UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.WASHINGTON, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

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SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

None


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(SELECTIVE LOGO)
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890
(973) 948-3000
March 28, 200626, 2008

NOTICE OF 20062008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


AND PROXY STATEMENT

April 26, 200624, 2008

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.’s (“Selective”) 2006

The 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (“Selective”) will be held at 11:9:00 AM on Wednesday,Thursday, April 26, 2006,24, 2008, in the Auditorium at Selective’s principal offices, atwhich have both a physical and mailing address of 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey 07890.

At the meeting, we will ask stockholders to:

1.

Elect five (5) Class III directors as follows:

for a term expiring in 2011; and

Four (4) Class II directors for terms expiring in 2009;

Two (2) Class III directors for terms expiring in 2008;

One (1) Class I director for a term expiring in 2007;

2.

Approve the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies; and

3.

Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.

2008.

We plan a brief business meeting focused on these items and we will attend to any other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.The Board of Directors recommends that you vote in favor of Items 1 2, and 3. 2.These proposals are further described in the proxy statement.

Also enclosed is Selective’s 20062007 Annual Report to Stockholders. At the meeting, we will also be making a brief presentation on operations and we will offer time for your comments and questions.

Selective stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 20065, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournment of it. A quorum is a majority of outstanding shares. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WE URGE YOU TO VOTE YOUR SHARES BY (1) CALLING THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD; (2) ACCESSING THE INTERNET WEBSITE LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD; OR (3) COMPLETING, DATING, AND SIGNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOUR PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME, AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT, PRIOR TO THE TIME IT IS VOTED AT THE 20062008 ANNUAL MEETING.

Very truly yours,

 

(-s- GREGORY E. MURPHY)

Gregory E. Murphy


Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

By Order of the Board of Directors:

(-s- MICHAEL H. LANZA)
Michael H. Lanza

Senior
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Proxy Statement

   1

General Information about Selective’s Annual Meeting

1

Proposals For Stockholder Vote and Approval Requirements

   2

1

Other Matters to Come before the Annual Meeting

   3

2

Voting and Proxy Procedure

   3

Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers and Certain Beneficial Owners and

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

   5

2

Information about Proposal 1 – Election of Directors

   7

3

Executive Officers

  11

5

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

  11

10

Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

  12

11

Code of Conduct

  12

11

The Board of Directors and its Committees

13

Director Selection Process

  16

13

Director Compensation

  17

14

Executive Compensation

  18

17

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions

  26

18

Report of the Salary

  27

Information about Proposal 2 – Approval of The Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase

Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies

  30

18

Information about Proposal 3 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Public Accountants

  33

28

Audit Committee Report

  33

29

Stockholder Proposals and Nominations

  35

31

Stockholder Communication with the Board

  36

32

Documents Incorporated by Reference

  36

32

Appendix A – Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies

A-1

33
35
37
39
39
40
40
41
42
43




PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE 20062008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


TO BE HELD APRIL 26, 2006
24, 2008

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SELECTIVE’S ANNUAL MEETING

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE ANNUAL MEETING?

The 20062008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (“Selective”) will be held on Wednesday,Thursday, April 26, 2006,24, 2008, at 11:9:00 AM in the Auditorium at Selective’s principal offices at 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey 07890. Directions are on the back of the proxy statement.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

Anyone who owned Selective common stock as of the close of business on March 10, 2006,5, 2008, is entitled to one vote per share owned. There were 27,510,07153,356,487 shares outstanding at the close of business on that date.

WHO IS SOLICITING MY PROXY TO VOTE MY SHARES AND WHEN?

Selective’s Board of Directors (“Board of Directors” or the “Board”) is soliciting your “proxy,” or your authorization for our named proxies, Paul D. BauerW. Marston Becker and JoanWilliam M. Lamm-Tennant,Rue, to vote your shares.Unless revoked by you, your proxy will be effective for the Annual Meeting and for any adjournments or continuations of that meeting.

WHAT IS THE COST OF SOLICITING PROXIES AND WHO IS PAYING FOR THE COST?

Selective is bearing the entire cost of soliciting proxies. Proxies will be solicited principally through the mail, but may also be solicited personally or by telephone, telegraph, or special letter by directors, officers, and regular Selective employees for no additional compensation. Selective has engaged Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. (“Georgeson”), a proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the solicitation of proxies and the distribution of proxy materials, including reviewing Selective’s proxy materials, disseminating broker search cards, soliciting a proxy service company, brokers, banks, and institutional holders, and delivering executed proxies. Georgeson will provide such services for an estimated fee of approximately $7,500 plus expenses. Selective will reimburse banks, brokerage firms, and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to their customers or principals who are the beneficial owners of shares of Selective common stock.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?

For business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting, a quorumowners of 13,755,03626,678,245 shares of Selective stockholderscommon stock (a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote) constitute a quorum and must be in attendance or represented by proxy.

Page 1




PROPOSALS FOR STOCKHOLDER VOTE AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Management is presenting three (3)two (2) proposals for a stockholder vote.

PROPOSAL 1.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

PROPOSAL 1.ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTEFOR:

THE FOUR NOMINATED CLASS II DIRECTORS:  A. DAVID BROWN; WILLIAM M. KEARNS, JR.; S. GRIFFIN MCCLELLAN III; AND J. BRIAN THEBAULT;

THE TWOFIVE NOMINATED CLASS III DIRECTORS: PAUL D. BAUER, JOHN C. BURVILLE, JOAN M. LAMM-TENNANT, MICHAEL J. MORRISSEY, AND JOHN F. ROCKART; AND

RONALD L. O’KELLEY.

THE ONE NOMINATED CLASS I DIRECTOR:  W. MARSTON BECKER.

You can find information about these nominees, as well as information about Selective’s Board of Directors, its committees, compensation for directors, and other related matters beginning on page 7.

5.

New Jersey law and Selective’s By-laws govern the vote on Proposal 1, on which you may:

Vote in favor of all the nominees;

Withhold your votes as to all nominees; or

§Vote in favor of all the nominees;
§Withhold your votes as to all nominees; or
§Withhold your votes as to specific nominees.

Withhold your votes as to specific nominees.

Assuming a quorum is present, to be elected, a candidate must receive a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxyproxy. Stockholders may not cumulate their votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

PROPOSAL 2.

APPROVAL OF THE SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. STOCK PURCHASE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES (the “Agencies Stock Purchase Plan”)

PROPOSAL 2.RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TOFORRATIFY THE AGENCIES STOCK PURCHASE PLAN.

APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008.

You can find information about the Agencies Stock Purchase PlanSelective’s relationship with KPMG LLP beginning on page 30.

40.

New Jersey law and Selective’s By-laws govern the vote on Proposal 2, on which you may:

Vote in favor of Proposal 2;

Vote against Proposal 2; or

§Vote in favor of Proposal 2;
§Vote against Proposal 2; or
§Abstain from voting.

Abstain from voting.

Assuming a quorum the proposalis present, Proposal 2 will pass if approved by owners of a majority of the stockholdersshares of stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against Proposal 2 and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

PROPOSAL 3.

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006.

You can find information about Selective’s relationship with KPMG LLP beginning on page 33.

New Jersey law and Selective’s By-laws govern the vote on Proposal 3, on which you may:

Vote in favor of Proposal 3;

Vote against Proposal 3; or

Abstain from voting.

Assuming a quorum, Proposal 3 will pass if approved by a majority of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against Proposal 3 and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

Page 2



OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to be presented for a vote of the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly presented for a vote, the people named as proxies will have discretionary authority, to the extent permitted by applicable law and NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) and United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations, to vote on such matters according to their best judgment.

The Chairman of the Annual Meeting may refuse to allow presentation of a proposal or nominee for the Board of Directors if the proposal or nominee is not properly submitted. The requirements for submitting proposals and nominations for this year’s meeting were the same as those described on page 3542 for next year’s meeting.

Page 2


VOTING AND PROXY PROCEDURE

HOW DO I VOTE?

You can vote four (4) ways:

1.

BY MAIL. Mark your voting instructions on, then sign and date the proxy card. Then return the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you mail your proxy card, we must receive it before the beginning of the meeting.

If we receive your signed proxy card, but you do not give voting instructions, the named proxies will vote your shares FOR Items 1, 2, and 3. If any other matters arise during the meeting that require a vote, the named proxies will exercise their discretion, to the extent permitted by applicable law and NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.

2.

If we receive your signed proxy card, but you do not give voting instructions, the named proxies will vote your shares FOR Proposals 1 and 2. If any other matters arise during the meeting which require a vote, the named proxies will exercise their discretion, to the extent permitted by applicable law and NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.
2.BY TELEPHONE. Call the toll-free number on your proxy card to vote by phone.telephone. Follow the instructions on your proxy card and the voice prompts. IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.

3.

BY INTERNET. Go to the website listed on your proxy card to vote through the Internet. Follow the instructions on your proxy card and the website. If you vote through the Internet, you may incur telephone and/or Internet access charges from your service providers. IF YOU VOTE BY INTERNET, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.

4.

IN PERSON. Attend the Annual Meeting, or send a personal representative with an appropriate proxy, in order to vote.

Page 3



HOW DO I REVOKE MY PROXY OR CHANGE MY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?

You may revoke your proxy before the proxy is exercised by writing to theSelective’s Corporate Secretary, Michael H. Lanza, at the address in the meeting notice on the cover of this proxy statement.Proxy Statement. You may also change your vote before the proxy is exercised by entering a new vote via the Internet, by telephone, or by returning a properly executed proxy bearing a later date. Any subsequent timely and valid vote by any means will change your prior vote. For example, if you voted by telephone, a subsequent Internet vote will change your vote. The last vote received before noon central time on April 25, 200623, 2008 will be the vote that is counted. Youcounted, except that you may also change your vote by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

HOW WILL PROXIES BE VOTED IF I GIVE MY AUTHORIZATION?

If you properly execute your proxy on the accompanying form, return it to Selective, or submit your proxy by telephone or Internet as described above, and do not subsequently revoke your proxy, your shares of common stock will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. In the absence of instructions, the named proxies will vote your shares “FOR” the election of each director nominee “FOR” the approval of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Selective’s independent public accountants.accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. If other matters should properly come before the meeting, the named proxies will vote on such matters, to the extent permitted by applicable law and NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations, in accordance with their best judgment.

Page 3


HOW WILL VOTES BE COUNTED?

The inspector of elections appointed by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and “broker non-votes”broker non-votes (shares held by a broker, bank or other nominee that does not have authority, either express or discretionary, to vote on a particular matter). Shares represented by proxies that reflect abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for determining whether there is a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered in determining whether director nominees have received the requisite number of affirmative votes. For each of the remaining proposals,Proposal 2, approval will require the affirmative votes of the holders of a majority of the total number of the votes of the stockholders present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal. For each of these remaining proposals, abstentionsAbstentions will have the effect of a vote “Against” such proposal,Proposal 2, and broker non-votes, although counted for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, will have the effect of a vote neither for nor against such proposal.

WHAT IF MY SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN MY NAME?

If you own your shares in “street name,” meaning that your broker is actually the record owner, you should contact your broker. When a broker does not have voting instructions and withholds its vote on one of these matters, it is called a “broker non-vote.” Broker non-votes count toward a quorum, but otherwise do not affect the outcome of any proposal.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 24, 2008
This Proxy Statement is available on Selective’s internet website atwww.selective.com.

Page 4




SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND SECURITIES AUTHORIZED

FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2006

The following table shows:

How much Selective common stock each nominee for director, director, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President (“CEO”), and the next four most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO, own directly or beneficially.

How much Selective common stock the directors and executive officers of Selective own, directly or beneficially as a group.

 

 

NUMBER OF

 

 

 

NUMBER

SHARES

TOTAL

 

 

OF SHARES

REGARDING

SHARES

 

 

BENEFICIALLY

OPTIONS

BENEFICIALLY

PERCENT

NAME OF OWNER

OWNED

EXERCISABLE(1)

OWNED

OF CLASS

Bauer, Paul D.

13,991

 

21,000

34,991

*

Becker, W. Marston

103

 

0

103

*

Brown, A. David

15,232

 

21,000

36,232

*

Burville, John C.

119

 

0

119

*

Connell, Richard F.

37,719

 

5,000

42,719

*

Kearns, William M., Jr.

85,577

 

27,000

112,577

*

Lamm-Tennant, Joan M.

15,611

 

27,000

42,611

*

McClellan, S. Griffin, III

24,133

(2)

6,000

30,133

*

Murphy, Gregory E.

137,016

 

34,825

171,841

*

Ochiltree, Jamie, III

109,353

(3)

44,000

153,353

*

O’Kelley, Ronald L.

1,969

 

3,000

4,969

*

Rockart, John F.

3,530

 

9,000

12,530

*

Rue, William M.

207,193

(4)

27,000

234,193

*

Thatcher, Dale A.

38,038

 

5,000

43,038

*

Thebault, J. Brian

19,755

(5)

27,000

46,755

*

Zaleski, Ronald J.

40,734

 

16,996

57,730

*

All executive officers and directors as a group (20 persons)

841,512

 

329,783

1,171,295

4.24


*

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)




(5)

Less than 1% of the common stock outstanding.

Includes shares under options exercisable on February 28, 2006 or within 60 days thereafter.

Includes 2,000 shares held by Mr. McClellan’s wife, for which Mr. McClellan disclaims beneficial ownership.

Includes 30,434 shares held by Mr. Ochiltree’s wife, for which Mr. Ochiltree disclaims beneficial ownership.

Includes (i) 16,355 shares held by Chas. E. Rue & Sons, Inc. t/a Rue Insurance (“Rue Insurance”), a general insurance agency of which Mr. Rue is President and owner of more than a 5% equity interest (see page 11 of this proxy statement for more information); (ii) 990 shares held by Mr. Rue’s wife; and (iii) 9,310 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Rue is a co-trustee for the benefit of his son and daughter, of which Mr. Rue disclaims beneficial ownership.

Includes: (i) 102 shares held in custody for and 100 shares held by Mr. Thebault’s son; and (ii) 102 shares held in custody for Mr. Thebault’s daughter.


Page 5



HOLDERS OF 5% OR MORE OF SELECTIVE SECURITIES

The following table lists the only person or group known to Selective to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of Selective’s voting securities as of December 31, 2005, based on a Schedule 13G filed by the beneficial owner on February 6, 2006 with the SEC.

Title of Class

Name & Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount & Nature

of Beneficial
Ownership

Percentage of Class

Common Stock

Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.

1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor

Santa Monica, CA 90401

2,129,248 shares

of common stock

7.53%

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2005,with respect to compensation plans under which shares of Selective’s common stock may be issued.(1)

Plan Category

(a)
Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options,
warrants and rights

 

(b)
Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and

rights

 

(c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))

Equity Compensation plans
approved by security holders

789,523

 

$26.96

 

1,971,194

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Compensation plans not
approved by security holders

 

 

561,502

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

789,523

 

$26.96

 

2,532,696

 

(1)

Since December 31, 2005, Selective has issued 42,970 stock options and 136,985 restricted shares under the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Omnibus Stock Plan”).

(2)

Includes 223,903 shares available for issuance under Selective’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and 1,747,291 shares available for issuance under Selective’s Omnibus Stock Plan; which can be issued as stock options or in the form of restricted stock awards.

(3)

This is the number of shares available for issuance under Selective’s current Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agents.

Page 6



Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agents

History

Selective’s Board of Directors adopted the Selective Insurance Group Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agents (the “Original Independent Agents Plan”) initially in May 1989 and most recently amended the Independent Agents Plan on July 24, 2000. At the Annual Meeting, the Board is seeking shareholder approval of a new Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, which, if approved, would replace the Original Independent Agents Plan. If the new Agencies Stock Purchase Plan is not approved by stockholders, the Original Independent Agents Plan will remain in effect. Please see Proposal 2 for information regarding the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

The Plan

Selective’s Board of Directors adopted the Original Independent Agents Plan to motivate persons performing independent insurance agency services for Selective by enabling them to participate in Selective’s long-term growth and success by purchasing shares of Selective’s common stock at a discounted price. The purchase price for shares offered under the Original Independent Agents Plan is the average of the high and low sale prices of Selective’s common stock quoted on NASDAQ on the date of purchase, less a discount of 10%.

Eligibility

Each independent insurance agency which is under contract with Selective’s insurance subsidiaries to promote and sell Selective insurance products is eligible to participate in the Original Independent Agents Plan and to purchase shares of Selective’s common stock under the plan. Also eligible to purchase shares under the Original Independent Agents Plan are: the principals of such agencies, general partners, officers and stockholders of eligible insurance agencies, key employees of eligible insurance agencies designated by the principals, general partners or officers of the agencies, their individual retirement plans, their Keogh plans, and employee benefit plans of eligible insurance agencies.

Restrictions on Shares Purchased under the Plan

Shares purchased under the Original Independent Agents Plan are restricted for a period of one year beginning on the date of the day after the purchase. During this one-year period, shares purchased under the Original Independent Agents Plan cannot be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or disposed of in any way.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSAL 1

Election of Directors

Selective’s Board of Directors currently has twelve (12) directors and is divided into three (3) classes designated Class I, Class II, and Class III. Pursuant to Selective’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and its By-laws, Selective may have a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of twenty (20) directors. By majority vote, the Board of Directors may set the number of directors within this range at any time.

The Board has set the number of members of the Board at twelve (12). John F. Rockart, having surpassed the eligibility age for election as a director, will retire from the Board on April 24, 2008, following the election of directors at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Board thanks Mr. Rockart for his many years of service.

Under Selective’s By-laws, directors are elected at the Annual Meeting for terms of three (3) years, unless a director is being elected to fill a vacant, unexpired term. No family relationships exist between any of Selective’s current directors, executive officers, and persons nominated by Selective to become a director. At present, the Board has authorized twelve (12) directors.

The Board nominatedhas ratified the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s nomination of the following four (4) incumbent Class IIIII directors and one additional nominee to stand for election at the Annual Meeting for terms expiring at the 20092011 Annual Meeting or whenuntil a successor has been duly elected and qualified: A. David Brown; William M. Kearns, Jr.; S. Griffin McClellan III; and J. Brian Thebault.

The Board also nominated two (2) Class III directors to stand for election at the Annual Meeting for a term expiring at the 2008 Annual Meeting or when a successor has been duly elected and qualified:Paul D. Bauer, John C. Burville, Joan M. Lamm-Tennant and John F. Rockart. Dr. BurvilleRonald L. O’Kelley (the incumbent directors) and Michael J. Morrissey. Mr. Morrissey was recommended to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee by a third party search firm and non-management directors of Selective and was appointed to the Board effective January 1, 2006. Dr. Rockart is presently a Class II director whose term expires at the 2006 Annual Meeting.

Page 7



The Board also nominated one (1) Class I director to stand for election at the Annual Meeting for a term expiring at the 2007 Annual Meeting or when a successor has been duly elected and qualified: W. Marston Becker. Mr. Becker was recommended by a third party search firm and non-management directors of Selective and was appointed to the Board effective February 13, 2006.

Selective.

All seven (7)five (5) nominees have consented to being named in this proxy statementProxy Statement and to serve if elected and the Board does not know of any reason why any of these nominees would decline or be unable to serve if elected. If a nominee becomes unavailable or unable to serve before the Annual Meeting, the Board can either reduce its size or designate a substitute nominee. If the Board designates a substitute nominee, proxies that would have been cast for the original nominee will be cast for the substitute nominee unless instructions are given to the contrary.

NOMINEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLASS II – DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL THE 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

CLASS III – Directors Nominated to Continue in Office Until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Paul D. Bauer, 64
Retired Financial Executive.
Independent Director, 1998
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tops Markets, Inc., 1970 to 1993.
Director, Rosina Holdings Inc., since 2002.
Director, R.P. Adams Co., 1991 to 2004.
Director, IMC, Inc., 1995 to 2000.
Director, Catholic Health System of Western New York, since 1998.
Co-founder and President, Buffalo Inner-City Scholarship Opportunity Network.
Trustee, Holy Angels Academy, since 2005.
Graduate of Boston College (B.S. in Accounting).
John C. Burville, 60
Insurance Consultant to the Bermuda Government, 2003 to 2007.
Independent Director, 2006
Bermuda Insurance Advisory Committee, 1985 to 2003.
Chief Actuary and Senior Rating Agency Manager of ACE Limited, 1992 to 2003.
Graduate of Leicester University in the United Kingdom (BSc and Ph.D.).
Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.

Page 5


Joan M. Lamm-Tennant, 55
Independent Director, 1993
Global Chief Economist & Risk Strategist, Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, since May 2007.
Senior Vice President, General Re Corporation, 1997 to April, 2007.
Adjunct Professor, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, since 2006.
Professor of Finance, Villanova University, 1988 to 2000.
Director, IVANS, Inc., since 2004.
Member, American Risk and Insurance Association.
Member, International Insurance Society.
Member, Association for Investment Management and Research.
Graduate of St. Mary’s University (B.B.A. and M.B.A.).
Graduate of the University of Texas (Ph.D.).
Ronald L. O’Kelley, 63
Chairman and CEO, Atlantic Coast Venture Investments Inc., since 2003.
Independent Director, 2005
Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, State Street Corporation, 1995 to 2002.
Director, U. S. Shipping Partners L.P., since 2004.
Director, Refco Inc., 2005 to 2006.
Advisory Director, Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, since 2003.
Member, National Association of Corporate Directors.
Graduate of Duke University (A.B.).
Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (M.B.A.).
CLASS III –Director Nominee to Serve in Office until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background

Michael J. Morrissey,60
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Firemark Investments, since 1983.
Independent Director
Director, CGA Group, Ltd., since 1998.
President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director, Manhattan Life Insurance Company, 1985 to 1987; Chief Executive Officer, Manhattan Capital Management, 1985.
Senior Vice President, Crum & Forster Insurance Group, 1978 to 1983.
Chartered Financial Analyst.
Graduate of Boston College (B.A.).
Graduate of Dartmouth College (M.B.A.).

Page 6


CONTINUING DIRECTORS
CLASS II –Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of DirectorsOccupation And Background
A. David Brown63

, 65

   Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Linens and Things, `Inc., since 2006.
Independent Director, 1996

   Managing Partner, Bridge Partners, LLC, an executive recruiting firm, since October 2003.

2003 to 2006.

   Partner, Whitehead Mann, executive recruiters, 1997 to 2003.

   Director, Hanover Direct, since 2003.

2003 to 2006.

   Director, Zale Corporation, 1997 to 2006.

   Director, The Sports Authority, Inc., 1998 to 2003.

   Trustee, Drew University.

   Trustee, Jackie Robinson Foundation.

