Keep Your Boat Afloat in the off Season

Progressive Offers Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Winter
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(Business Wire)--
As the summer boating season comes to a close, many boaters are
preparing their vessels for winter storage. Leading boat insurer
Progressive wants to remind boat owners about a number of steps they
can take to make sure their boats are properly protected during the
off season.

"Taking the right steps now to protect your boat will not only
provide you with peace of mind through the long, cold winter months,
but can help you avoid a hefty maintenance bill in the spring," says
Dominic Mediate, Progressive's boat product manager.

Some slip-proof tips for winterizing your boat include:

-- Get your engine winter-ready - First drain the water from the
engine completely and fill the cooling system with
environmentally safe antifreeze. Remove spark plugs and fog
cylinders, and wipe down engine with fogging oil or similar
moisture displacing lubricant.

-- Check your fluids - Change the oil and filter, and ensure fuel
tanks contain stabilizer and are filled to the desired level.
And don't forget the lower unit! If there is any water left in
the lower unit, it can freeze and cause the unit to crack.

-- Keep your boat sufficiently covered - If you are using a
standard canvass or plastic cover make sure it is properly
secured and sturdy enough to handle any snow-build-up. For
added protection against the winter wind and snow look no
further than trusty shrink wrap, which can be used to cover
exposed areas of the boat. If possible, apply shrink wrap or
other covering to the tongue, trailer jack, and winch.

-- Don't forget the trailer - To be sure your trailer is ready to
roll when spring comes back around put it up on blocks, oil
the rollers, trailer jack and winch; and grease the bearings.

-- Remove the battery - Maintain the charge and keep the battery
conditioned through the winter by removing it from the boat
and storing it properly.

-- Keep your boat from "going condo" - To keep birds, rodents or
other vermin from using your boat as their winter residence
make sure there are no possible entrances, and spread a
deterrent like moth balls through the vessel.

-- Show your love - Check on your boat periodically during the
winter months.

-- Check your insurance policy - Make sure you're properly
protected in case your boat is stolen or damaged in the off
season. A stand-alone boat insurance policy can give you that
protection.

"Having specialized boat insurance can make a big difference in
the event you need to file a claim," explains Mediate. "Some boaters
might think it's more convenient to just add a boat endorsement to
their homeowners policy, believing it offers more protection than it
actually does."

Progressive's specialized boat insurance offers coverage options
critical during the winter months including:

-- Total Loss Replacement - We will replace your boat with a
brand new model if the lost boat is within the first five
model years.

-- Fishing Equipment and/or Personal Effects Replacement Cost
Coverage - Progressive will cover the loss of or damage to
fishing equipment or personal items on your boat...even in the
off season.

-- 24/7 Claims Service - Boaters can report a claim any time of
the day or night and receive knowledgeable service from
Progressive's boat claims representatives who receive
intensive specialized claims training at its claims training
center.

For more information on Progressive's specialized boat insurance,
visit http://watercraft.progressive.com.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since
1937, is one of the country's largest auto insurance groups, the
largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies, and a
market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto
insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and
services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes,
including superior online and in-person customer service, and
best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as 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
http://www.progressive.com.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield
Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at
(NYSE:PGR).

Progressive PR
Leah Knapp, 440-395-9928

Copyright Business Wire 2008