Transporter Invention Gets Progressive Coverage
By Daniel Hays
NU Online News Service, Feb. 19, 12:36 p.m. EST?An auto insurer announced today that it is wheeling out a coverage package for Segway Human Transporters, the new personal mobility devices designed to trundle people around sidewalks or streets.
Progressive of Mayfield Village, Ohio, which writes private passenger auto insurance through independent agents and brokers, said it is the first insurance company to provide coverage for Segway HTs in the United States. The company said coverage is not available in Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey and District of Columbia.
Segway HTs are gyroscope controlled devices, which have two wheels in a chariot configuration. The battery-powered machines roll the user along at a top speed of 12.5 mph and weigh 95 pounds. On Amazon.com, they sell for $4,950.
Progressive said its independent agents and brokers will offer Segway HT owners a choice of three insurance packages: full coverage; liability only; or liability and comprehensive.
Progressive spokesperson Matthew Collister said, depending on the location and owner data, policy prices could vary.
As an example, he said a 12-month policy for a married 40 year-old male with bodily injury limits of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident and $50,000 property damage per accident and with $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles would run $92 for suburban Cleveland and $259 for midtown Manhattan.
Although insurance for the device is not mandatory by law, Progressive said owners should consider these insurance options to protect themselves and the long life of their Segway HTs.
Progressive said that customer service needs of Segway HT owners who insure with the company will be handled just as they are for the company's other customers–in-person, 24 hours a day.
Segway HT owners who purchase a Progressive policy can also manage their insurance policies online at personal.progressive.com.
If owners need to file a claim, there are Progressive representatives at more than 350 offices, the company said.
Drew Ladau, vice president and general manager, US Business, Segway LLC, said: "While the Segway HT is engineered for safety and specially encrypted to reduce theft, it is important that Segway customers have access to products and services that complement and support their purchase. We are pleased Progressive anticipated a need and answered it."
Ben Sheridan, general manager, Progressive, added: "This is a story about two innovative companies coming together to meet consumers' needs. We're delighted to be first–again–and look forward to the next transportation insurance challenge."
Progressive bills itself as the number one motorcycle and personal watercraft insurer, largest insurer of RVs through independent agents, and one of the largest insurers of commercial vehicles. The company offers insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the US.
More information about Segway coverage is on the company Web site, ForAgentsOnly.com.
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