Enhanced Agent Referral Program Generates More Than 50,000 Leads to Agents

PROGRESSIVE LOGO
Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM]
CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000
   Improved system furthers Progressive's commitment to helping independent
                                 agents grow

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Aug. 14 Progressive Insurance
today announced the launch of enhancements to its agent referral
system, which provides sales leads to Progressive authorized independent
agents countrywide. The enhancements include e-mail notification to agents and
increased visibility for independent agents on the company's award winning Web
site, progressive.com, one of the most frequently visited auto insurance Web
sites.
    With the improved system, consumers who call Progressive for a quote but
prefer the in-person counsel of a local agent or are unable to purchase a
policy over the phone are referred to the Progressive agent nearest them who
is best suited to provide the service they need. The agent then receives the
caller's contact information via e-mail, and online through Progressive's
agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO). This enables the agent to
contact the consumer directly. Agents also now have access to a lead
management system through FAO to help them manage the initial customer contact
and follow-up.
    Previously, Progressive provided to consumers the names and phone numbers
of local agents, but agents themselves did not receive any referral contact
information. In the first month of the new program, more than 50,000 referrals
were made to independent agents.
    As an additional business-generating feature for agents, consumers who
visit progressive.com for a quote now use a new feature called "Get
Insurance." After the consumer enters their ZIP code and the product for which
they want a quote, they are immediately presented with a list of agents in
their area and can click on a link to the agent's Web site or e-mail address.
This allows the consumer to choose the quote and buying method that works for
them - online, by phone or through a local agent. "Get Insurance" is a
powerful way for agents to increase their visibility on the Web.
    "The launch of these enhancements will help independent agents write more
business by providing them with 'hot leads' of consumers interested in a
Progressive quote," said Bob Williams, Progressive's Agent Business Leader.
"Nearly one million consumers come to progressive.com every month. This is a
great way for local agents to benefit from our consumer awareness. And we'll
continue to enhance our services to be the independent agent's partner for
growth."
    "Progressive's referral system has been a great aid in helping me find new
business," said Dan Kubit, President, Assured Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Cleveland, Ohio. "Some days, I'll have a half dozen or more referrals waiting
for me on the FAO Web site, and the referral customers are always easy to sell
to. In the few instances where I cannot write them with Progressive, I usually
end up writing the customer with another company, so either way, my book
grows. I would recommend that any agency that sells Progressive and wants to
grow take full advantage of its Progressive referrals."
    Progressive authorized independent agents who are interested in receiving
referrals through the enhanced referrals system or having their agency contact
information listed on "Get Insurance," should contact their Progressive
territory sales manager for more details. There is no charge for either of
these lead generation programs.
    Progressive , in business since 1937, is the nation's fourth
largest auto insurance company and the largest writer of auto insurance
through independent agents.  The more than 30,000 independent agencies that
represent Progressive combine the power of personalized service and counsel
with Progressive's trusted brand, superior 24/7 service, innovative technology
and competitive rates. With headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio,
Progressive also sells its products over the phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE(SM)
and online at http://www.progressive.com .
    Bob Williams is available for interview.

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