X0101 42003-05-27 0000874977 STATE AUTO FINANCIAL CORP STFC 0001184083 LOWTHER JOHN R 0100Senior Vice PresidentCommon Shares without par value2003-05-224A000A51320.774DEmployee Stock Option (Right to Buy) NQ18.742003-05-225A0145000A2004-05-222013-05-21Common shares1450014500Dfield should be left blank, but due to a software defect, requires input.Includes indirect holdings of 11,984.000 shares. Also includes the following acquisitions: 22.498 shares acquired in March 2003 under the dividend reinvestment feature of the STFC Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and 0.474 shares acquired in March 2003 under the STFC Dividend Reinvestment Plan.The options vest in three equal annual installments beginning on May 22, 2004.John R. Lowther2003-05-27