Progressive's Catastrophe Response Team At Work In Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi And Florida Panhandle
Progressive claims representatives move into Gulf Region as third successive hurricane tears into Gulf coast
TAMPA, Fla — September 17, 2004 — The Progressive group of insurance companies, the country's third largest auto insurer, has deployed 120 claims representatives to Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle to help customers whose cars, RVs, boats and motorcycles were damaged by Hurricane Ivan. The Company's catastrophe response efforts will be directed primarily though nine locations in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, Ala.; Gulfport, Miss.; Panama City, Pensacola and Tallahassee, Fla. and New Orleans.
Progressive customers with a damaged vehicle or boat should call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (800-776-4737) as soon as they can. Progressive customers affected by Ivan will be directed to a specially-trained Hurricane Ivan Command Center and will be helped by claims representatives available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"We've settled about 70 percent of our Frances-related claims and virtually all claims from Charley. We will continue to add as many people as it takes to be certain our customers' claims are settled quickly and fairly," said Scott Snapp, Progressive's Florida Gulf Region catastrophe coordinator.
Snapp said, "Danger still exists in the days after a powerful storm like Ivan since driving conditions can be extremely hazardous. Storm debris, downed power lines, flood waters and destroyed or damaged traffic signals are just some of the perils facing drivers in areas hit by Ivan."
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 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, 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 including 54 offices in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
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