Tips, tools and more to drive agency productivity and growth.

Stay up to speed on everything your customers value.

Today’s innovations and tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Fun and creative ways to juggle home and office.

Let’s see what we can build together.

Grow

Three Reasons to Write Annual Business Plans

Next Steps: The U.S. Small Business Association has more information about different types of business plans and can help…

Mary Jo

November 10th, 2023 | < 1 min read

Balance

Five tips for connecting with your community year-round

Building a relationship with your community is a great way to get your agency’s name out there and establish your business…

Ashley Landreneau

October 10th, 2023 | 2 min read

Balance

Balancing work and life

In recent years, many have found that their work has slowly crept from the office into their home, seeing their tasks follow…

Allison Simmons

September 15th, 2023 | 2 min read

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It’s back-to-school time!

As kids head back to school, traffic patterns can undergo a big change. School buses are back in neighborhoods picking up…

Heather Tucker

August 15th, 2023 | 2 min read

Discover

How improv launched Flo and what you can learn from improv

Flo from Progressive first showed up on our TV sets in 2008 with her helpful, cheery demeanor. In just a few years, she became…

Trish DiFranco

August 7th, 2023 | 2 min read

Grow

Make your agency visible to millennials

Make your agency visible to millennials Millennials. We hear the term so often, but who exactly are they and why are they…

Mary Jo

June 6th, 2023 | 3 min read

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Driving Safely in Neighborhoods

Spring is here! More people will be outside making neighborhood driving dangerous for landscapers, contractors, house painters…

Heather Tucker

May 10th, 2023 | < 1 min read

Grow

Progressive’s Driving Small Business Forward program returns

Following last year’s success, Progressive is again teaming up with Hello Alice and the Driving Small Business Forward…

Heather Tucker

May 2nd, 2023 | 2 min read

Grow

A message from Karen Bailo, Commercial Lines President

Spring has arrived, and as the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. In a similar vein, the progress we’re making…

Heather Tucker

April 6th, 2023 | 2 min read

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Making a difference for small business

What do a bookstore, multi-ethnic dolls, skincare, and bike bags all have in common? The companies that created them all…

Heather Tucker

March 22nd, 2023 | < 1 min read

Discover

Test smoke alarms when changing the clocks

With daylight saving time starting Sunday, March 12, across most of the country, those who have battery-powered smoke alarms…

Russ Holecek

March 2nd, 2023 | < 1 min read

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Selecting the right auto coverage

The term “small business” covers a lot of territory. From bakers and contractors to landscapers and realtors, small businesses…

Heather Tucker

October 18th, 2022 | < 1 min read

Grow

Livery is back!

COVID recovery is well underway around the country and people are out and about again. With the holiday season approaching…

Heather Tucker

October 18th, 2022 | < 1 min read

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Helping customers make the most of their telematics

The telematics in your customers’ trucks are providing them with a wealth of data about their fleet and drivers. You can…

Heather Tucker

September 23rd, 2022 | 2 min read

Grow

Reaching your customers online

Reaching customers is key to selling insurance and landing leads. The Rule of Seven suggests that a customer needs to see…

Sarah Dravec

June 26th, 2022 | 3 min read

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Mobile apps to help you prepare for severe weather season

The summer months bring with them numerous joys: warmer weather, longer days, plenty of sun, and trips with family and…

Mary Jo

May 19th, 2022 | 2 min read

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Social media savvy: Staying authentic to your brand

As more and more small businesses are making their presence known on social media, it’s painfully clear that some are in…

Tina Condon

March 15th, 2022 | 2 min read

Engage

Get Ready for “Networking Season”

With Spring around the corner, you’ll find more and more business fairs, association lunches, farmer’s markets…

TJ Basalla

March 15th, 2022 | 2 min read

Engage

The power of the online review

When was the last time you looked to see what people were saying about your agency online? If you answered it has been a…

Jessica DeCrane

March 8th, 2022 | 2 min read

Grow

Marketing With The Seasons

When implementing your agency’s marketing plan for 2023, consider how you can take advantage of seasonal messaging to promote…

Sarah Dravec

January 18th, 2022 | 2 min read

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Best Dog Breeds for Truckers

Road dogs and heavy trucks – a match made on asphalt Professional drivers know that they’re a unique breed – one that…

Mike Gali

January 10th, 2022 | 2 min read

Grow

Tips to Save Money on Your Home Office

These are extraordinary times, as the pandemic’s return-to-normal is more about fits-and-starts than the smooth transition…

Matt Collister

December 23rd, 2021 | 3 min read

Grow

What’s Driving Rates?

