Selective Reports First Quarter 2017 Net Income per Diluted Share of $0.85 and Operating Income(1) per Diluted Share of $0.86

BRANCHVILLE, N.J., April 26, 2017

In the first quarter of 2017:

• Net premiums written grew 6%
• GAAP combined ratio was 91.2%
• Statutory combined ratio was 89.7%
• After-tax net investment income was $27.5 million
• Annualized return on average equity ("ROE") was 12.9% and operating ROE¹ was 13.1%

Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGI) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.  Net income per diluted share was $0.85, compared to $0.63 a year ago, and operating income¹ per diluted share was $0.86, compared to $0.66 a year ago.

"We are very proud of the quarter's financial results, which reflect continued momentum from our record levels of profitability in 2016.  Our consolidated statutory combined ratio was 89.7% and annualized operating ROE was 13.1%," said Gregory E. Murphy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We continue to grow new business and are successfully balancing rate increases with retention on a very granular level.  Net premiums written grew 6%, benefiting from standard commercial lines renewal pure price increases averaging 3.0% in the quarter, strong retention rates, and new business opportunities."

Mr. Murphy continued, "We are off to a strong start in 2017 and will continue to execute on our strategy of disciplined, profitable growth.  We remain focused on enhancing what truly distinguishes Selective in the marketplace – our relationships with "ivy-league" distribution partners, sophisticated underwriting tools and technologies, and the superior experience we provide to our customers and agents through our best-in-class employees."

Operating Highlights