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Massachusetts Drivers to Get New Choice for Car Insurance As Progressive Prepares to Offer Coverage Starting May 1


WEBWIRE

Company to phase in buying options over time — first on progressive.com; later by phone and from independent agents.

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio.— Massachusetts drivers could soon save even more on car insurance when Progressive begins offering coverage in the Commonwealth. Progressive today filed private passenger auto rates with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. If the filing is accepted, Massachusetts drivers will be able to buy car insurance on progressive.com starting May 1. Progressive’s filed rates are an average of 18 percent lower than the average rates paid by Massachusetts drivers in 2007.

“We’re excited about offering Massachusetts drivers the potential to save money and the opportunity to have an insurance company known for its innovative products and responsive 24/7 claims and customer service,” said Cathy Wilton-Bransch, Massachusetts product manager, Progressive. “We appreciate the work the Division has done to create a regulatory environment that allows companies to compete for customers. We hope that come May 1, drivers will check out progressive.com and see what we have to offer.”

Wilton-Bransch said because the company wanted to enter Massachusetts quickly under the new managed competition system, it decided to phase in its buying options over time, starting online. Eventually, consumers will also be able to shop by phone and through local independent agents.

“As the country’s largest writer of car insurance through independent agents, we know how important agents are and the huge value they provide to their customers,” said Wilton-Bransch. “We’re now laying the foundation for our agency business and expect to have an auto product available through agents in the second quarter of next year.”

Progressive already sells Commercial Auto insurance to Massachusetts business owners through independent agents.

Progressive is known as an innovator thanks to a series of car insurance industry “firsts,” including being the first major auto insurer to have a Web site, the first to offer comparison rates, and the first to introduce 24/7 claims service. In 2007, Progressive became the first auto insurance company to offer Pet Injury Coverage. It is included at no extra charge with Collision coverage and pays up to $500 for veterinary bills for dogs and cats injured in car accidents.

Progressive plans to offer Massachusetts drivers most of the same coverage options and policy features it offers in other states. It will also offer many of its standard discounts including a Paperless discount, an Electronic Funds Transfer discount and a Distant Student discount.



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