Personal vehicles
Coverage for daily transportation and specialty vehicles.
- Personal auto
- Motorcycle
- Boat and personal watercraft
- RV, travel trailer, and snowmobile
Michigan carrier guide
Progressive
Progressive is a national property and casualty insurer founded in 1937. It is especially known for personal and commercial auto, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and technology-driven insurance shopping.
Who is Progressive?
Joseph Lewis and Jack Green founded Progressive Mutual Insurance Company in Cleveland to make vehicle insurance more accessible. Progressive later became an early insurance technology adopter, including online quoting and usage-based insurance programs.
Progressive’s official materials describe a broad personal and commercial portfolio and two major ways to buy: directly from the company and through tens of thousands of independent agencies. Some non-core products displayed by Progressive may be written or provided by affiliated or unaffiliated partners.
Official source: Progressive company history ↗Key facts
Progressive at a glance
- Founded
- 1937
- Founders
- Joseph Lewis and Jack Green
- Home office
- Mayfield Village, Ohio
- Distribution
- Direct and independent agents
- Core market
- Personal and commercial vehicles
- Agency status
- Available through Vander Ploeg when eligible
Company history
How Progressive developed
- 1937
Progressive Mutual founded
Joseph Lewis and Jack Green started the company with a focus on vehicle insurance.
- 1990s
Online insurance pioneer
Progressive became an early major insurer to establish a web presence and online agent referrals.
- 2000s–2010s
Usage-based insurance
Telematics programs evolved into Snapshot, using driving behavior as an optional rating input where available.
- Today
Multi-channel national insurer
Progressive sells directly and through independent agencies across personal, commercial, property, and specialty lines.
Coverage overview
What products does Progressive offer?
Property and personal
Protection for residences and other household needs.
- Homeowners
- Renters and condo
- Umbrella
- Life and pet options
Some products may be placed with affiliated or unaffiliated providers rather than underwritten by Progressive.
Business
Products for vehicles, operations, and employees.
- Commercial auto
- General liability
- Business owners policies
- Workers’ compensation
Business product provider and availability vary by risk and state.
Who they serve
Who may consider Progressive?
Personal drivers
Households insuring cars, adding drivers or vehicles, or reviewing coverage at renewal.
Recreation owners
Motorcyclists, boaters, RV travelers, and owners of other specialty vehicles.
Businesses with vehicles
Contractors, service businesses, and other operations that need commercial auto or related protection.
Local context
Progressive in Michigan
Progressive is active in Michigan auto insurance, but each quote must reflect Michigan no-fault rules, the chosen PIP option, household drivers, vehicle use, liability limits, and optional physical-damage coverage. Recreational and business products require separate eligibility review.
How Vander Ploeg helps
Vander Ploeg can quote eligible Progressive agency-channel products, compare them with other appointed carriers, and explain Michigan PIP, liability, deductibles, Snapshot participation, and package tradeoffs without forcing a one-carrier decision.
Read our Michigan car insurance guide →Policyholder help
Official Progressive resources
Progressive FAQs
When was Progressive founded?
Progressive was founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green as Progressive Mutual Insurance Company.
Does Progressive sell through independent agents?
Yes. Progressive sells directly and through independent agents. Its annual report describes a network of more than 40,000 independent agencies.
Is Progressive only an auto insurer?
No. Progressive offers personal and commercial auto, motorcycles, boats, RVs, residential property, and other business and personal products, though some are provided by partners.
Can Vander Ploeg quote Progressive in Michigan?
Yes, for eligible agency-channel products and risks under current Michigan underwriting rules.
What is Progressive Snapshot?
Snapshot is Progressive’s optional usage-based insurance program. Where available, driving data can affect the rate; participation terms should be reviewed before enrolling.
Sources and editorial notes
Last reviewed August 19, 2026. This independent overview summarizes official carrier materials for education. Policy forms, providers, availability, underwriting, and terms can change; the issued policy controls coverage.
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