Unitrin Announces Estimate of Losses from Hurricane Gustav

CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Unitrin, Inc. (NYSE:UTR) announced today that its preliminary
estimate of losses related to Hurricane Gustav is a range of $10 to
$15 million after tax. Unitrin stressed that this estimate is subject
to change as claims continue to be reported and adjusted.

This release contains information that includes or is based upon
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of
future events. The reader can identify these statements by the fact
that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These
include statements relating to future actions or events and the
outcome of contingencies.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong,
and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
such statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Such
statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or
unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors will be important in
determining Unitrin's actual future results. These statements are
based on current expectations and the current economic environment.
They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to
predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance;
actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied
in the forward-looking statements. No assurances can be given that the
results contemplated in any forward-looking statements will be
achieved or will be achieved in any particular timetable. Unitrin
assumes no obligation to publicly correct or update any
forward-looking statements as a result of events or developments
subsequent to the date of this report. The reader is advised, however,
to consult any further disclosures Unitrin makes on related subjects
in filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Unitrin is a financial services company focused on creating
shareholder value by providing a diverse array of insurance and
automobile finance products and services for individuals, families and
small businesses.

Among the brands in Unitrin's Property and Casualty Insurance
businesses are Kemper(R)(1) and Unitrin Specialty, which sell
automobile, homeowners and other personal insurance and commercial
automobile insurance through networks of independent agents, and
Unitrin Direct, which sells automobile and homeowners insurance
directly to consumers or through employer-sponsored voluntary benefit
programs. Unitrin's Life and Health Insurance businesses bring a
high-level of personalized service to their customers. Unitrin's
automobile finance subsidiary, Fireside Bank, specializes in
automobile loans for the purchase of pre-owned vehicles. Additional
information about Unitrin is available by visiting its website
(www.unitrin.com).

(1) Unitrin uses the registered trademark "Kemper" under license,
for personal lines insurance only, from Lumbermens Mutual Casualty
Company, which is not affiliated with Unitrin.

Unitrin, Inc.
David F. Bengston at (312) 661-4930 or
via e-mail at investor.relations@unitrin.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008