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Progressive Reduces Auto Insurance Rates In Northeast Ohio By 3.5 Percent

8 July 1999

Progressive Reduces Auto Insurance Rates In Northeast Ohio By 3.5 Percent

  Rates drop an average of 11.5 percent in the last 18 months as Progressive
           delivers on its promise to keep costs down for consumers

    CLEVELAND, July 8 -- Progressive , one of Ohio's
largest auto insurers, is reducing its rates in Northeast Ohio by an average
of 3.5 percent, announced Richard Watts, Progressive's general manager for
Northeast Ohio.  The latest decrease is the third rate reduction for
Progressive's Northeast Ohio policyholders in 18 months.
    Watts credits the decrease in large part to lower claims costs and the
company's Immediate Response(R) claims service.  "Controlling claims costs is
the key to lowering rates.  We've been able to lower our costs, and we're
pleased to pass these savings on to consumers for the third time in 18
months," said Watts.
    One of the ways the company is able to reduce its costs is by providing
its policyholders with Immediate Response(R) claims service.  The service,
delivered in-person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 35 Immediate Response
Vehicles throughout Ohio, ensures the company's policyholders fast, fair
claims settlement.
    "Settling claims fast lets people get their cars in to and out of the shop
faster.  This helps the policyholder get back on with his or her life quickly,
and directly reduces our expenses associated with rental cars and storage
fees, which helps us lower auto insurance rates for all of our customers,"
said Watts.
    In business for more than 60 years, Progressive is one of the largest auto
insurers in Ohio and the nation.  In addition to auto insurance, Progressive
also offers consumers competitively priced insurance for motorcycles,
recreation vehicles, boats, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles.  In Greater
Cleveland, Progressive meets the insurance needs of area motorists through
nine claims offices.  Progressive's trademark Immediate Response(R) claims
service is delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by claims
representatives driving 35 Progressive Immediate Response Vehicles.
Progressive's products are available through more than 1,700 Independent
Agents, by calling 1 800 AUTO PRO(R), or by visiting the company's Web site,
at progressive.com.
    Recognizing that no one auto insurance company will always have the best
rates for every driver, Progressive offers consumers an easy, hassle-free way
to compare auto insurance rates.  On the Internet (progressive.com) over the
phone (by calling 1 800 AUTO PRO(R)) or by mail, consumers can receive a quote
on their auto insurance from Progressive, and comparison rates for up to three
other leading insurers, including State Farm and Allstate.  The service is
free and there is no obligation to buy.