing in terms of customer convenience and operating efficiency."

Esurance also works with a variety of local environmental partners to plant trees and restore natural environments, particularly in and around urban areas. Through its support of these organizations, Esurance has planted thousands of trees across the U.S. Of the company's plans for environmental outreach in Oregon, Tolman stated, "We look forward to exploring similar opportunities with Oregon's environmental groups. Though we are an online company, we still like to put down roots in a variety of locations, sometimes meaning that quite literally."

Esurance's Oregon launch should serve as a reminder for all drivers to shop around for auto insurance. Tolman concluded, "Whenever there's a new entrant in a state's auto insurance market, drivers should get new auto insurance quotes to ensure they're getting the best rates and discounts available. With our recent launch, we hope that Oregon drivers will turn over a new leaf when it comes to their auto insurance and choose Esurance."

About Esurance

Esurance, a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM - News), provides personal auto insurance direct to consumers online and through select online agents. Esurance is dedicated to constantly improving the way people shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance. By combining the best of technology with industry know-how, Esurance is able to offer hassle-free coverage with 24/7 customer service and claims handling at competitive prices.

Through Esurance's Web site, www.esurance.com, customers can get instant quotes, view comparison quotes, buy an Esurance policy, and print their proof of insurance card -- all in minutes. Esurance also offers policyholders the ability to make policy changes and file claims instantly online, demonstrating its commitment to improving the entire insurance process from quote to claim. Esurance is proud to support our communities through charitable involvement that benefits public health, youth outreach, and the environment.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "believe," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "predict" and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to White Mountains':

    *growth in book value per share or return on equity;
    *business strategy;
    *financial and operating targets or plans;
    *incurred losses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense
     reserves and related reinsurance;
    *projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share,
     dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;
    *expansion and growth of our business and operations; and
    *future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by White Mountains in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:

    *the risks associated with Item 1A of White Mountains' 2005 Annual Report
     on Form 10-K and second quarter 2006 Form 10-Q;
    *claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes,
     floods or terrorist attacks;
    *the continued availability of capital and financing;
    *general economic, market or business conditions;
    *business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and
     pursued;
    *competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and casualty
     insurers and reinsurers;
    *changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their
     interpretation, applicable to White Mountains, its competitors or its
     clients;
    *an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its
     financial position;
    *recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
    *other factors, most of which are beyond White Mountains' control.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by White Mountains will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, White Mountains or its business or operations. White Mountains assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Source: Esurance

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