Independent insurance agents in 12 states now - and all states by mid-2008 - can easily and accurately quote Progressive Commercial Auto policies at anytime and from anywhere using real-time online quoting at the company's agency-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com (FAO).

"We've streamlined the process so agents spend less time completing quotes and more time growing their businesses," said Suzanne Connolly, agency experience manager, Progressive. "The switch to real-time quoting allows agents for the first time to provide their commercial auto customers with our most up-to-date, accurate rates from anywhere they have an Internet connection."

Connolly added that nearly 90 percent of agents say that real-time quoting improves how they serve customers. This information was part of the 2006 AUGIE (ACORD-User Groups Information Exchange) Agency Technology Survey.

Time Saving - Freeing up agents' time to sell more policies and grow their businesses

-- The real-time rating platform is fully automated, so agents don't need to download software updates or wait for underwriting to be completed.

-- The program automatically knows the questions to ask to generate an accurate quote - the first time, in just minutes - so agents complete fewer steps to sell a commercial auto policy.

-- Agents can quickly and easily cross-sell other Progressive policies, including private passenger auto, motorcycle, boat and RV, since customers' information will fill in automatically from existing policies or even a cancelled Progressive policy.

Easy to Use - Quoting on the new platform is easy

-- Quote, sell and service in real-time from anywhere with an Internet connection.

-- The new quoting platform is similar to both ProRater and Progressive's private passenger auto FAO quoting experience, making it easy for agents to make the transition.

-- Real-time quoting automatically verifies customers' information, including vehicle identification numbers (VIN), credit reports and motor vehicle reports, saving agents from having to track these down themselves.

-- If an agent needs help, Progressive offers bi-weekly Web-based training and 24/7 phone support.

"Quoting online through FAO in real-time means I can generate an accurate Progressive Commercial Auto rate more quickly, saving me and my customers time," said Christine Tetreault, owner, Cline Insurance. "I especially like that the program automatically fills in the vehicle information when you enter the VIN."

Progressive agents who want more information about Commercial Auto real-time quoting and its rollout can go to www.ForAgentsOnly.com. Independent insurance agents who would like to sell Progressive Commercial Auto should visit www.progressiveagent.com and click on "About Us."

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, now celebrating its 70th year in business, is a market leader in commercial auto insurance, the country's third largest auto insurance group and largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies based on premiums written.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive products and rates that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, including its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

More than 30,000 independent agencies sell Progressive products including private passenger auto, Progressive Commercial, Progressive Motorcycle, Progressive RV, etc. Progressive's agency companies make up a group that is the largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents and brokers in the U.S., based on premiums written. Agents and brokers can log in to ForAgentsOnly.com to get an at-a-glance summary of everything they need to manage and grow their business, including agent referrals, quotes, customer policy information, state and countrywide news and more. Consumers can find an agent at www.progressiveagent.com.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at (NYSE:PGR). For more information, visit www.progressive.com.

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(c) 2007 Business Wire.

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