Progressive’s Technology Advisory Board to help independent insurance agents thrive in digital world

Progressive joins with tech-savvy agents to bring fresh ideas for selling policies and serving customers in ever-changing business environment

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio – January 27, 2011 – Progressive, the country’s largest writer of auto insurance through independent insurance agents, has formed a Technology Advisory Board. Ten independent agents have joined Progressive business leaders in Web, mobile, social media, and information technology to guide Progressive’s development of current and new technologies for its Agency Business. At its first meeting on Jan. 25, the board discussed its charter, the growing importance of mobile platforms, and the future of agency management systems.

“We’re committed to helping independent agents thrive in the digital age, and technology plays a vital role,” said Karen Barone, Progressive’s agency distribution leader. “We’ve developed easy-to-use tools to help agents build their Internet presence, more efficiently manage their businesses, and better serve customers online and off. With the establishment of the Technology Advisory Board, we’re investing today in the technologies agents will need to build even stronger businesses tomorrow.”

The board’s ten member agents are forerunners in adopting and using technology. Agents will serve a two-year term, and to ensure both stability and fresh perspectives, half of the members will roll off every year. Progressive will share the board’s insights with its business leaders and Progressive independent agents across the country through the company’s Agency Blog and agent e-newsletter.

“Progressive has more than 30,000 independent agents with a wide range of technology needs,” said Jim DeVito, Progressive’s agent experience manager. “Through the Technology Advisory Board, agents now have a seat at the table with Progressive leadership to help shape current technology, identify emerging trends and opportunities, and influence the direction of Progressive’s future technology investments.”

The Technology Advisory Board is the latest example of Progressive’s technology leadership in the independent agent channel. The company continues to introduce new tools, platforms, and training to help agents sell and communicate in an ever-changing marketplace. ForAgentsOnly.com, Progressive’s quoting, selling, and servicing platform, is widely recognized by agents for its industry-leading ease of use, and the company recently launched an Agency Blog and agent Facebook pages to extend access to Progressive leadership and provide a forum for agents to share best practices.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can engage whenever, wherever and however it’s most convenient for them � online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and homes. It’s the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance and a leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive also offers car insurance online in Australia at http://www.progressivedirect.com.au.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of challenging the insurance industry with shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price�, the Snapshot DiscountSM, and a concierge level of claims service.