A Florida shop owner says Progressive is suing him in an attempt to destroy his business, which is not on the insurer’s DRP.
In August 2007, Progressive sued Ed Lowe, the owner of Crestview Paint and Body in Crestview, in federal court, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported in February.
According to the lawsuit, Progressive has accused Lowe of trademark infringement, unfair competition, deceptive trade practices and trademark dilution.” Lowe responded by suing Progressive for slander and unfair competitive practices.
Crestview Paint and Body operates two locations, including a claims and rental center it calls a “Concierge Center.” Progressive, which patented its “concierge” level of service in February, said in its lawsuit that a scrolling sign at Lowe’s shop carried several messages that attempted to draw Progressive customers away from one of its DRP shops and to Crestview Body and Paint.
Progressive claims in its lawsuit that Lowe has used its logo to “trick” or “confuse” customers, hurting the insurer’s business.
Conversely, Lowe has affidavits from four customers who claim Progressive representatives advised them not to take their cars to his shop.
Progressive didn’t comment on the affair, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported, other than to deny the allegations.
Lowe and Progressive will have their day in court on Nov. 8.
