Texas Drivers Can Now Save Big Bucks Based on How They Drive As Progressive Launches One-of-a-Kind Car Insurance Program

Are you the poster child for safe driving, always leaving plenty ofspace between you and the car ahead? Or a business traveler who parksyour car at the airport several days a week? Or maybe you have a carthat you only take out for a spin on warm summer days. If so, your caris probably less likely to be involved in a crash, so shouldn't you payless for carinsurance?

Progressive thinks so, and that's why it's introducing an optional carinsurance program that offers lower rates on vehicles that are driven inless risky ways. The behavior-based insurance program, called MyRate,gives drivers a customized rate based on how, how much, and when theircar is driven. It is now available to Texas drivers who purchasepolicies directly from Progressive online or by phone, or through itsmore than 3,200 independent insurance agents in the state.

"Progressive has been an industry pioneer in using technology to moreaccurately price car insurance," said Richard Hutchinson, Progressive'sgeneral manager of usage-based insurance. "Our initial venture intousage-based insurance started here in Texas ten years ago with a programcalled Autograph. MyRate is the latest product innovation to put driversin control of their auto insurance rates."

Drivers who choose to sign up for MyRate receive a device that plugsinto a port in their car and measures how, how much and when the car isbeing driven. Cars driven less often, in less risky ways and at lessrisky times of day can receive a lower premium.

"MyRate is designed for safe drivers," said Hutchinson. "It's for peoplewho drive fewer miles than average, at low-risk times of day and keepalert for others on the road. They don't make fast lane changes orfollow too closely behind other drivers so they don't have to over-reactor slam on the brakes."

New Texas customers get an immediate first-term discount of up to 10percent when they sign up for MyRate and install the device. When theyrenew their policy, they could save as much as 25 percent or more, or becharged up to 9 percent more, based on their driving habits. There isalso a $30 technology expense each policy period for the cost of thedevice and data transmission.

Drivers will be able to see whether they're on track for a discount oran increase by reviewing their driving data at anytime by logging in totheir policy on progressive.com. They can see how their driving habitsare affecting their rate, and, if they choose, make behavioral changesthat could lead to savings.

Progressive has received patents on its methods and systems ofimplementing usage-based insurance and has licensed these methods andsystems to other companies. Progressive also has a registered servicemark in Pay As You Drive®.

For more information, visit your local independent agent or go to www.MyRate.com.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, isone of the country's largest auto insurance groups, the largest sellerof motorcycle policies, and a market leader in commercial auto insurancebased on premiums written.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for autoinsurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products andservices that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, includingsuperior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class,24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims serviceavailable at service centers located in major metropolitan areasthroughout the United States.

Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buyand manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers itsproducts, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat andrecreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independentinsurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directlyfrom the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices aredifferent when purchased directly from Progressive or throughindependent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.

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