This Insurer Knows Where You Go And Charges Accordingly - Progressive Insurance sets rates based on miles driven - Brief Article

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, March, 2000 by Ed Henry

What a concept: Progressive wants to sell you car insurance based on when and how much you drive. Bob McMillan, the firm's director of marketing, says the new Autograph program could slash insurance costs; the 1,000 Texas drivers who took part in a test, he says, have seen their premiums drop by an average of 25%.

"We do a detailed interview about your driving habits and set rates accordingly," McMillan explains. A per-mile premium is set, and the driver is billed monthly.

But don't think that you're on the honor system. Progressive installs a global positioning system in each insured car to monitor your every move. So the company knows exactly when and where you've traveled--and at what speed. For $7 a month, Progressive will let drivers use the satellite system for remote door unlocking, roadside assistance and low-battery detection.