As federal, state and local governments look for cost effective ways to address critical infrastructure needs, they are turning to private investment partners to fund these types of large scale projects. To address the evolving insurance needs of contractors involved in public-private partnerships, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has expanded its construction wrap-up capabilities to create integrated insurance programs designed specifically for major infrastructure projects.

Wrap-up programs typically allow developers, owners or general contractors to provide and coordinate insurance for all subcontractors on a project by bundling coverage into a single consolidated program for the duration of a job. However, in a public-private partnership, a private contractor may be taking on additional functions during the project, such as the operation or maintenance of a roadway, which create exposures that are beyond the scope of a traditional wrap-up program.

“With large transportation, healthcare, education and energy construction projects being built across the country, public-private partnerships present tremendous opportunities for contractors, but they also present unique risk management challenges that require specially tailored programs,” said Bill Sullivan, vice president of The Hartford Construction Group.

The Hartford has developed an approach to public-private partnerships that integrates insurance protection, loss control and claims services in a single, customized program that is focused on minimizing gaps and reducing questions regarding coverage for the different entities involved in these projects.

“Public-private partnerships typically have a unique set of risk characteristics that require customized underwriting and loss control services,” said Sullivan. “The Hartford’s dedicated wrap-up team works closely with brokers to develop tailored programs that address the specific exposures of a particular project.”

The Hartford has written wrap-ups for several major private development and infrastructure projects this year.

“General contractors and brokers are looking for comprehensive coverage, strong loss control, claims and RMIS (risk management information systems) capabilities, and flexible customer service,” said Jim Williamson, assistant vice president of wrap-up programs at The Hartford. “We tailor programs to help these contractors control and reduce their risk-related expenses.”

The Hartford offers wrap-up capabilities for major construction projects, including:

• New, expansion or renovation projects or maintenance work;
• Private or public projects such as manufacturing facilities, highways and bridges, power plants, pipelines, hospitals, universities, stadiums, arenas, casinos, transportation hubs and shopping malls;
• Single or multiple project sites;
• Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP) for project owners and Contractor-Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIP) for general contractors.

In addition, The Hartford provides a broad range of insurance products and services for special trade, heavy trade and general contractors. Specific products include general liability, workers’ compensation, property, commercial auto, umbrella, optional limited pollution, railroad protective liability, owner’s and contractor’s protective liability, marine and bond. Services include specialized claims oversight, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)-accredited industrial hygiene laboratory.

“The Hartford is committed to being a go-to carrier for construction projects of all sizes,” said Sullivan. “We’re working closely with agents and brokers to develop comprehensive, customized insurance programs that address the unique exposures their clients face.”

For more information about The Hartford’s products and services for the construction industry, contractors, brokers and agents should contact Jim Williamson at (860) 547- 9960 or jim.williamson@thehartford.com.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

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Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.