Progressive Opens Two New Service Centers in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the third largest auto insurance group in the country and fourth largest in Texas, introduces a new level of service that reduces drivers' time spent dealing with accident repairs from about four days to about 15 minutes. Progressive's two new Service Centers in the Dallas area offer drivers the choice of using a "concierge" level of claims service in which Progressive manages the claims/repair process from start to finish on their behalf.

The two newest Progressive Service Centers are located at 355 Grand Junction Blvd. in Mesquite and at 2890 Lake Ridge Drive in Lewisville, Texas. There are now five Service Centers in Texas — three in the Dallas area and two in Houston — and 32 countrywide.

What to do if You are in an Accident

Nearly 34 million auto accidents occur annually in the U.S., and no matter how skilled of a driver you may be, it could happen to you. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. If you are involved in an accident, remain calm and follow the tips provided below to lessen the stress caused by this unfortunate situation:

• Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene; failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest.
• If your vehicle isn't drivable, call a towing company to move your vehicle. Get the name, address, and phone number of the towing company.
• Check all involved parties for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to a safe location. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
• Exchange contact information (names, addresses, and phone numbers) with all parties involved in the accident.
• Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved.
• Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.
• Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary. Contact the police if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer's name, phone number, and the police report number.
• Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.
• If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved.
• As soon as possible, contact GEICO to report the accident. You can report your claim online or you can call GEICO at 1-800-841-3000.

In case of emergency you should always keep the following information in your vehicle:

• Always carry your insurance ID card and vehicle registration.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts at all times.
• Have a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medication, or have a condition that requires special attention.
• Pens or pencils.
• Paper or a note pad.
• Flashlight.
• Flares.
• First-aid kit.
• Blanket.
• Jumper cables.
• Rag or paper towels.
• Trash bag.
• Disposable camera.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance

Auto insurance can seem confusing. But once you understand the different types of coverages that make up your policy, it’s not hard at all. Your auto insurance is really a package of seven primary coverages. Taken together, these coverages make up a standard auto policy. Each of these coverages has its own separate premium. Your premium payment is the total of these separate premiums.

In addition to the primary coverages, for additional premiums you can also add on coverages such as GEICO’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance and Emergency Road Service.

1. Bodily injury liability provides protection if you injure or kill someone while operating your car. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore it’s a good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars.
2. Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection coverage usually pays for the medical expenses of the injured driver and passengers in your car. There may also be coverage if you are injured by a vehicle as a pedestrian.
3. Uninsured motorists coverage pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver or, in some states, a hit-and-run driver, in a crash that is not your fault. In some states there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance.
4. Comprehensive physical damage coverage pays for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire or animals. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket.
5. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car.
6. Property damage liability protects you if your car damages someone else’s property. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object.
7. Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental vehicle (usually up to $20 a day) when the insured's vehicle is out of commission as a result of a loss covered under comprehensive or collision coverages.

Car Insurance - save up to £150?

Independent research, Consumer Intelligence December 2005, shows that new customers could save as much as £150 by switching to Churchill.

Our prices are reviewed every week to make sure your premium remains competitive. Buy online now and you will benefit from a discount of up to 10%.

We have everything you need from a motor insurance company. Just take a look at some of our great benefits below, which include instant cover available online.

Why Churchill?

• Courtesy car at no extra cost when you use an approved repairer
• Repairs guaranteed for 5 years when you use an approved repairer
• Up to 65% No Claim Discount which, if it is 4 years or over, you can choose to protect
• 24 hour accident recovery
• Optional Churchill Legal Assistance Service
• Discounted breakdown cover

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GEICO Recognizes 60-year Relationship with Local Policyholder

POWAY, Ca., April 20, 2006 – GEICO is honoring local Poway resident Glen Cecil, 86, in recognition of his 60-year anniversary as a GEICO policyholder at a luncheon on Friday, April 21 at the company’s San Diego regional headquarters.

Local GEICO executives including Nancy Pierce, regional vice president, will host the event for Mr. Cecil.

"We are thrilled to honor Mr. Cecil’s 60-year relationship with us," said Pierce. "I am so proud that GEICO provides the type of service that attracts and retains such loyal customers."

Mr. Cecil bought his first GEICO policy in 1946 and hasn’t left since. A World War II veteran, he has been a member of the senior volunteer patrol in Poway, Ca., patrolling the streets for almost 11 years. He is also a member of the Fleet Reserve for Navy military, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Club.

GEICO built a branch office in San Diego in 1965, becoming so successful that the office was transformed into GEICO’s West Coast operation in 1982. It is now headquarters for over 1,800 associates. Since the San Diego office opened, GEICO has become one of the fastest-growing auto insurance companies serving seven million U.S. policyholders, one million of whom are California and West Coast customers.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 11 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. GEICO provides consumers with sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com Web site. Consumers may also contact the company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. For more information, go to www.geico.com.

MultiCar : admiral.com

What is MultiCar? MultiCar is a new way to get cheaper car insurance. Insure two or more cars with MultiCar and you will qualify for discounted car insurance. Don't forget you'll get all the great features you expect with Admiral car insurance. Get an online quote Or call 0800 600 880 Is MultiCar for me? If you have two or more private cars (not company or commercial) in your house then MultiCar could save you money. What if the renewal dates on the cars are different? Don't worry if the renewal dates on your cars are different because we will help you unite them, without losing any No Claims Bonus - in some cases you could even earn your Bonus faster. Your No Claims Bonus Each policyholder earns and keeps their own No Claims Bonus. Easy payment Monthly instalments available. Get an online quote Or call 0800 600 880

GEICO Announces Auto Insurance Rate Decreases for Colorado Policyholders

GEICO announced today that it has reduced auto insurance rates for its policyholders in Colorado. The statewide average rate decrease is 7.1 percent for GEICO and GEICO General policyholders. With this latest premium reduction, GEICO and GEICO General's average rates are now down by a total of 25.7 percent since the state's auto insurance reforms took effect. There are also rate decreases for GEICO Indemnity policyholders, -7.5 percent, and GEICO Casualty policyholders, -4.8 percent, bringing the total decreases to 31.3 percent and 29.2 percent, respectively since the change to a tort system. The changes will go into effect on Jan. 5 for new policyholders and on Feb. 20 for renewal policies.

"Improved driver experience, which has resulted in a decrease in accidents and fewer losses for our company, is the main reason for the rate decrease," said Gary Brown, GEICO's regional vice president. "We're glad we can provide our policyholders with more savings, and we hope to attract new customers with our lower rates."

Overall premium changes for individual motorists will vary based upon factors such as coverages purchased, geographic area, type of vehicle, risk characteristics, and discounts for which they qualify.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 6 million policyholders and insures more than 10 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. GEICO provides consumers with sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com Web site. Consumers may also contact the company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. For more information, go to www.geico.com.

For more information, please e-mail communications@geico.com today.