Pets Can Stand on Sea Legs Too

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Sep 16, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- It's smooth sailing for your boating four-legged friends. Starting Sept. 15, Progressive's free Pet Injury coverage protects boaters' dogs and cats. How it works: If your dog or cat is hurt in a boat accident, we'll pay your vet bills up to $1,000. Key coverage points: -- Free if you have our Comprehensive and Collision coverage; and -- Covers your pets--dogs and cats only--if they're on your boat and injured in an incident like a crash, theft, fire, or flooding.

"Our new Pet Injury coverage for boaters gives them peace of mind their pets are protected if they get injured in an accident on the water," said Rick Stern, Progressive's boat product manager.

Here are a few tips to make sure you and your pet have a safe voyage: -- Help them get their sea legs. Gradually introduce your pets to your boat and the water. Give them a chance to explore their surroundings while your boat is docked. Turn on the engine so they get accustomed to its sound, smell, and feel. Take short cruises and gradually build up to longer trips.

-- Get them ID tags. Outfit your pets with up-to-date ID tags with your cell phone number, marina address, and slip number. If there's room, consider including that you'll offer a reward for their safe return.

-- Ramp it up. Give your pets a helping hand with a ramp that helps them get on board and off, both from the dock and from the water. -- Combat the sun. Protect your pets from the heat by providing shade and plenty of water, and wash the deck down with cool water to protect their paws.

Progressive, the first insurance group to offer Pet Injury coverage, provides it free to auto, RV, and now boat customers with Comprehensive and Collision coverage.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy, and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however it's most convenient for them--online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. It's the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance, and a leader in commercial auto insurance.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price, the Snapshot Discount, and a concierge level of claims service.