GEICO Associates "Walk" from California to Maryland

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American Heart Association and GEICO Introduce Start! Campaign

POWAY, Calif., June 29, 2007 - GEICO associates in the company's San Diego regional office have four weeks to "walk" 2,762 miles, the total distance from GEICO's California regional location to its headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md. They don't even have to leave the state.

GEICO recently partnered with the American Heart Association and their Start! program, a workplace walking program, in an effort to get associates moving in and out of the office and to improve heart health.

The program started on June 11 and will run through July 11. Some 145 GEICO associates will be taking the "walk," and those participating have set a goal to walk one mile per day, five days per week or two miles per day, 5 days per week for advanced participants. In total, those GEICO associates are walking 20 to 40 miles per month on behalf of the American Heart Association.

"I am proud of all of the associates who are committing to such a great program," said Greg Kalinsky, regional vice president for GEICO's San Diego regional office. "When you are busy and involved with your family, friends and work, it's easy to forget that you have to take care of your own health as well."

"The American Heart Association applauds both GEICO and its employees for taking such a creative approach toward a healthier lifestyle," said Bob Krans, American Heart Association volunteer and chairman of the San Diego Division Board. "Busy and demanding schedules are one of the many challenges facing the American workforce today," he explained, adding that Americans are working an astonishing 164 more hours per year than 20 years ago. "Start! encourages Americans and their employers to promote physical activity - especially walking - as a great way to change the corporate culture to help Americans live longer, healthier lives," Krans explained.

Before walking, the American Heart Association recommends these basic principles that will help keep people healthy and safe:

  • If you have a health condition or have not done any regular physical activity for a long time (especially if you are a man over 40 or a woman over 50) talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
  • Choose comfortable shoes that give good support, such as running, walking or cross-training shoes, or light hiking boots.
  • Maintain a brisk pace. You should work hard to keep up your pace but still be able to talk while walking.
  • Practice correct posture - head upright, arms bent at the elbow and swinging as you stride.
  • Drink plenty of water before, during and after walking to cool working muscles and keep your body hydrated.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 12 million vehicles. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company and ranked top in customer satisfaction among property and casualty insurers according to the 2006 American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States.* GEICO handles auto insurance coverage for 11 million private passenger auto policies and insures more than 17.5 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motor homes (RVs). Coverage for life, boats, homes and apartments is available through the GEICO Insurance Agency. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.

*A.M. Best