Coverage Takes Legwork Out of Recovering Victim's Identity COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week (Feb. 5-11), Nationwide Insurance and Washington, D.C.-based ID Theft Assist are expanding availability of their ground-breaking identity theft protection and recovery service that surpasses ID theft policies currently on the market. Over the next several months, the innovative insurance/restoration service will be available to anyone who wishes to purchase it, not just Nationwide homeowner policyholders. "Our identity theft homeowner policy endorsement has been so popular, we wanted to offer a stand-alone ID theft product, so everyone can have this best-in-class service and get help through the recovery process of identity theft," said Deb Harmon, project manager for Nationwide's Property and Casualty Personal Lines Product Office. "Nationwide ID Theft policyholders have an experienced advocate working on their behalf should their identity become compromised." With more than 9 million victims in 2004, identity theft is America's fastest-growing crime. Unlike other crimes, its victims are guilty until they prove their innocence. A 2005 Nationwide Insurance survey shows once people have their identity stolen, they can have a tough time getting it back. "Identity theft is a problem seriously affecting Americans, and we believe our product provides the necessary support consumers need when faced with such a situation," said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Worldwide Assistance-headquarters for the ID Theft Assist service. "We are pleased that Nationwide is offering our ID theft resolution services to even more people." One in four identity theft victims indicate they have not been able to restore their identities, despite averaging more than a year trying. Results of the survey conducted by MarketTools, Inc., also show victims pay $587 in out-of-pocket expenses, such as lost wages. ID Theft Assist provides a full-service, broad identity recovery system as part of Nationwide's effort to combat the devastating effects of identity theft. These recovery services include 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access to an emergency call center; instantaneous access to credit reports - customers will not have to pay extra, as with some other products on the market; worldwide service that includes language translation and limited emergency cash advances; and legal support to help restore your identity. "You don't want a product that just tells you 'how' to get the job done. It's hard work," said Harmon. "Our coverage provides 'real' assistance and takes the legwork out of restoring your good name. It's just one more advantage of On Your Side(R) service." * Nationwide's ID Theft product is not available in Florida. About Nationwide Insurance: Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $158 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 99th on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com/. About ID Theft Assist: ID Theft Assist was launched in January of 2004. The emergency service center is headquartered in the offices of Worldwide Assistance in Washington, D.C. Worldwide Assistance Services Inc, a division of Europ Assistance Group, has been in operation since 1982 in the United States. Its office has not closed for one single day since. Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ID Theft Assist is a service mark of Worldwide Benefit Services, LLC. Contacts: Joe Case, Nationwide Insurance (614) 249-6353 Chris Ward, ID Theft Assist (866)-694-3911 First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: DATASOURCE: Nationwide CONTACT: Joe Case, Nationwide Insurance, +1-614-249-6353, or ; or Chris Ward of ID Theft Assist, +1-866-694-3911, or Web site: http://www.nationwide.com/

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