White Plains, NY, February 23, 2004 — Farmers Insurance Group was recently awarded the March of Dimes highest fund-raising acknowledgment – the March of Dimes Corporate Leadership Award.  Awarded annually to a distinct group of corporations, the achievement represents steadfast commitment and unparalleled fund-raising among the foundation's top 10 teams out of more than 20,000 that participate in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes largest fund-raising event.

In 2003, Farmers raised more than $750,000 in WalkAmerica, which overall raised $90 million.  Funds will support research and programs to save babies from premature birth, birth defects, and other threats to infant health both across the country and here in (COMMUNITY).  Farmers' commitment to the March of Dimes spans more than a decade and includes more than $10 million raised through WalkAmerica and special events.

“It was an honor to present this special award to all of Farmers employees and agents,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, March of Dimes president.  “And we are extremely grateful to Farmer's President, Chairman and CEO Martin Feinstein for his leadership and dedication to our mission.”

Premature birth affects more than 470,000 babies in the U.S. every year, more than half for unknown reasons. It's the leading cause of newborn death, and the survivors can have chronic health problems or developmental disabilities.

Feinstein, a March of Dimes National Board of Advisor member, believes it is important for corporations to help the March of Dimes find the causes of premature birth.  “It is a problem that affects all of us, both at work and at home,” said Feinstein.  “We know it costs more dollars to take care of a premature baby in the hospital when it's born, as well as the emotional strain on the family and the community.  And we know no one is working harder than the March of Dimes to find the answers.”

It is estimated that the annual cost of prematurity to employers' healthcare plans is $4.7 billion.  In 2001 alone, the March of Dimes estimates that $13.6 billion was spent in hospital stays for infants with any diagnosis of prematurity/low birthweight.

The top 10 teams for WalkAmerica 2003 were (in order from one to ten): Kmart Corporation, Bank of America Corporation, Citigroup, Publix Super Markets, Inc., CIGNA, Wachovia, The Kroger Company, Famous Footwear, KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc., and Farmers Insurance Group.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies® is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, the insurers comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers.