Guide for employers outlines how to raise awareness about key employee benefit

    HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Hartford's
recently-completed 2005 Life Insurance Literacy Study shows that Americans
believe life insurers are offering important products to help them reach their
financial goals. That's the good news.  But Americans also admit to scant
understanding of life insurance, and buying it doesn't top their financial
"to-do" lists.  That's the bad news.
    Nearly two-thirds of the 750 consumers surveyed by The Hartford Financial
Services Group (NYSE: HIG) said life insurance is "extremely" or "very
important." Because they consider it so important, they also have high
expectations.
    From results of the survey, nearly nine out of 10 expect life insurance
benefits to allow their family to maintain their standard of living, keep
their partner from having to work, cover major medical expenses, and pay
college expenses. But 44 percent, conversely, admitted their coverage lagged
behind their hopes.  The typical coverage among respondents was $130,000.
    "Our concern is that Americans have a false sense of security about how
well their life insurance protects them, which places their families at much
greater financial risk than they realize," said Dick Mucci, executive vice
president and director of The Hartford's Group Benefits Division.
    While Americans view life insurance as a fundamental tool to protect their
family's finances, they also recognize that they need to learn more about its
benefits.  Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed admitted that they have little
or no understanding of life insurance, which dwarfs the 16 percent and 11
percent who say they don't understand medical or auto insurance, respectively.
In addition, 30 percent said they own group life insurance coverage but don't
know what type it is.
    Knowing Americans are often uncertain of how to use life insurance to
protect their families, Mucci offers four tips for consumers:

     * Check with your employer. Life insurance often can be obtained at the
       workplace through the convenience of payroll deduction.
     * Review your life insurance coverage annually or when you have a major
       life event, such as a marriage, change in work status, or a new family
       member.
     * Consider the amount and type of life insurance coverage that you need.
       Many financial experts recommend purchasing life insurance equal to
       several times your annual salary.
     * Use a life insurance calculator to determine your insurance needs.
       You'll find a calculator on The Hartford's Group Benefits Web site at
       http://groupbenefits.thehartford.com/index.html

    The Hartford's Life Insurance Literacy Study found that employers are
often "lifesavers" when it comes to insurance.  Approximately 50 percent of
survey participants said they have life insurance coverage through their
employer, and of those, 40 percent report that their employers pay the entire
bill. Only 15 percent of respondents said they pick up the whole tab
themselves.
    Employers may not realize that they can help their employees make better
financial protection decisions. One third of survey participants said their
employer influences their decision about life insurance coverage. "One of the
biggest benefits that employers can provide their employees is solid
information about the value of life insurance," said Mucci.
    To bridge the "life insurance gap," The Hartford is offering a guide with
highlights of the study, as well as steps that employers can take to increase
their employees' understanding of life insurance. The guide is available at
http://groupbenefits.thehartford.com/index.html
    The Hartford is one of the largest financial services and insurance
companies in the U.S., with worldwide revenues of $22.7 billion in 2004. The
company is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group
benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property-casualty
insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the
United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is http://www.thehartford.com.
    Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking
statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance, and actual results may differ materially.  Investors
should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ.  These important risks and uncertainties include those
discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2004 Annual Report on
Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.  We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as
of the date issued.

    Contact(s):
     Kelly J. Carter                     Dave Lafrennie
     (860) 843-9420                      (860) 843-6154
     kelly.carter@hartfordlife.com       david.lafrennie@hartfordlife.com

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