Progressive Auto Insurance: Is It Worth The Hype?

Progressive is a popular auto insurance company that offers a wide range of coverage options and add-ons, including liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payment coverage, and uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. They also have additional coverage options such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and custom parts and equipment value coverage.

Progressive is known for its affordable rates, especially for drivers with DUIs or poor credit. Their rates tend to be lower than the national average for these driver profiles. However, their rates for teen drivers tend to be higher than the national average.

The company has received mixed reviews from customers. While some praise their quick claims process and helpful customer service agents, others have complained about unprofessional agents and delayed claim resolutions. Progressive has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating its ability to pay out claims reliably.

Progressive's customer service

Progressive has a large focus on customer service and has been in the insurance industry for over 85 years. The company has a customer satisfaction rating of 4.34/5 from over 54,000 reviews.

In a survey, 41% of respondents said they were completely satisfied with how easy it was to reach Progressive's customer service, and 47% said they were completely satisfied with the customer service provided. 34% of respondents said they were completely satisfied with how easy it was to file a claim, and 39% said they were completely satisfied with the status updates on their claims. 43% of respondents were completely satisfied with how their claims were resolved.

Progressive's Snapshot® program has received mixed reviews. Some customers have said it is inaccurate, while others are happy with the savings they have made from it.

Progressive has over 40,000 independent agents and brokers who can help customers with their policies. Customers can also contact Progressive via their 24/7 customer service number, email address, or through their website and app.

Progressive's claims handling

Progressive offers multiple options for filing a claim, including online or through their mobile app, which allows customers to report and track claims. Customers can also call their 24/7 customer service line for assistance with the claims process. The company aims to make the claims process as smooth and easy as possible while keeping customers updated.

Progressive offers a range of auto inspection and repair options. Customers can choose from Progressive's network of repair shops across the country or select their own preferred shop. The company guarantees repairs at network shops for as long as the customer owns or leases their vehicle. Additionally, Progressive provides the option of a photo estimate, where customers can submit photos and videos of damage through the mobile app to receive an estimate without an in-person inspection.

For commercial auto claims, Progressive offers specialized services with trained representatives who provide speed, knowledge, and customer service above industry standards. The company strives to make reporting commercial claims as straightforward as possible and aims to have a claims representative contact the customer by the end of the business day.

Progressive's customer loyalty

Progressive has a loyalty system that rewards customers for sticking with the insurer. The longer you stay with Progressive, the more benefits and discounts you can earn. Progressive's loyalty program is not available in Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina, or California.

The program features benefits like money-saving discounts and accident forgiveness. Progressive counts the time you were insured with a prior company and applies that towards your loyalty level. You are automatically enrolled and instantly rewarded.

• Small Accident Forgiveness: Progressive won't raise your rate for your first claim less than $500.
• Continuous Insurance Discount: When you switch to Progressive, they honour the time you spent with your previous insurer with a discount.
• Teen Driver Discount: Adding a teen driver to your policy can increase the price, but Progressive offers a discount to offset the cost.
• Large Accident Forgiveness: If you've been a Progressive customer for at least five years and remained accident and violation-free for up to five years, your rate won't increase if you have a claim.
• Multi-Policy Discount: If you have two or more policies with Progressive, you can enjoy a discount on one of those policies.
• Priority Call Routing: At your first policy renewal with Progressive, you'll earn 24/7 access to a customer service representative any time you call.
• Lifetime Renewal Guarantee: After 20 years with Progressive, they'll renew your policy regardless of changes to your driving record.

Progressive also offers other auto insurance discounts, including:

• Multi-Car Discount: Save an average of 4% by adding more than one vehicle to your policy.
• Snapshot Driver Tracking Program Discount: Save an average of $146 by personalizing your rate based on your actual driving.
• Good Student Discount: Add a full-time student with a "B" average or better to your policy for a discount.
• Distant Student Discount: If you have a full-time student on your policy who is 22 years of age or younger, lives more than 100 miles from your home, and doesn't have a vehicle while at school, you'll receive a discount.
• Homeowner Discount: Save an average of 10% just for being a homeowner, even if your home isn't insured through Progressive.

Progressive's rates for senior drivers

Progressive offers many discounts to help lower car insurance rates for seniors. About 32% of survey respondents said they were completely satisfied with the policy discounts offered by Progressive. Progressive's Mature Driver Discount is a rate reduction offered by the company to reward mature or older drivers who demonstrate safe driving behaviours. Eligible drivers can enjoy a reduction in their auto insurance premiums. This discount serves as an incentive for older drivers to maintain their safe driving habits.

Drivers aged 50 or older might be eligible for this discount, although the exact age may vary by state. A clean driving record, with no recent at-fault accidents or major traffic violations, is required for eligibility. In some states, drivers may also be required to complete a mature driver improvement course to qualify for the discount.

Progressive also offers a Teen Driver Discount and a Good Student Discount to help offset the costs of insuring a teen driver.

Progressive's discounts

Progressive offers a range of discounts to its customers, which can be categorised into three main types: loyalty-based, driver-based, and quote or payment-based.

Loyalty-Based Discounts

Progressive offers discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies, such as insuring multiple cars or buying both home and auto coverage. For instance, if you carry auto and boat insurance with Progressive, you'll get a discount on one of those policies. You can also combine auto with motorcycle, auto with RV, or any other combination of Progressive products. On average, you can save around 5% when you get two or more Progressive policies.

Driver-Based Discounts

Certain demographics, like students and homeowners, can qualify for various driver-based discounts. Progressive offers a good student discount, where full-time students aged 16-23 who maintain a "B" average or better will receive a discount on their car insurance. Distant students, or full-time students aged 22 or younger who live more than 100 miles from home and don't have a vehicle at school, can also receive a discount.

Progressive also offers a teen driver discount, which helps offset the increased cost of adding a teen driver to your policy. This discount applies after one year with Progressive. Additionally, Progressive offers a homeowner's discount of up to 10%, even if your home insurance is not with Progressive.

Quote or Payment-Based Discounts

Almost anyone can get one of Progressive's many quote or payment-based discounts, which include lower rates for getting an online quote, going paperless, paying in full, and more. For example, you can save an average of 7% by getting a quote online, and 9% by signing policy documents online. If you pay for your policy in full upfront, you can also receive a discount.

Progressive also offers additional ways to save, such as the Name Your Price tool, which allows you to find coverage options within your desired budget, and the optional deductible savings program, which reduces your collision or comprehensive deductible for each policy term without an accident or ticket.

Frequently asked questions