The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Drive Insurance From Progressive Launches New Web Site for Independent Agencies and Consumers

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--Dec. 1, 20043, 2004--The Progressive group of companies, the third largest auto insurance group in the country based on premiums written, today announced the debut of its newest Web site, driveinsurance.com, highlighting the important role that independent agents and brokers play in Progressive's business model. Drive Insurance from Progressive(SM) is the new brand designed to help independent agents and brokers grow their business and was introduced by the company in September.

The Web site is a key component of Drive's marketing campaign, which communicates to consumers the advantages that independent agents provide over captive agents. Consumers who see Drive television advertising will be directed to driveinsurance.com to get more information and to find a local agency.

-- Find an Agent - Consumers can search for an independent agency that sells Drive(SM) products, using criteria as general as a ZIP code and address or as specific as products offered and languages spoken at the agency. The Web site will list up to 10 local agencies, their contact information and e-mail/Web site link (if applicable).

-- Get an Online Quote - Consumers can get an auto insurance quote and have their referral information sent electronically to an agency of their choice to complete the sale.

-- Manage Your Policy - Drive customers can login for convenient, secure, 24-hour access to their policy. They can make payments, view and print policy documents, track claims, make routine policy changes, and more, but are referred back to their Drive agency for more complex changes.

The Web site also offers independent agents and brokers valuable marketing opportunities through the Find an Agent and quoting/referral functions. "We've been talking to agents about the Drive brand for a few months now, and the biggest 'buzz' we hear from them is about driveinsurance.com," said Bob Williams, group president, Drive Insurance from Progressive. "They're pleased that we're applying our Internet know-how to a Web site designed for people who buy from agents, and are really excited at the chance to use the site to help grow their agencies. We'd love for consumers as well as agents and brokers to give driveinsurance.com a test drive."

The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, is the nation's number one writer of auto insurance through independent agents and brokers, according to premiums written. Progressive companies using the Drive Insurance from Progressive brand comprise a group that is the largest writer of personal auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and boat insurance through independent agencies in the U.S., based on premiums written. Agents and brokers can login to Drive's agency-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO), to access customer policies, state and countrywide news, and other interactive features. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at driveinsurance.com.