Progressive Introduces On-Line Auto Insurance to Ohioans

Beginning today, Ohio consumers have the option to buy their auto insurance instantly over the Internet at Cleveland-based Progressive's Web site. Progressive is one of the largest auto insurers in the state and in the nation.

Progressive was the first major auto insurer to offer real-time sales of auto insurance policies over the Internet when it introduced its "buy" option to Minnesota consumers in August 1997. The feature is also available in Virginia and was introduced in California a month ago.

"Selling auto insurance policies over the Internet is consistent with our strategy of offering auto insurance policies any way a consumer wants to buy," says Christine Johnson, Ohio product manager for Progressive. "A consumer interested in buying a Progressive policy can go to one of the more than 4,000 Independent Agents who represent us in Ohio, dial 1 800 AUTO PRO and now, can log on to the Internet."

In addition to the company's "Internet Buy" option now available in four states, consumers in most U.S. states can compare auto insurance rates available to them on the company's Web site.

The comparison rate and shopping service available on the Internet is the same as that available through the company's telephone service. On the Internet or over the phone, 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. And, Independent Agents representing Progressive can help consumers understand what other auto insurance companies selling through Independent Agents would charge for the same policy.

"We provide the information consumers need to make a more informed buying decision, regardless of how consumers want to shop for a Progressive policy," says Johnson. "Rates for the same consumer from different companies vary a lot. In fact, we've done studies in Northeast Ohio that revealed auto insurance rates for the same person from different companies varied an average of $450 every six months. So it really does pay to shop around."

The company's Web site was recently awarded the "Best of Insurance" award from Financial NetNews, a publication of Institutional Investor, Inc. In the February 16, 1998 edition, it said of Progressive's Web site: "The auto insurer is pushing the envelope in an industry that has largely been slow to go on-line."