Progressive auto Insurance New Orleans

Optional service makes claims/repair process following car crashes fast and easy.

More than 45, 000 crashes occur in the New Orleans metropolitan area each year — that's about 865 accidents a week and 120 a day. Imagine if these drivers could whittle down the amount of time they spend dealing with those crashes from days to just minutes. Well, they can if they choose to use a concierge level of service available at the new state-of-the-art claims service center opened by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies at 1425 Airline Drive in Metairie. There, Progressive representatives handle all the details of the claims/repair process for drivers who choose the service. The new location replaces one at 939 Lake Avenue, where Progressive reps have attended to the claims/repair details on behalf of more than 26, 000 customers since 2002. Progressive is moving to the new location to better serve its customers in the updated facility.

"Yes, being involved in a crash is stressful. But, that's just the beginning. Lots of people find themselves having to get repair estimates, find a way to work, find a body shop, keep tabs on the repairs — it can seem endless, " said Robert Lendle, Metairie service center manager, Progressive. "In fact, people tell us it takes four days or more to do it on your own."

But area drivers who choose to use Progressive's concierge level of claims service at the new Metairie facility spend about 15 minutes of their time on these details. Drivers can simply drop off a damaged car and, within minutes, be on their way in a rental car assured that a quality body shop will get to work repairing their car quickly and that the repairs will be guaranteed by both the shop and Progressive.

"My claim was handled very quickly, and I was amazed with how smooth the process was, " said Michelle Montz, an area resident who recently used the concierge service. "They took care of everything and the repairs came out great."

Progressive, the third largest auto insurance group in the state and country, sells insurance through independent insurance agents and brokers and direct over the Internet and by phone. This optional service is free to Progressive customers and anyone involved in a claim with their customers.

How the Claims Service Center Works:

• Call. The customer calls Progressive to report the claim any time of the day or night and, if they chose to use the concierge service, schedules an appointment to bring the vehicle to the specially designed service center.
• Drop off and go. In about 15 minutes, the customer can be on his or her way in a rental car knowing that Progressive will keep him or her informed of the claim's status throughout the repair process.

  A Progressive claims representative prepares a repair estimate and contacts an auto body shop based on its track record of providing superior service and doing quality repairs, as well as its ability to begin and complete the work promptly. Both Progressive and the shop reach an agreement on the cost of the repairs; the shop then transports the vehicle from the claims center to its facility and the repair work begins.

  When the work is finished, the vehicle is returned to the Progressive facility where representatives from both Progressive and the body shop inspect the quality of repairs.

• Pickup — and it's guaranteed. Once satisfied with the repair quality, Progressive calls the customer and asks him or her to return to the center where, together with the claims representative, the customer inspects the repairs.

  The customer then leaves with a written guarantee for the repairs that both Progressive and the body shop stand behind as long as the customer owns or leases the vehicle.