Auto insurers dealing with the “pandemic price” Across seemingly every news outlet, it’s hard to escape reports of…

Mark Nedved

December 20th, 2021 | 2 min read

Grow

Top 3 marketing strategies for growth

Thinking about your agency growth goals? Whether you want to grow a little, a lot or even just maintain your current customer…

Jessica DeCrane

September 30th, 2021 | 2 min read

Grow

3 Tips to grow your agency with social media

Social media usage is more popular than ever. Seven-in-ten Americans are using it to connect with one another, engage with…

Jessica DeCrane

September 30th, 2021 | 2 min read

Grow

Attracting new hires in the new normal

Just two short years ago, hiring new agency employees was subject to a few tried and true practices, including budgeting…

Tina Condon

September 29th, 2021 | 2 min read

Grow

Savings plus so much more with Snapshot ProView

By now you’ve hopefully heard of Snapshot ProView—Progressive’s telematics program for Business Auto, Contractor, Tow…

TJ Basalla

October 28th, 2020 | 2 min read

Grow

Historically high optimism? You better believe it

Published: October 28, 2020 As many of our own agents can attest, achieving success as a small business owner requires an…

Mike Gali

October 28th, 2020 | < 1 min read

Grow

5 ways to keep your agency top-of-mind

With the reduced availability of community events and civic group meetings, or even due to a simple reduction in physical…

Mike Gali

October 28th, 2020 | 2 min read

Grow

Pandemic pointers: Setting your agency up for success

A few years from now, how will you sum up your agency’s response to the pandemic? We’re all still adjusting, which actually…

Tina Condon

October 28th, 2020 | 3 min read

Balance

Virtual Adventures Are Everywhere, Even Online

If you’re anything like me, you may be finding virtual adventures to be a newfound source of comfort during these uncertain…

Sarah Dravec

May 14th, 2020 | 2 min read

Balance

Going Within When the World Is Spinning Out

They say the only thing that’s constant is change. Right now, that feels truer than ever, with updates every hour on the…

Trish DiFranco

May 14th, 2020 | 2 min read

Balance

How You Can Help

In times of uncertainty, people are quick to ask how they can help others in need. In moments like this, it’s helpful…

Laken Brockmeyer

May 14th, 2020 | 2 min read

Grow

Marketing to Customers During Tough Times

It can be a challenge to strike the right balance with marketing and communication during the uncertain times presented by…

Jessica DeCrane

May 14th, 2020 | 2 min read

Balance

Do Today, Be Glad Tomorrow

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” It’s good advice in general…

Danielle Kerese

March 23rd, 2020 | < 1 min read

Balance

4 Ways to Support Small Business

Small businesses bring a lot of value to our local communities. They donate to our charity fundraisers, sponsor youth sports…

Jessica DeCrane

March 22nd, 2020 | 2 min read

Balance

3 Tips to Maximize Business and Schoolwork in a Full House

The kids are home from school. And you have to work from home. With fewer people headed into their agencies and most schools…

Mark Nedved

March 22nd, 2020 | 2 min read

Balance

Limiting Screen Time During Isolation

Tips for activities without screens Nearly every parent knows the familiar feeling of frustration when they hear their child…

Allison Simmons

March 22nd, 2020 | 2 min read

Grow

What Signal Is Your Website Sending?

Your website can help you do a lot of heavy lifting. In fact, according to research from Gartner, a global best practice…

Jessica DeCrane

March 11th, 2020 | 2 min read

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On Board with Onboard Video

How the best drivers on the road are even better with dashcams With training programs under their belts and hundreds of thousands…

Mike Gali

March 10th, 2020 | 3 min read

Discover

Getting There Together—A Look Back with an Eye toward the Future

The 2010s were a decade of firsts for Progressive Commercial and our agents. Our commitment to innovation brought us increased…

Tina Condon

March 10th, 2020 | 3 min read

Engage

Get Started on Your Commercial Journey!

Use our proven tools to get rolling with Commercial Auto Any agency that regularly quotes Progressive Commercial Auto knows…

TJ Basalla

March 10th, 2020 | 2 min read

Grow

Put Your Stamp On Small Business

Ideally, we’d all have the luxury of planning our marketing strategy for 2020 many months ahead to maximize our approach…

Nelson Daza-Sanchez

February 20th, 2020 | 3 min read

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Marketing Homeowners Insurance to Millennials

Although the insurance industry is thriving, it has faced significant challenges when it comes to targeting millennials…

Danielle Kerese

February 19th, 2020 | < 1 min read

Balance

6 Ways to Improve Your Office Culture

Most people spend about 40 hours a week with their coworkers, sometimes even more. And while we could spend all of our time…

Erin Antonelli

February 2nd, 2020 | 3 min read

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Ensure ATVs and UTVs Are Covered for Fall

Fall is here, which means it’s time for campouts, yard cleanup, and ATV/UTV season! In this episode, Recreational…

