RLI named to prestigious Ward's 50® Top P&C Performers for 20th consecutive year

PEORIA, ILLINOIS, July 14, 2010, RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI) – For the 20th consecutive year, RLI has been named as one of the insurance industry's top performing companies by the Ward Group. RLI is one of only five property and casualty insurers to have been recognized for excellence among 3,000 property and casualty insurers every year since the inception of the Ward's 50® Top P&C Performers in 1991.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the Ward Group for 20 straight years," said RLI President & CEO Jonathan E. Michael. "This is a compliment to our employee owners who strive to build upon our financial stability, revenue growth,  underwriting results and financial performance. The Ward list values consistency and long-term performance. Our customers, business partners and shareholders recognize these as RLI hallmarks, and we are very pleased with the continued recognition of our superior long-term results."

Ward Group, a Cincinnati-based consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry, publishes the analysis in Ward's Results, an insurance industry financial reference series. The Ward's 50® Top P&C Performers criteria for selection, includes safety and consistency tests, as well as performance metrics. For a complete listing of all companies in the Ward's 50® Top P&C Performers, visit www.wardinc.com.

RLI is a specialty insurance company serving  niche or underserved markets. With a diverse portfolio of property and casualty coverages and surety bonds, it has achieved an underwriting profit in 29 of the last 33 years, including the last 14. RLI and subsidiaries – RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and RLI Indemnity Company – are rated A+ "Superior" by A.M. Best Company and A+ "Strong" by Standard & Poor's. RLI operates in all 50 states from office locations across the country.

For additional information, contact John Robison, Treasurer at (309) 693-5846 or at john.robison@rlicorp.com or visit our website at www.rlicorp.com.

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