Unitrin Lowered

September 18, 2000

The financial strength rating of Unitrin Property and Casualty Insurance Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Unitrin Inc., was lowered from “A++” to “A+” by A.M. Best Co., reflecting a downturn in the group’s operating earnings as well as Best’s expectation that a restoration of profitability levels relative to “A++” rating performance standards over the intermediate term will prove challenging for the group. Additionally, the group ratings of United Life Insurance Co. of America and Union National Life Insurance Co. were affirmed at “A+.”