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Watch IIHS Low-Speed Crash Test Videos

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, March 13 -- A little ``tap'' when you back out of a parking space or a ``nudge'' into the car in front of you in heavy traffic -- two mishaps in which bumpers should minimize damage to your vehicle. The reality is that not all bumpers are created equally, so it's important that consumers understand how they fare in low speed crash tests and that cars that perform well in crash tests can be safer and cost less to repair and insure. That's why Progressive , one of the largest auto insurance companies in the country, makes full-motion video of the latest five mile an hour, low-speed front and rear bumper crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) available on its Web site, progressive.com. All tests conducted by IIHS since November 2000 are also archived on the site. To view the crash tests, visit http://www.progressive.com/RC/VSafety/rc_crash_videos.asp .

The videos released today include tests of the 2002 models of three small cars including, the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer and Volvo S40 and one minivan, the Kia Sedona. All three small car bumpers received ``marginal'' ratings and sustained damage in four different bumper tests that ranged from $2,515 to $3,169. The Kia Sedona received the lowest rating, ``poor,'' with IIHS citing costly repairs due in part to airbag deployment in one test.

``We want to help consumers be smart shoppers when it comes to purchasing a new car and the insurance to cover it,'' said Toby Alfred, site manager, progressive.com. ``Bumpers that resist damage keep repair costs down if you are in an accident. Lower overall repair costs help insurance companies give consumers what they tell us they want -- lower auto insurance rates.''

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 www.progressive.com .