FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2004

Hancock Insurance Agency named 'Best Practices' company

GULFPORT, MS (October 7, 2004) - America's oldest and largest association of independent insurance agents and brokers - the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) - has selected Hancock Insurance Agency for IIABA's "Best Practices" study.

Founded in 1902, Hancock Insurance Agency is a wholly owned subsidiary of 105-year-old Hancock Bank, one of the nation's strongest, safest financial institutions.

Agencies selected for IIABA elite "Best Practices" designation must rank as top performers in their respective revenue categories and must meet stringent criteria based on outstanding customer service, growth, stability, and financial management. Of the 900 independent United States agencies nominated by an IIABA affiliate state organization or insurance company to take part in the study, only 195 qualified as "Best Practices" agencies.

"We at Hancock Insurance Agency are extremely honored to be chosen as a 'Best Practices' agency. Our participation in this prestigious study reflects our Hancock Insurance Agency team's commitment to the traditions of strength, stability, integrity, and service that are fundamental to Hancock's business philosophy," said Camors C. "Chris" Roth, CPCU, corporate head of Hancock Insurance Agency.

Hancock Insurance Agency offers a full spectrum of insurance products and services through a number of well-established providers, including AIG, ARIC, Chubb, MetLife, St.Paul/Travelers and Zurich.

Initiated in 1993, IIABA's "Best Practices" annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies foster improved agency performance by documenting the business practices of "Best" agencies and encouraging other agencies to adopt similar practices. Founded in 1896, IIABA represents a national network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers, and employees. IIABA member businesses offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies, and independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance: property, casualty, life and health, employee benefits, and retirement products. Additional IIABA information is available at www.independentagent.com.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - the parent company of Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, and Hancock Bank of Florida - has assets of $4.6 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank operates 103 full-service offices and more than 130 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle. Other bank subsidiaries include Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Mortgage Corporation, Magna Insurance Company, and Harrison Finance Company. Readers can access corporate profiles as well as online banking and bill pay services at www.hancockbank.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
800.522.6542 (ext. 85252) or 228.214.5252
paul_maxwell@hancockbank..com