   Trustee, Morristown Memorial Hospital Foundation.

   Graduate of Monmouth University (B.S.).

William M. Kearns, Jr., 70

Independent Director, 1975

72

   Chairman and Co-CEO and other executive positions of Keefe Managers, LLC, a money management firm, since 1998.

Independent Director, 1975
   President, W.M. Kearns & Co., Inc., a private investment company, since 1994.

Lead Director
   Advisory Director, Proudfoot Consulting, PLC, since 1996.

   Trustee of EQ Advisors Trust (Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S.), AXA Financial, since 1997.

   Trustee, AXA Enterprise Funds, since 2004.

   Director, TransitorTransistor Devices, Inc., 1991 to 2006; Lead Director, since 1991.

2007.

   Director, U. S. Shipping Partners L.P., 2002 to 2006; Lead Director, since 2007.
   Advisory Director, Gridley and Company LLC, since 2001.

   Advisory Director, U. S. Shipping Partners L.P.,Proudfoot Consulting, PLC, since 2002.

1997.

   Advisory Director, Private Client Resources LLC, since 2004.

   Executive Vice President, Greater NY Councils, Boy Scouts of America, since 1985.
   Member, Executive Advisory Committee, William E.Oncology Philanthropic Leadership Council, Carol G. Simon School of Business Administration, University of Rochester, since 1986.

   Member, National Association of Securities Dealers.

   Trustee,Cancer Center, Morristown Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Health Foundation, since 2005.

   Honorary LLD, Gonzaga University.

   Graduate of the University of Maine (B.A.).

   Graduate of New York University (M.A.).

S. Griffin McClellan III68

, 70

   Retired Banking Executive.
Independent Director, 1980

   Retired Banking Executive.

   Self-employed Banking Consultant, 1994 to 2001.

   Graduate of Harvard University (B.A.).

Page 8



J. Brian Thebault54

, 56

   Chairman, Earth-Thebault, since July 2007.
Independent Director, 1996

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, L.P. Thebault Company, a graphic communications concern, since1998 to July 2007.
   President and Chief Executive Officer, L.P. Thebault Company, 1984 to 1998.

   Trustee, The Delbarton School, since 1990.

   Trustee, The Peck School, since 1994.

   Trustee, The Delbarton School, 1990 to 2007.
   Graduate of University of Southern California (B.S.).

Page 7


CLASS I –Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

CLASS III – DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background

John C. Burville, W. Marston Becker58

, 55

   Chairman and CEO, Max Capital Group Ltd., since October 2006; Director, since 2004.
Independent Director, 2006

   Insurance Consultant to the Bermuda Government, since 2003.

   Bermuda Insurance Advisory Committee, since 1985.

   Chief Actuary and Senior Rating Agency Manager of ACE Limited, 1992 to 2003.

   Graduate of Leicester University in the United Kingdom (BSc and Ph.D.).

John F. Rockart, 74

Independent Director, 2002

   Senior Lecturer Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, since 1982.

   Director, Keane, Inc., since 1968.

   Director, Comshare, Inc., 1998 to 2004.

   Director, Oasis Semiconductor, Inc., 2004 to 2005.

   Member, Society Information Management, Association Information Systems.

   Trustee of New England Medical Center, since 1980.

   Graduate of Princeton University (A.B.).

   Graduate of Harvard Business School (M.B.A.).

   Graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Ph.D.).

CLASS I – DIRECTOR CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background

W. Marston Becker, 53

Independent Director, 2006

   Chairman &and CEO of LaSalle Re Holdings Ltd., since 2003.

2002.

   Chairman and General Partner of West Virginia Media Holdings, since 2001.

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 2002 to 2005; Director, Max Re Capital,1997-2003, Trenwick Group, Ltd., 1997-2003. In August 2003, Trenwick Group, Ltd. filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
   Director, Mountain Companies, since 2004.

2007.

   Director, Beazley Group plc, since 2006.
   Director, West Virginia University, United Hospital System, since 2004.

   Director, Trenwick   CEO, McDonough-Caperton Insurance Group, Ltd., 1997-2003.

1986 to 1994.

   Advisory Board Member, International Catastrophe Insurance Managers, LLC (ICAT), since 2005.

   Advisory Board Member, Conning Funds, since 1997.

   Advisory Board Member, American Securities Funds, since 1997.

   Graduate of West Virginia University (B.S. and J.D.).

   Graduate of West Virginia University (J.D.).

Page 9



CONTINUING DIRECTORS

CLASS I – DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background

Gregory E. Murphy50
Employee Director, 1997

, 52

   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Selective, since May 2000.

Employee Director, 1997
   President and Chief Executive Officer of Selective, May 1999 to May 2000.

   President and Chief Operating Officer of Selective, 1997 to May 1999.

   Other senior executive, management, and operational positions at Selective, since 1980.

   Director, Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc., since 1999.

   Director, Insurance Information Institute, since June 2000.
   Director, American Insurance Association (AIA), since 2002.

2002 to 2006.

   Certified Public Accountant (New Jersey) (Inactive).
   Trustee, the American Institute for CPCU (AICPCU) and the Insurance Institute of America (IIA), since June 2001.

   Graduate of Boston College (B.S.).

   Harvard University (Advanced Management Program).

Page 8


Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background
William M. Rue58

Non-Independent Director, 1977

, 60

   President, Rue Insurance, general insurance agency, since 1969.

Non-Independent Director, 1977
   President, Rue Financial Services, Inc., since 2002.

2002 to 2006.

   Director, 1st Constitution Bank, since 1989.

1989, Secretary of the Board, since 2005.

   Director, 1st Constitution Bancorp, since 1999, Secretary of the Board, since 2005.
   Director, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, since 1993.

1994.

   Trustee, Rider University, since 1993.

   Director, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation, since 1999.

   Member, National Association of Securities Dealers.

   Member, Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers.

   Member, Society of CPCU.

   Member, Professional Insurance Agents Association.

   Graduate of Rider College (B.A.).

Page 9


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
     The following table shows as of February 29, 2008:

CLASS III – DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

§The number of shares of Selective common stock beneficially owned by each nominee for director, director, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), and the three most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO and CFO (collectively, with the CEO and CFO, referred to as the “named executive officers”).

Name, Age, Year Elected To Board of Directors

Occupation And Background

Paul D. Bauer, 62

Independent Director,

§The number of shares of Selective common stock beneficially owned by the directors (and nominee for director) and executive officers of Selective as a group.
                 
  Number of Shares  
      Options Exercisable Total Shares Percent of
Name of Beneficial Owner Common Stock(1) within 60 days Beneficially Owned Class
Bauer, Paul D.  34,413   51,269   85,682   * 
Becker, W. Marston  8,637   9,269   17,906   * 
Brown, A. David  36,895   39,269   76,164   * 
Burville, John C.  5,106   9,269   14,375   * 
Connell, Richard F.  90,073   13,480   103,553   * 
Guthrie, Kerry A.  89,846 (2)  55,980   145,826   * 
Kearns, William M., Jr.  194,321   51,269   245,590   * 
Lamm-Tennant, Joan M.  40,376   51,269   91,645   * 
McClellan, S. Griffin, III  40,859 (3)  21,269   62,128   * 
Morrissey, Michael J.           * 
Murphy, Gregory E.  252,846   73,130   325,976   1%
Ochiltree, Jamie, III  97,694 (4)  55,738   153,432   * 
O’Kelley, Ronald L.  11,232   15,269   26,501   * 
Rockart, John F.  11,837   27,269   39,106   * 
Rue, William M.  408,116 (5)  51,269   459,385   1%
Thatcher, Dale A.  95,866   13,480   109,346   * 
Thebault, J. Brian  49,145 (6)  57,269   106,414   * 
All executive officers, directors and nominee for director as a group (21 persons)  1,651,868.63   651,679.00   2,303,548   4%
*Less than 1% of the common stock outstanding.
(1)Certain directors and executive officers hold Selective stock in margin accounts but, except as set forth in the footnotes to this table, no director or officer has pledged Selective stock for a loan or stock purchase.
(2)5,196 of the shares held by Kerry A. Guthrie, Selective’s Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, are pledged as collateral for a loan made by Selective to purchase Selective stock in 1998,

   Designated which loan is grandfathered under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and was authorized by the Board of Directors to encourage Selective stock ownership.

(3)Includes 4,000 shares held by Mr. McClellan’s wife, for which Mr. McClellan disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4)Includes: (i) 30,867 shares held by Mr. Ochiltree’s wife, for which Mr. Ochiltree disclaims beneficial ownership and (ii) 10,270 shares pledged as an audit committee financial expert.

   Retired Financial Executive.

   Executive Vicecollateral for a loan made by Selective to Mr. Ochiltree to purchase Selective stock in 1998, which loan is grandfathered under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and was authorized by the Board of Directors to encourage Selective stock ownership. Upon his retirement from the company on March 7, 2008, Mr. Ochiltree paid off the balance of this loan.

(5)Includes: (i) 33,941 shares held by Chas. E. Rue & Sons, Inc. t/a Rue Insurance (“Rue Insurance”), a general insurance agency of which Mr. Rue is President and Chief Financial Officerowner of Tops Markets, Inc.,more than a grocery concern, 1970 to 1993.

   Director, R.P. Adams Co., 1991 to 2004.

   Director, Rosina Holdings Inc., since 2002.

   Director, IMC, Inc., 1995 to 2000.

   Director, Catholic Health System10% equity interest (see page 11 of Western New York, since 1998.

   Trustee, D’Youville College, since 1995.

   Graduatethis proxy statement for more information); and (ii) 1,980 shares held by Mr. Rue’s wife.

(6)Includes: (i) 212 shares held in custody for and 208 shares held by Mr. Thebault’s son; (ii) 212 shares held in custody and 202 shares held by a daughter of Boston College (B.S.Mr. Thebault’s; and (iii) 205 shares held in Accounting).

custody for another daughter of Mr. Thebault.

Page 10




The following table lists the only persons or groups known to Selective to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of Selective’s voting securities as of December 31, 2007, based on Schedules 13G filed by the beneficial owners on January 10, 2008 and February 6, 2008, respectively with the SEC.

Joan M. Lamm-Tennant, 53

Independent Director, 1993

   Senior Vice President, General Reinsurance Corporation, since 1997.

   Professor

Amount & Nature of Finance, Villanova University, 1988 to 2000.

   Member, American Risk and Insurance Association.

   Member, International Insurance Society.

   Member, Association for Investment Management and Research.

   Graduate of St. Mary’s University (B.B.A. and M.B.A.).

   Graduate of the University of Texas (Ph.D.).

Ronald L. O’Kelley, 61
Independent Director, 2005

Title of Class

    Chairman

Name & Address of Beneficial OwnerBeneficial OwnershipPercentage of Class
Common StockDimensional Fund Advisors LP4,533,862 shares8.35%
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floorof common stock
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Common StockBarclays Global Investors, NA and CEO, Atlantic Coast Venture Investments Inc., a private investment company, since 2003.

    Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, StateAffiliates

2,795,909 shares5.15%
45 Fremont Street Corporation, 1995-2002.

    Director, U. S. Shipping Partners L.P., since 2004.

    Director, Refco Inc., 2005 – 2006.

    Advisory Director, Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship, Tepper School

of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, since 2003.

    Graduate of Duke University (A.B.).

    Graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University (M.B.A.).

common stock
San Francisco, CA 94105

The Board of Directors has determined that all directors, except for Mr. Murphy and Mr. Rue, are independent as defined by the applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. See the section entitled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below for further information concerning Mr. Rue.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Information regarding Executive Officers is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1. Business of Selective’s Annual Report on Form 10-K infor the item in Part I captioned “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

year ended December 31, 2007.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Management and Others/Certain Business RelationshipsRelated Persons

William M. Rue, a Selective director, is President and owns more than 10% of the equity of Rue Insurance, a general independent insurance agency. Rue Insurance is an appointed independent agent of Selective’s insurance subsidiaries and Selective HR Solutions, Inc., Selective’s human resources administration subsidiary (together with its subsidiaries, “Selective HR Solutions”), on terms and conditions similar to those of other Selective agents, including the right to participate in the Original Independent Agents Plan and the AgenciesSelective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan if approved.for Independent Insurance Agencies. Rue Insurance also places insurance for Selective’s business operations. Selective’s relationship with Rue Insurance has existed since 1928 and Selective expects that its relationship with Rue Insurance will continue in 2006.2008. In 2005:

Rue Insurance wrote insurance policies accounting for $10.2 million in direct written premiums with Selective’s insurance subsidiaries and Selective’s insurance subsidiaries paid Rue Insurance $1.9 million in commissions.

2007:

Rue Insurance wrote contracts accounting for $64,000 in fees with Selective HR Solutions and Selective HR Solutions paid Rue Insurance $15,000 in commissions.

Rue Insurance placed insurance policies with Selective’s insurance subsidiaries. Direct premiums written associated with these polices was $9.9 million in 2007, $9.5 million in 2006, and $10.2 million in 2005. In return, Selective’s insurance subsidiaries paid commissions to Rue Insurance of $1.7 million in 2007 and $1.9 million in 2006 and 2005.
Rue Insurance placed human resource outsourcing contracts with Selective HR Solutions resulting in revenues to Selective HR Solutions of $69,000 in 2007, $62,000 in 2006, and $64,000 in 2005. In return, Selective HR Solutions paid commissions to Rue Insurance of $15,000 in 2007, $14,000 in 2006, and $15,000 in 2005.
Rue Insurance placed insurance coverage for Selective with non-Selective insurance companies for which Rue Insurance was paid commission pursuant to its agreements with those carriers. Selective paid premiums for such insurance coverage of $0.5 million in 2007, $0.5 million in 2006, and $0.6 million in 2005.
Selective paid reinsurance commissions of $0.2 million in 2007, 2006, and 2005 to PL, LLC. PL, LLC is an insurance fund administrator of which Rue Insurance owns 26.67% and which places reinsurance through a Selective insurance subsidiary.

Selective paid $0.2 million in reinsurance commissions to P.L. Services, LLC t/a Public Alliance Group Administrative Services, an insurance fund administrator of which Rue Insurance owns 20% and which places reinsurance through Selective Insurance Company of America (“SICA”), a Selective insurance subsidiary.

Selective paid $0.6 million in premiums for insurance coverages that Rue Insurance wrote with non-Selective insurance companies for Selective’s own operations, for which Rue Insurance was paid commission pursuant to its agreements with those carriers.

Page 11



The son of S. Griffin McClellan III, a Selective director, S. GriffinSamuel G. McClellan IV, is an Assistant Vice President of Selective’s subsidiary, SICA.insurance subsidiaries. In 2005,2007, Mr. S. Griffin McClellan IV received $140,229$139,346 in cash compensation, primarily comprised of salary bonus and tuition reimbursement, and a grant of 962 shares of restrictedan annual cash incentive payment. He also received long-term incentive awards, consistent with awards granted to other Selective common stock.employees. Mr. S. Griffin McClellan IV’s compensation was determined in accordance with SICA’sthe standard employee compensation practices.practices of Selective Insurance Company of America (“SICA”). Mr. S. Griffin McClellan III wasis not a member of the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, or the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee.

Page 11


The daughter of Gregory E. Murphy, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Selective, Kelly Murphy, is employed as an actuarial analyst by Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC (“Guy Carpenter”), one of Selective’s reinsurance brokers. Guy Carpenter receives commissions from Selective’s reinsurers for business that Guy Carpenter places with such reinsurers on Selective’s behalf. Mr. Murphy’s daughter has no involvement in 2005. Asthe relationship between Selective and Guy Carpenter.
In 2007, The Selective Group Foundation, a private foundation established by Selective under Section 501(c)(3) of the 2006 Annual Meeting, heInternal Revenue Code (the “Selective Foundation”), made approximately $95,000 in grants to the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation (“NMHF”), a charitable organization affiliated with Newton Memorial Hospital (“NMH”). Both NMH and NMHF are located in Sussex County, New Jersey, where Selective is headquartered. At the end of 2007, there were outstanding annually renewable pledges totaling $395,000 to NMHF. Mr. Murphy serves on the Board of Directors of NMHF. In 2007, the Selective Foundation also made $112,500 in grants to Project Self-Sufficiency of Sussex County (“PSS”), a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to empowering low-income adults and their children to achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency. During 2007, Selective donated to PSS certain items of personalty with de minimis current fair value. At the end of 2007, there were outstanding annually renewable pledges totaling of $145,000 to PSS. Susan Murphy, Mr. Murphy’s wife, serves on the Board of Directors of PSS. In 2007, the Selective Foundation provided a grant to the Morristown Memorial Heart Center of $20,000, along with a pledge of $80,000 to be paid over the next four years. Mr. Kearns is a member of the Oncology Philanthropic Leadership Council, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Morristown Memorial Health Foundation. In 2007, the Selective Foundation made approximately $30,000 in grants to the United Way of Sussex County. Richard F. Connell, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Selective, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Sussex County. From time to time, the Selective Foundation makes grants to these and other charitable organizations in accordance with the Selective Foundation’s By-laws.
Review, Approval, or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Selective’s Board of Directors adopted a written Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures (the “Related Person Policy”) on January 30, 2007. The Related Person Policy defines “Related Person Transactions” as any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which Selective or its subsidiaries was, is, or will no longer servebe a participant and the amount involved exceeds $20,000, and in which any “Related Person” had, has, or will have a direct or indirect interest. A “Related Person” under the Related Person Policy is generally (i) any director, executive officer, or nominee to become director of Selective or an immediate family member of such person; (ii) a beneficial owner of more than 5% of Selective’s common stock or an immediate family member of such beneficial owner; and (iii) any firm, corporation, or other entity in which any person included in (i) or (ii) is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Under the Related Person Policy, “Related Person Transactions” must be approved by the Audit Committee (or Chair of the Committee if between meetings). The Audit Committee considers all of the relevant facts and circumstances of the proposed transaction available to it, including (i) the benefits to Selective; (ii) the impact on that committee.

Indebtednessa director’s independence; (iii) the availability of Management

Certain loans were previously made by Selectiveother sources for comparable products and services; (iv) the terms of the transaction; and (v) the terms available to executivesunrelated third parties or to employees generally.

No member of the Audit Committee may participate in any review, consideration, or approval of any Related Person Transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the Related Person. The Audit Committee only approves those Related Person Transactions that are grandfathered underin, or are not inconsistent with, the Sarbanes-Oxley Actbest interests of 2002Selective and its stockholders. Prior to the adoption of the Related Person Policy, Related Person Transactions, including those described above, were authorizedreported to, and considered by, the Board of Directors pursuant to encourageSelective’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Page 12


Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that all directors, except Messrs. Murphy and Rue, are independent as defined by the applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations. In making its determination, the Board considered various transactions, relationships, or arrangements that relate to the Directors. For a description of the transactions, relationships, or arrangements related to Messrs. Rue and McClellan, see the section entitled “Transactions with Related Persons” beginning on page 11. The Board determined that the employment of Mr. McClellan’s son by Selective stock ownership. On December 16, 1994, Selective madedoes not affect Mr. McClellan’s independence under applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.
The Board reviewed the circumstances surrounding Selective’s reinsurance treaties with General Re Corporation (“Gen Re”), of which company Ms. Lamm-Tennant served as a loan to Jamie Ochiltree, III, now Selective’s Senior Executive Vice President Insurance Operations,through April 2007. Selective ceded $1.1 million in premium to Gen Re in 2007. Gen Re’s total revenue for 2007 was $6.1 billion, and as such, the original principaltransactions with Selective amounted to less than 0.02% of Gen Re’s total revenue for the year. The Board determined that because the amount of $197,000 at an annual interest ratethe transactions is immaterial to the business of zero percentGen Re, the transactions between Selective and a maturity dateGen Re do not affect the independence of Ms. Lamm-Tennant under applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.
In May 2007, Ms. Lamm-Tennant became employed by Guy Carpenter as Global Chief Economist & Risk Strategist. The Board reviewed the broker service agreement with Guy Carpenter under which the company’s insurance subsidiaries placed reinsurance through Guy Carpenter, for which Guy Carpenter earned approximately $2.0 million. Guy Carpenter’s total revenue for 2007 was approximately $916 million and, as such, the transactions with Selective companies was less than 0.22% of Guy Carpenter’s total revenue for the year. As Ms. Lamm-Tennant had no involvement in 2005 to financethese transactions and the exercise of non-qualified stock options to purchase Selective common stock granted on the same date. On August 7, 1998, Selective made a loan to Mr. Ochiltree in the original principal amount of $98,799 at an annual interest ratethe transactions is immaterial to the business of 2.5%Guy Carpenter, the Board determined that the placement of the reinsurance through Guy Carpenter does not affect the independence of Ms. Lamm-Tennant under applicable NASDAQ and a maturity date in 2009 to finance the purchase of Selective common stock in the open market. The largest aggregate amount of such indebtedness outstanding at any time during the fiscal year 2005 was $116,403. Mr. Ochiltree paid the 1994 loan in full as of February 2005. As of March 10, 2006, the outstanding principal amount under the 1998 loan was $43,471.

SEC rules and regulations.

SECTION16(A) 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires Selective’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Selective’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Selective’s equity securities. Such executive officers, directors, and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish Selective with copies of all of the Section 16(a) Exchange Act reports that they file. BasedOther than as set forth above, based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3, 4, and 5 or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for those persons, Selective believes that all reporting requirements under Section 16(a) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005,2007, were met in a timely manner by its directors, executive officers, and greater than 10% beneficial owners.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Selective has established Corporate Governance Guidelines that are available for review in the Corporate Governance section of Selective’s website, www.selective.com. These guidelines provide for the election of a Lead Independent Director, who supervises meetings of Selective’s independent directors that occur at least semi-annually. Mr. Kearns is presently the Lead Independent Director. In 2007, Selective’s independent directors met four (4) times outside the presence of management.
All of the members of the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee are independent directors as defined by NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.

