Our Auto Insurance Partners

Nationwide Insurance is both an insurance company and a financial services company. They currently have $135 billion in assets, which makes them one of the largest of these types of companies in the world. Nationwide sells all types of insurance to customers across the U.S., in Latin America, and in Europe.

One of the main products offered by Nationwide Insurance is their auto insurance plans. Nationwide Insurance wants their customers to be prepared for “life’s little surprises” by having adequate coverage. They also offer coverage for personal property and individual or business assets through their business and property insurance programs.

Not only does Nationwide offer insurance coverage for assets and property, but the company also offers health insurance. Purchasing a good health insurance plan is one of the most important decisions and investments anyone can make, because people need to have a good insurance company behind them when a medical emergency occurs. Nationwide Insurance offers customers a range of health insurance products, services, and benefits to choose from. Nationwide wants to be able to offer their customers a health insurance plan that will meet their individual needs.

Another aspect of Nationwide Insurance is their life insurance coverage. While most people do not like to think about the fact that they will die someday, ignoring the possibility does not make it go away. As such, each person needs to have a good life insurance plan in place to cover their loved ones’ expenses when they die. Nationwide Insurance offers a wide variety of life insurance options. Life insurance policies offered by Nationwide are issued through either Nationwide Life Insurance Company or Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio.

Nationwide Insurance and its affiliates are part of a group of insurance companies based in Columbus, Ohio. The insurance company can trace its roots back to December 17, 1925 when the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation incorporated the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The law in Ohio required that the insurance company recruit 100 people as policyholders. The first insurance agents employed by the infant company were able to recruit 1,000 people as policyholders, so when Farm Bureau Mutual started business officially on April 12, 1926, they had 1,000 policyholders.

The Ohio-based company began their business offering only car insurance to Ohio farmers. However, in 1928 the company expanded to offer car insurance to West Virginia farmers. Maryland, Vermont, North Carolina, and Delaware farmers were soon brought into the insurance company as well. Only three years later in 1931, Ohio Farm Bureau Mutual began to offer their insurance product to residents of small towns who were not farmers, and then in 1934 they opened up their products to people in large cities.

1934 brought another important change to the young insurance company. This was the year when they began to offer fire insurance on top of their existing car insurance products. In 1935, the company that would one day become Nationwide Insurance expanded this division of their company by purchasing a small fire insurance company that was not doing well. They quickly needed more room, and in 1936 the company moved to the now-famous 246 Building in Columbus, Ohio. Continued growth through the ‘30s led to the company operating in 12 states by 1943. Eventually even the office space at the 246 Building was not sufficient to house the growing company. In 1951 they opened offices in regional locations across the country.

Since the insurance company was no longer offering insurance primarily to farmers, they changed their name in 1955 from Farm Bureau Mutual to Nationwide Mutual Insurance. This is the name the insurance company carries today. From 1955 to 1965, Nationwide Insurance expanded to the western states by opening offices in Oregon, which made the name applicable. They continued to grow, opening offices in 19 other states, causing them to reach a total of 32 states that offered their insurance products by 1965. They also had regional offices in Washington, D.C.

Finally, by the 1970s the 246 Building could no longer hold the insurance company, and they began to build a skyscraper to be their Ohio headquarters. The skyscraper, known as One Nationwide Plaza, was complete in 1978. It sits on the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and North High Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

The city of Columbus was growing too, and in 1997 it was the 15th largest city in the country. Columbus was also the only large city in America without a major professional sports team. They had no professional baseball, football, hockey, or basketball team. The Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company felt that this was a problem for the growing city. The city government tried to bring the Hartford Whalers to Columbus, but voters rejected the tax levy that was required, so this move failed. This was when the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company decided they would build an arena to bring a hockey team to Columbus. They were successful, and in 2000 the Nationwide Arena welcomed the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team.

Early growth came from working together with Farm Bureaus that sponsored the company. Eight Farm Bureaus continue to promote Nationwide and provide discounts to members.

