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Nationwide Insurance Offers Customer Choice: Three Options When Choosing Auto Insurance; Expands Lynchburg Operations

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nationwide Insurance has introduced Customer Choice in Ohio and Virginia, giving customers three ways to purchase auto insurance -- through a local agent, via a toll-free telephone number (1-877-On Your Side) or over the Internet at http://www.nationwide.com/ .

Nationwide has integrated its Internet and toll-free sales initiatives with existing agent offices and offers three customer access points in five states. Customer Choice was introduced last year in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas.

"Customer Choice is a giant step toward serving a changing marketplace," said Nationwide President Galen R. Barnes. "We want to become America's lifelong insurer, and this program helps us provide superior value in auto insurance coverage."

Kathy Ricord, Nationwide Insurance's vice president of marketing and strategy, said customers choosing to access Nationwide through the Internet and toll-free number will also be offered the option of having a local agent to contact for service, questions and advice. "Customers told us they like the convenience and 24 hour availability of the Internet and the toll-free number. The time of day, the type of transaction, and their need for advice will determine which way they deal with the company."

Nationwide Insurance to Expand Lynchburg Operations

Nationwide will build a claims customer care center in Lynchburg, partnering with developer Milton Realty Service Company to build a facility, with approximately 20,000 square feet of office space to be located on Nationwide Drive. The project is scheduled to be complete in September. The new building will accommodate approximately 100 employees. Currently, Nationwide's Customer Care Center employs approximately 345 individuals.

"Nationwide conducted an extensive search in Lynchburg and found that a new development would best accommodate our expansion plans," said E.J "Luke" Lucas, vice president in charge of Nationwide's Virginia operations.

Nationwide Insurance is the fourth largest homeowner's and fifth largest auto insurer in the United States. Nationwide Insurance is part of Nationwide, a Fortune 500 company with more than $17 billion in assets, providing a full range of insurance and financial services.

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