Progressive Insurance
Unfortunately, far too many consumers find out too late that, despite the dearth of insurance commercials portraying the companies as your “friend,” this is really not the case. In fact, by the time most people question the motives of their insurance company, it is probably already too late. The most innocent statements can be taken out of context, then later used against the insured, or a person may believe the quick settlement offered by the insurance company is a nice gesture—and accept it.
It is important to remember that insurance companies, like most large corporations, are interested in their financial bottom line much more than in your health or your future. If you have been involved in an auto accident, always talk to an experienced auto accident attorney before you give statements to your insurance or that of the negligent party in your accident. At the very least, this will allow you to understand your rights, as well as the pitfalls you may encounter throughout the process.
The bottom line—while insurance companies are supposed to financially protect their policyholders, they are much more likely to hold onto their money for the longest time possible. If you have experienced any of the following, it is definitely time to call a Mississippi personal injury attorney now.
- You don’t think the accident was your fault, but the insurance company is claiming it is your fault;
- You’ve been denied coverage for necessary medical treatments or procedures;
- The amount the insurance company is offering is far from fair;
- You have been pressured by an insurance company to release your medical records to them;
- You have been pressured by an insurance company to provide comprehensive details about your injuries, medical treatments or medical history;
- Your claim was immediately denied;
- Your claim is taking an inordinate amount of time;
- You have been pressured by an insurance company to provide a recorded statement;
- An insurance agent has been particularly interested in the details of your life, and
- You find yourself feeling frustrated, intimidated or confused any time you have an interaction with the insurance company.
Can the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuse to compensate me because I was driving without insurance?
History of Progressive
- Joseph Lewis and Jack Green, both attorneys, started Progressive Insurance in 1937.
- Progressive offered drive-in claims service before any other auto insurance company.
- Progressive was the first insurance company to allow customers to pay premiums in installments.
- By 1951, Progressive had grown so much they moved to new offices in downtown Cleveland.
- In 1956, Progressive Casualty Company was formed to write auto insurance for high-risk drivers.
- In 1987 Progressive surpassed $1 billion in premiums, and that same year, Progressive stock was listed under the PGR symbol by the NY Stock Exchange.
- In 1992, Progressive was recognized as the largest seller of auto insurance through independent insurance agents.
- Between 1996 and 2005, Progressive grew from a $3.4 billion-dollar company to a $14 billion-dollar company.
The Good and the Bad for Progressive
According to Reviews.com, the best things about Progressive Insurance are its comprehensive driver discounts—some of the best in the industry. Progressive offers accident forgiveness, loyalty discounts, military discounts, good driver discounts and multiple policy discounts. Progressive also offers strong claims management features, including the ability to file a claim online, on your phone, or with an agent. Progressive also offers discounts for anti-theft devices, or built-in safety devices, and even a discount for owning an electric car. Progressive also offers pet injury coverage, which is hardly a standard in the insurance industry. Progressive also offers Snapshot, a program which monitors your driving, then offers discounts based on your driving habits.
Now the bad news about Progressive: Progressive does not offer new car replacement which can leave those with a badly damaged new car in dire financial straits. Progressive also does not offer GAP insurance, which will cover the difference between the value of a totaled car and the balance on the auto loan. Although Progressive does offer a mobile app, user reviews for the app tend to be negative. While a mobile app may not be the most important factor in purchasing insurance, for those who use their phone for everything, it could be a consideration.
Class Action Lawsuits Against Progressive
In February 2016, two Springfield Massachusetts law firms reached an $8 million settlement in a class action suit against Progressive Insurance. There were more than 4,300 Massachusetts residents in the class-action suit which claimed that between 2008 and 2010, Progressive deceptively asked customers to agree to an $8,000 deductible for car accident injury claims. Progressive admitted no wrongdoing in the class-action suit, agreeing to the settlement to put an end to the court action.
Filing a Claim with Progressive Insurance
You can file an online claim with Progressive at: https://www.progressive.com/claims/process/.
You can also file a claim on the phone, by calling: (855) 347-3939.
Information About Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
It is hoped you will never have to deal with an insurance company following an auto accident, however statistically, you will have to do so several times during your adult life. If you were seriously injured in the accident, and the other party in your accident was negligent, it could be very beneficial to speak to a Mississippi personal injury attorney before you talk to the insurance company—whether yours or the other person’s insurance company. It is far too easy to make an innocent comment which is then taken out of context and used against you to deny your claim or minimize the amount you receive. It is also never a good idea to simply accept a quick settlement offer before you know just how extensive your injuries are. Again, speaking to a knowledgeable Mississippi personal injury attorney can ensure you receive the best settlement possible.
Getting the Legal Help You are Entitled To
If you have suffered an auto accident or other type of personal injury in the areas of Southaven, Horn Lake, Hernando, Walls, Tunica, Olive Branch, Desoto County, Memphis TN or Shelby County TN, contact the Stroud Law Firm as soon as possible at (662) 536-5656. We will be your advocate and will do our best to ensure you receive equitable compensation for your injuries.