BRISTOL WEST COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF RELIANT INSURANCE AND RELIANT CASUALTY INSURANCE

DAVIE, FL and CLEVELAND, OH, April 5, 2001 - Bristol West Insurance Group today announced that its subsidiary Coast National Insurance Company has completed the acquisition of Reliant Insurance Company and Reliant Casualty Insurance Company from Reliance Insurance Company. The combined companies are licensed in 34 states, solidifying Bristol West's position as a national leader in the non-standard auto insurance marketplace.

In conjunction with the transaction, Jeffrey Dailey, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of the Reliant companies, became Chief Operating Officer of Bristol West. Headquartered in Davie, Florida, Bristol West had approximately $240 million in gross written premiums in fiscal 2000.

James R. Fisher, Chairman and Interim CEO of Bristol West, said, "The addition of Reliant Insurance and Reliant Casualty to Bristol West will allow us to expand our non-standard automobile insurance offerings into 13 new states with the capability of entering into additional markets as opportunities present themselves. Moreover, Jeff Dailey and several other senior executives from the Reliant companies bring significant skills and industry knowledge to our already strong management team. We are delighted to welcome them to the Bristol West family."

Mr. Dailey added, "This transaction has created a true leader in the non-standard auto insurance arena, in terms of geographic presence, superior product offering, and management experience. As we look ahead, our objective is to leverage the combined strengths of Bristol West and the Reliant companies in order to provide our agents with the best tools possible to serve their customers. We look forward to what the future holds for our company."

About Bristol West
Founded in 1973, Bristol West Insurance Group is today one of the largest non-standard private passenger automobile insurance underwriters in the United States. Through its insurance company subsidiaries, Coast National and Security National, Bristol West is dedicated to providing its customers with superior service by offering competitive rates and unique plans that meet their specific needs and expectations. Headquartered in Davie, Florida, Bristol West was acquired by an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., the private investment firm, and its management team in July 1998.

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CONTACT:

Molly Morse
Kekst and Company
212-521-4826

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