Nation�s third largest insurer honored for its commitment to independent agents
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OHIO – September 6, 2003 – The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has named the Progressive group of insurance companies as recipient of its prestigious National Company Award for Excellence for 2003. PIA presents the award annually to the company that furthers the interests of and creates a better business environment for independent insurance agents.
Willy Graves, director of marketing for Progressive�s Agent Business group, accepted the award on behalf of the companies. �This award was bestowed on us by PIA members- independent insurance agencies – and, to us, acknowledges our efforts to help them grow by providing them with the products, technology and services that help them attract � and retain � more business. Progressive thanks the agents of the PIA for this award � it means a lot to us. It helps affirm our strategy and highlights our commitment to independent agents. We value our long-standing relationship with them and look forward to continuing to grow together.�
Progressive is represented by more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S., making it the largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents. The Progressive companies comprise the nation�s third largest auto insurer.
�Progressive grew its agency business by 26 percent last year alone,� said Graves. �We continuously invest in marketing and technology tools that make it faster and easier for agents to provide personalized service to their customers.� Progressive�s agent-dedicated Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com, gives authorized agents real-time access to customer policies, state and countrywide news and other interactive features. Agents can use the site to process payments and endorsements online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
PIA National President Carl Stoecklin and PIA National President-Elect Terry Adams, presented the award to Progressive. “This year’s recipient of the PIA National Company Award of Excellence is a carrier with a longstanding commitment to independent insurance agents,� Adams said. �Progressive demonstrates that commitment every day and is a steadfast supporter of the agency distribution system.�
The Progressive insurance companies, in business since 1937, provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person and online services. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR), the holding company, has headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio. More information about the company can be found at progressive.com.
Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association which represents member insurance agents and their employees in all 50 states and Puerto Rico who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses.
