How Flo Accidentally Saved Progressive - Cheddar Explains

If you’ve turned on the TV in the last decade, you're probably familiar with Flo. She’s been the face of Progressive ads since 2008. And she's partially responsible for turning the brand into a household name. But Flo almost didn't exist. In fact, Flo was never part of the plan. This is the unlikely story of how Flo upended the car insurance world.

Further reading:

Fast Company

NY Times

Investopedia

Bussinesswire

Macrotrends

Forbes

Gallup


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[youp]

I love her. I would love to see a movie or TV show with all the spokespersons (Flo, Jake from State Farm, Jan from Toyota, etc.) as background actors in a cafe scene as a joke.

[truckermikemct]

I remember back in the 90s Progressive was the company that insured high risk drivers that all other insurance companies turned down.
They would charge very high rates then would lower the cost if the customer stayed clean or a couple of years.

On anothe note; I remember an Allstate rep came to my home in the early 80s.
After he spent 20 minutes giving me his pitch he asked me if I had received any tickets.
When I told him I had received only one, he basically flew out the door.

[immortan-valkyrie]

those 'turning in your parents' Progressive ads are also solid in humor.

[WillmobilePlus]

Her ads are genuinely funny. I occasionally binge watch them on YT, and laugh myself silly.

I'm amazed that she hasn't gotten her own TV show.

[marky_marc]

I love Flo! She's someone who can put a smile on you're face no matter how you feel.

[jrusticks]

I've met Stephanie before, my mom went to high school with her and they still talk to this day. I remember during quarantine my mom would schedule zoom happy hours and on multiple occasions, Stephanie was there for hours.

[MC_aigorithm]

I can't believe Flo has only been around since 2008, it seems like so much longer than that

[scottfranco]

Small nit: Flo (Stephanie Courtney) was/is a stand-up comedian as well.

[Mordred]

Stephanie Courtney was a member of the Groundlings comedy troupe in L.A., as well as an actress who made numerous guest appearances on TV series. Good golly, I even remember her appearance in an episode of Angel. ;-)

[thebob]

When I was little I wanted to visit the Progressive Superstore because I thought it was real 😂😂

[AnalogueKid]

I've been a Progressive customer for a while after having a good experience when an inattentive driver bumped into me. I can't really say Flo or the ads sold me, it's more they have good rates and aren't terrible for claims.

Now the "spokesperson" who grinds my gears is the Liberty Mutual guy. Seriously one of the most vapid and uninspiring campaigns. Especially when they run at every commercial break. They need a new ad agency.

[maddieb]

I love the organic rise from this unknown actress to finding her footing as an ad icon. I swear I just teared up a little!! ❤️❤️

[FinancialShinanigan]

I need a insurance crossover with Flo and Mayhem from Allstate.

[BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I'm happy that she's endured this long and hope we still get more years of her.

[boredfangerrude]

Her commercials were always one of the few I actually usually watched when I still watched TV.

[DavidBeddard]

Never having heard of Progressive or Flo, being from the UK, when I saw the title I expected this video to be about menstruation and feminism somehow, what with "a visit from Aunt Flo" being a popular euphemism for a period. Boy, was I wrong! 😅

[xbjrrtc]

Ngl, I was super young and inexperienced, so I went with Progressive because of Flo. I have stayed the last ten years because I was happy with the service. 😁

[cartooncottage]

Omg! I love Flo! She's one of the reasons I thought about taking Progressive insurance years ago even though I had no car of my own and never ended up getting the insurance anyway 😅 She's one if the best mascots I've seen.

[ecenarro]

I like Flo and the gang. I think the marketing at Progressive is doing a great job with a clean and straightforward approach. I've been following it for years; however, I must admit that it's edge is not as sharp as GEICO's. The loser here is Liberty Mutual. Great video!

[kzayas]

A few years ago I when to a small local comi-con, and the winner for best cosplay was a girl in a flo costume, she even made the boxes.