Progressive's ProLeads(R) Referrals Program Achieves Milestone -- 50,000 Policy Sales Through Independent Agents

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Jan. 29 -- Launched in May
2001, Progressive's ProLeads(R) Referrals Program, which provides sales leads
to independent agents around the country, has helped agents sell 50,000 new
insurance policies, according to agent-reported sales data. These new policies
represent at least $40 million in written premium. Progressive is
the country's number one writer of private passenger auto insurance through
independent agents and brokers, and one of the country's largest and fastest-
growing insurance companies overall.
    The ProLeads program is just one of the tools Progressive provides
independent agents to help them take advantage of the company's aggressive
advertising campaign and brand recognition. Typically, consumers referred to
an agent through the program are people who see Progressive advertising, call
the company or go to progressive.com for a quote, but decide they want the
personalized service and counsel of a local agent.
    Progressive sends consumers' contact information -- with their permission
-- via e-mail to the agent selected by the customer from a list of about five
local agents. Agents can also access these leads via the company's secure,
agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO), and use the site to track
and update their sales efforts on a referrals report page for their agency.
    "Not only is Progressive a highly-recognized brand among consumers, but
we're a leader in providing independent agents and brokers with technology
they can use to grow profitably," said Bob Williams, Progressive's agent
business group president. "The ProLeads program brings together that brand
name and technology to help agents build their business. We're delighted at
the success of the program, and very pleased that it's helped agents write
more business."
    The ProLeads program is available only to Progressive authorized agents
and brokers, and guidelines for participation vary by region. Usually, agents
are required to meet a minimum volume requirement and quote Progressive to all
referred consumers. However, the company does not require participating agents
to place the business referred to them with Progressive.
    Williams continued: "Unlike direct companies or captive agents,
independent agents are uniquely suited to provide consumers with a variety of
coverage options from multiple companies. The purpose of the ProLeads program
is to give agents an opportunity to add that value to consumers' shopping
experience. Sure, we'd like to get all those policy sales, but all we ask is
that we get a shot at them. Independent agents should do what they do best -
provide the personalized service and counsel and choice that consumers want
and need."
    Progressive agents and brokers interested in participating in the program
should contact their territory sales manager.
    The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937,
comprises the nation's fourth largest auto insurance group. 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. Authorized agents
and brokers can login to Progressive's agent-dedicated Web site,
ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO), to access customer policies, state and countrywide
news, and other interactive features. The group's holding company, The
Progressive Corporation, is publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.

    Contact: Matthew Collister, Progressive, (440) 395-2143