Page 13


CODE OF CONDUCT

BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors held seven (7) meetings in 2007. All directors attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which they were members in 2007. It is Selective’s policy that all directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting, and all attended the 2007 Annual Meeting.
The Board has five (5) standing committees:
Audit Committee.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
Executive Committee.
Finance Committee.
Salary and Employee Benefits.
Audit Committee
The following table provides information on the composition and activities of the Audit Committee:
Written Charter is available on the Corporate Governance section of www.selective.com2007 Meetings: 11
Responsibilities:
•  Oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements.
•  Review and discuss with Selective’s management and independent auditors Selective’s financial reports and other financial information provided to the public and filed with the SEC.
•  Monitor the activities of Selective’s Internal Audit Department and the appointment, replacement, reassignment or dismissal of the Director of Internal Audit.
•  Monitor Selective’s internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance.
•  Appoint Selective’s independent public accountants and supervise the relationship between Selective and its independent auditors, including reviewing their performance, making decisions with respect to their compensation, retention and removal, reviewing and approving in advance their audit services and permitted non-audit services, and confirming the independence of the independent auditors.
Director Members:
Independent
Paul D. Bauer, Chairperson and Designated Audit Committee Financial Expert under SEC Safe HarborYes
Joan M. Lamm-TennantYes
John F. RockartYes
J. Brian ThebaultYes

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Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The following table provides information on the composition and activities of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee:
Written Charter is available on the Corporate Governance section of www.selective.com2007 Meetings: 4
Responsibilities:
•  Establish criteria for the selection of directors and identify and recommend to the Board the nominees for director.
•  Review and assess Selective’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommend any changes to the Board.
•  Recommend to the Board the directors to serve on the various Board committees and as chairpersons of the respective committees.
•  Advise the Board with respect to Board composition, procedures and committees.
•  Review and update Selective’s Code of Conduct and review conflicts of interest or other issues that may arise under the Code of Conduct involving Selective’s officers or directors.
•  Oversee the self-evaluations of the Board and each committee of the Board.
•  Review, jointly with the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee, executive staff succession planning and professional development.
Director Members:
Independent
A. David Brown, ChairpersonYes
William M. Kearns, Jr. Yes
Ronald L. O’KelleyYes
John F. RockartYes
Nomination and Review of Director Candidates
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews candidates for possible nomination and election to the Board of Directors from any source, including:
Directors and management;
Third party search firms that it may engage from time-to-time; and
Stockholders.
Regardless of source, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates on the same bases and standards, including:
Personal and professional ethics, integrity, character, and values;
Professional and personal experience;
Subject matter expertise;
Independence;
Diversity;
Business judgment;
Insurance industry knowledge;
Willingness to dedicate and devote sufficient time to Board duties and activities;
Potential or actual conflicts of interest; and
Other appropriate and relevant factors, including the qualification and skills of the current members of the Board.

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Stockholders proposing candidates for consideration by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee must submit all information relating to such candidates as would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of such person as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in writing as follows:
Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
c/o Corporate Secretary of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, NJ 07890
Executive Committee
The following table provides information on the composition and activities of the Executive Committee:
2007 Meetings: 2
Responsibilities:
•  Authorized by By-laws to exercise the Board of Directors’ powers and authority in the management of Selective’s business and affairs between Board meetings.
•  Has the right and authority to exercise all the powers of the Board of Directors on all matters brought before it except matters concerning Selective’s investments.
Director Members:
Gregory E. Murphy, ChairpersonWilliam M. Kearns, Jr., Lead Director
Paul D. BauerWilliam M. Rue
A. David BrownJ. Brian Thebault
Finance Committee
The following table provides information on the composition and activities of the Finance Committee:
Written Charter is available on the Corporate Governance section of www.selective.com2007 Meetings: 4
Responsibilities:
•  Review and approve changes to Selective’s investment policies, strategies, and programs.
•  Review investment transactions made on behalf of Selective and review the performance of Selective’s investment portfolio.
•  Review matters relating to the investment portfolios of the benefit plans of Selective and its subsidiaries, including the administration and performance of such portfolios.
•  Appoint members of Selective’s Management Investment Committee.
•  Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding payment of dividends.
•  Review Selective’s capital structure and provide recommendations to the Board regarding financial policies and matters of corporate finance.
Director Members:
William M. Rue, ChairpersonS. Griffin McClellan III
W. Marston BeckerGregory E. Murphy
William M. Kearns, Jr.Ronald L. O’Kelley

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Salary and Employee Benefits Committee
The following table provides information on the composition and activities of the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee:
Written Charter is available on the Corporate Governance section of www.selective.com2007 Meetings: 6
Responsibilities:
•  Oversee, review, and administer all compensation, equity, and employee benefit plans and programs related to Selective’s and its subsidiaries’ employees and management.
•  Review annually and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive compensation and evaluate performance in light of those goals.
•  Review annually and approve Selective’s compensation strategy for employees.
•  Review annually and determine the individual elements of total compensation of the CEO and other members of Senior Management.
•  Review and approve compensation for non-employee directors.
Director Members:
Independent
J. Brian Thebault, ChairpersonYes
Paul D. BauerYes
John C. BurvilleYes
Ronald L. O’KelleyYes
Stockholder Communications
Stockholders so desiring may send communications to the Board of Directors or individual directors in writing c/o Corporate Secretary, Selective Insurance Group, Inc., 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, NJ 07890 or by e-mail to corporate.governance@selective.com. The Board has instructed the Corporate Secretary to use discretion in forwarding unsolicited advertisements, invitations to conferences, or other promotional material.
Code of Conduct
Selective has adopted a Code of Conduct which sets forth the guiding principles of business ethics for all Selective personnel, including executive officers. The Code of Conduct can be found under the Corporate Governance section of Selective’s website, www.selective.com. Any amendment to or waiver from the provisions of the Code of Conduct that applies to Selective’s senior executive officers will be posted to Selective’s website, www.selective.com.

Page 1217



THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEESEXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Board

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Philosophy of Directors held seven (7) meetings in 2005.

The Board has five (5) standing committees: Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating,our Executive Finance, and Salary and Employee Benefits. Compensation Program

The Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating, Finance, and Salary and Employee Benefits Committees have written charters, all of which can be found under the Corporate Governance section of Selective’s website, www.selective.com.

All of the members of the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee are independent directors as defined by NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations.

All directors attended 75% or more(“SEBC”) of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which they are members in 2005.

It is Selective’s policy that all directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting. All directors attended the 2005 Annual Meeting.

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The following table lists for each of these committees, its membership, a summary of its responsibilities, and the number of meetings it held in 2005:

COMMITTEE NAME AND MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

2005 MEETINGS

Audit

Paul D. Bauer, Chairperson(1)

Joan M. Lamm-Tennant(2)

S. Griffin McClellan III(3)

John F. Rockart

J. Brian Thebault

(1) Designated by the Board of Directors as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with SEC rules and regulations.  Became Chairperson on April 27, 2005.

(2) Served as Chairperson until April 26, 2005.

(3) As of the 2006 Annual Meeting, Mr. McClellan will no longer serve on this committee.

     Oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements.

     Review and discuss with Selective’s management and independent auditors Selective’s financial reports and other financial information provided to the public and filed with the SEC.

     Monitor the internal audit department and the appointment or replacement of the Director of Internal Audit.

     Monitor Selective’s internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance.

     Appoint Selective’s independent auditors and supervise the relationship between Selective and its independent auditors, including reviewing their performance, making decisions with respect to their compensation, retention and removal, reviewing and approving in advance their audit services and permitted non-audit services, and confirming the independence of the independent auditors.

8

Corporate Governance and Nominating

William M. Kearns, Jr.,
Chairperson

A. David Brown(1)

Ronald L. O’Kelley

John F. Rockart

(1) The Board appointed Mr. Brown to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee effective April 27, 2005.

     Establish criteria for the selection of directors and identify and recommend to the Board the nominees for director.

     Review and assess Selective’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommend any changes to the Board.

     Recommend to the Board the Board members to serve on the various Board committees and as chairpersons.

     Advise the Board with respect to Board composition, procedures and committees.

     Review and approve compensation for non-employee directors.

     Review and update Selective’s Code of Conduct and review conflicts of interest or other issues that may arise under the Code of Conduct involving Selective’s officers or directors.

     Oversee the self-evaluations of the Board and each committee of the Board.

5

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Executive

Gregory E. Murphy,

Chairperson

Paul D. Bauer(1)

A. David Brown

William M. Kearns, Jr.

William M. Rue

(1) The Board appointed Mr. Bauer to the Executive Committee effective April 27, 2005.

    Authorized to exercise the Board of Directors’ powers and authority in the management of Selective’s business and affairs between Board meetings.

    Has the right and authority to exercise all the powers of the Board of Directors on all matters brought before itexcept matters concerning Selective’s investments.

1

Finance

William M. Rue,

Chairperson

John C. Burville(1)

William M. Kearns, Jr.

Joan M. Lamm-Tennant

S. Griffin McClellan III

Gregory E. Murphy

Ronald L. O’Kelley

(1) The Board appointed Dr. Burville to the Finance Committee effective January 1, 2006.

    Review and approve changes to Selective’s investment policies, strategies, and programs.

    Review investment transactions made on behalf of Selective and review the performance of Selective’s investment portfolio.

    Appoint members of Selective’s Management Investment Committee.

    Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding payment of dividends.

    Review Selective’s capital structure and provide recommendations to the Board regarding financial policies and matters of corporate finance.

4

Salary & Employee Benefits

A. David Brown,

Chairperson

Paul D. Bauer

John C. Burville(1)

J. Brian Thebault

(1) The Board appointed Dr. Burville to the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee effective January 1, 2006.

    Oversee, review, and administer all compensation, equity, and employee benefit plans and programs related to Selective’s and its subsidiaries’ employees and management.

    Review annually and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive compensation and evaluate performance in light of those goals.

    Review annually and approve Selective’s compensation strategy for employees.

    Review annually and determine the individual elements of total compensation of the CEO and other members of Senior Management.

6

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DIRECTOR SELECTION PROCESS

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing candidates for election to Selective’s Board of Directors, oversees executive compensation. Selective seeks to attract and retain talented and qualified executives by paying compensation that are identifiedis generally targeted at the 50th percentile or greater of compensation paid by Board members, management, and/or third party search firmscomparable companies in the property and selecting nominees for approval by the stockholders. In making selections, the Corporate Governancecasualty insurance industry. A primary purpose of our compensation programs is to motivate executives to achieve our corporate objectives and Nominating Committee reviews the attributesincrease shareholder value. Accordingly, we tie our annual incentive awards to pre-determined strategic and criteria required in light of current Board membership, including experience, skills, expertise, diversity, character,financial business judgment, time availability in light of other commitments, dedication, conflicts of interestobjectives and other relevant factors that the Corporate Governanceindividual objectives, and Nominating Committee consider appropriate. Candidates for election should be willing to devote sufficient time to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively, and should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity, and values. Candidates must be committed to representing thewe align our long-term interests of Selective and its stockholders. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders for election as directors at an Annual Meeting of Stockholders but does not solicit such recommendations. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee applies the same standards in considering candidates submitted by stockholders as it does in evaluating candidates identified by other sources. Stockholders who wish to propose a nominee for consideration by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee must do so in writing addressedcompensation to the Chairmangeneration of long-term stockholder value over time.

The SEBC retains an outside executive compensation consultant (the “Compensation Consultant”) whose representative attends SEBC meetings as requested, reviews senior executive compensation, prepares comprehensive competitive compensation analyses for Selective’s named executive officers, and makes recommendations regarding the Corporate Governancecomponents of compensation, amounts allocated to those components, and Nominating Committee, c/o the Corporate Secretary of Selective, 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, NJ 07890. The notification must contain all information relating to each person whom the stockholder proposes that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consider for nomination as a director as would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxiestotal compensation opportunities for the election of such person as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation for non-employee directors in 2004 and 2005 is shown on the table below. Employee directors do not receive compensation for serving on the Board.

COMPENSATION

 

2005

 

 

2004

Annual Retainer Fee (1)

 

$43,000

 

 

$43,000

Annual Option Grant (in shares) (2)

 

$3,000

 

 

$3,000

Board Meeting Attendance

 

$0

 

 

$0

Committee Attendance Fee (3)
In person
By telephone

 

$1,500

$1,000

 

 

$1,500

$1,000

Annual Chairperson Fee(4)
Audit Committee
Salary & Employee Benefits Committee

 

$10,000

$10,000

 

 

$10,000

$10,000

Lead Director Fee(5)

 

$10,000

 

 

$0

Expenses

 

Reasonable

 

 

Reasonable

(1)

The Annual Retainer Fee is set annually by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Pursuant to the Stock Compensation Plan for Nonemployee Directors (the “Directors Stock Plan”) prior to April 26, 2005 and the Omnibus Stock Plan thereafter, directors, by December 20 of the prior year, must elect to receive the Annual Retainer Fee either (i) entirely in shares of common stock or (ii) in a combination of shares of common stock and cash, which must be 50% or less of the Annual Retainer Fee. The Annual Retainer Fee is paid in equal quarterly installments on the first (1st) day of January, April, July, and October. The number of shares of common stock issued in each quarterly installment is determined by multiplying the amount of Annual Retainer Fee to be paid in stock by one-quarter (0.25) and dividing that product by the average of the high and low sale price of Selective’s common stock as quoted on NASDAQ on the payment date (“Fair Market Value”). By December 20 of the prior year, directors may also elect to defer the receipt of the Annual Retainer Fee and any dividends and accrued interest to a specified future year, the attainment of age 70, or termination of services as a director. On January 31, 2006, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee increased the Annual Retainer Fee for each non-employee Director to $50,000, with at least 50% still provided through Selective’s common stock.

(2)

Under the Stock Option Plan for Directors (the “Directors Option Plan”) prior to April 26, 2005 and the Omnibus Stock Plan thereafter, each director automatically receives an option to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock on March 1 or the following business day if March 1 is on a weekend (“Automatic Director Option”). The exercise price for each option is the Fair Market Value and is payable in cash or in common stock. Each option vests on the first anniversary of its grant and has a term of ten (10) years. In the event of a director’s death or disability, an option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by the director’s executor, administrator, guardian or legal representative in accordance with the terms of such option. On January 31, 2006, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee decided to amend Selective’s non-employee director compensation program so that each non-employee director annually receives equity awards of $32,500 in restricted shares of Selective’s common stock and $32,500 in options under the Omnibus Stock Plan. Upon the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s recommendation, effective February 28, 2006, the Board amended the Omnibus Stock Plan to eliminate Automatic Director Option grants and make other conforming changes.

(3)

Committee Attendance Fees are paid in cash. Directors may also elect to defer the receipt of their Committee Attendance Fees and any interest thereon, to a specified future year, the attainment of age 70, or termination of services as a director.

(4)

Annual Chairman Fees are paid quarterly in cash. Directors may also elect to defer the receipt of their Annual Chairman Fee and any interest thereon, to a specified future year, the attainment of age 70, or termination of service as a director. On January 31, 2006, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee increased the Annual Chairperson Fee for the Audit Committee and the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee to $12,500. Also at that time, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee adopted an Annual Chairperson Fee for each of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Finance Committee of $7,500.

(5)

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee set an annual fee of $10,000 to be paid quarterly in cash to the Lead Director, effective January 1, 2005 and, on January 31, 2006, increased the Lead Director Fee to $15,000.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following Summary Compensation Table shows how much compensation Selective’s CEO and the next four most highly compensatedother named executive officers. Historically, the SEBC had retained Hewitt Associates, LLC (“Hewitt”) as the Compensation Consultant. In April 2007, the SEBC was informed that the principal of the Compensation Consultant with primary responsibility for advising the SEBC would be leaving Hewitt to take a position with EXEQUITY, LLP (“EXEQUITY”). At that time, there was consensus by the SEBC to engage EXEQUITY as the Compensation Consultant, and enter into an agreement with EXEQUITY. In 2007, amounts paid to EXEQUITY and Hewitt for executive compensation consulting services were $7,751 and $20,288, respectively.

Design Considerations of the Executive Compensation Program
Our executive compensation program consists of the following key elements:
Base salary;
Annual cash incentive payments;
Long-term incentive awards in the form of stock options, performance-based restricted stock, and performance-based cash incentive units; and
Retirement and deferred compensation plans.
Each of the above elements was selected to respond to the market-based realities of attracting and retaining quality executives and to align executives’ efforts and results with the interests of Selective’s stockholders.
When making compensation decisions, the SEBC believes that it is important to be informed on compensation practices at publicly traded companies, in general, and property and casualty insurance holding companies, in particular. Accordingly, the Compensation Consultant performs an annual analysis of compensation paid to our named executive officers. This analysis compares base salary, annual cash incentives, total cash compensation, long-term incentives, and total compensation paid by Selective against three external benchmark insurance groups. Compensation data from these three groups is obtained from filed proxy statements, the Property & Casualty Insurance Compensation Survey (the “PCICS”), and an insurance industry compensation survey. Additional information, including a listing of the companies in each of these three groups and details regarding our benchmarking process is contained in the section entitled “Benchmarking.” In making compensation determinations for our Chief Investment Officer, market data is analyzed from both the PCICS and the McLagan Partners Investment Management Survey (the “McLagan Survey”), a recognized source for pay data for investment professionals. Additional information about the McLagan Survey is also provided under the section titled “Benchmarking.”

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Tax Treatment and Accounting
To the extent practicable, the SEBC intends to preserve deductibility under the Internal Revenue Code for performance-based compensation paid to its executive officers. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits publicly owned companies from deducting compensation paid to certain of its executive officers as expense to the extent that the officer’s compensation in excess of $1 million is not performance-based and not paid pursuant to a stockholder approved plan. Selective has two performance-based stockholder approved plans; the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Omnibus Stock Plan”) and the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash Incentive Plan (the “Cash Incentive Plan”).
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment(“FAS 123R”), which requires that compensation expense be measured on the income statement for all share-based payments (including employee stock options) at grant date fair value of the equity instruments. Selective adopted this accounting pronouncement on January 1, 2005.
Benchmarking
At least once a year, the SEBC compares the individual targeted compensation and actual paid compensation of our named executive officers with external data from groups of comparator companies. In 2007, Hewitt and EXEQUITY furnished the SEBC with information on the following benchmark insurance groups and the McLagan Survey that contained market data for named executive officer positions. The SEBC believes that these sources provide comprehensive information regarding Selective’s relative compensation position. By considering these multiple market references, the SEBC believes it can be less concerned about potential anomalies which may occur in a single market data point.
Market/Product Group — organizations that compete with Selective in the sale of products and services;
Size Group — companies of similar size;
Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Survey (PCICS); and
McLagan Partners Investment Management Survey.
The companies that are included in each of these benchmark insurance groups are as follows:
Market/Product GroupPeer Size Group
The Chubb CorporationArch Capital Group, Ltd.
Cincinnati Financial CorporationCommerce Group, Inc.
CNA Financial CorporationHanover Group
EMC Insurance Group Inc.MaxCapital Group Ltd.
Hanover GroupMercury General Corporation
Harleysville Group, Inc.Ohio Casualty Corporation
Hartford Financial Services GroupOld Republic International Corporation
Ohio Casualty CorporationRadian Group Inc.
PMA Capital CorporationUnitrin, Inc.
Safeco CorporationZenith National Insurance Corp.
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
State Auto Financial Corporation

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Property & Casualty Insurance Compensation Survey
ACEGreat American Insurance Group
AcuityHanover Group
Allstate Insurance CompanyHarleysville Group, Inc.
American Family InsuranceHartford Financial Services Group
American International GroupLiberty Mutual Insurance Group
Argonaut Group, Inc.Main Street America Group
The Auto Club GroupMercury General Corporation
Automobile Club of Southern CaliforniaMetLife
California State Automobile AssociationNationwide
Central Insurance CompaniesOhio Casualty Corporation
The Chubb CorporationOne Beacon Insurance Company
CNA Financial CorporationPMA Capital Corporation
Country Insurance & Financial ServicesSafeco Corporation
Crum & ForsterSentry Insurance
Erie Indemnity CompanyThe Travelers Companies, Inc.
Farmers Insurance GroupState Farm Insurance Company
FBL Financial Group, Inc.USAA
Fireman’s Fund Insurance CompanyUtica National Insurance Group
GEICOWinterthur North America
GE InsuranceZenith National Insurance Corp.
Zurich North America
McLagan Partners Investment Management Survey — Insurance Companies
40/86 Advisors, IncMutual of Omaha
Advantus Captial Management, IncNationwide Insurance
AEGON USANew York Life Investment Management LLC
Aetna, Inc.Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
AIG Global Investment GroupOneAmerica Financial Partners
Allianz Life Insurance of North AmericaOpus Investment Management (Hanover Ins)
Allstate Investments, LLCPacific Life Insurance Company
Assurant, IncPartnerRe Asset Management Company
AVIVA USA (formerly AmerUs)PPM America, Inc.
AXA EquitablePrincipal Global Investors
The Chubb CorporationProgressive Corporation
CIGNA Investment ManagementPrudential Financial
Country Insurance & Financial ServicesSecurity Benefit Corporation
CUNA Mutual GroupSentinel Asset Management, Inc.
FBL Financial GroupSentry Insurance
Genworth FinancialStandard Life Investments (USA) Limited
Guardian Life Insurance CompanyState Farm Insurance Companies
Hartford Investment Management CompanySun Life Financial
ING Investment ManagmentSwiss Re
Liberty MutualTIAA-CREF
MBIA Asset ManagementThe Travelers Companies, Inc.
MetLife InvestmentsUSAA Investment Management Company
MFC Global Investment Management
Mutual of Omaha
Modern Woodmen of America
For named executive officers other than the CEO, the SEBC takes into account the recommendations made by the CEO based on his assessment of each named executive officer’s performance for the year, continued contributions to the company and potential for advancement. The SEBC gives the CEO’s recommendations significant weight in the evaluation process but final decisions on named executive officer compensation are made by the SEBC. The SEBC also considers the medians of the benchmark groups in addition to pre-established guidelines regarding award amounts, company

