Insurance Giant With CT Offices Settles Fed ADA Complaint

ACCROSS CONNECTICUT, CT — A major insurance company has settled a federal accessibiity case.

John H. Durham, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, said Wednesday that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, with Progressive Casualty Insurance Company that ensures "equal access for individuals with disabilities at all Progressive Casualty Insurance Company locations across the country."

Durham said 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, he added.

The matter stems from an ADA complaint filed by an individual who is blind who claimed that Progressive failed to provide account information in an "accessible format." The complainant said that, as a result of Progressive's "failure to provide the account information in an accessible format," his insurance with Progressive was canceled.

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 has field offices throughout Connecticut and conducts business via its website.

Progressive also will compensate the complainant in the amount of $1,000, Durham said.

"Individuals who have disabilities must not be denied equal access to the services offered by insurance companies simply because of their disability," Durham said. "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."