Statement from The Hartford

— -- The Hartford's Statement on the Use of Surveillance

February 26, 2010

Surveillance is one of the tools The Hartford and other insurers sometimes use to review and validate disability claims, and is part of a wider effort to combat fraud, a growing problem that increases insurance costs forconsumers. Information from surveillance is reviewed by treating physician(s) and independent physician(s) as one factor to assess a person's abilities. Surveillance is not used as a stand-alone reason for a claim decision. Other tools used to validate claims include reviews of medical records and, when appropriate, examinations by independent physicians with suitable medical specialties.

The Hartford conducts surveillance on less than 5 percent of its long-term disability claims. Of those claims where surveillance is used, 7 in 10 claims have no change in disability status.

On the hiring of investigative firms/vendors

The Hartford contracts with several investigative firms around the country that meet our quality standards and often relies on several different firms within a single geographic region.