Posted: 23 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT

2009-09-23 21:16:02 -

GEICO urges policyholders whose vehicles have been damaged in the recent Atlanta area flooding to report their claims as early as possible. To reach GEICO's claims team at anytime, 24 hours a day, call 1-800-841-3000 or report the claim on www.geico.com : .

"Our adjusters have been in Atlanta and the local areas all week assisting policyholders with damaged

or flooded vehicles," said Gary Musolf, head of GEICO claims in the region. "If you notice damage to your vehicle, contact GEICO right away so we can make arrangements to take care of your claim and get you back on the road."

GEICO advises residents to heed all weather warnings and road closures.

However, if driving is necessary, GEICO recommends these rain and flood driving tips to keep you safe.

- Heavy rain can make it difficult for other drivers to see you. Keep your headlights on and drive slowly, keeping your eyes out for on-coming traffic.

- If you see a large puddle or standing water, go around it or choose a different route. That puddle could be hiding a deep hole.

- Give yourself plenty of time to brake and do so gently in order to avoid hydroplaning.

"The safety of our policyholders and the quick and quality repair of their vehicles is our first priority during stressful times like these," said Musolf.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer : in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage : for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products : for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance 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 www.geico.com : .

*A.M. Best 2008 market share data

GEICO Communications301-986-3271

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Two Farwell men charged in crime spree - Morning Sun

Posted: 23 Sep 2009 10:19 AM PDT

Two Clare County men face a hearing Oct. 5 in 80th District Court in Harrison after being charged earlier this week in connection with a crime spree that spanned eight months.

Paul Edward Smith, 24; and David Daniel Smith, 21, both of Farwell, are accused of being involved in 15 home invasions and four auto thefts in Garfield, Surrey and Lincoln townships between Noveber 2008 and July, Clare County Sheriff John Wilson said.

Paul Smith is being held in the Clare County Jail on $80,000 bond; David Smith is held in lieu of $40,000 bond, the sheriff said.

The two are accused of targeting seasonal homes and cabins, and stealing items including tools, guns, snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles, he said.

The two allegedly used the stolen vehicles to transport other stolen goods, Wilson said.

Deputies received tips from residents in the area, who indicated that the Smiths were suspects in the case, he said.

Included in the information was a photograph of both men, taken while they were sitting on one of the stolen ATVs, Wilson said.

Acting on the tips, deputies and detectives combed a wooded area in Surrey Township and found a stolen ATV that had been hidden in the woods, Wilson said.

After interviewing both men, detectives obtained arrest warrants.

Some of the stolen property was found, and all of the homeowners have been contacted, Wilson said.

Wilson said the case was solved because of input from residents in the area.

Wilson urged residents with information on crimes to contact the sheriff's department, which takes information anonymously if needed.

"Without the help of the community, a lot of cases would go unsolved," he said.

Paul and David Smith are scheduled to be in Judge Joshua Farrell's courtroom Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for trial.

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Kingsway Financial Services announces consolidation of its Canadian ... - Biloxi Sun Herald

Posted: 23 Sep 2009 05:18 AM PDT

It is expected that the consolidation of Kingsway's Canadian operations will contribute to a reduction in the Company's operating expenses. In addition, JEVCO will put even greater focus on the products where it already has proven expertise, namely: non-standard automobile, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and surety, as well as commercial auto and property.

About the Company

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or "the Company") focuses on non-standard automobile insurance in North America. Kingsway's primary businesses are the insuring of automobile risks for drivers who do not meet the criteria for coverage by standard automobile insurers; specialized markets of recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles; and commercial automobile insurance. The Company operates through wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries in Canada and the U.S., which it is currently consolidating to reduce overhead and strengthen its competitive position. The common shares of Kingsway Financial Services Inc. are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, under the trading symbol "KFS".

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. The words "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "should", "estimate", "project", "intend", "forecast" or similar words are used to identify such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management of Kingsway. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see Kingsway's securities filings, including its 2008 Annual Report under the heading Risk Factors in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section. The securities filings can be accessed on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov or Kingsway's website at www.kingsway-financial.com. Kingsway disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Kingsway Financial Services Inc.