Posted On: December 25, 2008, 10:07 am CST

Posted By: flattened_lizard

Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ!,

The way I see it is that it was a human error, and had nothing to do with the complexity of getting competitor's rates. All rates are public record and are filed with the state department of insurance. You could just as easily get all your competitors rates.
The only thing that is unclear are underwriting guidelines (the criteria that insurance groups use to determine what company to write you in under their group name). That is why Progressive wont give you an exact rate for competitors, but a range of rates (ie.. $550 - $665).

So they were giving the wrong competitor rates by human programming error. They have removed that enhancement until they are 100% sure they are correct. They have already notified 20-some thousand people that have quoted, that there was a mistake. If there are any statutes warranting a fine, then they will get a fine. Not sure what else they can do.

I also don't think you are giving the average person enough credit. People should be given a choice on how to shop. I think most people know what a dec page is. It is important for everyone to shop apples-to-apples. And if at any time a customer is confused they can just call Progressive and pick up where they left off and get any questions answered.

Also, doesn't progressive also sell insurance through independent agents? Or is MA the only state where they don't? If so, why is that? I am guessing it has something to do with the crazy atmosphere for doing (any) business in MA.