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The Hanover Adds Coverage to Protect Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Against Employee Claims - Because Businesses Don't Have to Have 'Big Pockets' to Get Sued 'Big Time'

September 9, 2008

- EPLI Offers an Easy and Affordable Solution -

WORCESTER, Mass., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), a leading super regional property and casualty company, is now including employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) coverage as an endorsement to every eligible new and renewal Avenues(R) Commercial Package Policy (CPP).

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This new endorsement will help protect small and mid-sized businesses against the growing number of employee allegations of job discrimination and wrongful termination. The EPLI coverage is designed to help businesses with up to 50 employees (51 to 250 by referral), that traditionally shy away from costly stand-alone EPLI policies.

"Employment practices liability coverage has evolved from a high-priced option for large employers to an affordable necessity for all businesses," said David J. Firstenberg, president, commercial lines at The Hanover. "In today's workplace, small and mid-sized business owners must defend themselves against damaging employment claims. Our new program provides broad coverage and services that are specifically designed and priced for this market."

Developed for companies with up to 50 full or part-time employees, The Hanover EPLI offers numerous benefits, including:

-- Meaningful coverage for real exposure, such as employee allegations of sexual harassment, job discrimination, wrongful termination, mental anguish and emotional distress

    -- Optional third-party coverage available at an additional premium
    -- Broad coverage with up to $250,000 limit (higher limits available)
    -- No separate underwriting process or application
    -- Specialized claim services
    -- Access to experienced EPLI law firms
    -- Protection for agencies against errors and omissions claims

"Lawsuits and complaints claiming discrimination, sexual harassment, or wrongful termination are a serious problem in a changing workplace," said Firstenberg. "Statistics indicate that more than half of these claims are now brought against smaller firms. The Hanover's EPLI program provides quality coverage that in the past was out of reach for most small and mid-sized business owners."

One of the first companies to offer EPLI as an endorsement to its business owners policy (BOP), The Hanover offers a total solution for commercial lines, which includes BOP, commercial auto, umbrella, and workers' compensation policies, as well as endorsements for other risks, such as miscellaneous professional liability.

Agents interested in more information on the EPLI endorsement or The Hanover should contact one of The Hanover's local branch offices or visit the "Agent" section of the company's web site at www.hanover.com.

This material is provided for informational purposes only. For detailed coverage information, please refer to The Hanover's policy language.

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester; Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover ranks among the top 40 property and casualty insurers in the United States.

     CONTACTS:
     Investor Relations                 Media Relations
     Sujata MutalikAmy Lynn Baneksmutalik@hanover.comabanek@hanover.com
     (508) 855-3457                     (508) 855-4486

SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

Contact: Investor Relations, Sujata Mutalik, +1-508-855-3457, smutalik@hanover.com, or Media Relations, Amy Lynn Banek, +1-508-855-4486, abanek@hanover.com, both of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.