Progressive's Catastrophe Response Team In Place
Progressive deploys claims representatives throughout Florida; Tampa-based Catastrophe Command Center directs efforts of hundreds in 41 sites
TAMPA, Fla — September 7, 2004 — Unleashing the largest catastrophe response effort in the company's 67-year history, the Progressive group of insurance companies will deploy about 500 claims representatives throughout Florida to assist customers with cars, RVs, boats and motorcycles damaged by Hurricane Frances. The week before the storm hit land, Progressive set plans in motion to place a Catastrophe Command Center in Tampa and stage 15 remote sites throughout the state in addition to its 26 existing claims offices in the hurricane's path.
Progressive customers with a damaged vehicle or boat should call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737) as soon as they can. Progressive claims representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to direct customers to conveniently located sites in and around storm-stricken areas. Some 300 Progressive claims representatives from 48 states are currently in Florida and 200 more are expected in the next 48 hours.
Progressive's claims organization was just tying up Hurricane Charley claims when Frances struck. According to Scott Snapp, Progressive's Florida catastrophe coordinator, the company settled 90 percent of all Charley-related claims within two weeks.
"Frances still poses a significant danger," Snapp said. "Storm debris, downed power lines, flood waters and traffic signals that were blow down or blown out can make driving extremely hazardous."
Progressive offers the following tips for those who must drive in storm-stricken areas:
- If traffic lights are not working, treat each stop as a four-way stop. Do not, under any circumstances, assume that cross traffic will stop at the intersection.
- Avoid low-hanging wires and anything touching them.
- Resist the urge to drive around sightseeing.
- Watch for standing water in parking lots or on streets. NEVER drive in standing water. Find an alternate route. Realize that roads, bridges, river and canal banks may have been weakened and could collapse.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows in your car or RV to protect the vehicle's interior.
The Progressive group of insurance companies is the third largest writer of auto insurance in the nation based on premiums written, the number one writer of RV insurance through independent agents and a leading insurer of personal watercraft. The companies provide drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person and online service by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (or 1-800-776-4737), online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S. The company's hallmark 24/7 claims service is available through more than 430 claims offices countrywide and nearly 30 offices in Florida.
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