Drive Insurance from Progressive Group President Bob Williams Rings Closing Bell at New York Stock Exchange

NEW YORK--Jan. 1, 20062, 2006--Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive ("Drive") Group President Bob Williams rang The Closing Bell(TM) at The New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, January 12, 2006 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the brand designed to help independent agencies grow their business. Drive is the number one auto insurance brand sold by independent agencies countrywide, and Williams was joined on the podium by a number of independent insurance agents who represent the company.

The Drive brand launched countrywide in January 2005 with the premiere of national television advertising during the NFL playoffs. The brand's commercials feature television celebrities like John O'Hurley (Seinfeld, Dancing With The Stars) and Ryan Stiles (The Drew Carey Show), and highlight all that independent agents offer - personal service, advice, custom coverage and more. Advertising encourages consumers to go to the Drive Web site - www.driveinsurance.com - to find a local, independent agent or broker. The Web site tallied over a million unique visits in 2005.

Drive also provides a variety of opportunities for independent agents to grow their business with its nationally recognized brand, and agents have responded enthusiastically. More than 10,000 Drive signs now appear at independent agencies across the country, more than 4,000 agents participate in Drive display ads in local Yellow Pages, and more than 5,000 receive Internet referrals from www.driveinsurance.com.

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies , in business since 1937, is the nation's third largest auto insurance group. Progressive companies using the Drive Insurance brand comprise a group that is the largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents and brokers in the U.S., based on premiums written. Drive is also a leading brand of commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and RV insurance. Agents and brokers can log in to Drive's password-protected, agency-dedicated Web site, www.ForAgentsOnly.com, to access customer policies, state and countrywide news, and other interactive features. More information can be found at www.driveinsurance.com.