The Early Years

• 1925 − The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation incorporates the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company with the goal of providing quality auto insurance at low rates for farmers in Ohio.
• 1926 − The first policy is sold, and The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is open for business.
• 1928 − With help from locally based sponsoring organizations, Farm Bureau Mutual begins expanding into other states. These include West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Vermont and North Carolina.
• 1934 − The company starts insuring motorists in metropolitan areas and, through the purchase of a fire insurance company, begins writing property insurance policies.
• 1943 − Farm Bureau Mutual operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Becoming Nationwide

• 1955 − From 1943 on, the Farm Bureau Mutual expanded operations until it became clear that they had far outgrown their original goals... and their name. So, with a western expansion that included 20 additional states, the company changed its name to Nationwide Insurance^®.
• 1978 − Nationwide completes its international headquarters at One Nationwide Plaza. The 40-story structure is the largest single office building in Central Ohio.
• 1982 − Nationwide acquires Farmland Insurance, now Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, a 100-year-old company and America's leading farm insurer. 
• 1997 − Nationwide Financial^® goes public.
• 2000 − With a ground breaking in 1997, the Nationwide Arena opens providing a home to a National Hockey League franchise, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• 2007 − Nationwide Bank opens to the public.
• 2009 − Nationwide Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide), purchased all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Nationwide Financial Services (NFS) it did not already own; NFS becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide and a private company.

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Who we are

The Exchanges and their Subsidiaries

2012 Farmers Insurance Exchange Update
2012 Fire Insurance Exchange Update
2012 Truck Insurance Exchange Update

Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange (Exchanges) are inter-insurance exchanges owned by their policyholders and organized under the laws of the State of California. The Exchanges, directly or through their subsidiaries, offer homeowners insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, and financial services throughout the United States. Farmers Group, Inc. (dba Farmers Underwriters Association) (FGI) and its subsidiaries, Truck Underwriters Association and Fire Underwriters Association, provide certain administrative services for the Exchanges as the Exchanges’ attorneys-in-fact. The Exchanges do not hold an ownership interest in FGI, and FGI does not hold an ownership interest in any of the Exchanges.

Foremost Insurance Company, was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Grand Rapids Michigan. Foremost is a leader in insuring specialty products such as mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers and specialty dwellings.

Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, headquartered in Mercer Island, Washington, has a proud history stretching back to 1910, when the company started as New World Life Insurance Company. Today, it offers a wide range of life insurance products, from a fully flexible universal life product to traditional term and whole life plans and annuities.

The Bristol West Insurance Group became a part of Farmers in July 2007. Bristol West began providing private passenger Auto insurance to Florida residents in 1973, and since that time, it has grown to be a leading provider of liability and physical damage insurance - focusing exclusively on private passenger vehicles across the United States.

The 21st Century Insurance and Financial Services Group, based in Wilmington, Delaware, became a part of Farmers in July 2009. Using the Internet and direct response marketing channels, 21st Century markets personal auto insurance to consumers throughout the United States.

The Farmers Action for Communities of Tomorrow (F.A.C.T.) was established in 1995 to fulfill our commitment to serve the underserved communities of California and to supplement the efforts of agents in those areas.

Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC. was created by Farmers in 1999 so that agents could offer customers a wide array of financial products, including mutual funds, variable universal life insurance, and variable annuities.

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The insurance services available from GMAC Insurance cover a diversity of personal and business needs. These include insurance for motor vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, homes, and belongings. Thousands of new customers each week, representing both the private and business world, are evidence of the strong reputation that GMAC Insurance has established and maintained as an insurance company, and the quality service it has continued to provide since its establishment.

As well as retaining the traditions of quality and service it has always demonstrated as an insurance company, GMAC Insurance has never been afraid to be innovative. In the automotive area it was, for example, one of the first insurance company businesses to offer vehicle service contracts designed to safeguard customers against the costs of unexpected mechanical repairs. Now one of the largest underwriters in the world, the GMAC insurance company is well known for the “best in class” service and coverage it provides. On the home front, GMAC Insurance has also proved itself to be an insurance company with groundbreaking concepts. Among these is the unique combination of comprehensive insurance protection and quality service that GMAC Insurance has put into practice through its willingness to deal directly with the insurance needs of home owners.

