Direct General Corporation is a provider of non-standard personal automobile insurance, premium finance and other insurance and non-insurance products and services. The Companys operations are concentrated in the southeastern part of the United States. As of December 31, 2002, the Company distributed its products and services through more than 320 neighborhood sales offices. Direct Generals core business involves issuing non-standard personal automobile insurance policies. These policies, which generally are issued for the minimum limits of coverage required by state laws, provide coverage to drivers who cannot obtain insurance from standard carriers due to a variety of factors, including the lack of flexible payment plans, the failure to maintain continuous coverage, age, prior accidents, driving violations, occupation and type of vehicle.