Page 20


performance, retention issues, internal equity, and advancement in abilities, experience, and responsibilities.
Allocation Between Current and Long-Term Compensation
Selective allocates compensation between currently paid components, principally comprised of an established base salary and a variable annual cash incentive, and variable long-term components that link compensation opportunities for executives to both short-term and long-term financial and strategic objectives.
Elements of Current Compensation
Base Salary
Selective’s base salary provides stable, competitive compensation and takes into account scope of responsibility, relevant background, training, and experience. The SEBC also considers competitive market data for similar positions and overall market demand for each position. Generally, the SEBC believes base salaries should be aligned with market trends for executives in similar positions and with similar responsibilities at comparable companies. When establishing the 2007 base salaries of the named executive officers, the SEBC considered a number of additional factors, including:
the functional role of the position;
the level of responsibility;
growth of the executive in the role, including skills and competencies;
the contribution and performance of the executive; and
the organization’s ability to replace the executive.
In determining the 2007 base salary for Mr. Murphy, the SEBC considered the overall performance of the organization and Mr. Murphy’s individual performance, as well as, base pay levels of CEOs in the benchmark groups. This comparison showed that Mr. Murphy’s base salary was slightly higher than the medians of the Market/Product Group and Size Group, but aligned with the median of the PCICS group. Consequently, the SEBC concluded that Mr. Murphy’s base salary was appropriately positioned when compared with competitive norms and no salary increase was provided to him in 2007.
Based on the other named executive officers’ contributions to Selective’s growth, reviews of their comprehensive performance appraisals by Mr. Murphy, the potential for voluntary departures and cost and difficulty of replacement, the SEBC approved increases in the 2007 annual base salary rates for Mr. Thatcher from $350,000 to $415,000; Mr. Ochiltree from $430,000 to $460,000; Mr. Connell from $380,000 to $450,000; and Mr. Guthrie from $352,000 to $400,000. These increases were made in the course of the normal annual performance and salary review process, and for Mr. Connell, also reflects an additional increase in late 2007 provided in connection with his appointment as Chief Administrative Officer.
Annual Cash Incentive Payment
Selective’s annual cash incentive payment program (“ACIP”) is based on near-term strategic and financial organizational goals as well as pre-established individual goals and objectives, and is intended to link a meaningful portion of annual cash compensation to the achievement of these goals. For 2007, most of Selective’s executives, including the named executive officers, other than the Chief Investment Officer, were eligible to be considered for an annual cash incentive payment under the Cash Incentive Plan, which was approved at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Each year, the SEBC approves annual strategic and financial goals, which, if attained, result in the funding of an ACIP award pool. An individual’s ACIP is based on position grade level, achievement of various corporate strategic initiatives and a corporate financial measure established for the ACIP, and individual employee performance. For 2007, corporate goals for the ACIP were based on the achievement of six equally weighted strategic initiatives which could account for the funding of up to

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36% of the ACIP award pool, and a range of statutory combined ratios (a measurement commonly used within the property and casualty insurance industry to measure underwriting profit or loss — a statutory combined ratio under 100% generally indicates that an insurance company is generating an underwriting profit and a statutory combined ratio over 100% generally indicates that an insurance company is generating an underwriting loss) from 95.0% to 101.0%, that could result in the funding of between 0% and 78% of the ACIP award pool. If none of the ACIP goals were achieved, no ACIP would be paid.
The six (6) strategic initiatives for 2007 were as follows:
Market Planning
oSpecified number of new agency appointments
Premium Growth (2 of 3)
oCommercial Lines: Designated percentage of certain agents achieving new business targets
oPersonal Lines: Increase average monthly auto quote activity to a targeted monthly rate
oTargeted increase in designated Business Owner Policy accounts, priced within a specified range
Profitability
oSpecified improvement in workers compensation managing price and retention by decile
oSpecified increase in total commercial lines renewal rate (including exposure)
Technology
oSpecified amount of new commercial premium entered via xSELerate®
Claims
oSpecified savings through workers compensation managed care initiatives
Selective HR Solutions
oProduce targeted number of worksite lives through Selective agents
Based on the attainment of a statutory combined ratio for 2007 of 97.5% and the achievement of four of the six strategic initiatives, the 2007 ACIP award pool was paid out at 63% of its funding target.
The payment opportunities for 2007 ACIP for the CEO and the other named executive officers (other than the Chief Investment Officer) were based on competitive market levels and set as a percentage of annual base salary relative to corresponding levels of performance against the program’s performance goals. The SEBC can exercise discretion to award incentives in amounts lower than the maximums outlined below or to award no incentives at all.
2007 ACIP Opportunity Based On Goal Achievement
 OfficerTitleMaximum ACIP Opportunity
Gregory E. MurphyChairman, President & CEO200% of base salary
Dale A. ThatcherExecutive Vice President & CFO150% of base salary
Jamie Ochiltree, IIISenior Executive Vice President175% of base salary
Richard F. ConnellSenior Executive Vice President175% of base salary
For 2007, Mr. Murphy’s annual cash incentive was $900,000 or 100% of base salary, as compared with $1,500,000 or 166% of base salary paid to him for 2006. In evaluating Mr. Murphy’s performance in 2007, the SEBC utilized a comprehensive written performance review which was compiled from submissions by all non-executive members of the company’s Board of Directors. As CEO, Mr. Murphy had ultimate responsibility for the achievement of the financial and strategic goals described above. Since the company did not meet certain of its stated strategic and financial objectives, the

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SEBC felt the reduction in his ACIP was warranted and in keeping with the pay for performance philosophy of the company.
For each of the other named executive officers other than the Chief Investment Officer (who instead participates in the Investment Compensation Program) annual cash incentive payments were determined by the SEBC based on overall company performance, as well as the achievement of key department initiatives established in the first quarter of the year, and individual performance, and included the following:
Mr. Thatcher — In addition to his general management accountabilities for overall enterprise goal achievement, Mr. Thatcher completed a number of complex capital management transactions including the redemption of senior convertible debt and implementation of various tax strategies. He significantly improved internal mechanisms to manage treasury functions and specific accounting capabilities. Mr. Thatcher was also responsible for managing an expanded investor relations function, was the principal architect of the company’s corporate financial redesign and he created an enterprise risk management function to coordinate and strengthen existing company practices.
Mr. Ochiltree — In his role as head of Insurance Operations, Mr. Ochiltree was responsible for the achievement of revenue growth, the overall management of the company’s branch and diversified insurance services organizations and claims, underwriting, and strategic business units. Under his direction, the company exceeded its 2007 new business goal, expanded the use of itsOne & Donebusiness process and significantly grew agent adoption and use of the company’s seamless business process, xSELerate® and completed a two-year plan to reduce the combined ratio for the workers compensation line of business by over seven points. In 2007, operations exceeded the targeted number of new agency appointments by 43%, in addition to meeting specific goals within the diversified insurance services operations, and implementing a series of notable improvements in our claims operations.
Mr. Connell — As Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Connell led the company’s project management discipline which significantly contributed to the progress of the company’s Knowledge Management and Predictive Modeling processes and the acquisition of new business. Mr. Connell’s 2007 performance evaluation also took into account the successful installation of automated solutions for commercial lines of business in Massachusetts and three additional states for Personal Lines, in addition to the upgrade in systems and systems support for Selective HR Solutions, the company’s affiliated professional employer organization operation. Mr. Connell provided oversight in the implementation of a treasury interface system and provided active leadership and direction for the Strategic Management Office.
The Chief Investment Officer’s annual cash incentive compensation is not paid under the ACIP program but is instead paid under the Investment Compensation Program. This program measures overall investment results against stated benchmarks for both fixed income and equity portfolio performance. For 2007, annual cash incentive payments to the Chief Investment Officer and other company investment professionals were calculated based on results achieved over one-year and two-year performance periods. If investment results are below those benchmarks, the program’s annual incentive cash award pool is reduced. If the investment team exceeds the benchmarks, the pool is increased. A final investment factor (pool modifier) is calculated each year after investment results are calculated. The 2007 pool modifier was approximately 124%. Listed below are the 2007 investment program performance measures:
Equity — Achieve portfolio performance as compared with the S&P 500 Index
Fixed Income — Achieve portfolio performance as compared with the custom blended Lehman weighted average debt indices
Mr. Guthrie — As Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Guthrie’s performance is measured against overall investment results. Investment results for the equity portfolio were significantly higher than the

Page 23


S&P 500, whereas fixed income results were below expectations. In 2007 after-tax investment income exceeded the budgeted target by 1.4% or approximately $1.8 million. Mr. Guthrie was responsible for the implementation of various state of the art risk measurement and analysis tools utilized to effectively control investment risk. Notably, the company’s fixed income portfolio contained no direct sub-prime exposure. Mr. Guthrie was also responsible for the successful completion of various improvements to the investments of the company’s defined benefit pension plan and defined contribution benefit plan, and for continuing to build investment expertise and research capability within the Investment Department.
Long-Term Incentive Program Award (“LTIP”) Funding
For each eligible employee, including the named executive officers, a dollar denominated target award is established. To determine the amount of the total LTIP award pool, all individual target award amounts are aggregated. For employees below the officer level, participation in the LTIP is limited to a select group of high performers in the company.
Elements of Long-Term Compensation
Selective uses both cash and non-cash vehicles to deliver long-term compensation, which is consistent and competitive with the market practices of Selective’s benchmark insurance groups. This approach also takes into account Selective’s prior commitment made in its 2005 proxy statement to maintain a three-year average annual share utilization “burn-rate” of not greater than two percent (2%) for awards granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan, including awards to the named executive officers (“Burn-Rate Commitment”). The average share utilization burn-rate for the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 for grants under the Omnibus Stock Plan was 1.16%; within the prior Burn-Rate Commitment.
Selective views long-term compensation as a retention tool for Selective’s named executive officers, and as a vehicle to help focus these executives on long-term goals. By granting performance-based restricted stock and performance-based cash incentive units with three-year performance periods and options with three-year ratable vesting periods, Selective encourages executive officers to continue their tenure with Selective, while aligning such executive’s interests with those of Selective stockholders. In determining the amount of long-term compensation awards in 2007, the SEBC looked at several factors, including: (i) the individual executive’s performance during the previous year, including the achievement of department initiatives and other projects and endeavors accomplished throughout the year, as outlined above; (ii) the executive officer’s total compensation in comparison to benchmark data; and (iii) Selective’s desire to encourage long-term retention of high-performing executives. The SEBC compared Selective’s performance, including combined ratios, revenue growth, net premium written growth, and total shareholder return, to the performance of the companies in the benchmark insurance groups to help ensure that Selective’s executive officers are being adequately and competitively compensated for the results they have achieved for Selective.
For certain executives, including the named executive officers, long-term compensation awards are allocated among three components: stock options, performance-based restricted stock and performance-based cash incentive units.
Stock Options
Stock options are allocated to the CEO and other named executive officers on a portion of the monetized value of the executive’s long-term compensation award. As the value delivered by a stock option is dependent on the increase in value of the underlying shares, an award of this nature is also aligned with the interests of stockholders. Options are awarded under the Omnibus Stock Plan at fair market value (the closing price of Selective’s common stock as quoted on NASDAQ on the date of grant) (“Fair Market Value”) and they vest ratably over three years, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The value of any executive’s stock option grant is limited to a Fair Market Value on date of grant of $100,000, so that the grant would qualify for incentive stock option (“ISO”) tax

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treatment. Selective’s use of options has been generally lower than other financial services companies and is consistent with the Burn-Rate Commitment.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock
For 2007, seventy-five percent (75%) of the remaining monetized value of an executive’s long-term compensation is delivered in performance-based restricted stock under the Omnibus Stock Plan. Performance-based restricted stock grants are subject to certain performance measures that are set annually by the SEBC. The 2007 grants are subject to the following conditions:
Three-year vesting period; and
Achievement at any time during the vesting period of either: (i) a cumulative return on equity of twenty percent (20%) (excluding unrealized gain occurring after December 31, 2006), or (ii) a ten percent (10%) cumulative growth in net premiums written.
Cash dividends are paid on performance-based restricted stock at the same dividend rate paid to all Selective stockholders. This use of restricted stock clearly aligns this component of executives’ compensation with overall corporate performance and stockholder interests.
Performance-Based Cash Incentive Units
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the monetized value of an executive’s long-term compensation is delivered through cash incentive units granted under the Cash Incentive Plan. Grants made in 2007 are subject to the following conditions:
Three-year performance period;
The value of each cash incentive unit initially awarded increases or decreases to reflect total shareholder return on Selective common stock over the three-year performance period for the award; and
The number of cash incentive units ultimately earned increases or decreases based on: (i) cumulative three-year statutory net premium written growth relative to a peer index, and (ii) cumulative three-year statutory combined ratio relative to a peer index. Awards are earned at target level if these performance measures are between the 45th and 54.9th percentile of the peer group. If both measures are at or above the 80th percentile, 200% of the units initially awarded are earned. If both measures are below the 35th percentile, 0% of the units initially awarded are earned.
The group (the “Cash Incentive Unit Peer Group”) established for comparing Selective’s performance for the purposes of determining the ultimate number of performance-based cash incentive units awarded consists of the following companies:
Auto-Owners Insurance GroupCNA Group LLC
Liberty Mutual Group Inc.The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Hartford Fire GroupHarleysville Group Inc.
Safeco Insurance Company of AmericaUtica National Insurance Group
Erie Insurance ExchangeHanover Insurance Group, Inc.
Cincinnati Financial CorporationW. R. Berkley Corporation
Onebeacon Insurance Group LLC
Use of the cash incentive units in lieu of stock options or restricted stock also conserves share usage consistent with the Burn-Rate Commitment. As the cash incentive unit grants take into account Selective’s three-year performance relative to its peer group and total shareholder return on its common stock, this award is also directly linked to company performance and the interests of stockholders.

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Timing of Awards
Generally, stock option, restricted stock, and cash incentive unit awards were granted in January or February of each year in connection with the SEBC’s regularly scheduled first quarter meeting. It was at this time that the SEBC and the Board of Directors, at their respective meetings, reviewed final year-end results for the prior year and the SEBC made final determinations on compensation.
Stock Ownership Requirements
Selective believes that stock ownership by Directors and management encourages the enhancement of stockholder value and, accordingly, has adopted, effective January 31, 2008, the following common stock ownership guidelines for Directors and certain officers as part of its Corporate Governance Guidelines posted on Selective’s public website www.selective.com:
Each director shall, within five (5) years of his or her first election to the Board, beneficially own at least four (4) times the cash value of his or her annual retainer in shares of Selective common stock. Shares of Selective common stock currently owned, awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units not yet vested and shares of Selective common stock held in benefit plan investments (i.e.401(k) Plan) are considered in determining such ownership. Unexercised stock options are not counted in calculating ownership. Deferred stock units held in the accounts of Directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors are counted in calculating ownership.
The current requirements for certain officers of Selective are as follows:
Chairman, President & CEO4 x base salary
Senior Executive Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents2.5 x base salary
Senior Vice Presidents1.5 x base salary
The above stock ownership requirements for officers must be met no later than December 31, 2013, or within five (5) years from the attainment of the above officer status, whichever is later. Base salary increases during the five (5) year period will require the ultimate ownership requirements to increase when shares are valued on the December 31 following such increase. Shares of Selective common stock currently owned, awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units not yet vested and shares of Selective common stock held in benefit plan investments (i.e.401(k) Plan) are considered in determining such ownership. Unexercised stock options are not counted in calculating stock ownership.
Role of Executive Officers in Determining Compensation
The SEBC makes all final determinations with respect to executive officers’ compensation, primarily based on information provided by its independent compensation consultant. Selective’s Chief Executive Officer does make recommendations to the SEBC relating to the compensation of executive officers who directly report to him, but the SEBC has full autonomy in determining executive compensation. As part of their responsibilities, the Executive Vice President of Human Resources, and certain other human resource officers, provide information to the SEBC regarding the overall design of the executive compensation program and its individual components.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans
Selective’s lead insurance subsidiary, SICA, maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension program consisting of a tax qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Retirement Income Plan”) and a supplemental employee retirement plan and maintains health and welfare benefit plans in which eligible employees, including the named executive officers, participate. The pension program is more fully described in the section entitled “Pension Benefits” beginning on page 32.

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SICA offers a tax qualified defined contribution plan (the “Retirement Savings Plan”) to employees, including the named executive officers, who meet eligibility requirements. Participants, other than highly compensated employees as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, can contribute 50% of their defined compensation to the Retirement Savings Plan, up to $15,500 in 2007. Highly compensated employees are limited to 8% of their defined compensation, up to $15,500 in 2007. Contributions by participants are matched 65% by SICA up to a maximum of 7% of defined compensation. Participants over the past three (3) fiscal years (theseage of 50, including certain of the named executive officers, may make an additional $5,000 catch-up contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, which contribution is not eligible for a company match. Effective January 1, 2006, the Retirement Savings Plan was amended to include additional enhanced matching contributions and non-elective contributions for otherwise eligible employees who, because of a date of hire after December 31, 2005, are not eligible to participate in the Retirement Income Plan. None of the named executive officers are eligible for the enhanced matching or the additional non-elective contributions.
Under SICA’s Deferred Compensation Plan, executives, including the named executive officers, may defer up to 50% of their base salary and/or up to 100% of their ACIP. To the extent not matched in the Retirement Savings Plan, due to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, Selective will match 65% of up to 7% of an executive’s base salary contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan. Additional information regarding the deferred compensation is included under “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” on page 33.
Employment Agreements
Selective has entered into employment agreements containing change in control provisions. The employment agreements are referreddescribed under “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control” beginning on page 35.

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Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table reflects the compensation earned by or paid to as our “namedthe named executive officers”).officers. Other tables that follow provide more detail about the specific types of compensation.

                                              
                       Non-Equity
   Change in
         
                       Incentive
   Pension Value
         
                       Plan
   and Nonqualified
   All Other
     
Name
              Stock
   Option
   Compen-
   Deferred
   Compen-
     
and
      Salary
   Bonus
   Awards
   Awards
   sation
   Compensation
   sation
   Total
 
Principal Position
  Year
   ($)(1)
   ($)
   ($)(2)
   ($)(3)
   ($)(4)   Earnings ($)(5)   ($)(6)
   ($)
 
Gregory E. Murphy
   2007    900,000    0    1,876,425    25,633    900,000    85,449    40,989    3,828,496 
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer   2006    876,923    0    2,460,513    28,066    1,500,000    158,637    42,900    5,067,039 
                                              
Dale A. Thatcher
   2007    405,000    0    207,953    15,664    300,000    13,696    18,428    960,741 
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   2006    342,308    0    242,166    17,152    420,000    14,245    17,075    1,052,946 
                                              
Jamie Ochiltree, III
   2007    455,385    0    634,434    25,633    350,000    39,410    21,939    1,526,801 
Senior Executive Vice
President, Insurance Operations
   2006    423,846    0    400,384    19,561    580,000    46,900    23,727    1,494,418 
                                              
Richard F. Connell
   2007    411,538    0    561,175    24,318    350,000    49,037    19,250    1,415,318 
Senior Executive Vice
President and Chief
Administrative Officer
   2006    375,385    0    327,237    18,351    485,000    44,406    17,755    1,268,134 
                                              
Kerry A. Guthrie
   2007    392,615    0    607,940    25,633    495,000    49,640    20,762    1,591,590 
Executive Vice President &
Chief Investment Officer
   2006    347,077    0    338,280    20,047    400,000    59,761    18,263    1,183,428 
                                              

Annual Compensation(1)

Long-Term
Compensation Awards

Name

and

Principal Position

(1)

Year

Salary($)

Bonus

($)(2)

Other
Annual
Compen-sation
($)(3)

Restricted
Stock
Awards
($)(4)

Securities
Underlying
Options/
Warrants
(#)

All Other
Compen-sation

($)(5)

The amounts in this column include portions of salary that certain named executive officers have deferred into SICA’s Deferred Compensation Plan. Such amounts are also included in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 33.

Gregory E. Murphy

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

2005

2004

2003

746,154

695,385

635,769

1,500,000

1,000,000

621,600

0

0

0

1,126,250

870,500

466,400

5,000

5,000

10,000

8,721

7,832

34,296

Jamie Ochiltree, III

Senior Executive Vice President, Insurance Operations

(2)

2005

2004

2003

388,769

371,385

337,662

540,000

330,000

190,400

0

0

0

405,450

313,380

186,560

5,000

5,000

7,000

19,576

22,248

22,480

Richard F. Connell

Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

2005

2004

2003

348,462

327,693

298,846

425,000

240,000

168,000

0

0

0

405,450

313,380

186,560

5,000

5,000

7,000

15,722

14,910

13,597

Dale A. Thatcher

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerThis column reflects amounts recognized as expense for the 2007 and Treasurer

2005

2004

2003

298,616

278,385

233,846

400,000

200,000

131,600

0

0

0

405,450

313,380

186,560

5,000

5,000

7,000

13,256

13,339

11,188

Ronald J. Zaleski

Executive Vice President & Chief Actuary

2005

2004

2003

331,923

316,769

288,692

375,000

205,000

162,400

0

0

0

405,450

313,380

186,560

5,000

5,000

7,000

6,844

14,413

13,135

(1)

Annual Compensation is paid by SICA, which also sponsors the employee benefit plans in which such executive officers participate.

(2)

Bonus payments in 20032006 grants of performance-based restricted stock and 2004 were made pursuant to Selective’s Annual Cash Incentive Plan. Bonus payments for 2005performance-based cash incentive unit awards. Grants of performance-based restricted stock were made pursuant to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Cash IncentiveOmnibus Stock Plan, (“Cash Incentive Plan”), approved by Selective’s shareholders on April 26, 2005, as well as other awards granted byunder which such shares vest three years from the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee todate of grant, conditioned upon the attainment of certain executive officers for personal achievement, which include $251,250 to Mr. Murphy, $36,500 to Mr. Connell, $107,100 to Mr. Ochiltree, $67,000 to Mr. Thatcher, and $5,370 to Mr. Zaleski. Under the Cash Incentive Plan, employees receive a percentage of salary as Annual Cash Incentive Payments if they achieved specified personal goals and Selective achieves stated corporatepredetermined performance goals. The amounts contained in this column reflect the amounts earned for the applicable fiscal year.

(3)

SEC rules do not require the reportingGrants of perquisites and other personal benefits to the extent that the aggregate amount of such compensation is the lesser of either $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus reported for each named executive officer.

(4)

All amounts represent the dollar amount of the restricted stock on the date granted. Grantscash incentive unit awards were made pursuant to the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock OptionCash Incentive Plan, III (“Plan III”), under which such sharesunits vest at the payment date, which is as soon as practicable in the calendar year following the end of the calendar year coincident with the end of the three-year performance period. The value of each cash incentive unit initially awarded increases or decreases to reflect total shareholder return on Selective common stock over the three-year performance period for the award. The number of cash incentive units ultimately earned increases or decreases based on: (i) cumulative three-year statutory net premium written growth relative to a peer index, and their accumulated dividends cliff-vest four years from the date granted depending upon achievement of predetermined performance goals. The grants(ii) cumulative three-year statutory combined ratio relative to a peer index. Restricted stock and cash incentive unit awards are subject to forfeiture should the named executivegrantee resign or be terminated for cause prior to vesting. Amounts recognized as expense for performance-based restricted stock and performance-based cash incentive unit awards granted in 2006 to the named executive officers are as follows: Mr. Murphy: $709,476 restricted stock and $1,751,037 cash incentive units; Mr. Thatcher: $69,838 restricted stock and $172,328 cash incentive units; Mr. Ochiltree: $86,082 restricted stock and $314,302 cash incentive units; Mr. Connell: $77,237 restricted stock and $250,000 cash incentive units; and Mr. Guthrie: $71,067 restricted stock and $267,213 cash incentive units. Amounts recognized as expense for performance-based restricted stock and performance-based cash incentive unit awards granted in 2007 to the named executive officers are as follows: Mr. Murphy: $1,331,279 restricted stock and $545,146 cash incentive units; Mr. Thatcher: $147,518 restricted stock and $60,435 cash incentive units; Mr. Ochiltree: $450,016 restricted stock and $184,418 cash incentive units; Mr. Connell: $398,125 restricted stock and $163,050 cash incentive units; and Mr. Guthrie: $431,302 restricted stock and $176,638 cash incentive units. The aggregateexpense reported in this column assumes the following: (i) the predetermined performance goals for the restricted stock grants are probable of being attained; (ii) per units values for the 2007 and 2006 cash incentive unit awards of $81.89 and $109.69, respectively; and (iii) a 150% peer group unit multiplier for the 2007 and 2006 grants.

