In the largest, single-day car giveaway ever, members of the National Auto Body Council are partnering with the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and others in the collision industry to present 117 military veterans across the country with practically brand-new vehicles on Veterans Day, November 11.

Spearheaded by Progressive Insurance, the second annual Keys to Progress is part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, a collision industry-wide collaboration to repair and donate vehicles.  The number of vehicles in this year’s Keys to Progress is nearly double the number from Progressive’s program last year.

Most of the vehicles for this year’s Keys to Progress were provided by Progressive, as well as Insurance Auto Auctions and Copart.  NABC member repair facilities donated time and resources to repair the vehicles and Enterprise Rent-A-Car donated six months of insurance for each of the 117 recipients.  A number of other NABC members – paint, parts suppliers and service providers – also contributed to the nationwide project to thank and honor military veterans.

“Our congratulations to Progressive for its leadership role in rallying our industry to help our veterans,” said Nick Notte, President of the National Auto Body Council. “These gifts of transportation will make a significant impact in the lives of these service men and women who have sacrificed much for our country.  This grand-scale generosity from so many of our members truly exemplifies the professionalism and integrity of our collision industry.”

The 117 recipients were selected by local VFW chapters and other veteran organizations with support from VRC Investigations, a veteran-owned business. Vehicle titling and registration processing was facilitated by 1-800 Charity Cars which also donates its services for all Recycled Rides events throughout the year.

Since the inception of Recycled Rides in 2007, NABC members have donated over 1,000 vehicles to deserving individuals and nonprofit organizations. NABC estimates close to $4 million worth of vehicles will be donated in 2014.