The Progressive group of companies recently de-buted its newest Web site, driveinsurance.com, which highlights the role independent agents and brokers play in Progres-sives business model. Drive Insurance from Pro-gressive is the new brand designed to help inde-pendent agents and brokers grow their business and was introduced by the company in September.The Web site is a key component of Drives marketing campaign, which the carrier hopes will communicate to consumers the advantages independent agents provide over captive agents. Consumers who see Drive television advertising will be directed to driveinsurance.com to get more information and to find a local agency.

Consumers can search for an independent agency that sells Drive products, using criteria as general as a ZIP Code and address or as specific as products offered and languages spoken at the agency. The Web site will list up to 10 local agencies, their contact information, and e-mail/Web site link.Consumers can receive an auto insurance quote and have their referral information sent electronically to an agency of their choice to complete the sale.

Drive customers can log in for 24-hour access to their policy. They can make payments, view and print policy documents, track claims, and make routine policy changes but are referred back to their Drive agency for more complex changes.