Progressive Announces Election of Abby F. Kohnstamm to Board of Directors

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--June 15, 2006--The Board of Directors of The Progressive Corporation today elected Abby F. Kohnstamm, 52, to fill the current vacancy on the Company's Board for a term ending on the date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2007.

Ms. Kohnstamm is the President and Founder of Abby F. Kohnstamm & Associates, Inc., a marketing and consulting firm. Prior to establishing her company, Ms. Kohnstamm served as Senior Vice President, Marketing of IBM Corporation from 1993 through 2005. In that capacity, she had overall responsibility for all aspects of marketing for IBM and was also a member of IBM's Operating Team, which oversees the company's global operating performance. Ms. Kohnstamm remains an executive consultant to IBM. Previously, Ms. Kohnstamm held a number of senior marketing positions at American Express from 1979 through 1993. Ms. Kohnstamm holds a B.A. from Tufts University, as well as an M.A. in Education and an M.B.A. from New York University. She currently serves as a Director for Tiffany & Company, Inc.

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 www.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 about Drive Insurance, go to www.driveinsurance.com. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at www.progressive.com.