Esurance Launches Multi-State Personal Insurance Site

Esurance Inc. says it is now selling personal auto insurance directly to consumers through its website www.esurance.com. Esurance enables consumers to purchase personal insurance online in multiple states. The company initially will sell insurance in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Iowa, and plans to expand nationally in early 2000.

Esurance has teamed with Argonaut Insurance Company for the issuance of insurance policies. General Reinsurance is the reinsurer of the policies.

``Esurance has demonstrated clear leadership in its ability to bring together all the components needed to launch personal lines of insurance online nationally. They are clearly positioned to be the leading brand on the Internet. We are enthusiastic about this long-term partnership with Esurance and their strong focus on customer service. We believe our financial strength and nationwide capability with licenses in all 50 states will provide a platform for an outstanding partnership,'' said Argonaut CEO Charles Rinsch.

Tom Kearney, senior vice president of General Re, states, "As we began to look at the emerging Internet channel, we were excited by the Esurance vision and strong management team. Esurance brings forth a notable new and unique way for consumers to buy and manage their insurance.''

According to Esurance founder and CEO, Jean-Bernard Duler, ``Esurance gives the ever-growing group of e-commerce consumers the ability to research, personalize and buy their insurance policies using the convenience of the Internet. It's all about the consumer. We provide a painless purchase process, real time transactions and fast, helpful service. Our research indicates consumers who have grown accustomed to other financial services online want to handle insurance in the same way.''