2008-11-10 05:51:02 -

www.stfc.com - Today the board of directors of State Auto Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: STFC) declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable December 31, 2008, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2008. This is the 70th consecutive quarterly cash dividend declared by the company's board since STFC had its initial public

offering of common stock in 1991.

State Auto Financial Corporation, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a super regional property and casualty insurance holding company. The company markets its personal and business insurance products exclusively through independent insurance agencies in 33 states and is proud to be a Trusted Choice(R) company partner. STFC stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which represents the top third of all NASDAQ listed companies.

The State Auto Insurance Companies are rated A+ (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company. The State Auto Insurance Companies include State Automobile Mutual, State Auto Property & Casualty, State Auto National, State Auto Ohio, State Auto Wisconsin, State Auto Florida, Milbank, Farmers Casualty, Meridian Security, Meridian Citizens Mutual, Beacon National, Beacon Lloyds, Patrons Mutual and Litchfield Mutual Fire. Additional information on State Auto Financial Corporation and the State Auto Insurance Companies can be found online at www.StateAuto.com.

State Auto Financial Corporation
Jim Duemey, W 614-464-5373
VP, Investment Officer
or
Kyle Anderson, W 614-917-5497 or M 614-477-5301
Dir. of Media Relations