Progressive Auto Insurance: How Long Does It Take?

Progressive offers a range of auto insurance options, and obtaining proof of insurance is a straightforward process. With most insurance companies, proof of insurance is available immediately after purchasing a policy. Progressive is no exception, offering 24/7 access to insurance cards and coverage information through their website, mobile app, or phone. This proof of insurance is often required when pulled over, in an accident, or leasing a vehicle. While digital proof is accepted in most states, it is still recommended to carry a physical copy as well.

Proof of insurance

With most insurance companies, including Progressive, you can obtain proof of car insurance right after purchasing a policy. Progressive offers several ways to access your proof of insurance:

• By calling Progressive or logging into your online account, you can access your auto insurance card and coverage information at any time.
• Progressive will also send new and renewing customers a physical proof of insurance card in the mail, unless you have opted for paperless communication. In this case, you can print out a copy of your ID card when you access it online.
• Progressive offers a mobile app that allows you to access your insurance card and coverages directly from your smartphone or tablet. This digital insurance card is accepted as proof of insurance in most states.

It is important to always carry proof of insurance when driving, as it may be requested by police officers, the DMV, or other parties in the event of an accident or when leasing a vehicle. While digital proof is accepted in most states, it is still a good idea to carry a hard copy as well, in case your phone is dead or inaccessible.

In addition to auto insurance, proof of insurance may also be required for other types of policies, such as home, apartment, or condo insurance, and for vehicles such as motorcycles, RVs, and boats in certain states.

Getting a settlement check

The time it takes to get a settlement check after a car accident can vary from a few days or weeks to several months. The timing depends on the circumstances of the accident, including factors such as state laws, the severity of injuries and property damage, whether lawyers are involved, and how quickly the claim was filed.

To avoid delays in receiving your claim settlement, it is important to provide the requested information promptly when filing a claim. This includes copies of the police report, photos of the damage, and insurance information for all parties involved. You may also be asked to provide additional information by your adjuster.

If you are at fault, an insurance adjuster will investigate the claim to determine the amount to be paid for injuries and property damage to the other driver, as well as any injuries or vehicle damage you suffered. If you are not at fault, you may contact the other driver's insurer to file a third-party liability claim for your injuries and vehicle damage.

The investigation process can last a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the accident, and it can have a significant impact on the time it takes to receive your settlement check. During the investigation, your insurance company will determine who is responsible for the accident and whether there is coverage for the injuries, damage, or other losses claimed.

Once the investigation is complete and liability and coverage are determined, your claim will be processed and you will receive your settlement check. In some cases, you may receive separate claim payouts at different times for each type of coverage that applies to your claim. For example, you may receive payment for rental car reimbursement before receiving the settlement check for a bodily injury liability claim.

Filing a claim

You will be connected with the right experts to ensure everything goes smoothly. You can contact a claims representative if you have any questions, and you will likely work with an estimator who will inspect your car and write an estimate for the cost of repairs. You can also choose to receive payment instead of getting your repairs completed. If you are unsure, you can get an estimate first to see how much the repairs will cost. If you are financing or leasing your car, your lender may require you to get the repairs.

If you are getting repairs, you can choose one of Progressive's network shop locations, or your representative can schedule an estimator to inspect your vehicle at your shop of choice or a Progressive drive-in location. Progressive strives to resolve property damage claims within 7 to 14 days, but repair times can vary based on your vehicle and the damage. No matter what, Progressive will work quickly and efficiently to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Repairing a total loss

If your car is damaged in an accident, a claims adjuster will inspect the vehicle to assess the damage. If the adjuster determines that the cost to repair the damage exceeds the actual cash value (ACV) of the car, then it is considered a total loss.

The ACV of a car is determined by its pre-loss market value, less depreciation from when it was new. The ACV factors in depreciation, including wear and tear, mileage, and previous accidents, so the reimbursement amount will be less than what you paid for the car.

If your car is declared a total loss, there are a few things you'll need to do:

• Remove your license plates and personal items
• Leave the key with the claims adjuster
• Send in any additional keys
• Fill out the associated paperwork
• Contact the leasing company, if you lease your car

After a total loss designation, the car is usually taken by your insurance company, which then notifies the department of motor vehicles that the car has been totaled. Depending on the state, the car can be declared "salvage," and buyers who specialize in salvaging vehicles can purchase the car from the company.

If you want to keep the totaled car, your insurance company may allow it. If you go down this route, you'll get less cash. Your payment will be the ACV, minus the value of the car as salvage. Even totaled, a salvaged car will still have some value in its parts and the potential to be restored. However, be aware that some states prevent drivers from keeping total loss vehicles, while others will require you to obtain a certificate that states the car is salvaged.

If you disagree with the car being a total loss, you may try to negotiate with the claims adjuster. For example, you might argue that they did not fully account for any modifications you made. You will be required to submit documentation and any proof showing the car is actually worth more than previously determined. If you feel you are not adequately compensated, you may bring the case to a lawyer to fight on your behalf.

Reinstating a lapsed policy

Progressive does not have a specific reinstatement policy if your car insurance lapses, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to get your policy reinstated. It is important to act quickly as even a lapse of one day can result in higher car insurance rates. Progressive is required by state law to notify you before cancelling your policy. They will notify you by mail or email before cancelling your coverage. You should check your mail and email for a notice that will let you know the specific date on which your policy will be cancelled.

If the cancellation date has not passed, you can call Progressive and speak with a representative to pay your outstanding balance and avoid having your policy cancelled. You may have to pay a late fee, but your overall premiums are unlikely to be affected, especially if this is the first time you've missed a payment.

If the date has passed, you can call the same number to speak with a representative about paying your outstanding balance and getting your policy reinstated. When reinstating a lapsed policy, you will pay the past-due balance, and you will be covered without any lapse.

If your policy cannot be reinstated, you will need to buy a new auto insurance policy right away. Starting a new policy may be more expensive, but it is important to be insured before you drive. Many companies, including Progressive, can start your coverage right away.

Frequently asked questions