(3)This column reflects amounts recognized as expense for the 2007 and 2006 option grants. The grant date fair value of restricted stockthese grants is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation method, in accordance with FAS 123R. For a discussion of the weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation of these awards, atsee Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 18, Share-Based Payments, in Selective’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the endyear ended December 31, 2007. Grants were made pursuant to the Omnibus Stock Plan, under which such options vest one-third each year, beginning the first anniversary of 2005 was $4,248,000the grant date. The grants are subject to forfeiture should the grantee resign or be terminated for cause prior to vesting.
(4)Amounts in this column include ACIP awards earned in 2007 and paid in March 2008 under the Cash Incentive Plan for Messrs. Murphy, Thatcher, Ochiltree and Connell, and for Mr. Murphy, $1,646,100 for Mr. Ochiltree, $1,646,100 for Mr. Connell, $1,646,100 for Mr. Thatcher,Guthrie, includes the annual incentive compensation payment earned in 2007 and $1,646,100 for Mr. Zaleski. The aggregate number of restricted shares held atpaid in March 2008 under the end of 2005 was 80,000 by Mr. Murphy, 31,000 by Mr. Ochiltree, 31,000 by Mr. Connell, 31,000 by Mr. Mr. Thatcher,Investment Compensation Program, and 31,000 by Mr. Zaleski.

(5)

The amounts represent Selective’s annual matching contribution on behalfACIP awards earned in 2006 and paid in 2007 to each of the named executive officers.

(5)Amounts in this column reflect the actuarial increase in the present value of each named executive officer’s pension benefits under all defined benefit pension plans of the company, determined using the same interest rate and mortality assumptions as

Page 28


those used for financial statement reporting purposes. There were no above-market or preferential earnings on deferred compensation under the company’s nonqualified deferred compensation program.
(6)For 2006, amounts in this column for each named executive officer reflect the following:
Mr. Murphy: $33,075 of company matching contributions to Selective’sMr. Murphy’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $3,000 for tax preparation services, and to the Selective Insurance Company$6,825 of America Retirement Savings Plan. Thecompany matching contributions to Selective’sMr. Murphy’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Thatcher: $13,312 of company matching contributions to Mr. Thatcher’s Deferred Compensation Plan, reflected in the table$1,500 for 2005 are $17,035 for Mr. Ochiltree, $15,278 for Mr. Connell, $9,353 for Mr. Thatcher,tax preparation services, and $6,485 for Mr. Zaleski. The$2,263 of company matching contributions to the Selective Insurance CompanyMr. Thatcher’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Ochiltree: $9,535 of America Retirement Savingscompany matching contributions to Mr. Ochiltree’s Deferred Compensation Plan, reflected in the table$3,000 for 2005 are $8,721 fortax preparation services, $9,750 of company matching contributions to Mr. Murphy, $505 for Mr. Ochiltree, $445 for Mr. Connell, $3,903 for Mr. ThatcherOchiltree’s 401(k) plan, and $359 for Mr. Zaleski. In addition, the amounts for Mr. Ochiltree also include $2,037, which represents$1,442 representing the difference between the market rate of interest and the actual rate of interest on indebtedness to the company.
Mr. Connell: $7,330 of company matching contributions to Mr. Connell’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $675 for tax preparation services, and $9,750 of company matching contributions to Mr. Connell’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Guthrie: $12,936 of company matching contributions to Mr. Guthrie’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $1,660 for tax preparation services, $2,937 of company matching contributions to Mr. Guthrie’s 401(k) plan, and $730 representing the difference between the market rate of interest and the actual rate of interest on indebtedness to the company.
For 2007, amounts in this column for each named executive officer reflect the following:
Mr. Murphy: $30,875 of company matching contributions to Mr. Murphy’s Deferred Compensation Plan, and $10,114 of company matching contributions to Mr. Murphy’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Thatcher: $15,569 of company matching contributions to Mr. Thatcher’s Deferred Compensation Plan, and $2,859 of company matching contributions to Mr. Thatcher’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Ochiltree: $10,645 of company matching contributions to Mr. Ochiltree’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $10,075 of company matching contributions to Mr. Ochiltree’s 401(k) plan, and $1,219 representing the difference between the market rate of interest and the actual rate of interest on indebtedness to the company.
Mr. Connell: $8,650 of company matching contributions to Mr. Connell’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $525 for tax preparation services, and $10,075 of company matching contributions to Mr. Connell’s 401(k) plan.
Mr. Guthrie: $14,790 of company matching contributions to Mr. Guthrie’s Deferred Compensation Plan, $2,280 for tax preparation services, $3,075 of company matching contributions to Mr. Guthrie’s 401(k) plan, and $617 representing the difference between the market rate of interest and the actual rate of interest on indebtedness to the company.
Grants of Plan Based Awards
                                                   
                                       Grant Date
 
               Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity
       Fair Value
 
               Incentive Plan Awards(2)
       of Cash
 
       Estimated Future
      Exercise
   Incentive
 
       Payouts Under Non-
               Restricted
       or Base
   Unit,
 
   Grant
   Equity Incentive Plan
               Stock
   Option
   Price of
   Restricted
 
Name
  Date
   Awards(1)
   Cash Incentive Unit Awards(3)
   Awards (#)
   Awards (#)
   Option
   Stock,
 
 
                     Awards
   and Option
 
 
      Minimum   Maximum   Threshold   Target   Maximum   Maximum   Maximum   ($/Sh)   Awards(4) 
       ($)   ($)   (#)   (#)   (#)   (#)   (#)    
   ($) 
Gregory E. Murphy
   1/30/07    0    1,800,000    2,219    4,438    8,876    48,516    3,480    27.44    1,800,058 
                                                   
Dale A. Thatcher
   1/30/07    0    622,500    738    1,476    2,952    16,128    3,480    27.44    615,132 
                                                   
Jamie Ochiltree, III
   1/30/07    0    805,000    751    1,501    3,002    16,400    3,480    27.44    625,095 
                                                   
Richard F. Connell
   1/30/07    0    717,500    719    1,438    2,876    15,718    3,480    27.44    600,081 
                                                   
Kerry A. Guthrie
   1/30/07    0    600,000    719    1,438    2,876    15,718    3,480    27.44    600,081 
                                                   
(1)For Messrs. Murphy, Thatcher, Ochiltree, and Connell, amounts represent minimum and maximum potential ACIP award to each named executive officer under our Cash Incentive Plan for 2007. Maximum awards reflect the maximum ACIP award established by the SEBC pursuant to the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Resource Code. For Mr. Guthrie, the amounts represent the minimum and maximum potential annual cash incentive award under the Investment Compensation Plan. Actual payouts of the

Page 29


above-referenced awards are included in the “Non-Equity Incentive Compensation Plan” column of the “Summary Compensation Table”. For information regarding the ACIP and the annual cash incentive payment under the Investment Compensation Plan, see the section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 21 entitled “Annual Cash Incentive Payment.”
(2)Performance-based cash incentive unit awards are granted under the Cash Incentive Plan, and performance-based restricted stock awards and stock option awards are granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan. For a description of the material terms of such executive officerawards, see pages 24-25 of the Compensation Discussion & Analysis.
(3)The number of performance-based cash incentive units paid can range from 0-200%, and therefore, has the potential to Selective.

pay $0. The threshold selected represents 35-44.9th percentile of the Cash Incentive Unit Peer Group; the target represents 45-54.9th percentile of the Cash Incentive Unit Peer Group; and the maximum represents greater than 80th percentile of the Cash Incentive Unit Peer Group.
(4)This column includes restricted stock awards calculated at grant date fair value, cash incentive unit awards with an initial value of $100 per unit, and stock options valued at the Black-Scholes value on the date of grant.

Page 30

Page 18




OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAROutstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information concerningshows the unexercised options and unvested stock option grants in 2005awards to each of theour named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table. No stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) were granted in 2005.

 

Individual Grants

 

 

Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation for
Option Term(1)  

Named Executive
Officer

Number of

Securities Underlying
Options/SARs
Granted (#)(2)

% of Total
Options/SARs
Granted to
Employees in
Fiscal Year

Exercise
or Base
Price
($/Sh) (3)

Expiration

Date(4)

5%

($)

10%

($)

Gregory E. Murphy

5,000

4.62

44.05

2/1/2015

11,013

22,025

Jamie Ochiltree, III

5,000

4.62

44.05

2/1/2015

11,013

22,025

Richard F. Connell

5,000

4.62

44.05

2/1/2015

11,013

22,025

Dale A. Thatcher

5,000

4.62

44.05

2/1/2015

11,013

22,025

Ronald J. Zaleski

5,000

4.62

44.05

2/1/2015

11,013

22,025

as of December 31, 2007:

                                         
   Option Awards
   Stock Awards
 
                               Equity
 
                               Incentive
 
                               Plan
 
   No. of
                           Awards:
 
   Securities
   No. of
                   Equity
   Market or
 
   Under-
   Securities
                   Incentive
   Payout Value
 
   lying
   Under-
                   Plan
   of Unearned
 
   Unexer
   lying
               Market Value
   Awards: No. of
   Shares, Units
 
   cised
   Unexer-
           No. of Shares
   of Shares or
   Unearned
   or Other
 
   Options
   cised
   Option
       or Units of
   Units of Stock
   Shares, Units
   Rights That
 
   (#)
   Options (#)
   Exercise
   Option
   Stock That
   That Have Not
   or Other Rights
   Have Not
 
   Exercis-
   Unexer-
   Price
   Expiration
   Have Not
   Vested
   That Have Not
   Vested
 
Name
  able
   cisable(1)
   ($/Sh)(2)
   Date
   Vested (#)(3)(4)
   ($)
   Vested
   ($)(7) 
Gregory E. Murphy
   6,832         7.594     02/03/2010    48,516    1,115,383    10,642(5)   1,911,942 
    21,062          11.1875    02/06/2011              4,438(6)   726,856 
    10,362         10.375    02/05/2012                     
    11,394         11.6175    02/04/2013                     
    10,000         17.395    02/03/2014                     
    10,000         22.025    02/01/2015                     
    1,160    2,320    28.74    01/30/2016                     
         3,480    27.44    01/30/2017                     
                                         
Dale A. Thatcher
   10,000         22.025    02/01/2015    19,333    444,466    3,142(5)   564,492 
    1,160    2,320    28.74    01/30/2016    18,979    436,327    1,476(6)   241,739 
         3,480    24.77    01/30/2017    7,290    167,597           
                        16,128    370,783           
                                         
Jamie Ochiltree, III
   7,500         9.375    11/03/2008    16,400    377,036    3,502(5)   629,169 
    7,120         7.594    02/03/2010              1,501(6)   245,834 
    14,000         11.1875    02/06/2011                     
    9,638         10.375    02/05/2012                     
    14,000         11.6175    02/04/2013                     
    1,160    2,320    28.74    01/30/2016                     
         3,480    27.44    01/30/2017                     
                                         
                                         
Richard F. Connell
   10,000         22.025    02/01/2015    19,333    444,466    3,292(5)   591,441 
    1,160    2,320    28.74    01/30/2016    18,979    436,327    1,438(6)   235,516 
         3,480    27.44    01/30/2017    7,638    175,598           
                        15,718    361,357           
                                         
Kerry A. Guthrie
   4,000         9.375    11/03/2008    15,718    361,357    2,842(5)   510,594 
    4,000         7.594    02/03/2010              1,438(6)   235,516 
    4,500         11.1875    02/06/2011                     
    10,000         10.375    02/05/2012                     
    12,000         11.6175    02/04/2013                     
    8,000         17.395    02/03/2014                     
    10,000         22.025    02/01/2015                     
    1,160    2,320    28.74    01/30/2016                     
         3,480    27.44    01/30/2017                     
                                         

(1)

There can be no assurance provided to any executive officer or any other holder

(1)The options listed in this column vest ratably over three years beginning on the first anniversary of Selective’s securities that the actual stockdate of grant.
(2)The exercise price appreciation overof option grants issued under the (ten) 10-year option term will be atOmnibus Stock Plan is the assumed 5% and 10% compounded annual rates or at any other defined level. Unless theclosing market price on the date of the commongrant. The exercise price on options grants issued under previous equity plans is the average of the high and the low market price on the date of grant.
(3)In the event of a termination of employment on or after an individual’s “Early Retirement Date,” as defined under the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America, holders of performance-based restricted stock appreciates overawards are fully vested in such awards subject to the option term, no value will be realized from the option grants made toattainment of applicable performance measures. Early Retirement Dates for the named executive officers.

officers are as follows: Mr. Murphy, 11/11/2002; Mr. Thatcher, 12/10/2015; Mr. Ochiltree, 10/2/2007; Mr. Connell, 2/7/2008; and Mr. Guthrie, 9/11/2007.

(2)

(4)

The stock options were

As noted below, amounts in this column include shares attained through Selective’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRP”). Pursuant to equity grants made under Selective’s previous equity plans, the grantee can choose on the date of vesting to take the dividends on the granted under Plan III. Plan III permits the granting of options to all employees and permits the granting of SARsshares in tandem with any or all stock options. If a SAR is exercised, the employee must surrender the related stock option or portion thereof. Upon exercise of a SAR, payment will be made by Selective in stock, cash or some combination thereof as a committee appointed byin accumulated dividend reinvestment shares of Selective’s common

Page 31


stock. Shares included in this column that were acquired through the BoardDRP for Messrs. Thatcher and Connell are 1,333 on the share grants that vested on February 3, 2008 and 979 shares on the restricted stock grants that vested on February 7, 2008 to Mr. Connell and all scheduled to vest on February 1, 2009 to Mr. Thatcher.
(5)Reflects number of Directors shall determine at the time of exercise. None of the optionsperformance-based cash incentive units initially granted in 2006 to the named executive officers in 2004 have SARs attached. Underfor the terms of Plan III, options or any related SARs, may be granted at no less than fair market value as of the date of grant. Options or any related SARs must be exercised within ten (10) years from the date of grant.three-year performance period ending December 31, 2008. In the event of any changea termination of employment on or after an individual’s Early Retirement Date, as defined under the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America, holders of such awards are vested in such awards, with the initial number of units and the value of each unit subject to adjustment, based on the attainment of specified performance measures. Early Retirement Dates for the named executive officers are as follows: Mr. Murphy, 11/11/2002; Mr. Thatcher, 12/10/2015; Mr. Ochiltree, 10/2/2007; Mr. Connell, 2/7/2008; and Mr. Guthrie, 9/11/2007. Settlement of the 2006 cash incentive award would be made as soon as practicable in the 2009 calendar year, following the determination of the attainment of the applicable performance measures.
(6)Reflects number of performance-based cash incentive units initially granted in 2007 to the named executive officers for the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2009. In the event of a termination of employment on or after an individual’s Early Retirement Date, as defined under the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America, holders of such awards are vested in such awards, with the initial number of units and the value of each unit subject to adjustment, based on the attainment of specified performance measures. Early Retirement Dates for the named executive officers are as follows: Mr. Murphy, 11/11/2002; Mr. Thatcher, 12/10/2015; Mr. Ochiltree, 10/2/2007; Mr. Connell, 2/7/2008; and Mr. Guthrie, 9/11/2007. Settlement of the 2007 cash incentive award would be made as soon as practicable in the 2010 calendar year, following the determination of the attainment of the applicable performance measures.
(7)The amounts in this column reflect (i) the maximum 200% unit multiplier for the number of outstanding shares of Selective’s common stock as a result of a stock dividend, stock split, or other readjustments,cash incentive units granted based on performance against the committee appointed byCash Incentive Unit Peer Group and (ii) an $89.83 per unit value for the Board of Directors shall make2006 grant and an appropriate adjustment$81.89 per unit value for the 2007 grant based on total shareholder return at December 31, 2007. The maximum 200% unit multiplier is used in this calculation because performance through December 31, 2007 has exceeded the target amounts, which are identified for the 2007 grant in the aggregate numberGrants of shares which may be subject to stock options granted under Plan III and in the number of shares subject to and the option price of each then outstanding option.

Based Awards table on page 29.

(3)

The exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

(4)

The options may be exercised beginning on February 1, 2006.

Page 19



AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAROption Exercises and Stock Vested

AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

The following table sets forth information concerningshows the option exercise and stock option exercises in 2005vesting of grants of plan based awards to each of theour named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table. No SARs were exercised in 2005, and none of these named executive officers had any unexercised SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2005.

 

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at Fiscal Year End (#)

 Value of Unexercised
 In-The-Money Options
 At Fiscal Year End ($) (1)

Name

Shares
Acquired

on Exercise
(#)

Value
Realized
($)(2)

Exercisable

Unexercisable

Exercisable

Unexercisable

Gregory E. Murphy

13,200

349,032

29,825

5,000

882,369

45,250

Jamie Ochiltree, III

7,932

207,453

39,000

5,000

1,179,258

45,250

Richard F. Connell

5,000

112,975

0

5,000

0

45,250

Dale A. Thatcher

24,000

570,150

0

5,000

0

45,250

Ronald J. Zaleski

18,004

458,342

11,996

5,000

337,027

45,250

2007:
                 
  Option Awards Stock Awards(1)
  Number of     Number of  
  Shares Acquired Value Realized Shares Acquired Value Realized
  on Exercise on Exercise on Vesting on Vesting
Name (#) ($) (#) ($)
Gregory E. Murphy
  0   0   171,135   4,216,731 
Dale A. Thatcher
  0   0   17,220   443,758 
Jamie Ochiltree, III
  7,500   129,196   62,566   1,543,852 
Richard F. Connell
  0   0   17,220   443,758 
Kerry A. Guthrie
  0   0   56,747   1,399,445 

(1)

Calculated by multiplying

(1)In the numberevent of underlying sharesa termination of commonemployment on or after an individual’s Early Retirement Date as defined under the Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America, holders of restricted stock awards become fully vested in such awards, provided any related performance measures have been attained. As a result, the value became subject to ordinary income taxation upon a holder attaining his Early Retirement Date, notwithstanding the continued employment of the holder by the difference betweencompany. Due to the fair market valueimposition of this accelerated income tax liability, the common stock as of December 31, 2005SEBC determined it appropriate to fully vest and remove the exercise price ofrestrictions on such shares. Accordingly, the option.

numbers and amounts shown for Messrs. Murphy, Ochiltree and Guthrie reflect grants awarded to them in 2004 through 2006.

(2)

Calculated by multiplying the number of shares acquired on exercise by the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

Page 20



DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PROGRAMPension Benefits

Selective

Selective’s lead insurance subsidiary, SICA, maintains a tax qualified non-contributory retirement incomedefined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”the Retirement Income Plan, and the Selective Insurance Supplemental Pension Plan (“SERP”) that benefits most. Most employees, and certain former employees of SICA, whose employment with SelectiveSICA commenced on or before December 31, 2005, including the named executive officers.officers, are eligible to receive benefits under the Retirement Income Plan. Selective also maintains an unfunded supplemental benefit plan,SERP, as permitted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), to provide payments to PensionRetirement Income Plan participants equal to the difference between (i) the benefit payablepayment to a participant under the PensionRetirement Income Plan calculated without regard to ERISA and Internal Revenue Code limitations on annual amounts payable under the PensionRetirement Income Plan, and (ii) the benefit payable to the participant pursuant to such limitations.

Page 32


The PensionRetirement Income Plan was amended as of July 1, 2002, to provide for different calculations based on service with Selectivethe company as of that date.