Mary Jo

September 25th, 2019 | < 1 min read

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Toy Talk with Our Motorcycle Expert Eric Duren

Business Development Consultant Eric Duren has been working in Recreational Lines for 16 years. In that time, he’s…

Mary Jo

July 8th, 2019 | < 1 min read

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Making Sense of Medical Payments Coverage

Medical Payments can offer your customers extra peace of mind, covering some of the costs of medical treatment related to…

Matt Collister

June 10th, 2019 | < 1 min read

Balance

Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel, Mind on the Drive

Tips for distraction-free driving The other day, I was sitting at a stop light at a busy intersection. As I looked around…

Julie Goulis

June 10th, 2019 | < 1 min read

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A Primer on PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

In our recent FAO Connect reader survey, you said you’d like to read more about Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This…

Matt Collister

June 4th, 2019 | 2 min read

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5 Factors That Can Affect Homeowners Insurance Premiums

As an insurance agent, it’s imperative to review your client’s insurance coverage on a regular basis. This helps to ensure…

Mary Jo

April 23rd, 2019 | 2 min read

Balance

Making a Difference

Every single day you can tune into the news and come away thinking it’s all bad. Thankfully, it’s not. In fact, I’ve…

Mary Jo

April 15th, 2019 | 4 min read

Protect

Progressive Recreational Lines Podcast

Welcome to the Progressive Recreational Lines Podcast on Connect! This month’s episode finds Business Development Consultant…

Mary Jo

April 8th, 2019 | < 1 min read

Grow

Connect with Your Customers

Your book of business is like a car. If you take care of it, it’ll take care of you. Sometimes the best thing you can do…

Joshua Womack

February 27th, 2019 | 2 min read

Engage

You Can Quote Us on That!

When I started working at Progressive, I was new to insurance. Hungry to start my career, I learned a lot very quickly. Within…

Sarah Dravec

February 6th, 2019 | 2 min read

Grow

Networking without Nametags

Ah, networking. For extroverted, outgoing people, it’s music to their ears. For shy, introverted individuals, the mere…

Joshua Womack

January 29th, 2019 | 2 min read

Grow

Likes, Shares & Comments

Six steps to a stronger social media presence Having a strong social media presence can go a long way for your business…

Trish DiFranco

January 28th, 2019 | 2 min read

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Be Ready for RV Customers

RVing is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving all the comforts of home. Clean fresh air, the sense of community…

Donna Silk

January 28th, 2019 | 2 min read

Discover

The Digital Drive

A look at the current state of the automotive technology trend A generation ago, automakers started using electronics to…

Matt Collister

January 28th, 2019 | 2 min read

Balance

We Heard Your Favorite Songs (and Feedback!)

Thanks to all of you who responded to our Favorite Car Song contest in November. We had so many responses from you that we…

Mary Jo

December 14th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Balance

How to Create “Curb Appeal” for Your Office and Why It Matters

According to research, it takes only seven seconds for people to form a first impression. If your first impression is lackluster…

Margrita Colabuno

December 7th, 2018 | 2 min read

Protect

Two Tips for Customers to Winterize Their Manufactured Homes

Looking for some fresh content for your agency website or your social media connections? Here’s a few simple tips to share…

Mark Nedved

December 7th, 2018 | 2 min read

Grow

Is Social Media a Puzzle to You?

These 5 guidelines unravel the confusion Your customers and potential customers are on social media, so it’s a good idea…

Katie Riley

December 7th, 2018 | 2 min read

Grow

Make the Most of Local Shopping Events

Over the past few years, a new shopping day has become very popular. Small Business Saturday® falls between Black Friday…

Mary Jo

November 6th, 2018 | 2 min read

Balance

We Know Your Favorite Auto Songs!

The Connect writing staff was thinking about you, our agents, and what you might want us to write about next. As we were…

Mary Jo

November 6th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Grow

Develop Your Service Brand

Meaningful Moments Define Customer Experience Recently, we sat down with Jennifer Davis, Director of Marketing Strategy at…

Sarah Dravec

October 24th, 2018 | 2 min read

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Uber, Lyft, Rideshare, Oh My!

With the evolution of companies like Uber and Lyft, ridesharing has become an increasingly popular way for passengers to…

Brad Eimer

September 16th, 2018 | 2 min read

Grow

Build Your Bundled Book of Business

As an agent, insuring a customer’s entire household can be a big factor in customer retention—and retention is a…

Rick Fromet

September 8th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Balance

The “Write” Way to Reframe Rejection

As an agent, you probably dream of an unending stream of leads and referrals effortlessly flowing into your phone and inbox…

Margrita Colabuno

September 5th, 2018 | 2 min read

Discover

Smart Home Technology—3 Trends to Track

In addition to tasks like reading children’s bedtime stories, providing a soundtrack for house parties, and answering common…

Laken Brockmeyer

July 31st, 2018 | 2 min read

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Put Flood Insurance on Your To-Do List

Going to the doctor. Getting exercise. Eating healthy. That’s a short list of things we know are good for us, yet tend…

Daniel Carvin

July 30th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Grow

Develop Your Social Media Strategy

A strong social media presence is a fast, inexpensive way to connect with current and potential customers. We understand…

Rick Fromet

July 30th, 2018 | < 1 min read

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Truckers Are Plugged In. Are You?

