SAFECO Ready to Help Customers Affected by Oklahomaand Kansas Tornadoes.

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 1999--

Customers of the combined organization of SAFECO (Nasdaq:SAFC) and American States who sustained damage from the tornadoes that hit parts of Oklahoma and Kansas should report their claims directly to the company's 24-hour toll-free catastrophe

SAFECO's specially trained staff is ready and standing by to take claims and assist customers.

"It's important to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible," said Lori Gleichman, assistant vice president of public relations for SAFECO. "We can help you get organized, answer questions and begin the claims process."

If homeowners and business owners are able to make temporary repairs to protect their property from further damage without endangering themselves, they should do so.

In addition, homeowners and business owners should:

-- Cover exposed portions of roofs with heavy-duty tarp and board up

broken windows.

-- Keep all receipts from emergency repairs.

-- Start a list of property that is damaged or destroyed and issues

that need to be discussed with the insurance adjuster. Be sure to

include as many details as possible.

-- Don't throw anything away. Adjusters will need to see everything

that has been damaged.

SAFECO, the premier company selling insurance and financial products through independent agents, was founded in 1923. Its operations include property and casualty insurance, life insurance, surety, commercial credit, asset management and financial services distribution operations. SAFECO employs more than 12,000 people nationwide and is represented by more than 8,000 independent agencies and brokerages across the country. SAFECO's web address is www.safeco.com.