CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2006--Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AA-' rating to Hartford Life Insurance Company's (HLIC) medium-term notes. The Rating Outlook is Stable.

It is anticipated that the use of proceeds from any future medium-term note issue under the program will be used to purchase investment assets that will generate investment income in excess of amounts payable under the notes. Proceeds are not targeted for general corporate purposes.

Today's rating action reflects Fitch's overall analysis of Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HFSG), which includes HLIC. Fitch currently rates the insurer financial strength rating of HLIC at 'AA'. The medium-term note program rating reflects its subordination to policyholder claims.

HFSG's ratings favorably consider the organization's strong operating performance, good asset quality and broad business diversification. HFSG has favorably improved the capital quality of its operating company in recent years and has strengthened its overall risk management practices. The life operation, in addition to being a leading seller of variable annuities, generates earnings from multiple business lines.

The ratings also consider HFSG's liability mix that includes longer tail liability insurance risks and lingering asbestos reserves. Fitch believes that HFSG does a good job managing these items, though on occasion they have incurred charges associated with these issues. Further, potential exists for future losses surrounding run-off reinsurance and environmental liabilities.

Fitch rates the following with a Stable Outlook:

Hartford Life Insurance Company

-- $2 billion medium-term note program 'AA-'.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

Contacts
Fitch Ratings
Peter Patrino, 312-368-3266
Doug Meyer, 312-368-2061
Kenneth Reed, 212-908-0540 (Media Relations)

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