ESSOP EXPLANATION CARD
                                 March 31, 2000

To Participants in the Old Republic International
Corporation Employees Savings and Stock Ownership Plan

    In the  near  future  you  will be  receiving  a copy  of a proxy  statement
relating to the Annual  Meeting of  Shareholders  of Old Republic  International
Corporation to be held May 19, 2000. The Old Republic International  Corporation
Employees  Savings and Stock  Ownership  Plan,  in which you are a  participant,
holds a number of shares of Old Republic Common Stock, each of which is entitled
to one  (1)  vote  at the  meeting.  Under  the  terms  of  the  Plan,  you as a
participant  are entitled to vote a portion of this stock held by the Plan,  the
value of which has been allocated to your account.  Please return the proxy card
you  receive as soon as  possible.  By  returning  the proxy card to us you will
assure that this stock will be voted in accordance  with your  instructions.  If
you fail to exercise  these voting  rights,  the shares that are unvoted will be
voted by the  Administration  Committee as provided for under the  provisions of
the Plan.


                                              The Administration Committee