Progressive Data Shows 30 Percent Increase in Single-Vehicle Claims on New Year`s Day

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With large increase in single-vehicle accidents,insurer offers tips for staying
safe and filing a claim
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(Business Wire)--
According to data from Progressive Insurance, single-vehicle claims were up 30
percent on New Year`s Day 2012, when compared to the same day of the week two
weeks prior to and after New Year`s Day. The total number of claims saw a jump
of around 25 percent, with the largest increase coming in the single-vehicle
variety. A single-vehicle claim occurs when one car has an incident, and no
other car is involved. Notable jumps in single-vehicle claims on New Year`s Day
include:

* 30 percent increase in single-vehicle claims

* 76 percent increase in single-vehicle rollovers
* 59 percent increase in a single-vehicles running off the road and striking an
object
* 29 percent increase in single-vehicles that swerved to avoid something and hit
an object
* 19 percent increase in striking an object in the road

"We`ve all heard the phrase, `I`m my own worst enemy,` and that phrase rings as
true as ever on New Year`s Day," said Maria Cashy, the claims customer service
process leader at Progressive. "The large increase in single-vehicle claims
could be attributed to a variety of factors such as icy streets, more people out
on the roads or late-night driving. Regardless, the best thing you can do to
keep yourself safe is stay off the road."

If you are out on New Year`s, Cashy recommends getting a cab or having a
designated driver.

"For taxi drivers, navigating the icy roads is the norm at this time of year,"
Cashy continued. "They know the spots to avoid, are accustomed to late-night
driving and are used to crowded roadways."

If you do find yourself in an accident this New Year`s, Progressive recommends
you take the following steps:

* Stay calm. Keeping a normal demeanor helps you stay in control of the
situation.
* Make sure you and your passengers are OK. Move as far off the roadway as
possible, but stay at the scene of the accident. Warn oncoming traffic by
activating your hazard warning lights and/or setting flares.
* Call the police. Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the
accident.
* Contact your insurance company and report the claim. The sooner your insurance
company knows about the accident, the sooner they can start working to resolve
your claim. People who are insured by Progressive can file a claim by calling
1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com or through the Progressive mobile
app.
* Do not discuss the accident. Do not discuss the car accident with anyone other
than the police and your claims representative.
* If it`s a multi-car accident, exchange vital information with the other driver
involved in the car accident. Write down the name, address, phone number and
license numbers for all drivers and witnesses, particularly those who were not
riding in a vehicle involved in the accident. Ask for the insurance companies
and policy numbers for drivers involved in the car accident.

About Progressive

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012, The Progressive Group of Insurance
Companies (collectively, "Progressive Insurance") makes it easy to understand,
buy, and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach
it whenever, wherever, and however it`s most convenient-online at
progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, on a mobile device or in-person
with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks,
motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. It`s the fourth largest
auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance, and a
leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive also offers car insurance
online in Australia at http://www.progressiveonline.com.au.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping
tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price®,
the Snapshot Discount®, and a concierge level of claims service.

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

Progressive PR
Steve Kaczynski, 440-395-1008
skaczyn1@progressive.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012