UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report October 7, 2004 (Date of earliest event reported) VESTA INSURANCE GROUP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 63-1097283 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 3760 River Run Drive 35243 Birmingham, Alabama (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices) (205) 970-7000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): |_| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |_| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure. On October 7, 2004 the Registrant issued a press release announcing its estimated losses from Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne, updating loss estimates from Hurricanes Charley and Frances and announcing a settlement with Dorinco Reinsurance Company. A copy of this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized. Dated as of October 7, 2004. VESTA INSURANCE GROUP, INC. By: /s/ Donald W. Thornton ----------------------------- Its: Senior Vice President General Counsel and Secretary