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Michigan Motorists Can Purchase Auto Insurance on the Internet

15 September 1998

Point, Click and You're Covered: Michigan Motorists Can Purchase Progressive Auto Insurance on the Internet

    Michigan brings total number of states with 'Buy Button' functionality
                       to 11, plus District of Columbia

    LIVONIA, Mich., Sept. 15 -- Progressive , one of
the nation's largest auto insurers, today announced that Michigan consumers
can now shop for and purchase auto insurance real-time, over the Internet.
The company's 'Buy Button' feature enables consumers to compare rates
available to them from up to four companies, and to instantly buy Progressive
auto insurance at the company's Web site, progressive.com.
    "People have been buying books, clothing and cars on the Internet for
awhile, so auto insurance is a natural next step," said Gerry Wilson, Michigan
general manager, Progressive.  "People choose to obtain information and make
purchasing decisions in a variety of ways, using a variety of ways.
Progressive is pleased to offer this service to our 'Net-savvy consumers in
Michigan."
    Other areas where Progressive's 'Buy Buttons' functionality is
available include California, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas,
Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
    In addition to the company's Internet purchasing option, consumers in most
U.S. states can visit Progressive's Web site to compare auto insurance rates
available to them from Progressive and other market leaders.  The Internet-
based service is identical to Progressive's telephone-based 1 800 AUTO PRO(R)
shopping 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.  Customers who wish to
purchase a Progressive policy may do so immediately, via the Internet, the
phone, or by visiting an Independent Agent.
    Today, Progressive's Web site has more functionality than any other auto
insurance company. The company recently added enhanced capabilities to its Web
site, including "Personal Progressive," a new service that enables the
company's policyholders to instantly check account status, make real-time
payments, access personalized policy information and view their auto insurance
policy contract.
    Consumers can also visit progressive.com to find out about auto insurance
and auto safety, including vehicle recalls and safety ratings, or use the
site's "Find An Agent" function to find a local Independent Agent who can help
them with their insurance needs.  In addition, Progressive publishes "On the
Scene," the first Web-based newsletter produced exclusively for Internet
consumers by an auto insurance company.
    Progressive's Web site received the "Best of Insurance" award from
Financial NetNews, a publication of Institutional Investor, Inc.  The
publication wrote of Progressive's Web site: "The auto insurer is pushing the
envelope in an industry that has largely been slow to go online."
    In business since 1937, Progressive provides consumers throughout the U.S.
and Canada with competitively priced automobile insurance and 24-hour services
via the phone, Internet and more than 30,000 Independent Agents across the

country, making it the nation's largest writer of auto insurance through
Independent Agents.  Progressive companies writing auto insurance receive the
highest ratings available from A.M. Best, 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
progressive.com.