The Hartford Introduces New Bicentennial Freedom Universal Life Insurance Policy...

The Hartford Introduces New Bicentennial Freedom Universal Life Insurance Policy With Optional LifeAccess Accelerated Benefit Rider

Rider gives policyholders access to their death benefit when a
chronic illness strikes
SIMSBURY, Conn.--(Business Wire)--
In response to the changing needs of a maturing nation, The
Hartford has announced that it will offer its LifeAccess Accelerated
Death Benefit Rider as an option on Hartford Bicentennial UL Freedom,
a new universal life (UL) insurance policy. The popular rider gives
policyholders access to their death benefit, should those covered by
the policy become chronically ill and otherwise qualify under the
terms of the rider.

There are no restrictions on how the accelerated benefits can be
used to help those covered by the policy if they are diagnosed with a
chronic illness. Benefit payments may be used for non-medical needs,
such as family care, home maintenance, or transportation. It also can
be used for typical chronic illness needs, including assisted living,
skilled nursing care, adult daycare, intermediate care, and hospice or
respite care. There is an additional cost for the rider.

"An unexpected chronic illness can be devastating, both
emotionally and financially," said Steve Roche, vice president of
Hartford Life product management. "Our LifeAccess Rider provides a
contingency strategy for our customers to better manage the financial
implications of the illness. Giving a chronically ill customer access
to their death benefit while they are alive allows them to concentrate
on more important things than worrying about how their bills will get
paid."

The Hartford says the new Bicentennial UL Freedom policy is
generally more competitively priced than the UL policy it replaces. It
is designed for individuals, couples or small business owners ranging
in age from 45-70 who are interested in permanent guaranteed life
insurance and want to transfer their wealth or help protect their
income for their beneficiaries. Policyholders also have the
flexibility to change their premium payments within certain
restrictions.

Along with the introduction of Bicentennial Freedom UL, there is
Bicentennial Joint Freedom UL, which is designed for two individuals
who want cost-effective protection on both of their lives, and pays a
death benefit after both of those covered by the policy die. In most
instances, The Hartford believes the Joint Freedom option will appeal
to couples 55-80 years of age who are interested in wealth transfer,
estate liquidity, and estate equalization.

Hartford Bicentennial UL Freedom life insurance policies can be
used to replace income in case of an untimely death, preserve the
value of an estate for future generations, fund a business
continuation strategy, create a charitable legacy, and provide
long-term resources for a loved one with special needs. As with all
universal life insurance policies, they offer tax advantages. Any
accumulation of the policy's account value is tax-deferred and may be
accessed on a tax-advantaged basis through policy loans and
withdrawals.

Both loans and withdrawals from a permanent life insurance policy
may be subject to penalties and fees and will reduce the policy's
Account Value and Death Benefit. Assuming a policy is not a Modified
Endowment Contract (MEC), loans are free from current Federal taxation
and withdrawals are taxed only to the extent that they exceed the
policyowner's basis for the policy.

About The Hartford

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's
largest diversified financial services companies, with 2007 revenues
of $25.9 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment
products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners
products; and business property and casualty insurance. International
operations are located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil
and Ireland. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

Hartford Bicentennial UL Freedom is a flexible premium universal
life insurance policy. The policy is issued outside of New York by
Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, policy form number
LA-1252(04) and may include state abbreviations. When issued in New
York by Hartford Life Insurance Company, the policy form number is
HL-15908(04)(NY).

Hartford Bicentennial UL Joint Freedom is a last survivor flexible
premium universal life insurance policy. The policy is issued outside
of New York by Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, policy
form number LA-1264(05) and may include state abbreviations. When
issued in New York by Hartford Life Insurance Company, the policy form
number is HL-15925(05)(NY).

Product features may vary by state.

LIF 9281

HIG-L

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 2007 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.

The Hartford
Robert DeMallie, 860-843-5215
Robert.demallie@hartfordlife.com
or
Timothy Benedict, 860-843-5150
Timothy.benedict@hartfordlife.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008