Progressive Now Offering Car Insurance in Australia

Progressive car insurance is now available in Australia.

The new Australia business, operating as Progressive Direct and based in Melbourne, is headed by Western Australia native Simon Lindsay.

"We expect to appeal to a growing segment of Australian consumers who are doing more and more of their personal business completely online,” said Lindsay. "Now they’ll be able to take that same approach with their car insurance.”

Lindsay said Progressive’s online Australia product will give its target customers the convenience and control they want while allowing Progressive to offer competitive rates and fast, reliable claims service.

Customers will file claims and manage their policies in a streamlined and secure Internet environment backed by 24/7 online support. They will also have phone support for claims.

"We’re always looking for growth opportunities,” said Tom King, Progressive’s business leader for international operations. "We believe we can use our pricing and Web skills to provide a low-cost, online insurance product that can be offered overseas. Australia seems to be a good fit because of the country’s high broadband penetration and large proportion of consumers who embrace online self-service.”

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is one of the largest auto insurance groups in the United States, the largest seller of motorcycle policies, and a market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.

Progressive offers competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.

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