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Progressive Announces Auto Insurance is Now Wireless

19 September 2000

Progressive Announces Auto Insurance is Now Wireless
           Future of Auto Insurance is Available Today with Launch
                          of New Wireless Technology

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Sept. 19 Not so long ago, auto
insurance was only available between the hours of 9 to 5, and you had to
travel somewhere to get it.  Then it evolved into 24/7 accessibility through
special 800 numbers.  Then the Internet offered accessibility to information
that consumers never had before through their PC.
    Today, The Progressive Corporation announced the latest online
development-making auto insurance services and information from
progressive.com available on Web-enabled cellular phones and hand-held devices
from anywhere in the world, at any time.  Auto insurance is now wireless.
    "This technology gives consumers even more control of their auto insurance
policies and information," said Alan Bauer, Internet Business Leader,
Progressive.  "Wireless is the future of communication.  It's a strategic
imperative for Progressive to be the first to adopt and use technology that
helps take the hassle out of auto insurance."
    The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology that allows Web-enabled
phone and hand-held device users to log on to progressive.com is the same
technology that allows consumers to purchase their favorite book or check
stock quotes instantly online.  Early wireless functionality from
progressive.com includes the ability to locate a nearby independent agent by
entering a ZIP Code, contact the company to report a claim, or get an
insurance quote and service an existing account.
    Future developments include being able to make payments, view information
about accounts, coverages and vehicles, as well as check automobile-related
recall information, and even be reminded when repairs are complete at an auto
body shop.
    "With the application, and the future enhancements in wireless
communications that allow wireless devices to know the user's location, the
functionality opportunities are limited only by the imagination," said Bauer.
"Making functionality local -- by helping people find a local independent
agent, for example -- is a feature most wireless applications lack today."
    The announcement continues Progressive's commitment to technology and
innovation in auto insurance.
    In 1990, the company introduced Immediate Response(R) claims service, an
in-person, 24 x 7 service delivered by claim representatives using mobile
technology.  The technology allows reps to write estimates -- and checks -- at
the accident scene.
    In 1994, the company became the only auto insurance company able to
provide consumers with comparison rates of up to four of the leading
companies.
    In 1995, the company introduced the first ever Web site for a major auto
insurer.  In 1997, the company became the first auto insurance company to
provide coverage instantaneously online.
    And, in 1998, the company introduced a unique usage-based auto insurance
product called Autograph.  Using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and
cellular technology, the company is able to offer customers more accurate auto
insurance rates based primarily on how much, when and where the vehicle is
driven.