Progressive begins offering local auto insurance

The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos. said it will begin offering auto insurance to Massachusetts drivers at its website Progressive.com, starting today.

Ohio-based Progressive, which claims to be the nation's third largest auto insurer, said visitors to its website can take advantage of its comparison rating feature, which offers individual drivers accurate rates from Progressive and up to three top competitors.

The administration of Governor Deval L. Patrick last year undertook an ambitious overhaul of the Massachusetts auto insurance market, which was the last one in the country where rates were set by regulators. Under the new system, which recently went into effect, companies set their own rates and have greater flexibility to introduce innovative product features and discounts for different drivers