SAFECO Placed on Watch Negative

Following SAFECO Corp.’s recent announcement indicating the recording of an operating loss for the fourth quarter 2000, all ratings of that company and its subsidiaries were placed on Watch Negative by Fitch. Property/casualty companies affected by the rating action are: SAFECO Insurance Co. of America; General Insurance Co. of America; First National Insurance Co. of America; SAFECO Surplus Lines Co.; SAFECO National Insurance Co.; SAFECO Insurance Co. of Illinois; American States Insurance Co. of Texas; American States Lloyd’s Insurance Co.; SAFECO Lloyd’s Insurance Co.; SAFECO Insurance Co. of Philadelphia; American States Preferred Insurance Co.; and American Economy Insurance Co.