Progressive auto insurance review for 2021

As one of the best insurance companies in the U.S. for coverage options, Progressive may be a great provider for certain drivers. To find out if it’s the right choice for your insurance needs, it helps to understand the company’s pricing structure, discounts and what it offers in terms of customer support and online tools. 

Founded in 1937, Progressive got its start offering low-cost auto insurance policies with basic coverage. Although the company now offers many different types of insurance coverages, it is most known for its auto insurance, holding approximately 13.8% of the market. 

The national average cost of auto insurance in 2020 was $1,555 a year, although the rates vary greatly depending on where you live and what coverage options you choose. Progressive’s national average full coverage premium is $1,910 yearly, which means it’s not always one of the cheapest car insurance companies. That said, it’s worth getting a quote from the company, especially if you fit into certain demographics. Progressive is particularly well-suited for high-risk drivers and those who want a comprehensive set of digital tools. And depending on your circumstances and what discounts you qualify for, rates may be competitive for you.

Progressive Quickpoints

• Average full coverage premium: $1,910
• Region offered: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Market share: 13.8%
• AM Best rating/financial strength profile: A+ (Superior)
• Specialty coverages: roadside assistance, loan/lease payoff, rental car reimbursement, custom parts and equipment, rideshare and deductible savings bank

Progressive is one of the leading auto insurance companies in the nation, with coverage available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Auto insurance rates and special coverages may vary from state to state.

Progressive customer satisfaction and complaints

Despite having the third-largest market share in the auto insurance industry, Progressive is among the lower half when it comes to customer satisfaction. In the 2020 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Progressive received 856 points out of 1,000, putting it fourth from last when compared to other insurers, and well below the industry average of 872. 

When it comes to overall satisfaction, Progressive also did not receive positive ratings. Compared to other insurers of similar size, Progressive ranked second-to-last in purchase experience customer satisfaction. And in a regional study, Progressive ranked below the industry average in many regions.

Progressive coverage options

Progressive offers both basic coverage options that are required by law in most states as well as optional coverages that allow you to customize your policy as you wish. The types of insurance they offer include the following:

• Liability: in an at-fault accident this pays for damages to the car as well as any property, along with medical costs incurred by the other driver or their passengers. Liability is the most basic type of coverage, and is required by law in most states.
• Collision: covers your own vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in an accident. It’s optional, and if you are driving an older car that might not be worth fixing, you may not need it.
• Comprehensive: usually purchased along with collision, comprehensive covers your car for non-accident related mishaps, such as theft, vandalism, or a natural disaster.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: roughly 13% of drivers are on the road illegally without insurance. If you are involved in an accident with one of them, this optional coverage will protect you. It may also help if the other driver in an accident doesn’t have enough coverage for all the bills.
• Medical payments (medpay) and personal injury protections (PIP): these two types of coverage will pay for medical expenses or funeral expenses for you and your passengers.
• Gap insurance: If your car is totaled, you’ll receive a check from your insurer for its depreciated value. But what if you owe more than that on the car loan? This optional coverage will cover the difference.
• Rental car reimbursement: will pay for a rental while your car is being fixed after a covered accident.
• Custom parts and equipment value: if you’ve installed a high end stereo, navigation system, custom wheels, or other after-market accessory to your car, this will pay if they are damaged or stolen.
• Rideshare coverage: do you drive for Uber? This coverage will fill the gaps in the insurance you receive from your rideshare company.

How much does Progressive cost?

Progressive average premiums are $736 for minimum coverage (the baseline liability coverage that most states require). The average annual premium, based on full coverage, is $1,910. You can expect your rate to increase or decrease as you add or remove certain coverages. This average only includes basic coverages such as liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments. Additional coverages are available, and would further increase your premium.

Other factors can also increase your auto insurance premium. If you have accidents or speeding tickets on your record or a poor credit score, then you can expect to pay more, as indicated in the table below.

*Note: All premium data is accurate as of publication date

How driving record affects Progressive car insurance rates 

Accidents

Drivers often see a rate increase after a car accident. The amount of increase depends on several factors. First, your car insurance rates are more likely to go up after an at-fault accident. These accidents stay on your record and affect your premiums for several years. 

In the case of not-at-fault accidents, the increase is mostly dependent on the state in which you live. In some states your rate will stay the same, while in others it’s more likely to increase.

