February 25, 2008 
Progressive Insurance said it plans to begin selling personal auto insurance in Massachusetts starting May 1 if state regulators approve the company’s rate filings. Progressive already sells commercial policies in Massachusetts.
Currently, Progressive sells personal auto policies (PAP) in every state except Mass.
Policies will be available first from the Web then through independent agents.
I wish Progressive luck. Hopefully the Massachusetts legislature will discover the joy of free enterprise and encourage more companies to do business in the Commonwealth. At last count, there are around 18-20 companies selling PAPs. Get that number up to around 500 and you’ll have some cheap insurance.
Progressive’s press release:
” Massachusetts drivers could soon save even more on car insurance when Progressive begins offering coverage in the Commonwealth. Progressive today filed private passenger auto rates with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. If the filing is accepted, Massachusetts drivers will be able to buy car insurance on progressive.com starting May 1. Progressive’s filed rates are an average of 18 percent lower than the average rates paid by Massachusetts drivers in 2007.
“We’re excited about offering Massachusetts drivers the potential to save money and the opportunity to have an insurance company known for its innovative products and responsive 24/7 claims and customer service,” said Cathy Wilton-Bransch, Massachusetts product manager, Progressive. “We appreciate the work the Division has done to create a regulatory environment that allows companies to compete for customers. We hope that come May 1, drivers will check out progressive.com and see what we have to offer.”
Wilton-Bransch said because the company wanted to enter Massachusetts quickly under the new managed competition system, it decided to phase in its buying options over time, starting online. Eventually, consumers will also be able to shop by phone and through local independent agents.
“As the country’s largest writer of car insurance through independent agents, we know how important agents are and the huge value they provide to their customers,” said Wilton-Bransch. “We’re now laying the foundation for our agency business and expect to have an auto product available through agents in the second quarter of next year.”
Progressive already sells Commercial Auto insurance to Massachusetts business owners through independent agents.
Progressive is known as an innovator thanks to a series of car insurance industry “firsts,” including being the first major auto insurer to have a Web site, the first to offer comparison rates, and the first to introduce 24/7 claims service. In 2007, Progressive became the first auto insurance company to offer Pet Injury Coverage. It is included at no extra charge with Collision coverage and pays up to $500 for veterinary bills for dogs and cats injured in car accidents.
Progressive plans to offer Massachusetts drivers most of the same coverage options and policy features it offers in other states. It will also offer many of its standard discounts including a Paperless discount, an Electronic Funds Transfer discount and a Distant Student discount.
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is the country’s third largest auto insurance group and largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies based on premiums written, and is a market leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive is committed to becoming consumers’ #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and products that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes, superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, including 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 www.progressive.com.
