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Progressive awarded sixth usage-based insurance patent for Snapshot®


WEBWIRE

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio —Progressive® Insurance has been granted a sixth patent related to its usage-based car insurance program, Snapshot�. Among other things, U.S. Patent No. 8,311,858 covers a wireless device that monitors vehicle data used to determine a level of risk, or a cost of insurance. The patent also addresses an in-vehicle audio alert based on driving behavior data, which may lead to modification of driver behavior.

Progressive’s usage-based insurance (UBI) program, Snapshot, gives drivers a personalized car insurance discount based on their actual driving behavior. More than one million drivers have participated in Progressive’s UBI program countrywide, which saves drivers an average of $150 per year.

Progressive recently expanded Snapshot to all drivers—not just Progressive customers—who, where the program is available, can take a free test drive of Snapshot, and after 30 days find out whether their own driving behavior can lower the price they pay for auto insurance.

“We are committed to leading the collection and analysis of real-time driving data while protecting our intellectual property,” said Tom Hollyer, Progressive’s national product development leader. “We are appreciative that the U.S. Patent Office continues to recognize our advancements that help us further strengthen our leadership position in the usage-based insurance field.”

Progressive has been the industry leader in the rapidly-expanding usage-based insurance category for 15 years since it first started exploring UBI. Snapshot, which accounts for $1 billion in premiums, is currently available in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

About Progressive
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies (collectively, “Progressive Insurance”) makes it easy to understand, buy and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever and however it’s most convenient for them — online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and homes. It’s the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance and a leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive also offers car insurance online in Australia at http://www.progressiveonline.com.au.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price®, the Snapshot Discount®, and a concierge level of claims service.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.



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