U.S. Attorney's Office Settles ADA Case with Progressive Casualty Insurance Company

U.S. Attorney's Office

District of Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

U.S. Attorney's Office Settles ADA Case with Progressive Casualty Insurance Company

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") with Progressive Casualty Insurance Company ("Progressive") to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities at all Progressive Casualty Insurance Company locations across the country.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by businesses that serve the public. Among other things, the ADA requires insurance agencies, financial institutions, accountants, lawyers, doctors and other businesses to provide accessible formats that are necessary for effective communication for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

This matter stems from an ADA complaint filed by an individual who is blind who alleged that Progressive failed to provide account information in an accessible format. The complainant alleges that, as a result of Progressive's failure to provide the account information in an accessible format, his insurance with Progressive was cancelled. In resolving the complaint, Progressive has agreed to provide effective communication, including appropriate auxiliary aids and services, at all of its insurance agency locations in the U.S., and to amend its policies, practices and training to ensure the removal of barriers to access at its locations. Progressive also will compensate the complainant in the amount of $1,000.

"Individuals who have disabilities must not be denied equal access to the services offered by insurance companies simply because of their disability," said U.S. Attorney Durham. "Since the commencement of this investigation, Progressive has worked cooperatively to develop and amend its policies and practices to comply with the ADA and the Justice Department's implementing regulations. This settlement reflects Progressive's commitment to equal access and effective communication with its customers who have disabilities."

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a business that serves the public, or a public entity, in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney's Office at 203-821-3700.

Additional information about the ADA can be found at http://www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department's toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.doj.gov/crt.

2020 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation's goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. The Justice Department will continue to use its enforcement and technical assistance tools to eliminate unlawful discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Updated February 12, 2020