Progressive offers insurance to local boaters

The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos. today announced that it is offering boat insurance for Massachusetts residents who shop online at www.progressive.com.

Ohio-based Progressive said it began writing car insurance for online shoppers in Massachusetts in May and has been offering commercial auto insurance to business owners in the state through independent insurance agents for more than a year.

Dominic Mediate, Progressive's boat product manager, said in a statement: "We're excited to offer our unique combination of coverages and services to Massachusetts boaters. Things like 24/7 claims service and specialized coverages such as Emergency Towing and Labor and Total Loss Replacement are designed to help get boaters back on the water fast in the event of a loss."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)