How comfortable is your agency with truck insurance? Whether you’re new to the industry or interested in taking on more…

Tina Condon

July 30th, 2018 | 2 min read

Balance

Good Sleep Is a Good Thing

Are you regularly up at 4 a.m. to jump start the day—and still taking care of business, whether personal or professional…

Margrita Colabuno

July 30th, 2018 | 2 min read

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Boat Protection for Hurricane Season

June brings many exciting events like graduations, weddings, summer camps, and vacations, just to name a few. But June 1…

Donna Silk

June 1st, 2018 | < 1 min read

Discover

Flying Cars?

One idea commonly featured in science fiction that has not emerged yet is flying cars. Guess what? This idea may become a…

Daniel Kamionkowski

May 15th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Grow

5 Steps to Find (and Keep) New Hires

Business getting too busy? Looks like you’re going to need a bigger staff. Time to start the hiring process! Naturally…

Tina Condon

May 11th, 2018 | 2 min read

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Sail into Summer

As warmer weather finally arrives across most of the country, boaters are getting ready for a summer of fun on the water…

Donna Silk

May 11th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Grow

Simple Selling Skills

Take a moment to think about your personal sales style. Is there something that makes you different? What about something…

Sarah Dravec

May 11th, 2018 | 3 min read

Balance

Seven Hygge Hacks for Your Office

Heard of hygge? If not, you’re missing out on one of the hottest trends in social media—not to mention the benefits of…

Margrita Colabuno

May 11th, 2018 | 2 min read

Balance

The 4 Best Podcasts for Insurance Agents

Podcasts—the easiest way to fit on-the-go advice into a busy schedule. All you need is your phone, laptop or tablet and…

Erin Antonelli

April 25th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Grow

Behavioral Economics

You, an independent agent, have tools to profoundly affect your customers’ buying behaviors. One of those tools comes not…

Sarah Dravec

March 3rd, 2018 | 2 min read

Discover

Will Autonomous Cars Be the Next iPhone?

When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, few could have predicted the impact this phone would have on the world. Although…

Donna Silk

March 3rd, 2018 | 2 min read

Engage

Paths to Partnership

We’re making big investments in independent agents, and there’s more than one path you can travel down to enjoy these…

Mark Nedved

February 28th, 2018 | 2 min read

Balance

Protect Yourself from the Flu

For those of us who magically made it through back to school, the holidays, and the first blast of winter weather without…

Margrita Colabuno

February 20th, 2018 | 2 min read

Grow

Small Business Can Mean Big Business

Being a small business owner is complicated. Take it from me. In 2003, I was given an offer I couldn’t refuse. The company…

Rick Fromet

February 16th, 2018 | 3 min read

Grow

Flex Your Insurance Muscles: Professional Development Matters

In an ever-changing insurance market, independent agents are working smarter to reach new customers and expand their book…

Sarah Dravec

February 16th, 2018 | 2 min read

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Boat Shows Are around the Corner

Check out 3 Ways to Clinch the Personal Marine Sale by Independent Agent magazine’s Jacquelyn Connely. Featuring…

Mark Nedved

February 14th, 2018 | < 1 min read

Engage

Progressive Priority: More Rewards for More Business

When our partners place profitable Progressive business with us, we notice. And we want to do more for them. That’s why…

Mark Nedved

February 14th, 2018 | 2 min read

Grow

Try This Productivity Hack

My weekday mornings tend to follow a pattern whereby I start out by catching up on emails from the prior day, first identifying…

Daniel Kamionkowski

February 13th, 2018 | 2 min read

Engage

Progressive Platinum: Exclusive Bundles, Exclusive Rewards

Platinum, Progressive’s invitation-only preferred home and auto bundle program, is many things: it’s higher commission…

Mark Nedved

February 5th, 2018 | 3 min read

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Save the Day with Umbrella Insurance

This past summer something happened that could have changed everything. One of the neighbor girls was doing flips on the…

Mary Jo

January 29th, 2018 | 2 min read

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Welcome to Connect

Welcome to Connect! We’re glad you’re here. Watch Agency Distribution Leader Karen Bailo to learn more about…

Mary Jo

January 21st, 2018 | < 1 min read