Superior Collision and Citizens Insurance Work With Partners to Help a Local Family Get Back on the Road

HOWELL, Mich., Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A Howell woman and her family drove off in a donated 2001 Chrysler 300 today, courtesy of Superior Collision; Citizens Insurance, a company of The Hanover Insurance Group; Hartland Insurance Agency; the Livingston County United Way and other local partners.  The vehicle was granted through the Recycled Rides program, which is a nationwide project, created by the National Auto Body Council and will make a difference in the family's life by providing a source of reliable transportation. The program assists members and their partners in repairing and then donating vehicles to families in need.

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Through the Recycled Rides program:

• Citizens donated the vehicle, which is worth more approximately $6,000
• Superior Collision refurbished the vehicle, donating labor for repairs and securing the needed parts and paint vendors
• Hartland is making a donation to help offset the costs of getting the vehicle on the road
• OLHSA, a Community Action Agency in partnership with Livingston County United Way selected the recipient

"More than 15 million Americans have difficulty securing the transportation they need according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation," said John Kehrer of Superior Collision. "As a member of the community with a long history of collision repair and community service, it was inspiring to see everyone in the shop contribute in some way to make a difference doing what we know best."

The vehicle was presented to Elizabeth Feltis during an event organized in coordination with The Hanover's United Way Campaign. Senator Joe Hune and Representative Cindy Denby joined the community partners to help present the vehicle. Feltis is a mother of four, including a 19-year-old with special needs.  Her car was recently totaled by a drunk driver.

"We are excited to be able to come together with some of our local partners to help a local family get back on the road," said Paul Mueller, president, The Hanover's Midwest region. "Building the program into our national United Way campaign serves as a reminder of the tremendous impact our company and our employees can do when we partner with the United Way."

"We are thrilled to be a part of this program and this very special day for the Feltis family. As an independent insurance agency, we are in the business of helping people," said Barbara Walker of Hartland Insurance. "We take great pride in the work we do and are especially pleased today to be able to help in this collaborative effort."

"We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in Recycled Rides," said Nancy Rosso, executive director of The Livingston County United Way. "Given the United Way's mission to connect people and resources to improve the community, we were happy to partner with others in the community to help make this all possible."

Each year, The Hanover and its employees grant more than $1 million to the United Way and in 2011 more than 81% of The Hanover's employees – together with the company – donated over $1.3 million to the cause nationwide. This year, in addition to the national campaign, the company will present five Recycled Rides to families in need countrywide.

About The Hanover

Founded in 1852, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) is proud to be celebrating 160 years of delivering on its promises to its agent and broker partners, and their customers. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, Worcester, Mass., Citizens Insurance Company of America, Howell, Mich., Chaucer Holdings plc, London, and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers. The company is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States. Through Chaucer, the company also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including property, marine and aviation, energy, U.K. motor and casualty. For more information, please visit www.Hanover.com.

CONTACT:

Amy Lynn Banek
The Hanover Insurance Group
[email protected]
508-855-4486

SOURCE Citizens Insurance