PENSION PLAN TABLE I

(EMPLOYEES WITH FIVE YEARS OF VESTING AS OF JULY 1, 2002

WHOSE AGE + YEARS OF VESTING SERVICE EQUALED OR EXCEEDED 55)

 

 

Years of Service

Remuneration

 

5

 

10

 

15

 

20

 

25

 

30

 

35

200,000

 

14,400

 

34,400

 

54,400

 

74,400

 

94,400

 

114,400

 

134,400

225,000

 

16,200

 

38,700

 

61,200

 

83,700

 

106,200

 

128,700

 

151,200

250,000

 

18,000

 

43,000

 

68,000

 

93,000

 

118,000

 

143,000

 

168,000

275,000

 

19,800

 

47,300

 

74,800

 

102,300

 

129,800

 

157,300

 

184,800

300,000

 

21,600

 

51,600

 

81,600

 

111,600

 

141,600

 

171,600

 

201,600

325,000

 

23,400

 

55,900

 

88,400

 

120,900

 

153,400

 

185,900

 

218,400

350,000

 

25,200

 

60,200

 

95,200

 

130,200

 

165,200

 

200,200

 

235,200

375,000

 

27,000

 

64,500

 

102,000

 

139,500

 

177,000

 

214,500

 

252,000

400,000

 

28,800

 

68,800

 

108,800

 

148,800

 

188,800

 

228,800

 

268,800

425,000

 

30,600

 

73,100

 

115,600

 

158,100

 

200,600

 

243,100

 

285,600

450,000

 

32,400

 

77,400

 

122,400

 

167,400

 

212,400

 

257,400

 

302,400

475,000

 

34,200

 

81,700

 

129,200

 

176,700

 

224,200

 

271,700

 

319,200

500,000

 

36,000

 

86,000

 

136,000

 

186,000

 

236,000

 

286,000

 

336,000

525,000

 

37,800

 

90,300

 

142,800

 

195,300

 

247,800

 

300,300

 

352,800

550,000

 

39,600

 

94,600

 

149,600

 

204,600

 

259,600

 

314,600

 

369,600

575,000

 

41,400

 

98,900

 

156,400

 

213,900

 

271,400

 

328,900

 

386,400

600,000

 

43,200

 

103,200

 

163,200

 

223,200

 

283,200

 

343,200

 

403,200

625,000

 

45,000

 

107,500

 

170,000

 

232,500

 

295,000

 

357,500

 

420,000

650,000

 

46,800

 

111,800

 

176,800

 

241,800

 

306,800

 

371,800

 

436,800

675,000

 

48,600

 

116,100

 

183,600

 

251,100

 

318,600

 

386,100

 

453,600

700,000

 

50,400

 

120,400

 

190,400

 

260,400

 

330,400

 

400,400

 

470,400

725,000

 

52,200

 

124,700

 

197,200

 

269,700

 

342,200

 

414,700

 

487,200

750,000

 

54,000

 

129,000

 

204,000

 

279,000

 

354,000

 

429,000

 

504,000

775,000

 

55,800

 

133,300

 

210,800

 

288,300

 

365,800

 

443,300

 

520,800

800,000

 

57,600

 

137,600

 

217,600

 

297,600

 

377,600

 

457,600

 

537,600

825,000

 

59,400

 

141,900

 

224,400

 

306,900

 

389,400

 

471,900

 

554,400

850,000

 

61,200

 

146,200

 

231,200

 

316,200

 

401,200

 

486,200

 

571,200

875,000

 

63,000

 

150,500

 

238,000

 

325,500

 

413,000

 

500,500

 

588,000

900,000

 

64,800

 

154,800

 

244,800

 

334,800

 

424,800

 

514,800

 

604,800

925,000

 

66,600

 

159,100

 

251,600

 

344,100

 

436,600

 

529,100

 

621,600

950,000

 

68,400

 

163,400

 

258,400

 

353,400

 

448,400

 

543,400

 

638,400

975,000

 

70,200

 

167,700

 

265,200

 

362,700

 

460,200

 

557,700

 

655,200

1,000,000

 

72,000

 

172,000

 

272,000

 

372,000

 

472,000

 

572,000

 

672,000

1,025,000

 

73,800

 

176,300

 

278,800

 

381,300

 

483,800

 

586,300

 

688,800

1,050,000

 

75,600

 

180,600

 

285,600

 

390,600

 

495,600

 

600,600

 

705,600

1,075,000

 

77,400

 

184,900

 

292,400

 

399,900

 

507,400

 

614,900

 

722,400

1,100,000

 

79,200

 

189,200

 

299,200

 

409,200

 

519,200

 

629,200

 

739,200

Page 21



Pension Monthly benefits payable under the Retirement Income Plan Table I illustrates annual pension benefits, including supplemental benefits, at normal retirement (age 65) for various years of credited service in the form of a single life annuity and prior to any offset for Social Security benefits for participants. As shown on the Summary Compensation Table on page 18, Salary is the only compensation covered by the Pension Plan; Bonus and Other Annual Compensation is not covered by the Pension Program.

The following table lists the estimated credited years of service for the named executive officers that qualify for the pension benefits depicted on Pension Plan Table I:

Named Executive Officer

Average Monthly
Compensation as of
December 31, 2005

Years of Service as of
December 31, 2005

Gregory E. Murphy

53,432.69

24

Jamie Ochiltree, III

28,255.77

10

Monthly Pension Program benefitsSERP at normal retirement age are computed by adding two calculations. The first is the former plan calculation which provides forcalculations: (i) 2% of “average monthly compensation”base salary” (based on the monthly average of the member’sparticipant’s compensation for the 60 months out of the most recent 120 months of employment preceding the member’sparticipant’s termination of employment for which the employee’s compensationbase salary is the highest) less 1 3/7% of a Social Security benefit multiplied by the number of years of benefit service through June 30, 2002 (up to a maximum of 35 years). The second calculation provides for; and (ii) 1.2% of average monthly compensationbase salary (as defined herein)described above) multiplied by the number of years of benefit service after June 30, 2002.

Page 22



PENSION PLAN TABLE II

(EMPLOYEES HIRED BEFORE JULY 1, 2001 WHO, AS OF JULY 1, 2002,

NEITHER (I) WERE AGE 50 AND HAD 5 YEARS OF VESTING SERVICE,

NOR (II) HAD 25 YEARS OF VESTING SERVICE)

 

 

Years of Service

Remuneration

 

5

 

10

 

15

 

20

 

25

 

30

 

35

200,000

 

12,000

 

26,000

 

46,000

 

66,000

 

86,000

 

106,000

 

126,000

225,000

 

13,500

 

29,250

 

51,750

 

74,250

 

96,750

 

119,250

 

141,750

250,000

 

15,000

 

32,500

 

57,500

 

82,500

 

107,500

 

132,500

 

157,500

275,000

 

16,500

 

35,750

 

63,250

 

90,750

 

118,250

 

145,750

 

173,250

300,000

 

18,000

 

39,000

 

69,000

 

99,000

 

129,000

 

159,000

 

189,000

325,000

 

19,500

 

42,250

 

74,750

 

107,250

 

139,750

 

172,250

 

204,750

350,000

 

21,000

 

45,500

 

80,500

 

115,500

 

150,500

 

185,500

 

220,500

375,000

 

22,500

 

48,750

 

86,250

 

123,750

 

161,250

 

198,750

 

236,250

400,000

 

24,000

 

52,000

 

92,000

 

132,000

 

172,000

 

212,000

 

252,000

425,000

 

25,500

 

55,250

 

97,750

 

140,250

 

182,750

 

225,250

 

267,750

450,000

 

27,000

 

58,500

 

103,500

 

148,500

 

193,500

 

238,500

 

283,500

475,000

 

28,500

 

61,750

 

109,250

 

156,750

 

204,250

 

251,750

 

299,250

500,000

 

30,000

 

65,000

 

115,000

 

165,000

 

215,000

 

265,000

 

315,000

525,000

 

31,500

 

68,250

 

120,750

 

173,250

 

225,750

 

278,250

 

330,750

550,000

 

33,000

 

71,500

 

126,500

 

181,500

 

236,500

 

291,500

 

346,500

575,000

 

34,500

 

74,750

 

132,250

 

189,750

 

247,250

 

304,750

 

362,250

600,000

 

36,000

 

78,000

 

138,000

 

198,000

 

258,000

 

318,000

 

378,000

625,000

 

37,500

 

81,250

 

143,750

 

206,250

 

268,750

 

331,250

 

393,750

650,000

 

39,000

 

84,500

 

149,500

 

214,500

 

279,500

 

344,500

 

409,500

675,000

 

40,500

 

87,750

 

155,250

 

222,750

 

290,250

 

357,750

 

425,250

700,000

 

42,000

 

91,000

 

161,000

 

231,000

 

301,000

 

371,000

 

441,000

725,000

 

43,500

 

94,250

 

166,750

 

239,250

 

311,750

 

384,250

 

456,750

750,000

 

45,000

 

97,500

 

172,500

 

247,500

 

322,500

 

397,500

 

472,500

775,000

 

46,500

 

100,750

 

178,250

 

255,750

 

333,250

 

410,750

 

488,250

800,000

 

48,000

 

104,000

 

184,000

 

264,000

 

344,000

 

424,000

 

504,000

825,000

 

49,500

 

107,250

 

189,750

 

272,250

 

354,750

 

437,250

 

519,750

850,000

 

51,000

 

110,500

 

195,500

 

280,500

 

365,500

 

450,500

 

535,500

875,000

 

52,500

 

113,750

 

201,250

 

288,750

 

376,250

 

463,750

 

551,250

900,000

 

54,000

 

117,000

 

207,000

 

297,000

 

387,000

 

477,000

 

567,000

925,000

 

55,500

 

120,250

 

212,750

 

305,250

 

397,750

 

490,250

 

582,750

950,000

 

57,000

 

123,500

 

218,500

 

313,500

 

408,500

 

503,500

 

598,500

975,000

 

58,500

 

126,750

 

224,250

 

321,750

 

419,250

 

516,750

 

614,250

1,000,000

 

60,000

 

130,000

 

230,000

 

330,000

 

430,000

 

530,000

 

630,000

1,025,000

 

61,500

 

133,250

 

235,750

 

338,250

 

440,750

 

543,250

 

645,750

1,050,000

 

63,000

 

136,500

 

241,500

 

346,500

 

451,500

 

556,500

 

661,500

1,075,000

 

64,500

 

139,750

 

247,250

 

354,750

 

462,250

 

569,750

 

677,250

1,100,000

 

66,000

 

143,000

 

253,000

 

363,000

 

473,000

 

583,000

 

693,000

Pension Plan Table II illustrates annual The earliest retirement age is age 55 with 10 years of service or the attainment of 70 points (age plus years of service). For a participant who retires at the earliest retirement age, the Retirement Income Plan’s early reduction factors are 6 2/3% per year for the first five years and 3 1/3% for the next five years and the reduction is actuarially equivalent for years earlier than age 55. At retirement, participants receive monthly pension payments and may choose among four joint and survivor payment options.

The following table shows information regarding the pension benefits of our named executive officers:
                  
          Present Value of Payments
      Number of Years Accumulated During Last
  Early Retirement   Credited Service Benefit Fiscal Year
Name Eligible Plan Name (#)(1) ($)(2) ($)
Gregory E. Murphy
 Yes Retirement Income Plan  26.58   438,631   0 
    SERP  26.58   1,248,811   0 
Dale A. Thatcher
 No Retirement Income Plan  6.67   52,342   0 
    SERP  6.67   24,762   0 
Jamie Ochiltree, III
 Yes Retirement Income Plan  12.67   223,892   0 
    SERP  12.67   206,069   0 
Richard F. Connell
 No Retirement Income Plan  6.33   135,484   0 
    SERP  6.33   90,064   0 
Kerry A. Guthrie
 Yes Retirement Income Plan  19.00   265,213   0 
    SERP  19.00   119,372   0 
(1)The Retirement Income Plan imposes a one year waiting period for plan participation.
(2)Present value is calculated on the basis of normal retirement age of 65. A 6.5% discount rate is applied and the RP-2000 Mortality Table is used to calculate the values indicated.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants to defer receipt of up to 50% of base salary and/or up to 100% of their ACIP. Participants may choose from a variety of investment options that mirror the market performance of the selected funds. Each year, participants elect whether to schedule in-service withdrawals or withdrawals at separation of service. For those funds to be distributed at separation of service, participants may be paid in five, ten, or fifteen annual installments, or a lump sum. SICA may make matching contributions of $0.65 of each dollar deferred, up to 7% of base salary, except that SICA will match the Retirement Savings Plan contributions first, and in no event will a participant receive a matching contribution in excess of $0.65 of each dollar, up to 7% of base salary.
The following table shows information regarding nonqualified deferred compensation of our named executive officers:
                     
  Executive Selective     Aggregate Aggregate Balance
  Contributions Contributions in Aggregate Withdrawals/ at December 31,
  in 2007 2007 Earnings in 2007 Distributions 2007
Name ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($) ($)(4)
Gregory E. Murphy
  252,387   30,875   (59,022)  0   728,998 
Dale A. Thatcher
  40,500   15,569   (1,242)  0   216,341 
Jamie Ochiltree, III
  686,410   10,645   60,994   0   1,041,822 
Richard F. Connell
  334,249   8,650   95,019   0   1,410,176 
Kerry A. Guthrie
  171,200   14,790   97,973   0   645,441 

Page 33


(1)Amounts in this column attributable to 2007 salary deferred by the named executive officers is included in the Salary column of the Summary Compensation Table. Such amounts are as follows: Mr. Murphy: $252,387; Mr. Thatcher: $40,500; Mr. Ochiltree: $129,610; Mr. Connell: $91,749; and Mr. Guthrie: $91,200. The balance of the amounts in this column, $556,800 for Mr. Ochiltree, $242,500 for Mr. Connell and $80,000 for Mr. Guthrie, are attributable to the deferral of a portion of their ACIP paid in March 2007.
(2)100% of the information in this column is included in the All Other Compensation Column of the Summary Compensation Table.
(3)The information in this column is not included in the Summary Compensation Table because such earnings are not above market earnings.
(4)The portions of the amounts in this column attributed to the contributions of the named executive officers and SICA to the Deferred Compensation Plan are included in the Summary Compensation Table.

Page 34


Employment Agreements and Potential Payments
Upon Termination or Change of Control
In 2006, the SEBC approved a new form of Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) for executive officers, including supplemental benefits,the named executive officers. The Employment Agreement replaced eleven-year old employment and termination agreement forms entered into by Selective, one of its subsidiaries, and the executive officers (collectively, the “Prior Agreements”). The Employment Agreement corrected inconsistencies between the Prior Agreements and changed certain terms in those agreements to align them with current practices at normal retirement (age 65)peer companies, including decreasing the potential amount of severance in a change of control from a multiple of all W-2 income and increasing the potential amount of severance in a termination not for various yearscause from a multiple of credited servicesalary only. In developing the Employment Agreement, the SEBC worked with, and accepted the recommendations of, both its independent compensation consultants and outside counsel.
The following table summarizes the principal provisions of the Employment Agreement. Defined terms used in this table, but not defined in this Proxy Statement, have the meanings given to them in the Employment Agreement. The triggers for such payments are the same as those contained in the Prior Agreements, which form of a single life annuitytermination agreement continued in effect unless the executive provided two years advance notice of termination of the agreement.
TermThree (3) years, automatically renewed for additional one (1) year periods unless terminated by either party with written notice.
CompensationBase salary.(1)
BenefitsEligible to participate in incentive compensation plan, stock plan, 401(k) plan, defined benefit pension plan and any other stock option, stock appreciation right, stock bonus, pension, group insurance, retirement, profit sharing, medical, disability, accident, life insurance, relocation plan or policy, or any other plan, program, policy or arrangement of Selective and SICA intended to benefit Selective employees generally.
Vacation and ReimbursementsVacation time and reimbursements for ordinary travel and entertainment expenses in accordance with Selective policies.
PerquisitesSuitable offices, secretarial and other services, and other perquisites to which other Selective executives are generally entitled.
Severance and Benefits on Termination without Change in Control
•  For Cause or Resignation by Executive other than for Good Reason: Salary and benefits accrued through termination date.
•  Death or Disability: Multiple(2) of: (i) Executive’s salary, plus (ii) average of three (3) most recent annual cash incentive payments; provided that any such severance payments be reduced by life or disability insurance payments under policies with respect to which Company paid premiums.
•  Without Cause by Company, Relocation of Office over Fifty (50) Miles (without Executive’s consent), Resignation for Good Reason by Executive:
¡  Multiple(2) of: (i) Executive’s salary, plus (ii) average of three (3) most recent annual cash incentive payments.
¡  Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance coverages in effect for Executive and dependents until the earlier of specified period of months(3) following termination or commencement of equivalent benefits from a new employer.
•  Stock Awards: Except for termination for Cause or resignation by the Executive other than for Good Reason, immediate vesting and possible extended exercise period, as applicable, for any previously granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, cash incentive units, restricted stock and stock bonuses.

Page 35


Severance and Benefits on Termination after Change in ControlFor termination Without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason within two (2) years following a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Executive is entitled to:
•  Severance payment equal to multiple(4) of the greater of (i) Executive’s salary plus target annual cash incentive payment; or (ii) Executive’s salary plus the average of Executive’s three (3) immediately prior annual cash incentive payments.
•  Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance coverages in effect for Executive and dependents until the earlier of period of months(5) following termination or commencement of equivalent benefits from a new employer.
•  Stock Awards, same as above, except that the initial number of cash incentive units is increased by 150%.
•  TaxGross-Up Payment, if necessary, to offset any excise tax imposed on Executive for such payments or benefits.
Release; Confidentiality and•  Receipt of severance payments and benefits conditioned upon:
Non-Solicitation
¡  Entry into release of claims; and
¡  No disclosure of confidential or proprietary information or solicitation of employees to leave Selective for a period of two (2) years following the termination of the Employment Agreement.
(1)Effective January 31, 2008, the annual base salaries for the named executive officers were as follows: Mr. Murphy, $900,000; Mr. Thatcher, $475,000; Mr. Ochiltree, $460,000; Mr. Connell, $450,000; and Mr. Guthrie, $425,000.
(2)For Mr. Murphy the multiple is 2; for Messrs. Ochiltree and Connell the multiple is 1.75; and for Messrs. Thatcher and Guthrie the multiple is 1.5.
(3)For Mr. Murphy the period is 24 months; for Messrs. Ochiltree and Connell, 21 months; and for Messrs. Thatcher and Guthrie, 18 months.
(4)For Mr. Murphy the multiple is 2.99; for Messrs. Ochiltree and Connell the multiple is 2.5; and for Messrs. Thatcher and Guthrie the multiple is 2.
(5)For Mr. Murphy the period is 36 months; for Mr. Ochiltree, 30 months; and for Messrs. Connell, Thatcher, and Guthrie, 24 months.
The following table shows information regarding payments that would have been paid to our named executive officers had their employment terminated under the scenarios shown as of December 31, 2007:
                          
   Resignation
                 
   or
                 
   Termination
       Death or
   Termination
   Change in
 
   for Cause
   Retirement
   Disability
   Without Cause
   Control
 
Name
  ($)   ($)(1)
   ($)(2)
   ($)(3)
   ($)(4)(5)
 
Gregory E. Murphy
   0    1,115,383    5,414,550    5,440,564    9,560,756 
Dale A. Thatcher
   0    1,419,173    2,518,173    2,539,197    3,517,212 
Jamie Ochiltree, III
   0    377,036    1,965,394    1,988,860    3,335,894 
Richard F. Connell
   0    1,417,748    2,854,790    2,856,772    4,093,148 
Kerry A. Guthrie
   0    361,357    1,448,857    1,453,347    2,376,925 
                          
(1)This column includes the value of unvested restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan or Selective’s previous equity plans and any related accrued DRP shares, all of which shares would normally vest upon retirement for any participant in such plans. These amounts do not include the value of performance-based cash incentive units awarded under the Cash Incentive Plan to the named executive officers, which, as for any other participant, would fully vest upon retirement and be payable following the end of the three-year performance period, subject to the achievement of the specified performance goals applicable to each such award.
(2)This column includes the value of unvested restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan or Selective’s previous equity plans and any related accrued DRP shares, all of which shares would normally vest upon death or disability for any participant in such plans. This column also includes the severance payment provided for in each named executive officer’s Employment Agreement. This column does not include the value of performance-based cash incentive units awarded under the Cash Incentive Plan to the named executive officers, which, as for any other participant, would fully vest upon death or disability and be payable following the end of the three-year performance period, subject to the achievement of the specified performance goals applicable to each such award.

Page 36


(3)This column includes: (i) the value of unvested restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan or Selective’s previous equity plans and any related accrued DRP shares, all of which shares would vest upon a termination Without Cause; (ii) the severance payment; and (iii) the value of medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverages, all as provided for in each named executive officer’s Employment Agreement. This column does not include the value of performance-based cash incentive units awarded under the Cash Incentive Plan to the named executive officers, which would fully vest and be payable following the end of the three-year performance period, subject to the achievement of the specified performance goals applicable to each such award, as provided for in each named executive officer’s Employment Agreement.
(4)This column includes: (i) the value of unvested restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Stock Plan or Selective’s previous equity plans and any related accrued DRP shares, and (ii) the value of 150% of the number of outstanding performance-based cash incentive units awarded to the named executive officers under the Cash Incentive Plan, calculated using a per unit value at December 31, 2007 of $89.83 for the 2006 grant and $81.89 for the 2007 grant, both of which would vest upon a change in control for any participant holding such awards under such plans. This column also includes the severance payment and the value of medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverages, as provided for in each named executive officer’s Employment Agreement.
(5)This column does not include the value of any tax gross-up payment, if necessary, to offset any excise tax imposed for the payment and benefits disclosed in this column.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Compensation paid to non-employee directors in 2007 and prior to any offsetstock and option awards outstanding at December 31, 2007 (employee directors do not receive compensation for Social Security benefits for participants. Asserving on the Board) are shown on the Summary Compensation Table on page 18, Salary is the only compensation covered by the Pension Program; Bonus and Other Annual Compensation is not covered by the Pension Plan.

following table:
                 
  Fees Earned or Paid      
  in Cash Stock Awards Option Awards Total
Name ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)
Paul D. Bauer  37,000   82,576   31,210   150,786 
W. Marston Becker  6,000   82,576   31,210   119,786 
A. David Brown  15,000   82,576   31,210   128,786 
John C. Burville  28,000   62,610   31,210   121,820 
William M. Kearns, Jr.  25,000   82,576   31,210   138,786 
Joan M. Lamm-Tennant  17,500   82,576   31,210   131,286 
S. Griffin McClellan III  31,000   57,598   31,210   119,808 
Ronald L. O’Kelley  16,500   82,576   31,210   130,286 
John F. Rockart  45,500   57,598   31,210   134,308 
William M. Rue  16,500   82,576   31,210   130,286 
J. Brian Thebault  37,000   82,576   31,210   150,786 
(1)This column reflects amounts recognized as expense for the 2007 grants of restricted stock to directors, based on a grant date fair market value of $24.54, and the portion of each director’s annual retainer paid in stock, 50% of which annual retainer, as set forth below, must be paid to a director in Selective common stock.
(2)This column reflects amounts recognized as expense for the 2007 option grants to directors. The grant date fair value of these grants of $6.20 is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation method, in accordance with FAS 123R. The aggregate number of options outstanding at December 31, 2007 for each director is as follows: Messrs. Bauer, Kearns and Rue and Ms. Lamm-Tennant 51,269; Messrs. Becker and Burville: 9,269; Mr. Brown: 39,269; Mr. McClellan: 21,269; Mr. O’Kelley: 15,269; Mr. Rockart: 27,269; and Mr. Thebault: 57,269.

Page 2337



The following table listsreflects the estimated credited yearscompensation for non-employee directors in 2007:
     
Type of Compensation Amount
Annual Retainer Fee $50,000 
Grant Date Fair Value of Annual Equity Award $32,500 
Black-Scholes Value of Annual Option Grant $32,500 
Board Meeting Attendance $0 
Committee Attendance Fee    
In person $1,500 
By telephone $1,000 
Annual Chairperson Fee    
Audit Committee $12,500 
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee $7,500 
Finance Committee $7,500 
Salary & Employee Benefits Committee $12,500 
Lead Director Fee $15,000 
Expenses Reasonable 
As shown in the table above, the non-employee directors receive compensation in the forms of restricted stock, stock options and cash for their service foras directors. The SEBC sets the named executive officers that qualify forAnnual Retainer Fee annually. Pursuant to the pension benefits depicted on PensionOmnibus Stock Plan, Table II:

Named Executive Officer

Average Monthly
Compensation as of
December 31, 2005

Years of Service as of
December 31, 2005

Richard F. Connell

25,387.82

4

Dale A. Thatcher

20,579.81

4

Ronald J. Zaleski

24,381.73

5

Monthly Pension Plan benefits at normal retirement age are computednon-employee directors, by comparing two calculations and providing the benefit which is the greaterDecember 20 of the two.prior year, must elect to receive the Annual Retainer Fee either (i) entirely in shares of common stock or (ii) in a combination of shares of common stock and cash, which cash amount must be 50% or less of the Annual Retainer Fee. The firstAnnual Retainer Fee is the former plan calculation which provides for 2% of “average monthly compensation” (basedpaid in equal quarterly installments on the monthly averagefirst (1st) day of January, April, July, and October. The number of shares of common stock issued in each quarterly installment is determined by multiplying the member’s compensation for the 60 months outamount of the most recent 120 months of employment preceding the member’s termination of employment for which the employee’s compensation is the highest) less 1 3/7% of a Social Security benefit multipliedAnnual Retainer Fee to be paid in stock by one-quarter (0.25) and dividing that product by the numberFair Market Value of yearsSelective’s common stock on the payment date.

