I see this as a condition of their stance of paying below average commissions to agents. Until they change, they will continue to see their business go to the competition.
They fell way behind GEICO and are trying to lower their overall expense ratio. This is why they dropped “Drive” and have been doing less for their agents and trying to move more towards direct business.
Um, I don’t know about the others on here, but Progressive just had a substantial rate decrease here in Texas, and I’ve actually written quite a bit through them. They said months ago that they were going to forgo profit to lower rates in order to stay competitive. I’ll take the 10% commission if it keeps my customer from switching to another company outside my agency.
They have raised rates on auto and have been all over the board on motorcycle in Illinois. Trying to offer umbrella and home coverages as well this year.
This co. has lifted the Independant Agency system to a new level! Just wait for the correction in the profits!They have shown the public that Independent agents are a needed tool for those who still value our services. Please, why don’t yal just go back to your cubical’s and start selling and stop acting like yal are business majors!
Policy counts going up and premiums going down – It seems Progressive has succeeded in selling its message to their policyholders: Auto Insurance is a generic commodity based on price only. Perhaps Progressive can hire a lizard or a caveman to promote them now that they have everyone believing all companies are the same and made themselves a “me too” company. (And get that irritating checkout clerk off their commercials)
It’s unfortunate, but to the majority of the insurance buying public auto insurance is a price based commodity. Until, that is, they have a claim. Only then do they, at least some of them, see the light. Progressive might market on price (you’ve got to get them in the door), but they do deliver when it comes to claims. They’re the only company I’ve had that prospects specifically request after having a claim with a Progressive insured auto.
Thank You Scott, You are right on the money! Many of our Brothers would be out of business by now. Prgressive is soon to offer a Homeowners policy to compliment the Auto policy! Yal will see as we unite under one order with one Progressive cause ! This will be the New Order in our industry! The Final quest Independant Agency Supremacy!
I use them as a dumping ground. The have to be less in premium and I only use them as an attraction and remarket the customer as soon as possible. I absolutely do not take into my confidence any company that competes with the independent agency system. Since earnings aredown will “the street” rcommend no buy on the stock or the insurance? What a dilemma.
Ive had a few DWI’s and my credit score isnt good either. But once I get my life straightened out im going to switch to a better company and drop Progressive.
Im embarrassed to admit im with Progressive because its a dead give away that ive got a bad drving record.
ScottyP
Sounds like you need some better companies. I’ve received many compliments from customers and agents on how our company handles claims (and I don’t work for Progressive). Agents tell me that new customers, that have been in accidents with our policyholders, have switched over to us due to the excellent treatment by our claims adjusters! – (We probably overpay)
P.S. If Progressive is going to get into the homeowner business (rather than just broker it as they do in some states) then it is time to sell their stock – look how they messed it up with their first attempt (They probably see a terrific market demand on the coast of Florida)
My other companies are well known, well respected national insurers. They get compliments from agents and customers. They just don’t seem to get people to ask for them by name. I suspect marketing has a lot to do with it (ask any number of people to name 5 insurance companies and you’re going to hear pretty much the same names). One thing I’ve noticed, the people that ask for Progressive have usually had a claim, either as customer or claimant, handled by one of two really big name direct writers. These companies have given up trying to lure people on price (neither is competitive in the Chicago area) and market their claim service. Unfortunately, or fortunately for the rest of us, neither company seems to be able or willing to back up their “promises”.
AMEN! They are trying to have their cake and eat it too.
They use the IA’s as a source for $$$ to drive their marketing and pricing instead of putting the $$$ into at least an average compansation package for the IA’s, not to mention he lack of any typwe of Profit Sharing
Come on, by selling a policy with Progressive, you support competition against yourself AND you support a compensation schedule below most agencies costs.
I admit, I keep them for now, use them only when I must, but other’s are getting the picture (Safeco) and pay better!
Hard market comes, bye bye Progressive! Thanks for making cheap sononomus with the Progressive name, and trying to make independent agents in the same mix!
Whimp, you and many others feel the same. Why produce business for a company that’s in competition with you? I’m sure it’s hurting their production. If PGR wants to go direct I think it might be smart of them to spin off the agent side.
My saying is write all the bad drivers with them and hope they have a loss. It serves them right, they want their cake and eat it too.
When are companies going to realize agents don’t appreciate their carriers competing against them?
I see this as a condition of their stance of paying below average commissions to agents. Until they change, they will continue to see their business go to the competition.
