SHELTER INSURANCE® REPORTS STRENGTH

[Columbia, Mo.] Shelter Insurance Companies announced that the Companies' financial outlook remains strong and stable despite challenges due to severe weather and the financial markets.

Shelter maintains a strong capital base, enhanced by conservatively invested bonds and common stocks. This capital strength allows the Companies to withstand market declines or catastrophe losses.

"As a mutual insurance company, our policyholders own the company," said David Moore, President and CEO of Shelter Insurance Companies. "We take our financial responsibilities to those owners very seriously. While Shelter Insurance® and our employees are not immune to these world-changing events, we are enjoying a position of financial strength that is the envy of almost all U.S. companies."

Shelter Insurance Companies have enjoyed continued growth as well as stability through the recent economic challenges. In addition to increasing the number of new policies issued, the Companies recently acquired another insurance company called Haulers Insurance Company Inc. "The acquisition is a wonderful addition to the Shelter family," Moore said. "Haulers Inc. brings experienced management, a robust distribution network and an excellent reputation to the Shelter family." Moore added that Haulers gives Shelter an avenue to spread risk of the Shelter group and opportunities for growth.

The Richard Cargile Agency in Searcy.