Progressive Deploys Catastrophe Claims Reps
to Houston Area in Wake of Hurricane Ike
Car insurer offers post-storm tips for drivers
HOUSTON — September 15, 2008 — As Texans begin the process of cleaning up and assessing damage following Hurricane Ike, Progressive has deployed specially trained catastrophe claims representatives to Houston, Beaumont and Galveston to help customers whose cars, RVs, boats or motorcycles were damaged by the storm. Progressive's National Catastrophe Response Team efforts will be directed primarily through three drive-in claims locations.
Customers whose vehicle or boat suffered damage from Hurricane Ike should call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737) as soon as they safely can. Progressive claims reps are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After reporting a claim, a claims rep will contact customers to answer questions and arrange for a vehicle inspection. To make the vehicle inspection easier during this challenging time, three drive-in claims locations have been set up to assist with cars, motorcycles and RVs. Claims reps will work with boat claimants to arrange boat inspections.
"Even though the storm has passed, Ike still poses real dangers," said Scott Snapp, National Catastrophe Response Team manager at Progressive. "Storm debris, downed power lines, flood waters and traffic signals that were blown down or blown out can make driving extremely hazardous. We encourage everyone to be attentive to guidance from local, state and federal agencies."
Progressive offers the following tips for those who must drive in areas impacted by the storm:
- 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.
Additional safety tips are available at Progressive's catastrophe Web site http://www.progressiveresponds.com.
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is one of the country's largest auto insurance groups, the largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies, and a market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.
Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.
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