Progressive Distributes August Results

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--Sept. 16, 2005--The Progressive Corporation today reported the following results for August 2005:

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(millions, except per share amounts and   August    August
 ratios)                                    2005      2004     Change
                                        --------- --------- ----------
Net premiums written                    $1,090.6  $1,085.7         --%
Net premiums earned                      1,069.5   1,007.4          6%
Net income                                  56.8     100.3       (43)%
      Per share                              .29       .46       (38)%
Combined ratio                              96.3      89.2   (7.1)pts.
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See the complete monthly release at http://investors.progressive.com/releases/2005/pdf/mreport_0805.pdf for further month and year-to-date information and commentary.

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for auto insurance based on premiums written and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person and online service. The companies that offer insurance directly (by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressivedirect.com) market their products and services under the Progressive Direct(SM) brand, while the companies that offer insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies market their products and services under the Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive brand. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at . More information can be found at progressive.com, including a guide to interpreting the monthly reporting package.