In these ways, and by offering exclusive insurance coverage options and quality service at competitive rates, the GMAC insurance company can help all its customers make insurance decisions that are in their best interests, no matter how diverse those interests may be. Aware that insurance needs are constantly changing and developing, GMAC Insurance makes certain that its services keep pace with its customers’ needs. It thus ensures that it remains an insurance company whose staff can always provide the most up-to-date insurance information and advice to suit the needs and requirements of its varied clientele.

Since its founding in 1919, GMAC Insurance has expanded as an insurance company not only within America but also around the globe, employing almost 4,000 people throughout the world. As well as headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the thriving insurance company has more than 100 offices in the United States and Canada. Its insurance products and services are also well known in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where GMAC Insurance has set up international insurance operations. Through GMAC Insurance Online, the convenience of the Internet is available to individual and business insurance company representatives seeking insurance information, quotes, or other insurance services. Another GMAC operation, established in the 1990s, is Nuvell Financial Services, an auto financing operation that works with both GM and non-GM dealers.

In April 2006, General Motors announced changes to its organization, with a consortium headed by Cerberus Capital management buying 51% of GMAC as a whole. The group’s investors also included Aozora Bank of Japan and the private equity arm of Citigroup. Under its new ownership structure, and continuing to build on the many decades of experience during which it has established itself as a major international insurance company, GMAC Insurance continues to provide quality insurance services for its many customers around the world.

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Our Management Team

The Hartford is a large multifaceted company organized to respond rapidly to customers' changing needs.  At the core is a management team dedicated to service and ethical excellence.

The Hartford Overview

At The Hartford, we work hard every day to make a positive difference in the lives of others, from customers and agents to business partners and neighbors.

Mission & Values

We help our customers pursue a financially secure future by anticipating their needs and providing competitive financial products.

Social Responsibility

We have the utmost respect for the people we insure and guide financially.  We go to great lengths to meet the career and personal needs of our employees.   And we value reaching out to others with a helping hand.

Corporate Advertising

The Hartford's multi-media advertising campaigns reach millions of customers worldwide - including individuals, institutions and businesses.

Corporate Sponsorships

There's more to The Hartford than insurance and investment expertise. We're big supporters of one of the world's most exciting and inspiring sporting events, the U.S. Paralympics.

Business Continuity

We believe that effective planning is key to reducing the effect of any disaster and dedicate significant resources to business continuity planning and testing. With a true dedication to business continuity, we've supported critical business activities during earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and other natural and man-made disasters for 200 years. 

Affinity Relationships

The Hartford is proud to have established strong affinity relationships with a number of key organizations.

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Like most great companies, we started small. We proudly trace our roots back to 1955 when we began doing business as the Dixie Insurance Company in the heart of the American South. From our first client in eastern Alabama to today as we serve clients in 43 different states, one thing has never changed: we know that we can only grow by earning the trust of each and every client.

Thanks to our clients' trust and over 50 years of hard work, Infinity now ranks among the top 50 Property & Casualty Insurance companies in the country and employs over 1,900 people across the U.S. Expanding Infinity's reach far beyond our employees, our partnership with independent insurance agencies is better than ever and together we've made Infinity the second largest writer of non-standard automobile insurance in the nation.

What does this mean to you? It means that whether you have a perfect driving record with no problems getting car insurance, or if your record is less than great and you have a hard time with other car insurance companies due to accident(s), violation(s), age, occupation, or type of vehicle... there's a good chance we can help!

Today, Infinity Property & Casualty Corporation (IPCC) is the combination of the Infinity Insurance Companies, Atlanta Casualty Companies, Leader Insurance, Windsor Auto, and Great American Personal Lines Companies. Check out our timeline:

Timeline

• 1955 – Dixie Insurance Company originates in Anniston, AL, to later be known as The Infinity Group

• 1991 – Pennsylvania Company (sister company of American Premier Underwriters) buys The Infinity Group

• 1995 – American Premier Underwriters, Inc. and the American Financial Corporation join forces and become the American Financial Group (AFG)

• 2002 – AFG transfers all common stock of Infinity and its sister companies to IPCC

• 2003 – IPCC goes into initial public offering on NASDAQ

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Mercury Insurance: 50 Years of Service and Savings

Developing relationships and knowing customers have helped build mercury insurance for 50 years.

Founder and Chairman George Joseph leads 13-state, $4 billion operation with 'old-time' philosophy that's never been fresher.

Mercury Insurance sold its first policy in April 1962. The fledgling company had a very small office in the heart of Los Angeles, but its founder, George Joseph, had a very big vision of the future that still serves as a blueprint for today's insurance marketplace.

Joseph recognized that the insurance industry of the late '50s and early '60s wasn't fair for all drivers, and he thought it was time to start a company that provided affordable insurance for drivers of all risks. This simple concept sparked the inspiration for Mercury Insurance, as did Joseph's belief that if consumers were going to put their trust in a company, then they deserved the best service possible.

"The biggest change through the years has been that more and more is done electronically, which is great," says Joseph. "The business of insurance can be very complex and the digital era has certainly helped Mercury become highly efficient. But these breakthroughs and advancements are only the second most important part of our business. Number one is the way we value our customers and our agents' direct relationships with our policyholders.

"It's always been very important to me that we take care of our customers. At Mercury we establish personal relationships through our outstanding agents. They get to know families and become trusted friends and allies for many years. This personal touch is one of the things that elevate Mercury above our competitors."

Joseph's attention to personal service for the past 50 years has paid off as Mercury Insurance is now a $4 billion operation. Joseph, 90, still goes to the office every day, plays tennis twice a week and is Mercury's chairman of the board. And he still takes direct calls from policyholders when they have questions.

Book and music stores are nearly extinct, and good luck finding a full-service gas station, but in the business world – and throughout the insurance industry – Mercury puts people ahead of machines.

"Mercury was founded to provide lower rates by eliminating wasteful underwriting practices and insuring a wide spectrum of risks. We obviously didn't have computers to help us back when we started," says Joseph. "Our IT department consisted of two people. So the way we do business today has changed. Still, whether it's 1962 or 2012, one-on-one service and low rates are at the core of our success."

Mercury, named for the fast and nimble messenger of the Roman Gods, is still headquartered in LA and now has 6,700 agents in 13 states. Additionally, the company has been named by Forbes as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies four times (including 2012) and carries A+ ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch.

"George Joseph is a true American success story," says Mercury CEO Gabe Tirador, who joined Mercury as an accountant directly out of college. "He grew up in rural West Virginia during the depression, flew 50 World War II bombing missions as a B-17 navigator, graduated Harvard on the GI Bill and built this company from scratch. He has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful businessmen in the country, which is the embodiment of the American Dream.

"Some outsiders may think Mr. Joseph's philosophy of personal communications is antiquated in an era when so many personal services are being replaced by machines, but it permeates everything we do as a company. Mercury's 50th anniversary is a testament to Mr. Joseph's foresight, business acumen and tenacity. We still believe personal touches matter and this philosophy will continue to be a core principal in Mercury's future."

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Finding the right car insurance can be easy with a few simple tools. Comparison shopping for an insurance company does not have to be difficult. Progressive Direct will help customers compare insurance rates between various insurance company options. Progressive will provide customers with rates from an array of insurance companies either online or in person with one of the company’s qualified Progressive Direct insurance agents.

The Progressive Corporation provides personal auto insurance and other varied specialty insurance services in the United States. Three segments of the Progressive Corporation serve an array of customer needs: Personal Lines, Commercial Auto, and Other-indemnity. The Personal Lines division writes personal automobile insurance policies for cars, trucks, vans and recreational vehicles. Both independent agency services and direct channels are available for Personal Lines services. The Commercial Auto division at Progressive Direct provides liability and damage insurance for a variety of vehicles owned and operated by small businesses. Independent Progressive Direct agents typically write commercial Auto policies. The Other-indemnity segment provides professional liability coverage to community banks, most commonly directors and officers’ liability coverage. Progressive also provides insurance services, including policy writing and claims service in 25 states for Commercial Auto Insurance Procedures and Plans.

Progressive was co-founded by Jack Green and Joseph Lewis in 1937 and maintains offices around the country; however, the corporate headquarters of the insurance company is located in Mayfield Village, Ohio.

The History of Progressive

Joseph Lewis and Jack Green first opened Progressive to provide vehicle owners both security and protection on March 10, 1937. These two young lawyers viewed Progressive as not just an opportunity to provide needed automotive insurance, but also as a fine potential investment. Progressive offered innovation from the start. Progressive Mutual Insurance was the first insurance company to allow the option to pay premiums in installments, thus making insurance more affordable for the average American. Drive-in claims service was another option offered. Progressive grew and thrived for years, and moved to new offices in 1951. Joe Lewis’ son, Peter Lewis, joined the company after his father’s death in 1955. Peter Lewis brought new ideas to Progressive, including founding Progressive Casualty Company in 1956 to provide insurance coverage to high-risk drivers. Today, Progressive’s great service is available to a wide array of customers.

In the 1960s, with further company expansions, Progressive Mutual Insurance became the Progressive Corporation. Peter Lewis became CEO of the Progressive Corporation in 1965, and celebrated 45 years with the company in 2000.

Steady growth in the 1970s and 1980s allowed the move of the headquarters to Mayfield Village, Ohio in 1974. The company went public in 1971, and surpassed $1 billion in premiums in 1987 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange Progressive (NYSE: PGR). Activity and innovation in the 1990s set Progressive Insurance apart from the other insurance company offerings on the market.

Progressive did not achieve its success by doing business the way the other insurance companies did. New standards and services allowed Progressive to become the third largest auto insurance provider in the country. Progressive’s introduction of Immediate Response 24/7 claims service set it apart from the rest in the 1990s.

In 1992, Progressive was recognized as the largest seller of automotive insurance through independent agents. A year later, Progressive began offering automotive insurance services to all drivers, and premiums exceeded $2 billion in 1994. Progressive began offering rate comparison services in 1994, with the introduction of 1-800-AUTOPRO (1-800-288-6776). One phone call enabled customers to compare not only Progressive’s rate, but the rates of three other insurance companies. Customers could then buy their chosen policy over the phone in one simple call, or visit an independent Progressive insurance agent if they preferred. Another innovation in 1994 was the introduction of on site claims service to make customers’ lives easier, and the process of dealing with an accident less stressful. The Immediate Response Vehicle (IRV) allowed customers to handle claims processing on site, as a marked and designated vehicle arrived to meet their needs wherever they might be.

Progressive’s next step was to move online, and in 1995 it began to develop its web presence. In 1996, customers could get Progressive’s rate comparisons online. Online sales of auto insurance were available in 1997. More than a million visitors come to Progressive’s modern and functional website each month to compare rates, buy policies and more. Progressive.com lets customers save time and trouble as they shop for and buy insurance with a simple click. Progressive.com can also help customers find an independent Progressive agent if they prefer not to shop online for their insurance needs. Progressive is a full service insurance company that can help customers with boat, motorcycle and RV insurance policies. Personal Progressive Online, found at personal.progressive.com enables current Progressive Insurance customers to manage their accounts, pay their bills and change coverage when needed.

Progressive launched concierge level service in 2003, making the claims handling service after an accident or other loss easier for customers than ever before. Concierge service allows customers to simply drop their vehicle off at a designated claims center and pick it up when repairs are completed. Managing the full repair process allows Progressive to provide a higher level of service than any other insurance company and can save customers time and energy in the event of an accident.

Progressive’s innovative offerings, both online and in terms of customer service, allow it to be the insurance company of the new millennium. With an array of services to meet the needs of all drivers, Progressive Insurance can write an insurance policy that protects vehicles, passengers and financial health and well-being

Progressive began in 1937, and over the years, we have worked hard to build a superior proposition for auto insurance consumers through competitive pricing and by continuously improving our products and services. Today, we offer competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person and online services to all drivers throughout the United States.

Today, Progressive customers can purchase auto insurance directly from us online or by phone, or they can purchase from independent insurance agents. Prices vary based on how our customers choose to buy.

Glenn M. Renwick, president and chief executive officer since January 2001, leads Progressive in our quest to become U.S. consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance.

Headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield Village, Ohio, Progressive has 25,000 employees in more than 450 offices throughout the country. Progressive people enjoy a casual dress code and a unique work environment where all are required to risk, learn, grow and perform. Progressive's larger locations house one of the country's largest, most eclectic contemporary art collections.

Communicating a clear picture of Progressive by stating what we try to achieve, how we interact with customers, and what guides our behavior permits all people associated with Progressive to understand what we expect of ourselves and each other and how we conduct our business.

The common shares of the Progressive Corporation are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.

How Progressive Began

On March 10, 1937, Joseph Lewis and Jack Green started Progressive Mutual Insurance Company. They wanted to provide vehicle owners with security and protection, and they thought an insurance company was a good investment for a couple of lawyers who were just getting started.

Since its beginning, Progressive has taken an innovative approach to auto insurance. We offered drive-in claims service before any other auto insurance company, and, in another industry first, we allowed customers to pay their premiums in installments — an appealing option for those who couldn't afford annual payments. Progressive wanted — and still wants — to make auto insurance accessible and easy so more people could protect their vehicles.

By 1951, Progressive's growth prompted a move to new offices in downtown Cleveland. In 1955, Jack Green became CEO after the death of Joe Lewis, and Peter Lewis, Joe's son, began his career with Progressive. Peter immediately began looking for ways to distinguish the company from its competitors. In 1956, Progressive Casualty Company was formed to write auto insurance for high-risk drivers. Today, the company insures all types of drivers.

More growth and expansion in the 1960s brought about the formation of The Progressive Corporation. In 1965, Peter Lewis assumed the title of CEO, a position he held for 35 years until he turned the reins over to Glenn Renwick, current CEO and President, in 2000.

Growth and Innovation

Progressive's steady growth continued through the years, which helped fuel the decision to become a public company in 1971. Three years later, in 1974, Progressive moved its headquarters to the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield Village.

The next two decades saw steady growth for the company, and in 1987, Progressive surpassed $1 billion in premiums. That same year, the New York Stock Exchange listed Progressive stock under the PGR symbol.

Our business philosophy was to approach auto insurance in an innovative way — like no other company had. From that mindset came the following industry standards and achievements:

• In 1990, we introduced Immediate Response^® claims service, available 24/7, to provide customers with personal service and support immediately after they reported a claim.

• In 1992, Progressive was recognized as the largest seller of auto insurance through independent insurance agents.

• In 1994, Progressive surpassed $2 billion in written premium.

• Also in 1994, we introduced 1-800-AUTO-PRO, a cutting-edge auto insurance rate comparison shopping service. Consumers no longer had to call several companies to compare auto insurance rates — in one phone call to 1-800-AUTO-PRO, they'd receive a Progressive quote and comparison rates for up to three competitors. Plus, if customers wanted to buy from Progressive, they could purchase an insurance policy directly and immediately on the phone. Today, this service is available by dialing 1-800-408-9499.

• Another industry first in 1994 was the introduction of the Immediate Response^® Vehicle (IRV), a specially marked and outfitted vehicle that brought trained claims professionals to wherever customers needed them — even to the scene of an accident.

In the early 2000s, Progressive changed its claims focus to provide a better overall experience for every party involved in a claim, including the customer and the body shop. This focus helped us launch our concierge level of claims service — another industry first — in 2003. With this level of service, Progressive oversees all elements of the claims/repair process on behalf of drivers involved in accidents, which reduces the time drivers spend managing repairs from about four days to 15 minutes. Customers simply drop off their cars at a claims service center, located in select markets, and pick them up once the repairs are complete — Progressive takes care of everything in between.

In 2006, Progressive expanded its concierge level of claims service to address the special needs of drivers whose vehicles are unrepairable as the result of an accident. Our Total Loss Concierge service helps customers find a replacement vehicle at a competitive price, and helps them find financing, too.

Currently, Progressive is one of the largest auto insurance groups in the United States, thanks to innovations including comparison rates and 24/7 customer and claims service. Our growth continues at a steady pace, too: Between 1996 and 2005, Progressive grew an average of 17 percent per year, from $3.4 billion to $14 billion.

Online Insurance and Beyond

In 1995, when the Internet was just gaining popularity, Progressive stepped ahead of the competition and became the first major auto insurer in the world to launch a Web site. The site was primarily informational, but it soon became more interactive. By 1996, consumers could obtain comparison rates online, and by 1997, they could buy auto insurance policies online in real time.

The site has continually evolved with technology, and today, customers can use the following features, 24/7, on Progressive's Web site: PROGRESSIVEAGENT.COM

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Insurance Industry Leader

Travelers is the top provider of numerous types of insurance plans, servicing more than 6.6 million active insurance products that have been distributed through more than 7,800 independent insurance representatives located all over the United States. Travelers has also constantly posted good financial strength ratings, returning a net written premium of US $6.2 billion in the year 2005.

Reliable Fast Claim Service Any Time

Whether it is damage from a motor vehicle accident or caused by flooding, insurance claims at Travelers are handled rapidly by an insurance claims service that operates 24-hours daily throughout the year, with the assistance of modern digital and wireless technology.

Travelers insurance claims service is supported by a group of vehicle repair shops that can, when required, promptly begin repairing vehicles covered by vehicle insurance from Travelers. Also on standby, to be on site swiftly during cases of emergency, are four modern Mobile Claim Headquarters of Travelers, managed by a team skilled in handling insurance claims for catastrophes and emergencies.

This dedication to resolving insurance claims speedily has resulted in Travelers being recommended by 90 per cent of their insurance claimants to friends and relatives.

Insurance Coverage Unlike Others

Families and their property have enjoyed protection with insurance products of Travelers for more than 140 years, garnering Travelers Insurance the status of being among the most qualified and excellent insurance providers in the insurance industry.

Travelers offers an extensive and unrivaled range of insurance products at reasonable personal insurance price points, which are highly customizable to suit each customer’s current insurance requirements, while providing flexibility for the future.

Travelers also guarantees the realization of its monetary obligation to its insurance product holders in the event of any loss. There is a dedicated toll-free insurance claim hotline operating 24-hours every day, to process any insurance claim quickly and effectively.

More than 10,000 independent insurance representatives located across the country distribute insurance products offered by Travelers Insurance. They are supported by 39 insurance claim offices located across the country and staffed by 2,000 insurance claim specialists.

Travelers prides itself as an industry leader in the innovation of more insurance products and convenient services especially for its insurance product customers. With an extensive insurance product range, Travelers Insurance is the comprehensive insurance products provider that meets the insurance needs of your family and you.

Travelers Partner and Subsidiary Insurance Companies

Travelers has partner and subsidiary companies based in different states of the United States. These partner and subsidiary insurance companies offer a vast range of insurance products that are distributed through independent insurance representatives in their respective states. Travelers partner and subsidiary insurance companies, and the independent insurance representatives that distribute their insurance products, all post good financial ratings from insurance industry analysts. Besides personal insurance products, the partner and subsidiary insurance companies of Travelers Insurance also offer holders of their insurance products a range of premium services, which include insurance claims resolution round the clock on any day of the year, and quick assistance for insurance claims.

Travelers of Florida

A partner insurance company of Travelers Insurance, Travelers of Florida company was founded in 1996 and based in Tampa to exclusively meet the insurance needs of residents in Florida. Residents of Florida have access to a vast range of insurance products from Travelers of Florida insurance company including car insurance, home insurance, personal property insurance, and personal liability (umbrella) insurance.

Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts

Travelers Indemnity Company founded Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts in 1993 to exclusively meet the personal insurance needs of residents in Massachusetts. Residents of Massachusetts have access to a vast range of insurance products from Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, including car insurance, home insurance, personal property insurance, and personal liability (umbrella) insurance.

Mendota Insurance Company

Founded in 1989 and based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mendota Insurance Company offers a range of select insurance products usually not offered to customers by typical insurance agents. Mendota Insurance Company also offers car insurance, recreational vehicles insurance, and motorcycle insurance, all valid in numerous states of the country.

Travelers of New Jersey

A subsidiary of Travelers, Travelers of New Jersey was founded in 1992 as First Trenton Indemnity Company and is based in New Jersey to exclusively meet the insurance needs of New Jersey residents.

Travelers Through the Years

Since its inception in 1864, Travelers has led the insurance industry for more than 140 years by constantly introducing new insurance products, beginning with issuing the first auto insurance policy in 1897, complemented with excellent service and cutting edge technology within the industry.

Highlights of the impact on the insurance industry made by Travelers include:

1864 - First insurance company in America to provide personal insurance against accidents.
1897 - Issued the first auto insurance policy.
1903 - Started the first institution for training insurance agents.
1904 - Gathered the first group of safety engineers.
1907 - Started writing insurance for property.
1912 - Introduced the first combination auto insurance policy.
1936 - Started an education program for drivers.
1953 - Developed the first automobile simulator for educating drivers.
1956 - Utilized an IBM 650 computer, an insurance industry first.
1956 - First insurance company to establish its own weather research center.
1966 - Conducted first transcontinental conference call.
1968 - Started the first insurance claim hotlines manned by Travelers Insurance employees.
1971 - Started the first consumer insurance information office to answer insurance policy queries from customers.
1980 - Developed the first interactive insurance company/agency computer system.
1996 - Developed the first automated fraud detection system, as an effective means of fighting insurance fraud.
1997 - Introduced the first insurance policy protecting individuals who use personal computers for online banking.
1997 - Developed the insurance industry’s first self-sufficient insurance claim office in vehicles that swiftly respond to emergencies/catastrophes, after the Hurricane Andrew natural disaster.
1998 – 2002 - Utilized technological developments in innovating industry methods so that insurance agents can work more effectively. These include real-time quoting capability for a single-entry on a multiple-carrier interface; the ATLAS3 browser system allowing insurance agents to quote and issue insurance policies through the Internet, as well as TRAVGlass, the insurance industry’s first Internet-based auto glass insurance claim solution.
2003 - Started MyTravelers.com for customers to view insurance policy information, make premium payments, and check insurance claim status online.
2004 - Travelers Insurance becomes part of St. Paul Travelers, resulting in a company with 285 years of combined experience in managing risk with honesty, innovation, and order.

History

A Rich 150 Years of History

Travelers has 150 years of history intertwined with the challenges, developments and accomplishments of our national heritage. From pre-Civil War to post-9/11 times, Travelers has consistently dedicated itself to being in-synch with our customers' ever-changing needs. 

Our Joint History

The St. Paul and Travelers merged on April 1, 2004 forming The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., the nation's second largest property-casualty insurer and one of the largest financial services firms. In February 2007, the company named changed to The Travelers Companies, Inc., and we began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TRV. The 137-year-old insurance icon, the red umbrella, was reinstated.

The Founding of Travelers

Travelers was founded more than a century ago through an off-hand transaction of only two cents. The two cent incident occurred on March 24, 1864, when a Hartford businessman, James G. Batterson, met a local banker, James E. Bolter, in the post office. Bolter had heard that Batterson and several fellow townsmen were organizing a company for the purpose of introducing accident insurance to North America.

“I’m on my way home for lunch,” Bolter said. “How much would you charge to insure me against accident between here and Buckingham Street?”

“Two cents,” Batterson quoted promptly, as he took Bolter’s two pennies and tucked them into his vest pocket. Bolter walked the four blocks to his home without mishap. His two cent “premium” is a souvenir treasured by the company Mr. Batterson founded, Travelers.

Travelers officially began doing business on April 1, 1864, when Batterson was 40 years old and America was in the midst of a Civil War. Batterson was the head of Travelers for more than a third of the company’s first century. His compelling personality pervaded the entire organization and all its enterprises. He remained president of Travelers until 1901, the year he died, and left behind a group of people well qualified to guide his company’s fortunes.

The Origins of The St. Paul

Seeing the need for a local insurance company, Alexander Wilkin and 16 fellow St. Paul businessmen founded St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company in 1853. The company was founded in large part to serve locals who had become frustrated with slow service from faraway insurers.

Wilkin, secretary of the territory and a lawyer with insurance experience “back East,” became the company’s first and youngest president, being elected to the position at the age of 34. The company paid its first claim in 1855.

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