Posted On: December 29, 2008, 3:44 pm CST

Posted By: Agent from Arizona

It seems Progressive as many of you know have several distribution channels. It appears that they want to take their on-line product and have comparison to other companies like Independent Agents. They are not Independent Agents yet they want the consumer in my opinion to think they are taking on that role through comparison shopping.
Good agents spend hours every year studying statutes and coverages to better assist their customers. How many hours do you think a Customer Service Representative sitting in a call cneter spends to better educate their selves so they can better serve their customers?
If there is a claim who are they going to call? Every time a customer calls they get someone different. Chances are there is no relationship between the consumer and the call center person. The average person probably doesn't remember who they talked to last.
Who is going to be the customer's advocate when there is a mistake by the company or a questionable claim? Someone who gets their check from the insurance company or an independent agent?
In my opinion if Progressive says they are going to give rates of competitors they have an obligation to be sure they are 100% accurate or suffer the consequences of fines and/or a class action suit. Which if they are not accurate I am sure will come.
I would say to Progressive Insurance you are not an Independent Agent, so please quit trying to fool the public into thinking you are.