Meriden, CT – September 5, 2002 |  Response Insurance, a national direct-to-the-customer auto insurance company that focuses on insuring safe responsible people, officially opened its new national headquarters in Meriden, Connecticut today. Governor John G. Rowland joined Susan F. Cogswell, Commissioner of the Connecticut Insurance Department, Meriden Deputy Mayor, Walter Shamock, and Company officials at a dedication ceremony.

The Response Insurance group of companies, which includes Connecticut Life & Casualty, Teachers' Insurance Plan and several other inurers, has policyholders in 31 states. The Company moved its national headquarters from White Plains, NY in late June and dedicated its new office on South Broad Street in Meriden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dignitaries, business leaders and Company employees.

Mory Katz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Response, said, "We aim to be the nation's leading direct insurer. And, when you think insurance – you think Connecticut. This is where we plan to grow our business, and provide affordable insurance coverage to safe, responsible drivers throughout the country." The headquarters office houses the corporate management of the Company's holding company, Direct Response Corporation, and an extensive IT infrastructure to support their in-bound and out-bound telephone, and Internet sales groups. The additional Meriden-based staff associated with its subsidiary insurance companies includes customer service, claims, underwriting, actuarial, finance, information technology, website, marketing, and other operational areas.

The Company's sales approach relies heavily on its state-of-the-art technology and innovative marketing models. Response was the first company to qualify for the City of Meriden's new IT Zone, which was created to attract high-tech firms to the city.

The Response Insurance group acquired Connecticut Life & Casualty (CL&C) in 2001 and decided earlier this year to consolidate all corporate functions into CL&C's Meriden office. Response's move to Connecticut included the transfer of approximately fifty employees, the hiring of fifteen more, and plans for additional new staff as the Company expands its presence in various states. "Meriden staff and officials have made this location decision easy," says Katz. "They've been responsive and helpful, and we look forward to growing our business from our national headquarters, right here in Meriden, Connecticut."