The Hartford Enhances Variable Annuity Product and Sales Capabilities, Debuts New 'Hartford Leaders' Product to Help Secure Americans' Financial Future

Insurers have been competing intensely in the variable annuity market over the past several years through rapid introduction of new products and features to their existing lineups. In 2004, for example, there were twenty-six new or updated living benefit riders introduced by the industry. Three years later, in 2007, that number had climbed to forty. In the first three months of this year alone, there have been nineteen new introductions noted in the industry. Choice is a good thing, but consumers and their financial advisors are also left with a dizzying web of features from which to choose, making retirement planning more complex for all involved. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is making it easier for consumers to prepare for retirement by taking a unique approach in a crowded marketplace. The firm has enhanced its variable annuity product lineup and the sales and marketing support behind it. Today, The Hartford introduces its new flagship variable annuity product, Hartford Leaders, which combines the best investment options, features, benefits, service and support from its two prior products into one variable annuity backed by the brand recognition and financial strength of The Hartford. Hartford Leaders offers several key advantages: Investment Choice. Hartford variable annuity clients can now invest in the only variable annuity in the industry with a fund lineup including standout offerings from American Funds, Franklin-Templeton and the Hartford. In all, clients will be able to choose from among a high quality roster of twelve professional money managers with 81 total investment options. Enhanced Income Protection. Reflecting its belief that growth of income is just as important as sustainability of income to retirees today, The Hartford has enhanced its guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. The new version will offer a larger amount of income along with the flexibility for the contract holder to take additional income if the market performs well. So, in essence, the investor’s level of income protection has the potential to grow as his or her income needs grow over time. Guarantees, of course, are based on the claims paying ability of The Hartford. Powerful, Focused Sales Support. The Hartford’s variable annuity wholesaling force, previously supporting both of The Hartford’s variable annuity lines, has been combined. This team of roughly 175 wholesalers, the largest in the variable annuity industry, will now focus on sales, service and education for a single product. Simplicity, Focus, Value The Hartford’s variable annuity enhancements reflect three core goals the firm has established for competing in the retirement market: Provide simple and powerful products. The Hartford believes that, in challenging economic times and an ever more complex market for financial services, advisors and clients desire straightforward products to meet various financial needs. Meet pre-retiree and retiree needs to balance long-term investment growth with guaranteed income growth and protection. In today’s retirement market, sustainability and growth of income is becoming just as important as long-term growth of principal. The new Hartford Leaders variable annuity provides access to high-quality money management with dependable income protection features, all at a reasonable cost. Provide effective educational support and resources. To be effective, retirement products must be accompanied by education and information on how they can fit into a broader retirement plan. Focusing on a single variable annuity product supported in the field by a single sales force and service organization will allow The Hartford to better serve its customers. "According to LIMRA, variable annuity sales have grown at a double digit rate the last five years, and assets are expected to cross $250 billion within the next five years. We’re doing everything possible to continue to lead in this market of opportunity” said Rob Arena, senior vice president of retail investment products for The Hartford’s U.S. Wealth Management division. "By combining the best of our existing offering and supporting it with a single wholesaling force, we’ll deliver a more powerful product and tell a more focused story.” Added Bill Wolfe, senior vice president and director of variable annuity sales for The Hartford, "Pre-retirees and retirees are facing more complex challenges than ever. Our role is to help financial advisors help clients tackle these challenges with simple, dependable, focused products backed by the financial strength and stability of The Hartford. Feedback from our advisor clients thus far on the new Hartford Leaders has been universally positive.” For more information on The Hartford’s variable annuity products and the role they can play in a long-term retirement investment portfolio, you can consult with a financial advisor or visit www.hartfordinvestor.com. About The Hartford The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services companies, with 2007 revenues of $25.9 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Ireland. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com. HIG-L Investors should consider the variable annuity investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money. For a copy of the Hartford Leaders prospectus with more details, consult a financial advisor or go to www.hartfordinvestor.com. Variable annuities are long-term investment vehicles in which all interest, dividends and capital gains may accumulate tax-deferred. Variable annuities are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and possible loss of principal. Features that provide lifetime income are optional and can be purchased at an additional cost. This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed in this material. The information cannot be relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting, legal or investment advice. As with all such matters, you should consult with your own tax, legal or financial advisor for advice. If you are investing in a variable annuity through a tax-advantaged retirement plan such as an IRA, you will receive no additional tax advantage from a variable annuity. Under these circumstances, you should only consider buying a variable annuity if it makes sense because of, among other things, the annuity’s other features such as lifetime withdrawal benefits and death benefit protection. These features may be purchased at an additional cost. Hartford Leaders is a flexible premium variable annuity issued by Hartford Life Insurance Company, Simsbury, CT and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Simsbury, CT. Hartford Leaders is underwritten and distributed by Hartford Securities Distribution Company, a FINRA member firm, Member SIPC. Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued. "The Hartford” is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the issuing companies of Hartford Life Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company.