Progressive to Offer Insurance Program Requiring Black Box Surveillance

MAYFIELD, OH --- Progressive Group of Insurance Companies has introduced an optional car insurance program, called MyRate, that gives drivers a customized rate based on their driving behavior, as recorded by a black box.

Drivers in the MyRate program receive a small wireless device that plugs into a port in their car. The MyRate device allows the insurance company to see how, how much and when the car is being driven. Cars driven less often, in less risky ways and at less risky times of the day can receive a lower rate.

"MyRate is designed primarily for lower-risk drivers who are consistent and safe," said Richard Hutchinson, Progressive's MyRate general manager. "They drive at low-risk times of day and they keep alert for others on the road. They don't make fast lane changes or follow too closely behind other drivers so they don't have to over-react or slam on the brakes."

MyRate, which launched in Alabama in late June, will be rolled out nationally throughout this year and next, pending state regulatory approvals, Progressive said.