HMN Horace Mann Educators Corporation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Seventy-six percent of educators see the need for motor club membership, but only 40 percent belong to a club, according to a recent survey by Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN). In response to this significant market interest and potential, the company today introduced the Auto Plan, a motor club program providing roadside assistance and other emergency, convenience and discount services that enhance basic auto insurance coverage. Horace Mann's provider of services in this venture is Cross Country Motor Club, one of the oldest and most respected motor clubs in the nation. "Our customers expressed a desire for a motor club product providing additional security, peace of mind, and value," said Doug Reynolds, executive vice president, insurance operations. "Because we're committed to being the education community's company of choice, we delivered." While Horace Mann serves educators primarily, the Auto Plan is available to individuals who are not educators as well. Program buyers have two options. Auto Plan Plus One ($54.95/year) covers the motor club member plus one other driver. Auto Plan Plus Family ($84.95/year) covers the member plus all other household drivers up to age 22, even those away at college. Over 80 percent of the educators surveyed said they were primarily interested in a motor club plan because of its 24-hour roadside assistance feature. As a result, Horace Mann is offering a plan that provides comprehensive roadside assistance benefits. "Plus One provides a tow to the nearest facility, and Plus Family to a garage or repair shop of choice within 100 miles," says Cathleen Sweeten, Horace Mann's director of business development and analysis. "This means no-cash outlay for the customer which is a great benefit when compared to some motor clubs that impose a dollar or short-range mileage limit on the tow, leaving the customer to cover any charges that exceed the limit. Also, Plus Family provides $20 in gas coupons to new members." Both plans offer 24/7 features including: -- Road service and repair assistance, up to four occurrences per year. -- Towing and emergency services, including battery boost, tire repair, winching, fuel delivery and key lockout. -- Emergency message service and computerized lost key retrieval. -- Computerized trip routing and map services. -- Bond and legal defense reimbursement. -- Discounts on travel-related services (car rental and lodging), as well as on dining, entertainment and retail services. Horace Mann's partner, Cross Country Motor Club, handles all customer service inquiries, questions and concerns. Cross Country has more than 20,000 qualified mechanics, tow trucks and service stations in their nationwide network, enabling roadside assistance to arrive within 30 to 45 minutes, on average. The program is currently offered in 24 states, with plans to expand nationwide soon. The states where the program is offered today include Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Customers can enroll by contacting a Horace Mann agent or by going to http://www.horacemann.com/motorclub. About Horace Mann Horace Mann -- the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on educators' financial needs -- provides auto and homeowners insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial solutions. Founded by educators for educators in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Ill. For more information, visit http://www.horacemann.com/. DATASOURCE: Horace Mann CONTACT: Paul Wappel, AVP, Public Relations of The Horace Mann Companies, +1-217-788-5373, Web site: http://www.horacemann.com/

Copyright