Progressive Claims Representatives Move Into Florida Panhandle as Season's First Hurricane Strikes; Company Offers Post-Storm Driving Precautions for Motorists
Country's Third Largest Auto Insurance Group Deploys Claims Representatives to Eight Locations In Wake of Hurricane Dennis
Pensacola, Fla. — July 11, 2005 — The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies (Progressive) has deployed specially trained catastrophe claims representatives to the Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama to help customers whose cars, RVs, boats and motorcycles were damaged by Hurricane Dennis. Progressive's catastrophe response efforts will be directed through eight claims locations in and around areas hit hardest by the storm. Progressive claims representatives will also be at the Florida Department of Financial Service's "insurance village" to assist customers with filing their claim.
Progressive customers whose vehicle or boat suffered damage from Hurricane Dennis 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.
"Dennis still poses a significant danger," said Scott Snapp, national catastrophe response manager, Progressive. "Storm debris, downed power lines, flood waters and traffic signals that were blown 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 the intersection 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.
- Avoid driving through standing water and whenever possible find an alternate route. Realize that roads, bridges and river and canal banks may have been weakened and could collapse.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your vehicle or boat. Cover broken windows to protect its 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 company's hallmark 24/7 claims service is available through more than 430 claims offices countrywide. The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressivedirect.com through the Progressive DirectSM brand. The Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies offers insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies that market their products and services through the Drive Insurance from Progressive brand. For more information, go to driveinsurance.com.
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Scott Snapp, catastrophe response director for Progressive, is available for interview.
