Progressive.com Named One of 10 'Web Sites That Work' by InformationWeek Magazine

PROGRESSIVE LOGO
Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM]
CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000
  Most Popular Auto Insurance Company Site Shares Honors with eBay, Citibank
                            and Dell, Among Others

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Aug. 30 Most Web sites haven't
found the magic mix of usability, purpose, message and business model to make
their sites succeed, according to InformationWeek, published by CMP Media LLC,
but progressive.com and nine other sites have, making them "Web
Sites That Work."
    InformationWeek editors have identified 10 examples of Web sites that
work. These sites have created the right mix of usability, technical
sophistication and individuality that the customer wants. The sites include
progressive.com, eBay, Citibank, EnronOnline, IRS-The Digital Daily, Covisint,
Dell, Cisco Connection Online, GM BuyPower and Travelocity.
    InformationWeek says of progressive.com: Progressive's cleanly designed
site makes it easy for consumers to find the information they're seeking ...
consumers are also given the option of calling a toll-free number or finding a
local independent insurance agent if they aren't comfortable buying the
products on the Web ... Progressive's tech-savvy policyholders can access
company and account information through mobile phones that use Wireless
Application Protocol.
    "It's a thrill to be honored for what we set out to do-make our site
easy-to-use and make the experience information rich for consumers," said Toby
Alfred, manager, progressive.com.
    InformationWeek also recognizes a new feature on progressive.com's online
customer service center, personal.progressive.com, that enables policyholders
to "understand the cost implications of claims, including the effect liability
decisions and claims payouts on their insurance premiums." Gomez, the Internet
quality measurement firm has also recognized personal.progressive.com as
"best-of-breed functionality for consumers desiring to manage their vehicle
insurance policies via the Internet." And, progressive.com has been named the
No. 1 online insurance carrier by Gomez for four consecutive quarters.
    Progressive was the first auto insurance company to introduce a Web site,
and to offer auto insurance comparison rates, real-time online purchasing of
auto, boat and motorcycle policies and after-the-sale service through
personal.progressive.com.
    Progressive , with headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is
the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business since 1937,
the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person
and online services. The company sells its products over the phone at
1-800-PROGRESSIVE(SM), online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000
independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about the company
can be found at http://www.progressive.com .

    CONTACT:  Leslie Kolleda of Progressive Public Relations, 386-947-5158

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