Travelers Construction Reacts to Plans for Economic Stimulus Package

As the administration begins to define and lay out plans for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed into law yesterday, Travelers Construction is reminding contractors that it has a suite of eight IndustryEdge® programs specifically designed to provide insurance coverage and risk management and claim services for projects that may receive funding. To be better positioned to go to bid on potential upcoming projects, Travelers is also encouraging contractors to review their insurance coverage and safety and training practices with their independent agent.

“With the stimulus package enacted into law, we believe that construction contractors may be in position to help execute the ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure projects,” said Todd Bateson, President of Travelers Construction. “Travelers Construction is prepared to respond to the needs of our construction clients with our IndustryEdge programs for contractors.”

John Komidar, 2nd Vice President of Travelers Construction Risk Control, added, “The construction industry has been impacted by delays and job shutdowns, which have driven up unemployment and tightened operating budgets. Contractors need to continue to maintain a strong emphasis on safety management, including safety practices and training, to help limit losses and the impact these could have on their bottom lines.”

According to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, $64.1 billion is anticipated to be dedicated to transportation infrastructure initiatives. Travelers Construction’s IndustryEdge programs for Bridge, Concrete, Underground Utility and Excavation provide the coverage and service solutions for contractors involved with these projects.

The stimulus package also includes anticipated investments targeting improvements to the nation's electricity grid, as well as energy efficiencies and other needed upgrades to military and government offices, and technology improvements for schools, medical and science facilities. Travelers Construction’s IndustryEdge programs for Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical, Millwright, and Fire Sprinkler contractors provide competitive advantages for these types of construction firms. In addition to these programs, Travelers Construction has a broad appetite for a wide variety of contractors who are seeking comprehensive coverage and industry leading services to help them compete in these difficult times.

“These eight IndustryEdge programs have been designed to include expanded coverages, such as a broadened damage to property endorsement, or third-party loss of income for certain accidents, or an option to consider a pollution or professional liability policy,” continued Bateson. “These offerings help to mitigate the uncertainty of complex and emerging risks that are unique to contractors.”

Travelers Construction is a leading provider of property and casualty construction insurance and risk management services to the construction industry. Working with its independent agents, Travelers Construction provides broad based insurance solutions with construction industry specific expertise.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

The content of this release is only for the informational use of the reader. In no event will Travelers or any of its affiliates be liable in contract or in tort to anyone who has access to this information for the accuracy or completeness of the information relied upon in the preparation of this release. Additionally, information contained herein does not constitute and shall not be construed to reflect the adoption of any coverage position by Travelers or any of its affiliates in connection with any of the topics or considerations set forth herein.