The claims-processing method practiced in The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos. locations in 54 U.S. markets, including Amherst, now has patent protection.

The service centers allow drivers to receive a "concierge" type of claims service in which Progressive takes responsibility for the vehicle claims and repair process following a crash.

Using the Progressive method of claims processing, the driver reports the claim, drops off the car and drives away in a rental car. Progressive then writes an estimate for the damage and contacts a repair facility to pick up the car and fix the damages. Once the car is repaired, it is returned to the center, the repairs are inspected and the customer is notified. When the customer returns, he or she picks up the car and drives away knowing that the repairs are guaranteed by Progressive and the shop.

The insurer received a patent for this process of dealing with vehicle damage claims at the end of January. The process also was recognized for fast claims resolution by J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Insurance Claims Study.

The method was conceived in 2000 and rolled out beginning in 2003. The Amherst location, at 6699 Transit Road, was the 38th Progressive Service Center in the country and the second in New York state when it opened in June 2006.

Progressive holds other patents, including those for its usage-based insurance programs and online servicing capabilities.