Under the director compensation program, each non-employee director annually receives restricted shares of benefit service through June 30, 2002 (up toSelective’s common stock having a maximumFair Market Value on the date of 35 years). The second calculation provides for 1.2%grant of average monthly compensation (as defined herein) multiplied by all years$32,500 and options on shares having a Black-Scholes value on the date of benefit service.

Effective January 1, 2006, the Pension Plan closed to employees hired after December 31, 2005.

Page 24



EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT,

AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL AGREEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Messrs. Murphy, Ochiltree, Connell,grant of $32,500, which restricted stock and Thatcher have employment agreements with SICA, which contain similar terms and conditions. The agreement entered into between Mr. Murphy and SICA on August 1, 1995 was most recently amended on May 1, 2004. Pursuantoptions are granted pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Murphy receives an annual salaryOmnibus Stock Plan. Committee Attendance Fees and Annual Chairperson Fees, as listed in the table above, are paid in cash.

By December 20 of the prior year, non-employee directors may elect to defer the receipt of their director compensation, including, but not less than $700,000. The agreement entered into between Mr. Ochiltree and SICA on October 21, 1995 was most recently amended on May 1, 2004. Pursuantlimited to, the termsAnnual Retainer Fee, Committee Attendance Fees, Annual Chairperson Fees, and the Annual Lead Director Fee and any dividends and accrued interest thereon, to a specified future year, the attainment of age 70, or termination of services as a director.
In 2007, the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee became responsible for non-employee director compensation and it engaged Mercer Human Resource Consulting LLC to review Selective’s director compensation program compared to peer groups. As a result of the agreement, Mr. Ochiltree receives an annual salary of not less than $374,000. The agreement entered into between Mr. Connell and SICA on August 8, 2000 was most recently amended on March 1, 2003. Pursuantreview, no significant changes are being made to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Connell receives andirector compensation program for 2008. The annual salary of not less than $300,000. The agreement entered into between Mr. Thatcher and SICA on May 5, 2000, was most recently amended on March 1, 2003. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Thatcher receives an annual salary of not less than $235,000. If any of these executive officers are not re-elected to their current position, or are terminated without cause, he will be entitled to receive severance pay equal to his salary and certain benefits in effect at the time of his termination of employment for a period of two (2) years after the date of such termination, payable in monthly installments. If any of these executive officers is terminated for cause, he is entitled to receive that portion of his salary earned to the date of his termination and the benefits accrued to him under certain employee benefit plans to the date of such termination, to the extent that such benefits may be payable to him under the provisions of such plans in effect on the date of the termination of his employment. Selective has guaranteed SICA’s performance of all its obligations under the employment agreements.

TERMINATION AGREEMENTS

Messrs. Murphy, Ochiltree, Connell, Thatcher, and Zaleski have termination agreements with SICA pursuant to which payments will be made under certain circumstances following a Change in Control (as defined in the agreements) of Selective. Each of these agreements is automatically renewable for successive one-year terms, unless prior written notice of non-renewal is given. Each agreement provides that, in the event of a Change in Control of Selective, SICA will continue to employ the executive officer in the capacities in which he was serving immediately prior to the Change in Control for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the date on which the Change in Control shall have occurred, which term will be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods unless prior written notice is given. Each agreement provides that if the executive officer’s employment is terminated as set forth in the agreement after a Change in Control occurs, other than (i) due to the executive officer’s death or retirement, (ii) by SICA for Cause or Disability (as defined in the agreement), or (iii) by the executive officer other than for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), the executive officer will be entitled to receive earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination, as well as any incentive compensation benefits or awards that have been accrued, earned, or become payable but which have not been paid, and as severance pay in lieu of any further salary for periods subsequent to the date of termination, an amount in cash equal to his “annualized includible compensationchairperson fee for the base period” (as definedAudit Committee was changed to $15,000 beginning in Section 280G(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, multiplied by a factor of 2.99, provided that if any of the payments or benefits provided for in the agreement, together with any other payments or benefits that the executive officer has the right to receive would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code), Selective will pay to the executive officer on a net after-tax basis the greater of (i) the payments and benefits due to the executive officer reduced in order of priority and amount as executive officer shall elect, to the largest amount as will result in no portion of such payments being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) payments and benefits due to the executive officer, plus an amount in cash equal to (x) the amount of such “excess parachute payments” multiplied by (y) twenty (20%) percent. Selective has guaranteed SICA’s performance of all its obligations under the termination agreements.

2008.

Page 2538



COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS

AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION DECISIONS

During 2005, the following directors served as members

No member of the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee:  A. David Brown, Paul D. Bauer, John C. Burville, C. Edward Herder, and J. Brian Thebault. Mr. Herder retired from the Board ofCommittee (i) was a Selective effective December 31, 2005, and John C. Burville was appointed to the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee, effective January 1, 2006.

None of these individuals was employed in 2005 as an officer or an employee ofin 2007, (ii) is a former Selective officer, or one of its subsidiaries or was formerly an officer of Selective or(iii) entered into any of its subsidiaries. None of these individuals had any relationshiptransaction in 2007 requiring disclosure under the section entitled “Transactions with Selective other than service as a director or received compensation from Selective other than for Board of Directors service in 2005.

Related Persons.”

No Selective executive officer served as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, or as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee or as a director of Selective.

Page 26



COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE

Selective’s

The Salary and Employee Benefits Committee (“SEBC”) establishes general executive compensation policies and establishes the salaries and bonuses of Selective’s executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors did not modify any action or recommendation made by the SEBCSalary and Employee Benefits Committee with respect to executive compensation in 2005.

2007. The following table summarizesSalary and Employee Benefits Committee (i) has reviewed and discussed the key policies, factors,Compensation Discussion and other compensation information thatAnalysis with management, and (ii) based on this review and discussion recommended to the SEBC used in determining executive compensation in 2005:

Policies

   Provide competitive compensation packages to attractBoard of Directors, and retain qualified executives.

   Reflect Selective’s performance and the value created for Selective’s stockholders.

   Tie personal performance and contribution to Selective’s operational and financial performance.

   Support the short-term and long-term strategic goals and values of Selective and reward individual contribution to Selective’s success.

Executive Compensation

Elements

   Annual base salary, tied to the SEBC’s evaluation of personal executive performance, including managerial ability and development of personnel, the competitive marketplace for comparable executives, and internal alignment considerations.

   Variable incentive awards tied to Selective’s achievement of corporate operational and financial performance targets established at the beginning of the fiscal year and personal executive objectives also established at the beginning of the year.

   Long-term, equity-based incentive awards of stock options (with or without tandem stock appreciation rights) and stock grants, tied to aligning the interests of executive officers with those of stockholders and ensuring that officers have an equity-stake management view.

   In 2005, the CEO and each of Selective’s executive officers met or exceeded all but one (growth in worksite lives for Selective HR Solutions) of the goals established for them at the beginning of the year. This achievement is reflected in the awards granted to them for 2005.

CEO-Specific Compensation Elements

Detailed performance evaluation that considered:

   The CEO’s qualifications.

   Level of experience brought to the position and gained while in the position.

   Selective’s performance implementing or completing critical projects or processes.

   Selective’s underwriting performance as measured by the statutory combined ratio relative to the industry.

   The importance of the CEO’s contribution to the achievement of Selective’s strategic initiatives and financial performance. Specifically, under Mr. Murphy’s leadership in 2005, Selective achieved the following:

o      Net premiums written growth of 7%;

o     Statutory combined ratio of 94.6% compares to 95.9% in 2004;

o     Operating earnings per share of $4.36 compared to $3.58 in 2004;

o     Return on average equity of 15.9%;

o     Total return to shareholders of 21.9%;

o     Named to Forbes Magazine “Platinum 400” list and also named one of America’s Best Managed Companies by Forbes – ranking in the “top 10” for insurance;

o     Named to “Ward’s 50 Benchmark Group” listing of top performing companies in the property-casualty insurance sector;

o     Named to the Forbes list of “The 100 Best Mid-Cap Stocks”; and

o     Ranked #897 on overall FORTUNE 1000 list of America’s largest corporations and #31 in insurance property and casualty stock company sector.

    Specific accomplishments.

    The importance of the CEO’s individual contributions to the achievement of Selective’s goals and objectives set for 2005.

Page 27



2005 Factors

   Successful completion of Strategic Initiatives aimed at:

o     Growth in worksite lives for Selective HR Solutions;

o     Strategic market planning for the insurance business;

o     Overall expense reduction;

o     Increased efficiency in claims handling;

o     Implementation of various knowledge management initiatives; and

o     Various technology initiatives related to Selective’s agents.

   Selective’s financial performance compared to its performance in the prior year, including its combined ratio (both overall and by lines of insurance), return on equity, results of operations, and overall financial condition.

In 2005, the SEBC retained an independent compensation consultant to provide advice on executive compensation matters, includingBoard approved, the base salary and incentive compensation levels for executive officers. The consulting firm furnished the SEBC with compensation surveys and data for purposes of comparing Selective’s executive compensation levels with those at companies within and outside the industry with which Selective competes for executive talent and is providing the SEBC with specific recommendations for maintaining Selective’s executive compensation at a level competitive with the marketplace.

Section 162(m)inclusion of the Internal Revenue Code disallows a tax deduction to publicly held companiesCompensation Discussion and Analysis in Selective’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for compensation paid to certain of their executive officers, to the extent that compensation exceeds $1 million per covered officer in any fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and is not under a stockholder approved plan. The limitation applies only to compensation that is not considered to be performance-based. The SEBC intends, to the extent practicable, to preserve deductibility under the Internal Revenue Code for compensation paid to its executive officers while maintaining compensation programs to attract and retain highly qualified executives in a competitive environment.

this Proxy Statement.

Submitted by the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee of Selective’s Board of Directors,

A. David Brown, Chairperson

Paul D. Bauer

John C. Burville

J. Brian Thebault

Page 28



Performance Graph

J. Brian Thebault, Chairperson
Paul D. Bauer
John C. Burville
Ronald L. O’Kelley
The following chart, producedCompensation Committee Report does not constitute soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by the Center for Research in Security Prices, depicts Selective’s performance for the period beginning January 1, 2000 and ending December 31, 2005, as measured by total stockholder return on the common stock compared with the total return of the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.) Index and the NASDAQ Fire, Marine and Casualty Index (68 NASDAQ Company stocks in SIC Major Group 633 (SIC 6330-6339 U.S. fire, marine and casualty insurance). Upon request,reference into any other Selective will furnish stockholders a list of the component companies of such indices.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of Selective’s previous filingsfiling under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that might incorporate future filings made by Selective under those statutes, the preceding Report ofspecifically incorporates the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation and Selective’s Stock Performance Graph will not be incorporatedReport by reference into any of those prior filings, nor will such report or graph be incorporated by reference into any future filings made by Selective under those statutes.

therein.

Page 2939



INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSAL 2

Approval of the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for

Independent Insurance Agencies

Selective’ stockholders are being asked to approve the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (the “Agencies Stock Purchase Plan”). The purpose of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan is to motivate independent insurance agencies that sell products and services for the insurance company subsidiaries of Selective, by enabling them to participate in Selective’s long-term growth and success and to help align their success with those interests of Selective’s stockholders.

After approval and effective as of July 1, 2006, the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan will replace the

Selective Insurance Group Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agents (the “Original Independent Agents Plan”) currently in effect and stock purchases will no longer be available under the Original Independent Agents Plan. If the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan is not approved by stockholders, the Original Independent Agents Plan will remain in effect.

The following table provides a summary of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, which is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A.

Plan Administrator

     Salary and Employee Benefits Committee

Authority of Plan Administrator

     Administer the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan and exercise all of the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to:

o     Construe and interpret the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan;

o     Make adjustments in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, or for any other reason, in accordance with the section of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan entitled, Amendment or Termination of the Plan;

o     Prescribe, amend, or rescind rules and regulations relating to the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan; and

o     Make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

Eligibility

     Each independent insurance agency that is under contract with any of the insurance subsidiaries of Selective to promote and sell Selective’s subsidiaries’ insurance products (approximately 750 agencies), other than such agencies that promote and sell only Selective’s subsidiaries’ flood insurance products (each, an “Eligible Agency”).

     “Eligible Persons” designated by an Eligible Agency, including principals, general partners, officers, and stockholders of an Eligible Agency (“Principals”); key employees of an Eligible Agency (“Key Employees”); and individual retirement plans of Principals and Key Employees, Keogh plans of Principals and Key Employees, and employee benefit plans of an Eligible Agency.

Page 30



Purchases

     The Agencies Stock Purchase Plan allows each Eligible Agency and those Eligible Persons designated by the Eligible Agency to purchase shares of the common stock of Selective, par value $2.00 per share (“Common Stock”), at a 10% discount from fair market value (closing selling price for the Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ on the applicable purchase date).

     Under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan, each Eligible Agency, together with its designated Eligible Persons, may invest up to the applicable Maximum Contribution Amount (as described below) per calendar quarter on certain purchase dates, based upon the amount of Written Premiums (as defined below) by such Eligible Agency during the previous calendar year with one or more of Selective’s insurance subsidiaries, as follows:

Written Premiums

Maximum Contribution Amounts

Less than $2,000,000

$30,000

$2,000,000 or more but

less than $5,000,000

$50,000

$5,000,000 or more

$75,000

     “Written Premiums” include all written premiums, less cancellations and returns, recorded by Selective and its insurance subsidiaries, but do not include:

o     Premiums for policies written through pools, associations, or syndicates;

o     Premiums for insurance written in any reinsurance facility, joint underwriting association, or other insurance program required by law;

o     Policyholder dividends, expense fees, surcharges, and other like charges;

o     Premiums from any accident and health, systems breakdown, and flood policies;

o     Premiums for alternative market business, including, but not limited to, retrospectively rated policies and assumed business; and

o     Premiums for policies, coverages, or plans that the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee may exclude from the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

     There is a $100 minimum for purchases by a participant in the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan per calendar quarter. If a participant does not purchase $100 per a calendar quarter, any amounts below such minimum will be refunded to the participant.

     An Eligible Agency or Eligible Person may elect to apply all or a portion of its earned cash commissions (as defined in the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan) and its distributions from Selective’s profit sharing commitment to the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

     Participants pay no brokerage commissions or administrative or other charges for purchases of shares of Common Stock under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

Restrictions on Shares

     Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan shall be restricted for a period of one year beginning on the purchase date and expiring upon the first anniversary of the purchase date. During this restricted period, the participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, assign, or dispose of his or her shares of Common Stock in any way.

Shares Reserved for Issuance

     The maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance is 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand), with adjustments based on stock splits, dividends, recapitalizations or other changes or transactions. The shares may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or authorized and issued Common Stock held in Selective’s treasury.

     Included in the 1,500,000shares (subject to adjustment) that may be delivered under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan are 537,526 shares previously reserved under the Original Independent Agents Plan would be available for delivery under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

Non-Transferability of Rights

     Rights under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and are exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant.

Page 31



Amendment or Termination

     The Board or the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee may amend, revise, suspend, or terminate the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan at any time and in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that stockholder approval shall be required for any such amendment if and to the extent such approval is required in order to comply with applicable law or any stock exchange listing requirement.

Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan

     The following discussion summarizes certain United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase of stock under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan. The summary does not purport to cover federal employment tax or other federal tax consequences, or state, local, or foreign tax consequences that may be associated with the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan. Further, the summary is based on the law as in effect on the date of this proxy statement.

o      A participant does not realize taxable income when such participant’s participation in the plan begins (i.e., the first day of the enrollment period in the plan). However, a participant will, at the time shares are purchased, recognize as ordinary income (determined without reduction for brokerage fees or other costs paid in connection with the disposition) an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of purchase over the purchase price.

o     When a participant disposes of shares acquired through the plan, he or she will recognize either a capital gain or loss, depending upon whether the shares or disposed of for more or less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of purchase. Special rules apply in the case of death.

o     Capital gain is short-term if the shares have been held one year or less, and long-term if held more than one year. The holding period for a share acquired under the plan begins on the purchase date.

NEW PLAN BENEFITS

There have been no awards granted under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan to date. Selective cannot determine at this time the benefits that will be received by the Eligible Agencies and Eligible Persons if the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan is approved by stockholders because Selective cannot predict how many shares of Common Stock each Eligible Agency and Eligible Person will choose to purchase under the Agencies Stock Purchase Plan.

Page 32



INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSAL 3


Ratification of Appointment of


Independent Public Accountants

The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP to act as Selective’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.2008. The Board of Directors has approved the appointment and has directed that such appointment be submitted to Selective’s stockholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Selective’s independent public accountants is not required. The Board of Directors, however, is submitting the appointment to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors will reconsider whether or not to retain KPMG LLP or another firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different auditing firm at any time during the 20062008 fiscal year if the Board determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Selective and its stockholders.

Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. In 2005,2007, Selective paid KPMG LLP $1,212,800$1,518,000 for audit and audit-related services. No non-audit services were provided by KPMG LLP to Selective in 2005.

2007.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee oversees Selective’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for overseeing preparation of the financial statements and the overall reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has periodically met with and held discussions with management regarding the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in Selective’s financial statements. The Audit Committee reviewed the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, included in the Annual Report with management. Management represented to the Audit Committee that (i) the financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and (ii) management had reviewed Selective’s disclosure controls and procedures and believes those controls are effective.

The Audit Committee reviewed with KPMG LLP, Selective’s independent public accountants who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of Selective’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards, including the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as may be modified or supplemented. In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence from management and Selective, including the matters in the written disclosures delivered to the Audit Committee and required by the Independence Standards Board in Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit Committee), as may be modified or supplemented.

Page 33



In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board approved) the inclusion of the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the SEC. The Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to stockholder approval, the selection of KPMG LLP as Selective’s independent public accountants.

Submitted by the Audit Committee of Selective’s Board of Directors

Paul D. Bauer, Chairperson

Joan M. Lamm-Tennant

S. Griffin McClellan III

John F. Rockart

J. Brian Thebault

The Audit Committee Report does not constitute soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that Selective specifically incorporates the Audit Committee Report by reference therein.

Fees of Independent Public Accountants

KPMG LLP, Selective’s independent public accountants, provided services in the following categories and amounts in 20052007 and 2004:

Category

2005

 

2004

Audit Fees

$1,039,800

 

$1,263,850

Audit-Related Fees(1)

$173,000

 

$88,750

Tax Fees

$0

 

$0

All Other Fees

$0

 

$0

TOTAL

$1,212,800

 

$1,352,600

2006:
         
Category 2007 2006
Audit Fees $1,353,500  $1,319,500 
Audit-Related Fees(1)
 $164,500  $132,000 
Tax Fees $0  $0 
All Other Fees $0  $0 
TOTAL
 $1,518,000  $1,451,500 

(1)

Audit-Related Fees for 20042007 and 20052006 consisted primarily of the independent actuarial review and reserve opinion related to the Audit. The Audit-Related Fees for 20052007 also include audits of the employee benefit plans for 20042006 and 2005.

2007.

The Audit Committee has a Pre-Approval Policy that requires pre-approval of audit and audit-related services on an annual basis and authorizes the Audit Committee to delegate to one or more of its members pre-approval authority with respect to permitted services. The Audit Committee delegated the authority to pre-approve audit and audit-related services by KPMG LLP to the Audit Committee Chairperson, who is required to report any pre-approvals to the Audit Committee at its next meeting for ratification. In 2005,2007, the Audit Committee pre-approved allone hundred percent (100%) of audit and audit-related services and concluded that KPMG LLP’s provision of such services was compatible with the maintenance of KPMG LLP’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. KPMG LLP provided no tax services or non-audit related services in 2005.2007. Any such future services also would require Audit Committee pre-approval on an individual engagement basis.

Page 3440



AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee oversees Selective’s financial reporting processes on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for overseeing preparation of the financial statements and the overall reporting processes, including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has:
Periodically met with and held discussions with management regarding the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in Selective’s financial statements.
Reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in the Annual Report with management, which represented to the Audit Committee that (i) the financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and (ii) management had reviewed Selective’s disclosure controls and procedures and believes those controls are effective.
Reviewed and discussed with KPMG LLP, Selective’s independent public accountants who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with the Statements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of Selective’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under Statements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended.
Discussed with KPMG LLP, the independent accountant’s independence from Selective and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures from the independent accounts delivered to the Audit Committee as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved, the inclusion of the audited financial statements in Selective’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
          Submitted by the Audit Committee of Selective’s Board of Directors,
Paul D. Bauer, Chairperson
Joan M. Lamm-Tennant
John F. Rockart
J. Brian Thebault

Page 41


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS

Proposals for Inclusion in 20072009 Proxy

From time to time, stockholders present proposals that may be proper subjects for inclusion in the proxy statement and for consideration at an annual meeting. Under the rules of the SEC (Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act), stockholder proposals to be included in the proxy statement for the 20072009 Annual Meeting to be held on or about April 26, 2007, must be received by Selective’s Corporate Secretary at 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, NJ 07890 no later than November 28, 2006.

26, 2008.

Other Proposals and Nominations

A stockholder who otherwise intends to present business at Selective’s 20072009 Annual Meeting must comply with Selective’s By-laws, which state, among other things, that to properly bring business before an annual meeting, a stockholder must deliver notice to the Secretary of Selective in proper written form not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s Annual Meeting.annual meeting. Thus, a notice of a stockholder proposal for the 20072009 Annual Meeting, submitted other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, will be untimely if received by the Corporate Secretary before December 27, 200625, 2008 or after January 26, 2007.

24, 2009.

