Colorado Consumers in the Driver's Seat When It Comes to Car Insurance as One of the State's Largest Auto Insurance Groups Lowers Rates - Again - and Offers New Discounts.

DENVER -- Drive Insurance from Progressive Lowers Average Rates by 5.2 Percent and Makes New Discounts Available to Colorado Drivers Including a 5 Percent EFT and a Five-Year Accident Free Discount

The Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies announced today that it is lowering auto insurance premiums in Colorado by an average of 5.2 percent for new and existing customers effective September 6 and October 16, respectively, and offering two new discounts to customers. The Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive brand of auto insurance is sold by more than 750 independent agencies in Colorado.

"We're lowering rates because Drive Insurance continues to see lower claims costs in Colorado as a result of the change from a no-fault system to a tort system," said Jeff Ewing, Colorado product manager, Drive Insurance. "And our independent agents tell us that discounts are popular - understandably so - so we're introducing two new ones to Colorado drivers."

Drive Insurance bases rates on market conditions and its expected cost of doing business and adjusts rates as needed to ensure policies are accurately priced. This is the fifth time Drive Insurance has lowered its rates since July 2003 when auto insurance reforms took effect, for a cumulative reduction of nearly 30 percent. The 5.2 percent rate reduction is a statewide average that will affect individual customers differently; some Drive Insurance customers may experience a larger decrease, a smaller decrease or a rate increase.

"Our message to Colorado drivers is this: Now is the time to visit your local independent agent to make sure you're getting the combination of coverage, service and price that's right for you," said Ewing.

In addition to lower average rates, Drive Insurance is also offering two new discounts: a 5 percent discount to customers who choose the convenience of making payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT); and a Five-Year Accident Free discount that rewards safe driving with up to 7 percent off the premium.

Drive Insurance, sold by independent agents, is a brand of The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, which also sells the Progressive Direct(R) brand of insurance over the phone and the Internet. Progressive Direct most recently lowered its rates an average of 7.4 percent in July 2006.

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation and fifth in Colorado for auto insurance based on premiums written and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7 in-person and online service. The products and services of the Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies are offered by more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies and online at www.driveinsurance.com through the Drive(R) Insurance from Progressive brand. The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at www.progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct(R) 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 www.progressive.com.

Jeff Ewing, Colorado product manager, Drive Insurance, is available for interview.