Progressive Reports September Results

                                                                 Month                                     Quarter
(millions, except per share amounts and ratios)                  2009          2008            Change      2009          2008            Change
Net premiums written                                             $    1,038.4  $    1,024.3    1 %         $    3,553.5  $    3,511.4    1 %
Net premiums earned                                              $    1,062.3  $    1,051.6    1 %         $    3,445.4  $    3,416.2    1 %
Net income (loss)                                                $    100.0    $    (630.8)    NM          $    269.9    $    (684.2)    NM
Per share(1)                                                     $    .15      $    (.95)      NM          $    .40      $    (1.03)     NM
Pretax net realized gains (losses) on securities (including net  $    7.4      $    (1,039.8)  NM          $    38.8     $    (1,373.4)  NM
impairment losses)
Combined ratio                                                        92.2          98.7       (6.5) pts.       92.7          95.1       (2.4) pts.
Average equivalent shares(1)                                          671.8         666.4      1 %              672.8         666.3      1 %
NM = Not Meaningful
(1 )For 2009, amounts disclosed are diluted earnings per
share. In 2008, due to the net loss reported in the month, quarter,
and year-to-date periods (see pages 3 and 4), the calculated diluted
earnings per share was antidilutive; therefore, basic earnings per
share is disclosed.

(in thousands)                          September   September   Change
                                        2009        2008
Policies in Force:
Agency - Auto                           4,324.1     4,348.1     (1)%
Direct - Auto                           3,122.2     2,770.9     13 %
       Total Personal Auto              7,446.3     7,119.0     5 %
       Total Special Lines              3,493.1     3,400.6     3 %
                 Total Personal Lines   10,939.4    10,519.6    4 %
                 Total Commercial Auto  524.9       554.4       (5)%

See the complete release at http://investors.progressive.com/pdf/mreport-0909.pdf for further information. If you experience technical difficulties using this link, please e-mail investor_relations@progressive.com and a PDF of the release will be sent to you promptly.

Progressive is scheduled to hold a one-hour conference call to address questions on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., eastern time, subsequent to the posting of our Shareholders' Report online and the filing with the SEC of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter. Registration for the teleconference and webcast will be available at http://investors.progressive.com/events.aspx closer to the event.

About Progressive The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is one of the country's largest auto insurance groups, the largest seller of motorcycle policies and a market leader in commercial auto insurance based on premiums written.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers' #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes, including superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, such as its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to http://www.progressive.com.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at (NYSE:PGR). For more information, including a guide to interpreting the monthly reporting package, visit http://www.progressive.com.

SOURCE: The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation 
Patrick Brennan, 440-395-2370