Mercury Insurance Group Is Prepared to Help Florida's Hurricane Dennis Victims

Mercury Insurance Group Toll-Free Claims Hotline: 800-987-6000

PRNewswire
CLEARWATER, Fla.
Jul 11, 2005

Mercury Insurance Group emergency response teams have mobilized to support its policyholders with claims resulting from Hurricane Dennis. The response teams are now in place and prepared to immediately deploy to impacted areas as soon as allowed by Florida officials.

In preparation for Hurricane Dennis, Mercury is working closely with Florida's Department of Insurance, and Mercury will establish computerized, mobile claims centers in Florida's impacted areas at locations to be designated by the Department, according to Jack Dougherty, Mercury's Vice President Eastern Region.

Mercury staff appraisers will begin canvassing damaged areas in easily-identifiable claims response vehicles, literally making house calls and issuing checks to its impacted policyholders -- and, in some cases, immediately replacing damaged vehicle windows.

Mercury policyholders with questions regarding their coverage for damage caused by Hurricane Dennis should call Mercury's toll-free claims hotline, 800-987-6000.

In preparing for a hurricane, the American Red Cross (redcross.org) suggests:

   *  Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to
      do so.

   *  Complete preparation activities.

   *  If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

   *  Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over.  The
      worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the
      winds blow from the opposite direction.  Trees, shrubs, buildings, and
      other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by
      the second winds.

   *  Be alert for tornadoes.  Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and
      after it passes over.  Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in
      a closet or bathroom without windows.

   *  Stay away from floodwaters.  If you come upon a flooded road, turn
      around and go another way.  If you are caught on a flooded road and
      waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to
      higher ground.

   Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

   *  Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for
      instructions.

   *  If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe
      to do so.

   *  Inspect your home for damage.

   *  Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

Mercury General Corp. (NYSE: MCY) provides insurance to individuals, families, and businesses.

http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/

http://www.mercury.org/

SOURCE: Mercury Insurance Group

CONTACT: John Brice, +1-858-405-4622, JBrice@BriceandAssociates.com, for
Mercury Insurance Group; or Jack Dougherty of Mercury Insurance Group,
+1-727-561-4001, JDougherty@MercuryInsurance.com

Web site: http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/
http://www.mercury.org/