Progressive Review

Our Verdict

Progressive is ideal for comparison shoppers who want pricing transparency and usage-based discount opportunities. Its direct-to-consumer tools are excellent, but customers wanting a dedicated agent relationship may prefer State Farm or Allstate.

GetASearch Score: 7/10

Rating: 4.1/5 (3200 reviews)

Score Breakdown

What is Progressive?

Progressive is the third-largest auto insurer in the United States, known for its transparent pricing tools, Name Your Price feature, and the pioneering Snapshot telematics program. Founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green, Progressive has consistently been at the forefront of insurance technology innovation, offering both direct-to-consumer and agent-based purchasing options. Progressive's most distinctive feature is its Comparison Tool, which shows competitors' rates alongside Progressive's own quote. No other major insurer provides this level of pricing transparency. While the comparison isn't always perfectly apples-to-apples (coverage levels may vary slightly), it demonstrates confidence in Progressive's pricing and saves customers the hassle of shopping multiple sites. The Snapshot program is Progressive's usage-based insurance offering, using either a plug-in OBD-II device or the mobile app to monitor driving behavior. Metrics tracked include hard braking, time of day driving, and miles driven. Discounts of up to 30% are available for safe drivers, though the program can also increase rates for risky driving patterns - a transparency that not all customers appreciate. Name Your Price is a quoting tool that lets customers input their budget and see which coverage levels fit. While it's primarily a marketing feature (you can't actually get full coverage for $50/month), it helps budget-conscious shoppers understand the trade-offs between coverage and cost. Progressive also offers a wide range of discounts: multi-policy, multi-car, good student, homeowner, paid-in-full, paperless, and continuous coverage discounts. Coverage extends beyond auto to motorcycle, boat, RV, commercial auto, homeowners (through partners), renters, umbrella, and pet insurance. Progressive's commercial auto insurance is particularly strong, serving small businesses with fleet management tools and flexible coverage options. Progressive's mobile app handles claims filing, policy management, virtual ID cards, and Snapshot monitoring. Claims processing is generally efficient, with a network of service centers for faster repairs. However, J.D. Power satisfaction scores for claims place Progressive in the middle tier - better than some regional carriers but below USAA, Amica, and Erie. Limitations include the lack of a dedicated agent network (Progressive uses independent agents rather than exclusive ones), potentially higher rates for drivers with poor credit in states where credit scoring is allowed, and the fact that home insurance is provided through partner companies rather than directly underwritten by Progressive.

Progressive Features

Progressive Pricing

Varies by coverage

Best For

• Tech-savvy drivers
• High-risk drivers
• Budget shoppers
• Usage-based pricing fans

Final Verdict

Progressive is ideal for comparison shoppers who want pricing transparency and usage-based discount opportunities. Its direct-to-consumer tools are excellent, but customers wanting a dedicated agent relationship may prefer State Farm or Allstate.

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