They fell way behind GEICO and are trying to lower their overall expense ratio. This is why they dropped “Drive” and have been doing less for their agents and trying to move more towards direct business.
Now that their main advantage is minimal at best the poor compensation is that much more of an issue.
Um, I don’t know about the others on here, but Progressive just had a substantial rate decrease here in Texas, and I’ve actually written quite a bit through them. They said months ago that they were going to forgo profit to lower rates in order to stay competitive. I’ll take the 10% commission if it keeps my customer from switching to another company outside my agency.
They have raised rates on auto and have been all over the board on motorcycle in Illinois. Trying to offer umbrella and home coverages as well this year.
This co. has lifted the Independant Agency system to a new level! Just wait for the correction in the profits!They have shown the public that Independent agents are a needed tool for those who still value our services. Please, why don’t yal just go back to your cubical’s and start selling and stop acting like yal are business majors!
Profit and premiums down but policy count up. Can you say soft market?
Policy counts going up and premiums going down – It seems Progressive has succeeded in selling its message to their policyholders: Auto Insurance is a generic commodity based on price only. Perhaps Progressive can hire a lizard or a caveman to promote them now that they have everyone believing all companies are the same and made themselves a “me too” company. (And get that irritating checkout clerk off their commercials)
It’s unfortunate, but to the majority of the insurance buying public auto insurance is a price based commodity. Until, that is, they have a claim. Only then do they, at least some of them, see the light. Progressive might market on price (you’ve got to get them in the door), but they do deliver when it comes to claims. They’re the only company I’ve had that prospects specifically request after having a claim with a Progressive insured auto.
Thank You Scott, You are right on the money! Many of our Brothers would be out of business by now. Prgressive is soon to offer a Homeowners policy to compliment the Auto policy! Yal will see as we unite under one order with one Progressive cause ! This will be the New Order in our industry! The Final quest Independant Agency Supremacy!
I use them as a dumping ground. The have to be less in premium and I only use them as an attraction and remarket the customer as soon as possible. I absolutely do not take into my confidence any company that competes with the independent agency system. Since earnings aredown will “the street” rcommend no buy on the stock or the insurance? What a dilemma.
Ive had a few DWI’s and my credit score isnt good either. But once I get my life straightened out im going to switch to a better company and drop Progressive.
Im embarrassed to admit im with Progressive because its a dead give away that ive got a bad drving record.
What do we do with this direct question?
Does this call for a final Cure!?
We must reclaim living space for our independant armys!
ScottyP
Sounds like you need some better companies. I’ve received many compliments from customers and agents on how our company handles claims (and I don’t work for Progressive). Agents tell me that new customers, that have been in accidents with our policyholders, have switched over to us due to the excellent treatment by our claims adjusters! – (We probably overpay)
P.S. If Progressive is going to get into the homeowner business (rather than just broker it as they do in some states) then it is time to sell their stock – look how they messed it up with their first attempt (They probably see a terrific market demand on the coast of Florida)
This sounds like world war 2
what do he mean FINAL CURE, To what question? Inferior attitudes? Purist coverage!
They will not be writing it themselves. It will be written through Homesite.
Will this be the new MASTER policy?
Time to locate a blocking cure soon!
Locate your cubical and sit down!
My other companies are well known, well respected national insurers. They get compliments from agents and customers. They just don’t seem to get people to ask for them by name. I suspect marketing has a lot to do with it (ask any number of people to name 5 insurance companies and you’re going to hear pretty much the same names). One thing I’ve noticed, the people that ask for Progressive have usually had a claim, either as customer or claimant, handled by one of two really big name direct writers. These companies have given up trying to lure people on price (neither is competitive in the Chicago area) and market their claim service. Unfortunately, or fortunately for the rest of us, neither company seems to be able or willing to back up their “promises”.
AMEN! They are trying to have their cake and eat it too.
They use the IA’s as a source for $$$ to drive their marketing and pricing instead of putting the $$$ into at least an average compansation package for the IA’s, not to mention he lack of any typwe of Profit Sharing
Come on, by selling a policy with Progressive, you support competition against yourself AND you support a compensation schedule below most agencies costs.
I admit, I keep them for now, use them only when I must, but other’s are getting the picture (Safeco) and pay better!
Hard market comes, bye bye Progressive! Thanks for making cheap sononomus with the Progressive name, and trying to make independent agents in the same mix!
Whimp, you and many others feel the same. Why produce business for a company that’s in competition with you? I’m sure it’s hurting their production. If PGR wants to go direct I think it might be smart of them to spin off the agent side.