Automotive

Seattle, WA--(HISPANIC PR WIRE - BUSINESS WIRE)--December 13, 2007--Safeco (NYSE:SAF) today announced it has been awarded the "Auto Market of the Year" designation by the Latin American Agents Association (LAAA).

The award was presented at the group's annual gala in California. This is the first time Safeco has won a major award from the LAAA, which has an active membership of more than 2,000 agents and brokers. The group's annual conventions draw more than 3,500 independent agents and brokers.

"Safeco has made a concerted effort to make its auto insurance easier to access for Latino drivers in California," said Tim Mikolajewski, Safeco's California general manager. "We're also working with agents in these communities to give them improved access to the preferred markets that can help them better serve their customers."

The California-based LAAA is the largest Hispanic agents association in the United States.

Safeco, in business since 1923, is a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company based in Seattle. The company sells insurance to drivers, homeowners and owners of small- and mid-sized businesses principally through a national network of independent agents and brokers. Safeco is also one of the nation's leaders in the sale and service of surety bonds. More information about Safeco can be found at http://www.safeco.com.