PROGRESSIVE CORP/OH/
EX-10(AC) EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
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<TYPE>EX-10.AC
<SEQUENCE>14
<FILENAME>l05942aexv10wac.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-10(AC) EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
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Exhibit No. 10(AC)

                           THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
                      EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
              PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK DEFERRAL AGREEMENT

THIS DEFERRAL AGREEMENT is entered into pursuant to the provisions of The
Progressive Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Plan"). All
capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
the Plan.

1. Deferral Election. I hereby elect to defer receipt of all Performance-Based
Restricted Stock Awards granted to me in 2004 under The Progressive Corporation
2003 Incentive Plan. This election shall become effective as of the date the
restrictions applicable to such Awards (or portion thereof) expire and shall not
apply to any Award (or portion thereof) that fails to vest free of all
restrictions.

2. Method of Distribution. I hereby elect that any distribution of the balance
of the Deferral Account established pursuant to this Agreement made on account
of Termination of Employment be paid as follows: (CHECK ONE)

         Single lump sum payment   ( )

OR in

         Three annual installments ( )
         Five annual installments  ( )
         Ten annual installments   ( )

I understand that Plan distributions made on account for reasons other than
Termination of Employment will be made in a single lump sum payment, unless the
Plan provides otherwise. I understand that I may change the method of
distribution elected above at least one year prior to the date of distribution
to the extent permitted by the Plan.

3. Investment of Deferral Account. I understand that each amount credited to the
Deferral Account established pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be
invested in the Company Stock Fund for six months and one day following the date
that such amount is first credited to such Deferral Account. Thereafter, I
understand that I may elect to have such amount deemed to be invested in one or
more of the other Investment Funds available under the Plan. I also understand
that these deemed investments are merely devices used to determine the amount
payable to me under the Plan and do not provide me with any actual rights or
interests in any particular funds, securities or property of the Company, any
Affiliated Company or the Trust, in any stock of The Progressive Corporation or
in any Investment Funds offered under the Plan. I also understand that my right
to receive distributions under the Plan makes me a general creditor of the
Company with no greater right or priority than any other general creditor of the
Company.

4. Miscellaneous. I understand that this Agreement is subject to the terms,
conditions and limitations of the Plan, as in effect from time to time, in all
respects and that, except as expressly

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permitted by the Plan, all elections made in this Agreement are irrevocable. I
acknowledge that I have received, read and understand the Plan Description dated
December, 2003 relating to the Plan. I agree to accept as final and binding all
decisions and interpretations of the Committee relating to the Plan, the Trust
and this Agreement.

NAME OF ELIGIBLE EXECUTIVE:
DATE:
SSN:

Your electronic submission of this Election Form will create a date/time stamp
and serve as your signature.

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