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Progressive Insurance Strengthens Its Operations With Mitchell UltraMate

29 March 2000

Progressive Insurance Strengthens Its Operations With Mitchell UltraMate

    SAN DIEGO, March 28 Mitchell International today announced
that Progressive Insurance , the fourth largest auto insurer in the
United States and the nation's largest writer of private passenger auto
insurance through Independent Agents, will be deploying Mitchell's UltraMate
electronic estimating solution in its western U.S. claims operations.
    Mitchell's UltraMate, the top-selling Windows(TM)-based collision
estimating system, is powered by the Mitchell database and provides claims
processing and collision repair professionals with maximum estimating
flexibility and accuracy.  UltraMate Version 4.0 complies with Collision
Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) Estimating to Management
Systems (EMS) 2.0 standards; and it offers advanced communication features, a
database of labor operation times for used/recycled parts, and an interface to
the QRP recycled parts database.
    According to Jim Lindner, president and CEO of Mitchell International, "To
have been selected by Progressive after their thorough evaluation of other
systems is an honor for the employees of Mitchell and validates our goal of
providing the best products and services.  We are delighted to have this
opportunity to serve such an outstanding organization as Progressive."
    Road tested and proven reliable by both claims processors and collision
repairers for more than six years, Mitchell's UltraMate estimating solution
includes new automation and communications features that support multiple data
entry options as well as electronic file transfer among repair shops,
insurance offices and field appraisers.  These enhancements to Mitchell's
UltraMate are part of Progressive's multi-vendor approach and encourage
vendors to maximize performance, technology innovation and service.
    Progressive and Mitchell said the rollout will begin in April and be
completed by the end of July.

    About Progressive Insurance
    Progressive Insurance , headquartered in Mayfield Village,
Ohio, is one of the nation's largest auto insurers.  In business since 1937,
the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person
services, including its hallmark Immediate Response(R) claims service.
Immediate Response, designed to delight consumers by making the claims process
fast and hassle-free, is delivered in-person, 24 hours a day, by more than
7,561 claim representatives in more than 350 claims offices countrywide.
    The company sells its products over the phone (1-800-AUTO-PRO), on the
Internet at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 Independent Agents
throughout the U.S.  More information about Progressive can be found at
progressive.com.

    About Mitchell International
    Mitchell International, The Source of information software and business
solutions for the insurance and automotive industries, provides services that
enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction.  Headquartered
in San Diego, Mitchell also has offices in Chicago, Milwaukee and Toronto and
is comprised of six business units: Electronic Products, Publications,
Business Systems, Medical, National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS) and the
E.H. Boeckh Company.  For more information, visit the Mitchell Web site at
http://www.mitchell.com.