Progressive Drives Mobile Apps Forward

Progressive’s mobility strategy is expanding. The direct-to-consumer property and casualty insurance provider released new mobile apps for IPhone and Adroid this week, giving consumers the ability to access instant rates, purchase insurance before driving their new car off the lot, and receive weather alerts for the ride home.

The uptick in Americans’ use of mobile devices has not been lost on Progressive. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life project, 35 percent of American adults own a smartphone. In the last quarter, Apple sold 9.25 million iPads. Progressive maintains that more than 230 million Americans already use mobile devices, and by 2014, the mobile Internet will overtake desktop Internet use.

"We're continuing to enhance the distinctive mobile products we offer in order to make it easier for our customers to do business with us," said Matt Lehman, Progressive's mobile business leader. "Our mobile and interconnected world gives us the opportunity to add more value to drivers, wherever they are. This commitment to using technology to give customers more control over their car insurance is what sets Progressive apart."

Customers can access exclusive mobile offerings and download the Progressive app here. The app, available for both iPhone and Google Android devices, is also available at the App Store and Android Market.

Included among Progressive's new and enhanced mobile services are:

VIN Capture: Now customers shopping for a new car can simply take a picture of a car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) bar code and find out what it might cost to insure it. VIN Capture can also compare the costs of insuring up to three vehicles. Progressive says it's exclusively available on the Progressive mobile app.

Buy car insurance on the spot: After the customer has picked out a new car, he/she can buy insurance at the car lot. This new functionality is available in 21 states with additional states being added throughout the year.

Snapshot discount updates: New customers can enroll in Progressive's one-of-a-kind Snapshot program. Existing customers already enrolled in Snapshot can get real-time updates on their discount wherever they are, by simply visiting and logging into their policy.

Policy changes and payments on-the-go: Drivers can update their address and other contact information--or even make a payment.

Severe weather text alerts: Consumers can obtain advanced warning of bad weather by signing up for free severe-weather text alerts here. Subscribers receive a text message up to 30 minutes in advance when hail or other severe weather is headed their way, giving them valuable time to protect their vehicles. What's more, subscribers also receive the latest storm watches and warnings. This is a free service, and you don't need to be a Progressive customer to sign up, said the company.