HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE) The Hartford
Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), a pioneer in efforts to make life insurance more accessible and affordable to cancer survivors, is teaming up with popular college basketball TV analyst Dick Vitale to support cancer research.

The Hartford is the presenting sponsor of the Dick Vitale Gala to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research on May 18 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota, Fla. As presenting sponsor, The Hartford is contributing $50,000 to The V Foundation, which was established by the late basketball coach and broadcaster, Jim Valvano, and ESPN.

"The Hartford has really stepped up to make a difference in the fight against cancer," Vitale said. "Not only is The Hartford a big supporter of cancer research, the company is a true leader in making life insurance more accessible and more affordable to cancer survivors."

Last year, The Hartford became the first life insurer in the U.S. to offer life insurance at standard rates to qualified men who had been treated for low to moderate levels of prostate cancer. The announcement followed The Hartford's decision in 2005 to provide life insurance at standard rates to qualified women who had been treated for low levels of breast cancer. The availability of standard rates - the prices that most healthy people pay for life insurance - helped reduce the cost of life insurance by as much as two-thirds for some cancer survivors.

"More than one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. But thanks to research and new treatments, millions more have been successfully treated for cancer and are living healthy, productive lives," said Brian Murphy, executive vice president of The Hartford's individual life division. "The Hartford is proud to team up with Dick Vitale and The V Foundation and support their efforts to end this dreaded disease."

The sponsorship of the Dick Vitale Gala is an extension of The Hartford's philanthropic focus on cancer-related research and outreach programs. The Hartford has donated $175,000 to support the research, education and advocacy programs of Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), which taps the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of college basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness, promote healthy living, raise money and promote advocacy programs. Coaches vs. Cancer has raised more than $29 million since its inception in 1993.

Also, as part of its support of cancer survivors, The Hartford is a major sponsor of Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit organization that provides a unique approach for women to recover both physically and emotionally from breast cancer through fly fishing. The sponsorship supports weekend fly fishing retreats that are specifically designed for women who have or who have had breast cancer. By learning to fly fish, women experience emotional and physical healing, interact with others who have battled the disease, and gain confidence from learning new skills. The retreats, which are provided at no cost to participants, take place at lodges and inns across the country.

"With help from The Hartford and other sponsors, The V Foundation will continue its tireless efforts to find a cure for cancer," Vitale said. "Together, we have made tremendous progress against this disease and, as a result, we're helping to make a difference in the lives of millions of people."

Founded in 1993, The V Foundation has raised more than $60 million to date and has awarded cancer research grants nationwide. The Foundation gives 100 percent of all new direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs, and it has been recognized with four consecutive four-star rankings by Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.

The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2006 revenues of $26.5 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, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

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, without limitation, those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2006 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.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

The Hartford

The Hartford

The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a leading provider of insurance and wealth management services for millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. The Hartford is consistently recognized for its superior service 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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