JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - Oct 7, 2011) - Fortegra Financial Corporation (NYSE: [ FRF ]) today announced that the company's motor club subsidiary, Auto Knight Motor Club, renewed and expanded its roadside assistance agreement with Ashland Inc., owner of the Valvoline consumer brand and loyalty programs. The three-year agreement renews Auto Knight's roadside assistance program for Valvoline's warranty program in Canada, and extends the program to Valvoline warranties in the United States.

"We are thrilled to expand Fortegra's relationship with Valvoline, an iconic brand in motor oil," said John Short, Fortegra's Executive Vice President of Motor Clubs. "This deal demonstrates the value of Fortegra's acquisition of Auto Knight, which provides Fortegra a platform for growth and gives Auto Knight the resources to drive significant business initiatives, such as this one with Ashland. We're excited about the early success of our strategy."

Valvoline installers give away loyalty cards at the time consumers have a premium oil change or a Valvoline Professional Series service performed. The loyalty cards include a free four-month roadside assistance benefit, which is serviced by Auto Knight. Repeat customers who have their oil changed three times a year receive a year's worth of free roadside assistance.

According to Joseph Price, Brand Manager of Ashland Consumer Markets, "Our roadside programs are designed to give our customers confidence in our Valvoline products by providing them a safety net through a roadside assistance benefit. Auto Knight has been a valued partner and reliable provider of roadside assistance in Canada, and we are excited that they agreed to provide roadside assistance for our customers in the United States."

Auto Knight Motor Club offers roadside assistance across the United States and Canada. It has 24-hour, 7 day a week dispatch services, and its call center supports English, Spanish and French speaking members.

About Fortegra Financial
Fortegra Financial Corporation is an insurance services company that provides distribution and administration services and insurance-related products to insurance companies, insurance brokers and agents and other financial services companies in the United States. It sells services and products directly to businesses rather than directly to consumers. Fortegra's brands include Life of the South, Consecta, Bliss & Glennon, eReinsure, Motor Clubs, and Pacific Benefits Group. Additional information about Fortegra can be found at [ www.fortegra.com ].

About Valvoline
Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: [ ASH ]), has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One® appearance products, Car Brite® car restoration products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. With more than 850 locations throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change® is a leader in serving the quick lube market.

Ashland Inc. provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world's most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit [ www.ashland.com ].