FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com
PROGRESSIVE TO BRING 148 NEW JOBS TO AUSTIN

High Growth Company Adding 148 Great Career Opportunities;
Brush Up Your Resume – Recruiting Open House Planned for August 13

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 30, 2003)—In a market where unemployment rates recently hit 5.5 percent, the Progressive group of insurance companies (NYSE:PGR), the third largest auto insurance group in the U.S., is helping to boost the Austin area economy by adding 148 new call center jobs by November.

Progressive reported 30 percent growth at year-end 2002 and, most recently reported 29 percent growth for the first six months of 2003. As the Company grows, it adds people in its call centers that provide 24/7 customer and claims service. Today, the Company employs 900 people in its Austin claims, customer service and sales call centers. By year-end, it hopes to grow that number by 148.

People can learn more about the jobs, including the in-depth on-the-job training each employee will receive, at the recruiting Open House to be held on Wednesday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Progressive’s offices at 1124 South IH 35 in Austin.

Potential employees will have an opportunity to meet with Progressive recruiters, complete an application, and interview for positions. No RSVPs or appointments are necessary and applicants should bring a current resume. Those not able to attend one of the Open House events should apply online at jobs.progressive.com.

“We need to add these employees because we’re growing at an incredible pace,” said Terri Burroughs, customer service call center director, Progressive. “Progressive is a great place to work and offers a great opportunity.”

Progressive began with 30 people in Austin in 1980 as an auto insurer little known to Texans. Today, the Company is the fourth largest auto insurer in Texas with more than seven percent market share, and employs more than 1,000 in the Austin area.

Progressive is hiring people in three different roles: Claims Loss Reporting Unit (CLRU) representatives, Insurance Counselors and Customer Service Representatives. All three roles have the following minimum requirements:

* High school diploma or equivalent
* Excellent communications skills
* Demonstrated computer proficiency with the ability to maneuver and navigate between screens and programs
* Prior call center experience is preferred

In addition, the specific requirements and starting salaries for each position are as follows. In addition to salary, all Progressive people participate in a system that provides further financial rewards based on reaching company profitability and growth goals.

CLRU Representatives:

* Minimum of one year customer service experience
* Ability to learn in a fast paced environment
* Starting salary of $10 per hour

Insurance Counselors:

* Previous sales experience or a two or four year degree
* Property and casualty licenses a plus
* Starting salary of $11.40 per hour

Customer Service Representatives:

* Minimum of one year customer service experience in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
* Starting salary of $11.40 per hour

Progressive offers its employees a broad range of benefits and on-site services, including:

* Competitive salary and variable pay package
* Medical and dental benefits including medical coverage for nontraditional dependents including grandchildren, parents, children over 23 and domestic partners
* Casual dress environment
* On-site cafeteria
* Fitness center
* Wellness program featuring a variety of health screenings and educational opportunities; and
* Employee Assistance Programs providing counseling services to Progressive people and their families

All of the positions Progressive offers have excellent opportunities for growth and the Company makes every effort to recognize employees’ hard work and promote from within.

The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person service. The companies offer insurance by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, has headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio. In Texas, Progressive employs 1,976 people, operates 30 claims offices and three call centers (sales, claims and customer service) in two locations in Austin. The company is represented by nearly 2,500 independent insurance agents throughout the state of Texas. More information can be found at progressive.com.