Only on progressive.com: See the Side Impact Crash Tests and Decide for Yourself PROGRESSIVE LOGO Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM] CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000

20 December 2000
Only on progressive.com: See the Side Impact Crash Tests and Decide for Yourself PROGRESSIVE LOGO Progressive logo. (PRNewsFoto)[PM] CLEVELAND, OH USA 06/29/2000
      Insurer's Web Site Exclusive, Authorized Host of IIHS Side Impact
                      Head Protection Test Results Video

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Dec. 20 Consumers worldwide now
have access to full-motion video results of the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety's (IIHS) side impact head protection crash tests for two
popular vehicles.  The dramatic video results and analysis of the results are
featured exclusively at progressive.com.  These vehicle-into-pole tests were
conducted on the Volvo S80 and the BMW X5.  Two vehicle-into-vehicle tests
were also conducted on the Volvo S80.  Results of the tests demonstrate the
important benefits afforded to occupants by side airbag head protection
systems.  This current footage isn't available on any other Web site.
    The IIHS conducted two tests in which the fronts of Chevrolet pickup
trucks struck the sides of 1999 Volvo S80s (one with side airbag head
protection and one with this system deactivated).  In each test, the pickup
was going 32 mph, the S80 16mph.  Results show the head airbags provide very
important protection in addition to what is afforded by the torso bags.  The
Institute also conducted side-into-pole crash tests of a BMW X5 and the Volvo
S80, both equipped with side airbag head protection.  In each test, the
vehicle was propelled sideways at 18 mph into a rigid pole.  "These tests
demonstrate that people can survive serious side impact crashes in the real
world because head airbags prevent their heads from striking rigid objects,"
says Brian O'Neill, IIHS president.
    "Understanding how vehicles equipped with side airbags react in side
impact crashes is important for consumers," said Toby Alfred, Internet site
manager, Progressive. "People want to know how well a vehicle will protect
them in a side impact crash. Now they can come to progressive.com and find
out."
    "We are delighted to see Progressive use our video and results on its Web
site.  The more access insurance consumers get to these kinds of results, the
more pressure there will be on automakers to improve their designs," said
Brian O'Neill, IIHS president.
    Alfred said, "Adding the crash information to progressive.com lets you
compare crash test results and auto insurance rates on those vehicles in one
place.  And, it makes progressive.com the only place where you can do both."
    Progressive.com leads the insurance industry in consumer-friendly
innovations. It was the first auto insurance Web site, the first to offer
online auto insurance quoting and comparison rates, first to offer
instantaneous online purchase of an auto, motorcycle and boat insurance policy
and first to offer after-the-sale service.
    In addition to the results of the most recent IIHS crash tests, consumers
who visit progressive.com can also find an agent in their neighborhood, get a
Progressive quote and the rates from up to three other leading auto insurance
companies, get a quote on motorcycle, boat and RV insurance and purchase an
auto, motorcycle and boat policy instantaneously online.  A repair facility-
locator service, driving-related surveys and vehicle recall information are
also features at the site.
    Progressive.com was named the top insurance carrier Web site on the Fall
2000 Insurance Carrier Scorecard(TM) from Gomez(TM), a leading e-commerce
authority. Gomez also named progressive.com the best site for auto insurance
buyers, citing "truly superior quote and online policy management features."
    Progressive , headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is one
of the nation's largest personal auto insurers.  In business since 1937, the
company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person
services. The company sells its products over the phone at 1-800-AUTO-PRO, on
the Internet at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent
agencies throughout the U.S. More information about Progressive can be found
at progressive.com.

    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000629/PGRLOGO )
    http://www.progressive.com