Preparation is Key to Protecting Vehicles and Boats Before, During and After Hurricane Wilma; The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies Offers Florida Drivers Tips for Securing Their Vehicles and Boats

FORT MYERS, Fla.--Oct. 2, 20050, 2005--This year's record-setting storm season continues as Hurricane Wilma builds intensity and aims to strike Florida's southwest coast this weekend. The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the country's third largest auto insurance group and insurer of about one in 10 Florida drivers, has set plans in motion to help drivers whose cars, RVs, boats or motorcycles are damaged as a result of Wilma.

"We have the people and processes in place to ensure that our customers will experience no delay in reporting their claim or getting it settled," said Scott Snapp, catastrophe response director, Progressive. Since August 29, Progressive Claims Service has deployed more than 1,000 claims representatives throughout the Gulf region who are working with customers in areas hit by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. To date, Progressive has settled about 80 percent of these claims.

Progressive reminds its customers to call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report any claims incurred from Hurricane Wilma.

Progressive shares the following tips for protecting your vehicles or boat before, during and after Hurricane Wilma:

    Before the Storm

    --  Drivers in the hurricane's path who are not going to be
        driving their car or recreational vehicle to safety should
        park it in a garage or as close as possible to a sturdy
        building; don't leave the vehicle in a low-lying area prone to
        flooding. If you have to park your vehicle outdoors, cover it
        and park it away from trees, poles or other large objects that
        may fall onto it.

    --  Boats and trailers should be moved inland and stored inside a
        garage or warehouse. If left outside, make sure you have the
        mooring hardware and equipment you need to secure it. Be sure
        the trailer is anchored or at least attached firmly to the
        ground or a building and let the air out of the tires so it
        doesn't easily roll away during the storm.

    During the Storm

    --  Avoid driving through standing water. An automobile can be
        swept off the road in as little as 12 inches of moving water.
        Avoid driving on coastal or low-lying roads as roads covered
        by water are prone to collapse. If you come upon a flooded
        street, take an alternate route.

    --  If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable
        alternative but to drive through standing water...

        --  Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other
            cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water
            is).

        --  Drive SLOWLY and STEADILY through the water.


        --  Once you and your vehicle are out of deep water and are in
            a safe area, depress your brakes slowly to dry them.

        --  If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to
            restart the engine to make it to safety (know, however,
            that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the
            engine).

        --  If you can't restart your vehicle and you become trapped
            in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON FOR HIGHER GROUND. If
            you are unable to get out of the vehicle safely, call 911
            or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on
            higher ground.

    After the Storm

    --  Avoid low-hanging and fallen power lines, debris and other
        road hazards. Do not drive around sight-seeing.

    --  After a hurricane, you may find it difficult to navigate in
        the newly changed landscape. Pay attention to any post-storm
        changes, such as missing signs or broken traffic signal
        lights. If traffic lights are not working, treat the
        intersection as a four-way stop. Do not, under any
        circumstances, assume that cross traffic will stop at the
        intersection.

    --  Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report a
        claim.

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 products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct(SM) brand. The Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies offers insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies that market their products and services through the Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive brand. For more information, go to driveinsurance.com.

Scott Snapp, catastrophe response director for Progressive, is available for interview.