Texas Consumers Can Now Buy Auto Insurance Real-Time On The Internet
3 June 1998
Texas Consumers Can Now Buy Auto Insurance Real-Time On The Internet Progressive Makes Texas Fifth State
With the "Internet Buy" Option on Its Web Site
AUSTIN, Texas, June 3 -- Beginning today, Texas consumers
have the option to buy their auto insurance instantly over the Internet at
Progressive's Web site, http://www.progressive.com. Progressive is one of the
largest auto insurers in the state and in the country.
In addition to Texas, consumers in Minnesota, Virginia, California and
Ohio can also use the company's "Internet Buy" functionality on the Web site.
The company's Web site also offers auto insurance and auto safety related
information, including vehicle recalls and safety ratings as well as a "Find
An Agent" service that helps consumers find their nearest Independent Agent.
"Selling auto insurance policies over the Internet is consistent with our
strategy of offering auto insurance policies any way a consumer wants to buy,"
said Willy Graves, president, Progressive County Mutual Insurance Company. "A
consumer in Texas interested in buying a Progressive policy can go to one of
nearly 2,500 Texas Independent Agents, dial 1 800 AUTO PRO(R) and now, can log
on to the Internet."
In addition to the company's "Internet Buy" option now available in five
states, consumers in most U.S. states can visit the company's Web site to
compare auto insurance rates available to them from Progressive and other
market leaders.
The comparison rate and shopping service available on the Internet is the
same as is available through the company's 1 800 AUTO PRO 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 help consumers better understand their auto insurance options,
regardless of how they want to shop for and buy their policy," said Graves.
"By offering the comparison rates, consumers can better understand what other
companies will charge for the identical policy. By shopping around, either
through our comparison rate service or by going to an Independent Agent, Texas
consumers can save money on their auto insurance."
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, Financial NetNews said of Progressive's Web site:
"The auto insurer is pushing the envelope in an industry that has largely been
slow to go online."
Progressive serves the auto insurance needs of more than 430,000 motorists
in the state and operates 35 offices in the state. Countrywide and in Canada,
the company serves the auto insurance needs of nearly 4 million motorists,
employs more than 15,000 people and operates more than 350 local claims
offices to serve policyholder needs. The company's services, including
Immediate Response(R) claims service and 24 Hour Policy Service, are available
in person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In business since 1937, Progressive provides consumers throughout the U.S.
and in Canada with competitively priced automobile insurance and 24-hour, in-
person services and is the nation's largest writer of automobile insurance
through Independent Agents. The Progressive companies writing auto insurance
in Texas are rated A++ by A.M. Best. A++ is the highest rating available from
the independent company that rates the financial conditions of insurance
companies. The Progressive Corporation's stock is traded on the New York
Stock Exchange .
More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.progressive.com .
