ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2008— The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE: HIG) announced today they will join the Trusted Choice® consumer brand movement. Trusted Choice® was launched in 2001 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support.
“We have always enormously valued our independent agents as strong partners, and we are building on that partnership by becoming part of Trusted Choice ®,” says Neal Wolin, President and Chief Operating Officer, of The Hartford’s property and casualty operations. “This is an important way to make consumers more aware of the valuable service that independent agents and brokerage firms provide.”
Founded in 1810, The Hartford is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services companies. Headquartered in Hartford, Conn., The Hartford has approximately 31,000 employees, had $2.9 billion in net income in 2007 and was ranked 82nd on the 2007 Fortune 100 list (based on 2006 revenues). The Hartford is a leading provider of automobile and homeowners' insurance and business insurance for companies and institutions of all sizes. The Hartford sells its property-casualty products through a large and growing network of independent agents. After nearly 200 years in business, The Hartford is known for its financial strength and stability, superior customer service and continued operational excellence. For more information, go to www.thehartford.com.
“Having a recognized national brand such as The Hartford join Trusted Choice® will help take this consumer brand to new heights,” says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” President & CEO. “The Hartford has a long and impressive history with independent agents, and now the company will further strengthen that relationship to help drive business to the independent agency system.”
“We are excited to partner with a premier company like The Hartford on the Trusted Choice® brand,” says Dave Evans, Executive Director of Trusted Choice®. “The Hartford name carries a lot of weight with both agents and consumers, and we know this partnership will help continue to raise the profile of Trusted Choice®.”
Trusted Choice® is promoted through a combination of national, state-level and local-agency advertising, promotional and marketing activities; insurance company branding and public relations campaigns.
Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for over 10,000 independent insurance agencies, brokerage firms, their branch locations and 49 leading insurance companies, including The Hartford.
www.TrustedChoice.com and www.thehartford.com