HARTFORD, Conn., Oct 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Now, more than ever, boaters are looking for ways to improve fuel economy and reduce their impact on the environment without sacrificing speed. As a result, hybrid powered boats are starting to enter the market. As boaters are beginning to purchase these innovative vessels, Travelers (NYSE: TRV) stays in-synch by today announcing an innovative, industry-first discount of up to 10 percent on hybrid boat and yacht insurance.

The marine industry has responded to consumer demands for efficiency with new technology and hybrid powerboats fully capable of delivering the performance most boaters expect. Hybrid boats allow the operator to utilize electric propulsion at low speeds to minimize or eliminate emissions and fuel consumption. However, hybrid powered boats can generate the horsepower needed to reach higher speeds with the internal combustion engine.

"Hybrid vessels are using the latest, state-of-the-art technology in the marine industry," said Chantal Cyr, vice president of the Boat and Yacht Division for Travelers. "At Travelers, we closely follow the newest developments in boating so we can deliver the best marine insurance products and services to meet our customers' evolving needs."

Recently, various highly regarded manufacturers in the marine industry have introduced their versions of hybrid boats to the marketplace. The Hinckley Company offers a hybrid power option for customers interested in its DS42 model, Scout Boats launched a hybrid model in late 2007, Frauscher Bootswerft introduced its hybrid to the United States in May 2008 and the Island Pilot DSe Hybrid will make its debut at the 2008 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Steyr Motors, which powers the Frauscher vessels, markets its hybrid engine as the "world's first serial hybrid propulsion system for pleasure boats." In addition, other large production manufacturers are reportedly researching hybrid propulsion and developing prototypes to include in their lineup of boats.

"Travelers marine specialists thoroughly reviewed the functionality and operation of hybrid boats currently in the marketplace," said Cyr. "Our research suggests boat manufacturers will begin incorporating hybrid designs into different models to provide a hybrid option similar to what's taking place in the automotive industry."

A hybrid boat is specifically designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to conserve fossil fuels in comparison to the typical gasoline or diesel only powered boats. Travelers defines a hybrid boat as one that utilizes an integrated propulsion system that incorporates both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor in its original design. In this system, forward propulsion can be accomplished with the use of the electric motor with or without the use of the internal combustion engine.

Travelers continuously seeks ways to enhance existing products and develop new insurance solutions and services to address the impacts of changing climate and encourage environmentally friendly behavior. Travelers was the first insurance company to deliver a national hybrid auto insurance discount, as well as the first to deliver an insurance discount to electric boat owners. The company also provides business insurance products for environmentally focused commercial customers.

For more information on the hybrid boat insurance discount, or to find a local Travelers independent insurance agent, visit www.travelers.com.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company's diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of approximately $26 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

*A discount of up to 10% applies only to certain coverages. The discount may not be available in all states and is subject to individual eligibility.

SOURCE: The Travelers Companies, Inc.

The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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