NU Online News Service, Aug. 12, 11:08 a.m. EDT

Auto insurer Progressive Corp. says its second-quarter net income rose 16 percent to $245.2 million as net premiums written increased 3 percent during the same time.

For June, Progressive reports an increase of 8 percent in policies-in-force from direct business and a 3 percent increase from agency-driven business.

The Mayfield Village, Ohio-based company says it experienced $125 million in catastrophe losses from spring storms during the second quarter, compared to $47 million in catastrophe losses a year ago during the second quarter.

For the month of June, which contributed $23 million in catastrophe losses to the overall total, the states with the largest losses were Texas, Kansas and Ohio. These states accounted for about half of the monthly catastrophe losses, Progressive says.

During a conference call to discuss earnings, Glenn Renwick, president and CEO, says Progressive's advertising campaign, centered on its Snapshot product, is allowing Progressive to “own that space.”

Snapshot is Progressive's pay-as-you-go telematics program. Renwick says Progressive has done some branding work and has a “couple of new ads that have yet to air.”

The take-up rate for Snapshot in the direct channel is strong, and the agency distribution channel is “starting to accept the concept and get certified.” About 50 percent of agents are certified to use it.

Profitability for the product—loss ratios and targets—“seem to be in line without expectations,” he adds.

Renwick says Progressive is seeing “significant return to growth” in Florida and New Jersey—two states with no-fault personal-injury protection auto-insurance systems.

In New York, another PIP state, Progressive does not “have the growth that we would love to enjoy there,” Renwick continues. “We certainly have respect for GEICO in New York. They've got a great position there.”

Special Reports /

Progressive 2Q Income Rises 16%

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