Tuesday, Progressive Car Insurance stated their plans to add 175  new sales, customer service and claims jobs in Austin by the end of January as it expands its local claims and customer service operation.  Nationally, Progressive plans to 875 new hires in customer and sales.

Progressive auto insurance is the fourth-largest auto insurance company  in the nation, according. Progressive is also the fourth-largest auto insurer in Texas, with 8 percent of the market in the state, the company said.

The new positions in Austin will pay $13 to $15 per hour, said Lynley Williams, a senior recruiting manager for Progressive and the person heading up the contact center hirings.

Positions available are for people who speak both English and Spanish.  The positions in Austin will pay $30 to $15 per hour according to Progressive recruiting managers.  Candidates must have at least two years of post-secondary education or two years’ work experience in a customer service environment.