Under Section 3B of Selective’s By-laws, stockholders may (i) present proposals that are proper subjects for consideration at an annual meeting, which proposals are not submitted for inclusion in the proxy statement for such annual meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) nominate a person for election to our Board of Directors at the annual meeting. On written request to Selective’s Corporate Secretary at 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, NJ 07890, stockholders of record may receive a free copy of Selective’s By-laws. Procedures in the By-laws are separate and distinct from those required by the SEC.

Selective’s By-laws require that the stockholder provide the following information in writing regarding any proposal:

the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting;

the reasons for conducting the business at the annual meeting;

the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting;
the reasons for conducting the business at the annual meeting;
any material interest of the stockholder in the business;
the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made;
the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice, as they appear on our books, and of the beneficial owner of those shares; and
the class and number of shares which are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and the beneficial owner.

any material interest of the stockholder in the business;

the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made;

the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice, as they appear on our books, and of the beneficial owner of those shares; and

the class and number of shares which are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and the beneficial owner.

Selective’s By-laws require that the stockholder provide the following information in writing regarding any nomination for director:

all information relating to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director as would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of such person as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if so elected);

the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice, as they appear on our books, and of the beneficial owner of those shares; and

all information relating to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director as would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of such person as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if so elected);
the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice, as they appear on our books, and of the beneficial owner of those shares; and
the class and number of shares which are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and the beneficial owner.

the class and number of shares which are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and the beneficial owner.

Page 35



STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD

Stockholders so desiring may send communications to the Board of Directors or individual directors by writing to Selective’s Corporate Secretary, Selective Insurance Group, Inc., 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, NJ 07890 or by e-mail to corporate.governance@selective.com. The Board has instructed the Corporate Secretary to use discretion in forwarding unsolicited advertisements, invitations to conferences, or other promotional material.

* * * * * * * *

Page 42


It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting, regardless of the number of shares that you hold. YOU ARE THEREFORE URGED TO PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR SHARES BY (1) CALLING THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD; (2) ACCESSING THE INTERNET WEBSITE LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD; OR (3) COMPLETING, DATING, AND SIGNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Stockholders who are present at the meeting may revoke their proxies and vote in person or, if they prefer, may abstain from voting in person and allow their proxies to be voted.

By Order of the Board of Directors:

(-s- MICHAEL H. LANZA)
Michael H. Lanza

Senior
Executive Vice President, General Counsel


and Corporate Secretary

March 28, 2006

26, 2008
Branchville, New Jersey

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information regarding Executive Officers is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item1. Business of Selective’s Annual Report on Form 10-K infor the item in Part I captioned “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

year ended December 31, 2007.

Page 3643




APPENDIX ADIRECTIONS

SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

STOCK PURCHASE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCIES

(Effective July 1, 2006)

1.

PURPOSE; GENERAL

The purpose of the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies (the “Plan”) is to motivate independent insurance agencies that sell products and services for the insurance company subsidiaries of Selective Insurance Group, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), by enabling them to participate in the Company’s long-term growth and success and to help align their success with those interests of the Company’s stockholders.

The Plan allows each Eligible Agency (as defined in Section 2(a) below) and those eligible Principals, Key Employees and Benefit Plans (each as defined in Section 2(a) below, and collectively referred to as the “Eligible Persons”) designated by the Eligible Agency to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company, par value $2.00 per share (“Common Stock”) at a discount as described below. An Eligible Agency or Eligible Person may elect to apply all or a portion of its Earned Cash Commissions (as defined in Section 2(c) below) and its distributions from the Company’s profit sharing commitment (the “Profit Sharing Plan”) to the purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan.

Each Eligible Agency, together with its designated Eligible Persons (each such Eligible Agency and its designated Eligible Persons a “Participant”), may invest up to the applicable Maximum Contribution Amount (as described in the chart below) per calendar quarter under the Plan on certain Purchase Dates (as defined in Section 2(c) below), based upon the amount of total Written Premiums (as defined below) by such Eligible Agency during the previous calendar year with one or more of Selective’s insurance subsidiaries, as follows:

Written Premiums

Maximum Contribution
Amounts

Less than $2,000,000

$30,000

$2,000,000 or more but less than $5,000,000

$50,000

$5,000,000 or more

$75,000

“Written Premiums” include all written premiums, less cancellations and returns, recorded by the Company and its insurance subsidiaries, but do not include:

1.

Premiums for policies written through pools, associations, or syndicates;

2.

Premiums for insurance written in any reinsurance facility, joint underwriting association, or other insurance program required by law;

3.

Policyholder dividends, expense fees, surcharges, and other like charges;

4.

Premiums from any accident and health, systems breakdown, and flood policies;

5.

Premiums for alternative market business, including, but not limited to, retrospectively rated policies and assumed business; and

6.

Premiums for policies, coverages, or plans that the Committee (as defined in Section 6 hereof) may exclude from this Plan.

There is a $100 (one hundred dollar) minimum for purchases under the Plan by a Participant per calendar quarter. If a Participant does not purchase $100 (one hundred dollars) per a calendar quarter, any amounts below such minimum will be refunded, without interest, to such Participant by check as soon as practicable after the end of the quarter. The Company offers shares of Common Stock under the Plan at a 10% discount from Fair Market Value (as defined below) on the Purchase Date and Participants pay no brokerage commissions or other charges on purchases of such shares under the Plan. Fair Market Value is defined as the closing selling price for the Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ National Market on the applicable Purchase Date.


2.

PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN

(a)

Eligibility

Each eligible independent insurance agency that is under contract with any of the insurance subsidiaries of the Company to promote and sell Company’s subsidiaries’ insurance products, other than such agencies that promote and sell only the Company’s subsidiaries’ flood insurance products (each, an “Eligible Agency”) is eligible to participate in the Plan and to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan. Also eligible to purchase shares under the Plan in conjunction with an Eligible Agency are the following Eligible Persons:

principals, general partners, officers, and stockholders of, and designated by, an Eligible Agency (collectively, “Principals”);

key employees of an Eligible Agency designated by such Eligible Agency (“Key Employees”); and

individual retirement plans of Principals and Key Employees, Keogh plans of Principals and Key Employees, and employee benefit plans of, and designated by, an Eligible Agency (collectively, the “Benefit Plans”).

No later than July 1, or the next business day following such day, of each year, each Eligible Agency shall provide to the Company, at the address contained in Section 2(c) hereof or by e-mail to agentstockplan@selective.com, a list of all Eligible Persons designated by such Eligible Agency as of such date for the next succeeding year. The Eligible Agency shall notify the Company of any deletions from such list no later the next Contribution Date (as defined in Section 2(c) hereof). Eligible Agencies may not add any Principals, Key Employees, or Benefit Plans to the list of Eligible Persons designated by such Eligible Agency until July 1 of the next succeeding year. The Committee or its designee shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether any Eligible Agency, or Eligible Person designated by an Eligible Agency, is ineligible to be a Participant in the Plan.

Eligible Agencies and Eligible Persons are under no obligation to participate in the Plan or to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan. If an Eligible Agency and/or its Eligible Persons choose not to participate in the Plan, the Eligible Agency and/or its Eligible Persons, as applicable, shall receive the Earned Cash Commissions (as defined in Section 2(c) below) and the distributions from the Profit Sharing Plan to which they are entitled. The Plan is for the benefit only of the Participants. No other persons shall be direct or indirect beneficiaries or participants in the Plan. The Company shall not be obligated with respect to the Plan under any other arrangements between an Eligible Agency and any other person, including, but not limited to, the Eligible Agency’s Principals, Key Employees, and Benefit Plans.

(b)

Enrollment in the Plan

The Company shall send to each Eligible Agency:

a copy of the Plan;

an enrollment/purchase form;

a copy of a prospectus and any prospectus supplements; and

a copy of the most recent Annual Report of the Company.

If an Eligible Person wishes to participate in the Plan, the Eligible Agency and each participating Eligible Person must complete and sign the enrollment/purchase form and return the form to the Company at the address contained in Section 2(c) hereof. Eligible Agencies may obtain additional forms by written or telephonic request to the Company, attention: “Accounts” at the address contained in Section 2(c) hereof or by calling (973) 948-3000.

An Eligible Person shall become a Participant in the Plan only (i) after the Eligible Agency affiliated with such Eligible Person has received a copy of the Plan, a prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or supplements, and the most recent Annual Report of the Company, (ii) after the Company has received a properly


completed enrollment/purchase form signed by such Eligible Agency and such Eligible Person, and (iii) if such Eligible Person has not been determined to be ineligible to become a Participant in the Plan by the Committee or its designee pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof. By returning a properly completed and signed form to the Company, the Eligible Agency and participating Eligible Person each acknowledge the receipt of the documents described in subsection (i) of the previous sentence.

(c)

Purchasing Shares of Common Stock

Shares may generally be purchased by Participants under the Plan on the first day of March, June, September, and December of each year or the next succeeding business day (each a “Purchase Date” and collectively, the “Purchase Dates”), however, the Company does not guarantee that such days will be Purchase Dates and may designate other dates as Purchase Dates. The Company does not pay any interest on cash payments received under the Plan.

Once each calendar quarter, and prior to a Contribution Date (as defined below), the Company shall provide enrollment/purchase forms to each Eligible Agency. Purchases shall be made under the Plan on the next applicable Purchase Date.

Each Participant shall designate the dollar amount to be invested (the “Contribution Amount”) on the next Purchase Date on the appropriate sections of the enrollment/purchase form. Each Participant shall designate (i) the amount, if any, of the Contribution Amount that is to be paid in cash by check, (ii) the percentage, if any, that is to be deducted from monthly payments of Earned Cash Commissions (as defined below) and applied to the Contribution Amount, and (iii) the percentage, if any, that is to be deducted from the Participant’s distributions under the Profit Sharing Plan and applied to the Contribution Amount. The Contribution Amount designations regarding the Earned Cash Commissions and Profit Sharing Plan shall remain in effect until revoked or modified in writing by such Participant, which revocation or modification will take effect for the next practicable Purchase Date. The Contribution Amount designation regarding cash shall only remain in effect for the next Purchase Date.

“Earned Cash Commissions” means those commissions that are fully earned and are due and payable to a participating Eligible Agency for personal and commercial direct bill policies after all offsetting debits and credits are applied, as determined by and solely from the records of the Company and its subsidiaries.

For each Participant, the enrollment/purchase form must include:

such Participant’s full name and address;

such Participant’s social security or taxpayer identification number; and

the amount of cash, if any, and percentages of Earned Cash Commissions and/or Profit Sharing Plan payments, if any, to be invested in shares of Common Stock for each Eligible Person for whom purchase instructions are submitted.

In addition, each Participant must sign their enrollment/purchase form and certify to the Company receipt of a copy of the Plan, any prospectus or supplements thereto, and a copy of the most recent Annual Report of the Company. The form must be signed by the applicable Eligible Agency and each affiliated Eligible Person listed on the form.

Completed and signed enrollment/purchase forms must be sent to the Company at:

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

40 Wantage Avenue

Branchville, New Jersey 07890

Attention: Accounts

Properly completed forms and necessary payments must be received by the Company within 10 business days prior to the applicable Purchase Date (the “Contribution Date”). The Company will perform such necessary ministerial and clerical work regarding the forms as to effect the transaction and promptly forward


enrollment/purchase information to the Plan Agent (as defined in Section 2(d) hereof). If necessary payments are not received by the applicable Contribution Date, the purchase will not be effected and any payments received after the Contribution Date will be returned.

(d)

Purchased Shares and Participants’ Accounts

The Company shall record the ownership of the shares of Common Stock purchased through the Plan in book-entry form. When a Participant makes his or her first purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall establish an account for each such Participant with Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, the Company’s transfer agent and registrar (the “Plan Agent”). Each time a Participant purchases shares of Common Stock, the shares shall be credited to the Participant’s account and the Company shall record the shares on its Common Stock records. The Participant shall receive a written account statement following each purchase of shares. A Participant may vote all shares of Common Stock held in his or her account.

(e)

Restrictions on Shares Purchased under the Plan

Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan shall be restricted for a period of one year beginning on the Purchase Date and expiring upon the first anniversary of the Purchase Date (the “Restricted Period”). During the Restricted Period, the Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, assign, or dispose of his or her shares of Common Stock in any way. During this period, the Plan Agent shall hold the Participant’s shares of Common Stock in the Participant’s account, but no share certificates shall be issued. However, a Participant shall be able to vote his or her shares of Common Stock during the Restricted Period and shall receive any dividends declared by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Participant shall own all of the shares in his or her account and none of the Participant’s shares of Common Stock shall be subject to forfeiture.

Following the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Participant’s shares of Common Stock shall remain in his or her account until the Participant requests, in writing to the Plan Agent, that the shares be transferred, that the shares be sold, that certificates be issued to the Participant, or that the Participant’s account be closed.

If an Eligible Agency closes its account, it may re-enroll in the Plan at any time it is eligible to participate by completing a new enrollment/purchase form. An Eligible Person may similarly re-enroll in the Plan, provided the Eligible Person is on the list of Eligible Persons designated by the Eligible Agency.

3.

SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN

The maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand) and subject to adjustment as provided herein. The Company may make the shares available from authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury, including shares purchased by the Company in the open market.

In the event that the Board determines that any stock dividend or other distribution,

extraordinary cash dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, exchange of shares, warrants, rights offering to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price substantially below fair market value, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Common Stock so that an adjustment is required in order to preserve the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, adjust any or all of the number and type of shares which may be available under the Plan.

4.

DIVIDENDS; DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

The Company pays dividends, as and when declared by the Board, to the record holders of shares of Common Stock. As the record holder of shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan, a Participant shall receive dividends, if any, in cash for all shares registered in the Participant’s name on the record date. Such payment shall be made on the date that such dividend would be paid to the Company’s stockholders generally.


Any dividend payable in Common Stock or any split shares distributed by the Company on shares purchased under the Plan shall be deposited in the Participant’s account with the Plan Agent. Any shares received as the result of a stock split shall be subject to the same restrictions on transfer as the shares purchased under the Plan. Shares received as dividends shall not be subjected to any transfer restrictions.

Participants in the Plan are also eligible to participate in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan pursuant to the terms and conditions of that plan. If a Participant elects to participate in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, the Participant shall be entitled to reinvest his or her dividends to purchase additional shares of Common Stock. There is no discount on the purchase price of shares under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. The transfer restrictions applicable to shares purchased under the Plan shall not apply to any shares purchased under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. Wells Fargo Shareowner Services is the plan administrator of the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan. Information about the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan may be obtained from the Company or from Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.

5.

OTHER STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS; INFORMATION REPORTING

If the Company has a rights offering, Participants in the Plan shall be entitled to participate based upon their total share holdings. Rights on shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan and registered in the name of a Participant shall be mailed directly to that Participant in the same manner as to stockholders not participating in the Plan.

Each Participant in the Plan shall receive the Company’s annual and other periodic or quarterly reports issued to stockholders, notices of stockholder meetings, proxy statements and Internal Revenue Service information for reporting dividends paid and income resulting from the discount on the purchase of Common Stock under the Plan.

Each Participant shall be entitled to vote the shares purchased under the Plan and registered in that Participant’s name on a record date for a meeting of stockholders. A Participant may vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

6.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN, INQUIRIES, AND CORRESPONDENCE

The Plan shall be administered by the Salary and Employee Benefits Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) or its designee. The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, subject to and not inconsistent with the express provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise all the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to:

construe and interpret the Plan;

make adjustments in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, or for any other reason;

prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan, in accordance with Section 7 hereof; and

make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

Determinations of the Committee shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, and the Committee will not be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan.

The Committee shall engage the Plan Agent to perform custodial and record-keeping functions for the Plan, such as holding record title to the Participants’ shares, maintaining an individual investment account for each Participant, and providing periodic account status reports to each Participant.


All enrollment/purchase forms should be sent to the Company. All other inquiries and correspondence should be sent to:

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services

P.O. Box 64854

St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0854

Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Company at (973) 948-3000 or to Wells Fargo Shareowner Services at (866) 877-6351.

The Company pays all of its administrative expenses related to the Plan. Plan Participants pay no brokers commissions or administrative or other charges for purchases of Common Stock under the Plan.

7.

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

Either the Board or the Committee may amend, revise, suspend, or terminate the Plan at any time and in any respect whatsoever; provided, however, that stockholder approval shall be required for any such amendment if and to the extent such approval is required in order to comply with applicable law or any stock exchange listing requirement.

8.

RIGHTS NOT TRANSFERABLE

Rights under the Plan are not transferable by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and are exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant.

9.

RIGHT TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT OR AGENCY STATUS

Nothing in the Plan or any enrollment/purchase form shall confer an obligation on the Company or any Eligible Agency to employ or continue the employment or service of any Participant for any specified period of time and shall not lessen, affect, or interfere with the Company’s or any Eligible Agency’s right to terminate the employment or service of any such Participant at any time or for any reason not prohibited by law.

10.

APPLICABLE OR GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY

Except to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, the Plan shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without reference to its principles of conflicts of law.

If any provision of the Plan is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of the Plan shall not be affected but shall be applied as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.




Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

Directions to Principal Offices


40 Wantage Avenue


Branchville, NJ 07890-1000

From East:

Route I-80 West to Route 15 North to Route 206 North. Go about 2 miles from Route 15/Route 206 intersection, turn right at traffic light, then left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). Turn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519). 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/main reception area.

From West:

Route I-80 East to Route 94 North to Route 206 North. RightTurn right at Branchville traffic light opposite "Our“Our Lady Queen of Peace"Peace” Catholic church, then left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). RightTurn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519),. 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/main reception area.

- or -

Route I-78 East to Pa. Route 611 North to Route 94 North to Route 206 North. RightTurn right at Branchville traffic light opposite "Our“Our Lady Queen of Peace"Peace” Catholic church, then left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). RightTurn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519),. 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/main reception area.

- or -

Route I-78 East to Route 31 North to Route 46 West to Route 94 North to Route 206 North. RightTurn right at Branchville traffic light opposite "Our“Our Lady Queen of Peace"Peace” Catholic church, then left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). RightTurn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519),. 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/main reception area.

From North:

Route I-84 (East or West) to PA Route 209 South to NJ Route 206 South. Left at Branchville traffic light opposite "Our“Our Lady Queen of Peace"Peace” Catholic church, then turn left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). RightTurn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519),. 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/ main reception area.

From South:

Route 206 North or Route I-80 West to Route 15 to Route 206 North. RightTurn right at Branchville traffic light opposite "Our“Our Lady Queen of Peace"Peace” Catholic church, then left on Route 630(Broad630 (Broad Street). RightTurn right at Post Office onto Wantage Avenue(RouteAvenue (Route 519),. 1st entrance on right - Northeast Operations. 2nd entrance on right - Corporate office/main reception area.







SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Wednesday,Thursday, April 26, 2006

11:24, 2008
9:00 a.m.

40 Wantage Avenue


Branchville, New Jersey 07890




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





(LOGO)
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
40 Wantage Avenue
Branchville, New Jersey 07890

proxy

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 24, 2008.
The undersigned, a stockholder of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby constitutes and appoints W. Marston Becker and William M. Rue and/or any one of them (with full power of substitution and the full power to act without the other), proxies to vote all the shares of the Common Stock of the Company, registered in the name of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the auditorium at the headquarters of the Company at 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey, and at any adjournment thereof.
Specify your choices by marking the appropriate box (see reverse side), but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this proxy, submit a proxy by telephone or through the Internet, or attend the meeting and vote by ballot.

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 26, 2006.

The undersigned, a stockholder of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby constitutes and appoints Paul D. Bauer and Joan M. Lamm-Tennant and/or any one of them (with full power of substitution and the full power to act without the other), proxies to vote all the shares of the Common Stock of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. registered in the name of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium at the headquarters of the Company at 40 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, New Jersey, and at any adjournment thereof.

Specify your choices by marking the appropriate box (SEE REVERSE SIDE), but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this proxy, submit a proxy by telephone or through the Internet, or attend the meeting and vote by ballot.

Your vote is important. Please vote immediately.



See reverse side for voting instructions.



COMPANY #

There are three ways to vote your proxyproxy:

Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed, and returned your proxy card.

VOTE BY PHONETELEPHONE — TOLL FREE — 1-800-560-19651- 800-560-1965 — QUICK ***** EASY *** IMMEDIATE*** IMMEDIATE

Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 12:00 noon (CT) on April 25, 2006.

23, 2008.

Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Followavailable and follow the simple instructions the voice provides you.

instructions.

VOTE BY INTERNET — http://www.eproxy.com/sigi/sigi — QUICK ***** EASY *** IMMEDIATE*** IMMEDIATE

Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 12:00 noon (CT) on April 25, 2006.

23, 2008.

Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Followavailable and follow the simple instructions to obtain your records and create an electronic ballot.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Selective Insurance Group, Inc., c/o Shareowner ServicesSM, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.

Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided or return it to Selective Insurance Group, Inc., c/o Shareowner ServicesSM, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
TO CHANGE YOUR VOTE

You may revoke your proxy by giving proper written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company before your proxy is exercised. Any subsequent timely and valid vote, by any means, will change your prior vote. For example, if you voted by telephone, a subsequent Internet vote will change your vote. The last vote received before 12:00 noon (CT), on April 25, 2006,23, 2008, will be the one counted. You may also change your vote by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

If you vote by Phonetelephone or Internet, please do not mail your Proxy CardCard.

— 
òPlease detach here — ò




The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1 and 2.
1.
Election of four (4)
Class II directors for
terms expiring in 2009:
01  A. David Brown
02  William M. Kearns, Jr.
03  S. Griffin McClellan III
04  J. Brian Thebault

Election of two (2)
five (5) Class III directors for
terms expiring in 2008:
05  John C. Burville
06  John F. Rockart

Election of one (1)
Class I director for a
term expiring in 2007:

07  W. Marston Becker

2011:

01 John C. Burville
02 Paul D. Bauer
oVote FOR
all nominees
 o Vote WITHHELD
from all nominees
03 Joan M. Lamm-Tennant(except as marked)

o Vote WITHHELD
from all nominees

04 Michael J. Morrissey
05 Ronald L. O’Kelley
(Instructions:To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee,write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)

2.

Approve the Selective Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies.

o

For   

o

Against   

o

Abstain   

3.

2.

Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.

2008.

o

For

o

o

Against

For

o

o

AgainstoAbstain

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTEDFOR EACH PROPOSAL.

Address Change?  Mark Box o Indicate changes below:

Date

Address Change? Mark Box  o  Indicate changes below:    Date
Signature(s) in Box
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on the proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy.

Signature(s) in Box

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on the proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy.