Progressive's Claims Service Settles 87 Percent of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Claims Reported
Claim Reps from State's Third Largest Auto Insurer Work Day and Night to Settle Storm Claims Fast
Louisiana — October 15, 2002 —Preliminary estimates from the state's largest insurance companies indicate Hurricane Lili caused at least $170 million in insured losses; home, auto and business loss estimates from Tropical Storm Isidore are in the $65 million to $70 million range. As the re-building process gets underway, one company has arrived to ensure fast, efficient claim resolution and customer service following both storms.
Progressive, Louisiana's third largest auto insurance carrier with more than 100,000 customers, has deployed its staff of more than 200 specially trained claims representatives throughout Louisiana's storm damaged areas to quickly, accurately and fairly settle claims — from initial response through final resolution — and get customers back on the road as soon as possible.
Progressive has processed and paid 87 percent of all storm claims reported. Specifically, 90 percent of Isidore-related claims and 84 percent of Lili-related claims have been settled. Between both storms, Progressive's customers reported more than 1,178 claims to-date — approximately 756 in New Orleans and 422 in Lafayette. These numbers are growing daily as more customers continue to report claims.
As Tropical Storm Isidore made landfall the last week of September, Progressive mobilized its "CAT" (Catastrophe) response team in New Orleans to handle all aspects of the claims process — inspecting vehicles, assessing damages and writing estimates — making sure their Louisiana customers could get back on the road again — fast. One week later, Progressive mobilized a second CAT response team in Lafayette as Hurricane Lili hit the state.
"While more than 21 auto insurance companies have pulled out of the state in the last two years, Progressive continues to make its auto insurance products available to all Louisiana consumers," said Greg Kujawa, Louisiana claims manager, Progressive. "We made a commitment to Louisiana consumers that we would be here when they needed us most; we're delighted to live up to that commitment."
Progressive's claim representatives have resolved tropical storm/hurricane-related claims in Louisiana as follows:
Tropical Storm Isidore & Hurricane Lili: Vehicle Claims By the Numbers
| |
Claims Reported to Date |
Claims Resolved to Date |
% Claims Resolved to Date |
| TOTAL |
1178 |
1032 |
87% |
| Isidore |
692 |
623 |
90% |
| Lili |
486 |
409 |
84% |
The CAT initiative is part of the company's 24-hour, in-person claims service. Customers may be asked to take their vehicle to a claims office or temporary drive-in claims location for inspection and fast, fair settlement of their claim.
CAT team efforts typically lead to the resolution of most Progressive claims before other insurance providers begin their response to weather-related emergencies. Progressive not only provides exclusive towing and rental car services, but also works with area body shops to provide customers with priority service and quick turnaround.
Progressive customers who need to report a claim are encouraged to call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE as quickly as possible so that Progressive can begin resolving the claim immediately.
Progressive (NYSE: PGR), with headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business since 1937, the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person and online services. The company sells its products over the phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about the company can be found at progressive.com.
###
