Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: 802-828-2148
June 2, 2000

Secretary Of State Markowitz Finds Lost Policy Holders
Prudential and John Hancock Insurance Policyholders May Be Eligible for Stocks and Cash

Montpelier -Today, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz announced that her office has located over 600 Vermont residents who may be eligible for stock options or cash from John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company or Prudential Life Insurance of America. John Hancock insurance company has recently converted from a mutual insurance company to a publicly traded stock company and the Prudential Insurance Company of America is considering following suit. When this occurs, eligible policyholders may be entitled to receive stock or some other compensation, such as cash or policy enhancements, in addition to regular policy benefits.

Over the years some insurance policyholders have moved without providing an updated address. Because of this, the Secretary of State's Office, with the help of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have identified possible policyholders. Secretary Markowitz said "Vermonters whose names were found when we cross-referenced the DMV motor vehicle list against the list of Prudential policyholders with incorrect or missing addresses have been notified and have been asked to contact either Prudential Insurance Company or John Hancock. It is important that these Vermonters act quickly in order to preserve their rights." In addition to policyholders, Markowitz also said that those who believe that they may be heirs or beneficiaries of a deceased relative who had a John Hancock or Prudential policy should also check to see if they may have additional benefits due to them.

If you think you are one of the lost policy holders and you have not been contacted, please call the Secretary of State's Office at 802-828-2363 or contact the John Hancock Conversion Information Center at 1-800-333-9231 or call Prudential at 888-883-1302.

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