News Room

January 9, 2009

Assurant and Whirlpool Announce Strategic Relationship to Market, Administer and Underwrite Extended Service Plans in U.S. and Canada

ATLANTA: Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) and Assurant, Inc. (NYSE:AIZ) today announced a strategic relationship for Assurant to market, administer and underwrite extended service contracts (ESC) to Whirlpool appliance customers in the United States and Canada.

“Whirlpool has long been recognized as one of world’s premiere companies in the home appliance business,” said Keith Meier, senior vice president, general manager, extended service, Assurant Solutions. “It has a large and loyal base of customers. We are very pleased to have this opportunity to serve its customers and represent such a prestigious company and its leading consumer brands.”

Kevin Roney, director, financial planning and analysis, Whirlpool Corporation North American Region, said the new relationship with Assurant and its Assurant Solutions business enables Whirlpool to consolidate its ESC program with a single partner. “Previously, we were managing several vendors. By choosing Assurant, we are able to select one partner to meet both our short-term and anticipated long-term needs for growth. Assurant offered us an innovative solution backed by a stable financial position and excellent reputation in the appliance industry.”

Assurant Solutions currently provides service plans to more than 56 million customers worldwide. Its programs cover a wide range of products, including home appliances, consumer electronics, motor vehicles, fitness equipment, furniture, jewelry, lawn and garden equipment, personal computers and wireless and mobile devices.

About Assurant Solutions and Assurant, Inc.

Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, funeral homes, utilities and other entities. With operations in 25 cities, including executive offices in Atlanta, Ga., Assurant Solutions serves clients and their customers in 12 countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. www.assurantsolutions.com

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $23 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 73,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

Media Contacts:

James A. Sykes
Assurant Solutions
Telephone: 770.763.1015
Email: james.sykes@assurant.com

Whirlpool Media Line
Telephone: 269.923.7405
Email: media@whirlpool.com