How Would Your Car Perform in a Collision?

           Progressive.com Features the Latest Insurance Institute
                     for Highway Safety Crash Test Videos

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Jan. 30 Consumers worldwide now
have access to full-motion video results of the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety's (IIHS) low speed bumper crash tests for seven popular 2000
and 2001 model vehicles.  The dramatic video results and analysis are featured
exclusively at progressive.com.  These front and rear bumper tests were
conducted on the Hyundai Elantra, Lexus LS 430, Honda Civic, Dodge Stratus,
Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Focus and Mercedes C320.  This current footage isn't
available on any other Web site.
    In the front and rear bumper tests among the six updated models, only the
Hyundai Elantra and the Lexus LS 430 results improved compared with previous
models of the same cars.  The Honda Civic, Dodge Stratus and Dodge Grand
Caravan test results didn't improve, while the test results of the new Ford
Focus were worse than its predecessor model, the Escort.  The seventh car, the
Mercedes C320, hadn't been previously tested.  Each car was tested in a series
of four front and rear impacts at 5 mph.
    "Progressive is committed to the idea that consumers are empowered through
choice," said Toby Alfred, site manager for progressive.com.  "Hosting the
IIHS crash test videos on progressive.com helps a consumer choose the right
vehicle - the vehicle that will keep him or her safe in an accident, and cost
the least to be repaired.  Progressive.com is the only site where consumers
can view vehicle crash test results and then check out the insurance rates for
the vehicle from Progressive and up to three other leading companies."
    "We are delighted to see Progressive use our video and results on its Web
site.  The more access insurance consumers have to these kinds of results, the
more pressure there will be on automakers to improve their designs," said
Brian O'Neill, IIHS president.
    Progressive.com leads the insurance industry in consumer-friendly
innovations. It was the first auto insurance Web site, the first to offer
online auto insurance quoting and comparison rates, first to offer
instantaneous online purchase of an auto, motorcycle and boat insurance policy
and first to offer after-the-sale service.
    In addition to the results of the most recent IIHS crash tests, consumers
who visit progressive.com can find an agent in their neighborhood, get a
Progressive quote and the rates from up to three other leading auto insurance
companies, get a quote on motorcycle, boat and RV insurance and purchase an
auto, motorcycle and boat policy instantaneously online.  Also at
progressive.com: a repair facility-locator service; shopping tools that help
consumers calculate auto-related costs; a vehicle recall search link; an
insurance 101 section that defines terms and helps consumers locate their
state's department of insurance; and an Internet search tools and tips site
that provides consumers with general information about not only where to find
information on the Web, but how to use it.
    Progressive.com was named the top insurance carrier Web site by Gomez(TM),
a leading e-commerce authority, for Winter 2000. This is the third consecutive
quarter progressive.com has won.  Gomez also named personal.progressive(R),
the company's online customer service center, for providing "best-of-breed
functionality for consumers desiring to manage their vehicle insurance
policies via the Internet."
    Progressive , headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is one
of the nation's largest personal auto insurers.  In business since 1937, the
company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person
services. The company sells its products over the phone at 1-800-AUTO-PRO, on
the Internet at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent
agencies throughout the U.S. More information about Progressive can be found
at http://www.progressive.com .