First Progressive Insurance spied on its own customers during a private church confessional. Then the CEO admitted the actions on the company’s web page, took full responsibility described them as “appalling” and apologized. Now, in legal documents progressive’s denying any wrongdoing, saying its actions were “reasonable.”

The case involves a couple, Bill and Leandra Pitts, who were involved in a car crash in Henry County, When the insurance for the other party in the accident didn’t cover all their damages, the Pitts turned to Progressive, their insurer, to pay the remainder. The couple charged that Progressive hired private investigators to tail them as part of a probe into injuries the couple said they sustained in the 2004 auto accident. The investigators, the Pitts’ said, went to their church in August 2005 posing as prospective members. They then talked their way into a private confessional meeting at a church member’s home in hopes that the Pitts’ might make an admission that would damage their case, which has since been settled.

The unusual tactic shocked and angered church members, who claimed they were violated. That touched off the lawsuit filed last week charging invasion of privacy, fraud and other misdeeds.

Allstate Insurance Co. will reimburse thousands of Washington drivers for out-of-pocket medical expenses under a tentative settlement of a class-action lawsuit.

Ryan Priest, a spokesman for Allstate, said the company has entered a tentative settlement. “However, we deny wrongdoing in connection with the litigation,” he said. “We believe our medical bill review practices are in full compliance with Washington state law.”

A hearing to complete the settlement is scheduled for Nov. 19 before King County Superior Court Judge William Downing.

The lawsuit, which was certified as a class action, may affect 30,000 to 40,000 insured in this state, Breskin said.

The tentative settlement covers anyone who was injured in an accident covered by an Allstate car insurance policy and filed claims under personal-injury protection or Medpay coverage and whose claims were adjusted using “the ADP or Mitchell Medical bill review system,” according to the settlement.

Those covered by the lawsuit will receive $45 and a percentage of their out-of-pocket expenses based on their coverage, according to the settlement.

Personal-injury protection “covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses for injuries sustained in an automobile accident, up to three years from the date of the accident and up to $10,000,” according to the state Insurance Commissioner’s Office. It also allows for income replacement, funeral expenses and loss of services.

Washington has a mandatory insurance law, but it doesn’t require drivers to have personal-injury protection. Insurers, however, are required to offer the coverage.