Progressive Distributes February Results

    Business Editors

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2005--The Progressive Corporation today reported the following results for February 2005:

(millions, except per share February February Change amounts) 2005 2004 ------------ ----------- ------------ Net premiums written $1,181.2 $1,052.5 12% Net premiums earned 1,030.9 951.6 8% Net income 127.7 145.1 (12)% Per share .63 .66 (4)% Combined ratio 85.2 83.7 (1.5) pts.

    See the complete monthly release at http://investors.progressive.com/releases/2005/pdf/mreport_0205.pdf for further month and year-to-date information and commentary.
    The Progressive group of insurance companies ranks third in the nation for auto insurance based on premiums written. The companies that offer insurance directly (by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at progressive.com) market their products and services through the Progressive Direct(SM) brand, while the companies that offer insurance through more than 30,000 independent agencies in the U.S. market their products and services through the Drive Insurance from Progressive(SM) brand. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at progressive.com.

--30--DJL/cl*

CONTACT: The Progressive Corporation Thomas A. King, 440-395-2260

KEYWORD: OHIO INDUSTRY KEYWORD: INSURANCE SOURCE: The Progressive Corporation

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