Exhibit 99.1

CNA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

MEDIA                                            ANALYSTS
Charles M. Boesel, 312-822-2592                  Dawn M. Jaffray, 312-822-7757
Katrina W. Parker, 312-822-5167

         CNA FINANCIAL ANTICIPATES CLOSING APRIL 30, 2004 ON SALE OF ITS
                     INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS

CHICAGO - March 30, 2004 - CNA Financial Corporation (NYSE:CNA) today stated
that the previously announced sale of its individual life insurance business
to Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (Swiss Re), initially expected to close
on March 31, 2004, is now anticipated to be completed on April 30, 2004,
subject to certain customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Neither party anticipates a problem with closing the transaction. The April
30th closing will help to ensure a smooth transition of the business from CNA
to Swiss Re.

About CNA

CNA is the country's fourth largest commercial insurance writer and the 11th
largest property and casualty company. CNA's insurance products include
standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other property
and casualty coverages. CNA services include risk management, information
services, underwriting, risk control and claims administration. For more
information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com. CNA is a registered service
mark, trade name and domain name of CNA Financial Corporation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes statements which relate to anticipated future
events (forward-looking statements) rather than actual present conditions or
historical events. You can identify forward-looking statements because
generally they include words such as "believes", "expects", "intends",
"anticipates", "estimates", and similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of inherent risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
results projected. Many of these risks and uncertainties cannot be controlled
by CNA.

Any forward-looking statements made in this press release are made by CNA as
of the date of this press release. CNA does not have any obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, even
if CNA's expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances
change.

                                  # # #