HARTFORD, Conn., May 5, 2010 - Whether driving great distances for work, transporting kids to after-school programs or heading off into the sunset, many Americans spend a great deal of their lives in their automobile.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) understands the vital and emotional role that driving plays in people's lives and wants to celebrate drivers who spend their lives behind the wheel. To help commemorate its 200^th anniversary, The Hartford announced today the launch of The Hartford 200 program which seeks peoples' personal stories "from the road."

Now through June 15, consumers who feel like they live in their car - whether driving 200 miles per month, or even 200 miles per day - are encouraged to submit their stories at www.TheHartford200.com. The best story will win an incredible grand prize that includes a new Chevrolet Equinox, a hometown visit from The Hartford-sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, a VIP race experience, and recognition in a special print advertisement in their hometown.

In addition to a short written essay, entries may include photography and video. There will be five finalists chosen and consumers will be asked to vote on who they think has the best story. The finalists will be selected by a combination of consumer vote and a blue ribbon panel comprised of Richard Childress Racing drivers Bowyer and veteran Jeff Burton, team owner Richard Childress and The Hartford executives. The four runner-ups will receive a $200 gas card and a signed memorabilia package.

"The Hartford understands that millions of Americans have deep connections with their cars, whether it's taking their kids to soccer practice, driving long-distance for their job to support their family or hitting the open road for fun," said Mitchell Jawitz, vice president, The Hartford. "Behind every wheel is a personal story that conveys a driver's connection with their vehicle. The Hartford 200 recognizes every day people with extraordinary stories of how their car helps keep their lives moving forward uninterrupted."

The Hartford is the primary sponsor of Bowyer's Richard Childress Racing (RCR) No. 33 Chevrolet Impala for three Sprint Cup Series races, including this weekend at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (August 1) and Auto Club Speedway in California (October 1), as well as associate sponsor for the remaining 2010 events. The Hartford is also an associate sponsor of Burton in the Sprint Cup Series.

"My job as a race car driver requires me to have a dependable automobile and through The Hartford 200 I will have the opportunity to hear driving stories from the across the country," said Clint Bowyer. "Connecting with fans is incredibly important to me and I look forward to meeting the winner, hearing their story in person and taking them for a drive."

About The Hartford

Celebrating 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.

To learn more about The Hartford's automotive insurance products, consumers can visit http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Bowyer and John Wes Townley drives the No. 21 Zaxby's Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Tim George Jr. drives the No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Ty Dillon, Sean Caisse, Ryan Gifford and Stephen Leicht are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.

HIG-PC

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 2009 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.