Progressive Watercraft Insurance Now Offers Instant Coverage Online

Boat and personal watercraft insurance now can be added to consumers' cyber-shopping lists. Progressive, one of the largest boat and personal watercraft insurers in the country, has announced that consumers now can buy Progressive boat and personal watercraft insurance policies and be covered instantly online at its Web site, progressive.com. Nowhere else on the Web can boaters shop for and buy instant coverage.

Beginning now, consumers in Texas and Alabama can obtain an instant quote at progressive.com, and then actually purchase their policy online, securing instantaneous coverage for their boat and themselves. By the end of 2000, the majority of boaters in the U.S. will be able to buy a policy online in real-time.

With this advancement, Progressive continues its industry leadership on the Web. Progressive was the first company to provide boaters with instant online insurance quotes in 1999. The company's auto insurance Web site was the first site offering consumers instant comparison rates from up to four leading auto insurers in 1997. "Consumers tell us they want choices in how to buy insurance -- and increasingly those choices include shopping and buying real-time on the Internet," said Michael Bissler, Progressive's boat Internet marketing manager. "We're delighted to be the first and only insurer to offer consumers the choice of buying boat insurance instantly online. This latest advancement furthers our commitment to make insurance available to consumers in any way they want to buy."

To purchase a policy online, consumers may use a major credit card or an online check that transfers funds directly from their checking account.

A boater's cyber-relationship with Progressive does not end when they purchase a policy. Progressive's online customer self-service tool, PersonalProgressive, is available to all Progressive policyholders. Using PersonalProgressive, boaters can instantly access important account information, track claims status, make real-time payments and view their policy contracts.

Progressive.com is one of the most frequently visited insurance Web sites and was recently named easiest to use insurance Web site by a leading e- commerce authority.

In business since 1937, Progressive (NYSE: PGR) provides consumers throughout the U.S. with competitively-priced automobile, motorcycle, RV, boat and personal watercraft insurance, along with 24-hour, in-person services. Consumers interested in a Progressive policy may shop for and buy a policy by calling 1-888-BOAT-PRO, visiting the Internet at progressive.com or visiting one of the more than 30,000 independent agents who represent the company throughout the country. More information about Progressive can be found at progressive.com.

Posted: 6-13-2000