The Progressive Group Expands Tempe Training Facility - Introduces Comprehensive Commercial Auto Claims Training Program

Business Wire, Jan 25, 2005

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Country's Third Largest Commercial Auto Insurer Focuses on Settling Claims Fast, Getting Small Business Owners Back in the Driver's Seat Sooner

Nearly a year after The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies expanded its Phoenix area sales and customer service call center, Progressive is growing its Arizona operations again by opening what it believes to be the only insurance-group owned commercial auto claims training facility in the U.S.

The Progressive Group offers commercial auto insurance for a wide variety of business types including construction, sales, landscaping and towing and is one of the fastest-growing commercial auto groups in the country.

Existing auto claims representatives will be cross trained in commercial auto estimating in the 9,500 square-foot space, located within Progressive's 600 Curry Road facility in Tempe. In addition, Progressive's commercial auto claims specialists will receive ongoing training there.

"We know how important a vehicle can be to a small business owner's livelihood. A new specialized training curriculum, along with this facility, will help us get more claims representatives trained to provide fast, fair and accurate claims service that helps small business owners get back on the road as quickly as possible after a claim," said Brian Silva, commercial auto general manager, Progressive.

Like the training Progressive provides its auto claims representatives, the commercial auto training is hands-on. Representatives learn how the vehicles are built and the types of damage they sustain in crashes. Additionally, they get hands-on experience with the type of body and paint work necessary to restore vehicles to pre-loss condition. Silva said: "Until you know how a dump truck or other commercial vehicle is built and how it should be repaired, you cannot write an accurate estimate."

Training at the site begins on January 25. In addition to the commercial auto training, Tempe is also home to Progressive's motorcycle, ATV, RV, boat and personal watercraft claims training center. Progressive conducts auto claims training at similar facilities in Cleveland, Tampa, Fla., and Phoenix.

The Progressive Group employs more than 26,000 people throughout the U.S., more than 11,000 of which handle customers' claims. Nearly 560 people work for Progressive in Phoenix; another 264 people work in offices in Flagstaff, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson; and nearly 400 independent insurance agencies in the state represent the Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies, which offer products under the Drive Insurance from Progressive(SM) brand.

The Progressive Group, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for auto insurance based on premiums written and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person and online service. The companies that offer insurance directly (by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressive.com) market their products and services under the Progressive Direct brand, while the companies that offer insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies market their products and services under the Drive Insurance from Progressive brand. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at progressive.com.