progressive insurance history
On March 10, 1937, Joseph Lewis and Jack Green started Progressive Mutual Insurance Company. They wanted to provide vehicle owners with security and protection, and they thought an insurance company was a good investment for a couple of lawyers who were just getting started.
Since its beginning, Progressive has taken an innovative approach to auto insurance. We offered drive-in claims service before any other auto insurance company, and, in another industry first, we allowed customers to pay their premiums in installments — an appealing option for those who couldn't afford annual payments. Progressive wanted — and still wants — to make auto insurance accessible and easy so more people could protect their vehicles.
By 1951, Progressive's growth prompted a move to new offices in downtown Cleveland. In 1955, Jack Green became CEO after the death of Joe Lewis, and Peter Lewis, Joe's son, began his career with Progressive. Peter immediately began looking for ways to distinguish the company from its competitors. In 1956, Progressive Casualty Company was formed to write auto insurance for high-risk drivers. Today, the company insures all types of drivers.
More growth and expansion in the 1960s brought about the formation of The Progressive Corporation. In 1965, Peter Lewis assumed the title of CEO, a position he held for 35 years until he turned the reins over to Glenn Renwick in 2000. Glenn then passed the leadership torch to Tricia Griffith, current CEO and President, in 2016.
Currently, Progressive is one of the largest auto insurance groups in the United States, thanks to innovations including comparison rates and 24/7 customer and claims service. Our growth continues at a steady pace, too: Between 1996 and 2005, Progressive grew an average of 17 percent per year, from $3.4 billion to $14 billion.
Why we offer progressive?
An insurance company that offers a competitive price for many types of specialty lines policies that are not obtainable from our other carriers.
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