It’s worth noting that Progressive’s Accident Forgiveness program helps to keep your rate the same after an accident, even if you were at-fault.

Speeding ticket

If you receive more than one speeding ticket within three years, your Progressive auto insurance premium is likely to increase. On average, Progressive’s rates increased about $300 with one accident on record as a factor. The increase is typically around 30% among all providers.

Poor Credit

Having a poor credit score (defined as anything below 500) can result in a higher auto insurance premium in most states. Because studies have linked credit history and a propensity for auto insurance claims, insurers may be less inclined to offer competitive rates to those with poor credit. With Progressive, credit impacted rates resulting in an increase of more than 35%.

Progressive auto insurance discounts

Progressive has many discounts available to its customers based on a variety of characteristics. Most insurance companies offer between 10 and 18 discounts for their auto policies; Progressive falls in the middle of the pack with 13 discounts available. Among these, a few are particularly unique to Progressive.

Continuous insurance discount

Unlike many insurance companies, Progressive’s continuous insurance discount doesn’t just apply to the length of time you’ve been a Progressive customer. Instead, you’ll receive a discount based on how long you’ve had consistent auto insurance, regardless of your insurer during that time. This discount is not available in California or New York.

Teen driver discount

Adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy can often increase the price significantly — on average, 130%. Progressive takes some of the load off by offering a teen driver discount, eligible for any drivers on your policy under the age of 18. By the time they turn 18 and are no longer eligible for the discount, rates typically drop an average of 10% anyways.

There are other discounts available to your teen driver as well. These include discounts for good grades, multi-car discounts, and driving behavior (Snapshot) or safe driving discounts. 

Progressive auto insurance premium length

Progressive’s standard policy length is six months (rates in the tables above indicate a total for 12 months of coverage). When you pay for your entire policy upfront, you’ll be eligible for the pay in full discount. However, this discount is not available in California or New York. 

While your price is locked in for the length of your policy, your insurance company may increase or decrease your price when your policy is up for renewal. It’s worth noting that Progressive doesn’t lock you into a contract, meaning you can cancel your policy at any time and only pay for the coverage you’ve used. If you pay upfront, you’ll receive a refund for the remaining time.

Progressive vs. other insurance companies

*Note: All data sourced above is accurate as of publication date

Progressive mobile app and digital experience

Progressive offers the following digital tools to its customers:

• Mobile app: Progressive’s app allows you to view your policy information, download your ID cards and documents, pay your bill, request roadside assistance and report a claim.
• The Name Your Price® Tool: You can tell Progressive how much you’d like to pay for car insurance, and they’ll show you the coverage options within your budget.
• Snapshot program: Progressive’s Snapshot program (aka usage-based insurance) allows you to have your rate personalized to your driving frequency and risk level.
• Comparison tool: Progressive’s comparison tool shows you how their price rates compare to its competitors.

Alternative insurance products offered by Progressive

In addition to its auto insurance, Progressive offers a full range of other insurance coverages to ensure you are financially protected in all aspects of your life.

In the spotlight

Progressive is among the most popular auto insurers in the nation, offering competitive coverage. Here’s what you need to know:

• Progressive holds the third-largest market share for auto insurers.
• Progressive received a 3/5 rating from J.D. Power in customer claim satisfaction, scoring below the industry average.
• The average full-coverage auto insurance premium from Progressive is $1,910. Actual rates are based on your level of coverage and other factors.
• Progressive offers 13 different discounts to help reduce your auto premiums.
• Digital tools and the mobile app can help you to manage your Progressive policy and reduce your rates even further.
• Progressive offers many other types of insurance coverage, including homeowners, renters, RV/trailer, and life insurance.

Methodology

Coverage Utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze quoted rates from thousands of zip codes across all 50 states, using Progressive’s premiums written. Quoted rates are based around the profiles of a 30 year male and female with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage details:

• $100k bodily injury liability per person
• $300k bodily injury liability coverage per crash
• $100k property damage liability coverage per crash
• $500 collision coverage deductible
• $500 comprehensive coverage deductible

Minimum coverages were applied to match state requirements. Both drivers used a new, financed 2018 Toyota Camry, commuting 5 days a week and driving 12,000 miles per year.

An accident was defined as an at-fault accident with $3k in property damage. A speeding incident was defined as speeding 16-20 MPH over the limit.

These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only – your own quotes may be different.