Auto insurance is one of those things you don’t think about—until you really need it. And when that moment comes, you want an insurer that won’t leave you hanging. Enter Progressive Auto Insurance, one of the biggest names in the game. But does bigger always mean better? Let’s break it down with real numbers, genuine pros and cons, and whether Progressive is the right fit for your needs in 2025.
The Short Version
✅ Plenty of discounts to lower your premium
✅ Unique coverage options like rideshare insurance and pet injury protection
✅ A solid 4.5/5 NerdWallet rating
❌ Below-average customer satisfaction ratings
❌ Rates can be pricier than competitors for some drivers
How Much Does Progressive Auto Insurance Cost?
Insurance costs vary based on your location, driving history, and even your credit score (unless you live in California, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, where credit-based pricing is illegal). Here’s how Progressive stacks up against its competitors:
| Company | Full Coverage (Annual) | Minimum Coverage (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,226 | $658 |
| Geico | $1,992 | $487 |
| State Farm | $2,291 | $537 |
| Travelers | $1,768 | $543 |
| Allstate | $2,962 | $724 |
| USAA* | $1,456 | $375 |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
💡 Quick Insight: While Progressive’s full coverage rates are lower than the national average ($2,312), it’s not necessarily the cheapest option. If budget is your priority, Geico or Travelers might be better choices.
What Sets Progressive Apart?
Many auto insurers offer the same basic coverage options—liability, collision, and comprehensive. But Progressive throws in some unique perks that many competitors don’t:
✔️ Rideshare Insurance
If you drive for Uber or Lyft, your personal policy might not cover you while waiting for ride requests. Progressive bridges that gap, ensuring you’re protected between trips.
✔️ Pet Injury Coverage
Progressive includes vet bill reimbursement for pets injured in car accidents—at no extra cost—if you have collision coverage. (Because let’s face it, your dog is probably a better passenger than most humans.)
✔️ Accident Forgiveness
Progressive offers three levels of accident forgiveness:
- Small Accidents ($500 or less): Automatically forgiven.
- Loyalty Perk: Five years accident-free? One big mistake won’t raise your rates.
- Buy Your Own Forgiveness: If you want extra protection, you can pay for more accident forgiveness.
Where Progressive Falls Short
While Progressive gets a lot right, it’s not perfect. The biggest downside? Customer satisfaction.
🔻 J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study (2024): 20th out of 21 companies
🔻 Overall Customer Satisfaction: Scored below average in a NerdWallet survey
👎 Translation: If you need to file a claim, expect longer processing times and more back-and-forth than with a top-tier insurer like State Farm or USAA.
Auto Insurance Discounts: How to Save More with Progressive
Insurance companies love to reward “responsible” behavior, and Progressive is no exception. You can score discounts for:
✅ Bundling auto and home insurance
✅ Insuring multiple vehicles
✅ Having continuous coverage (even with another insurer!)
✅ Good student discounts for young drivers
✅ Paperless billing and online sign-up
✅ Paying in full rather than monthly installments
🚗 Want an even bigger discount? Try Snapshot, Progressive’s telematics program. It tracks your driving habits via an app or plug-in device and rewards safe drivers with lower rates. (Warning: If you have a lead foot, this could backfire!)
Is Progressive Right for You?
✅ Choose Progressive If…
✔️ You want unique coverages like pet injury protection or rideshare insurance
✔️ You’re a safe driver who can benefit from Snapshot
✔️ You like having lots of discount opportunities
❌ Look Elsewhere If…
🚫 You want top-rated customer service (State Farm and USAA score better)
🚫 You need the absolute cheapest rates (Geico and Travelers may be more affordable)
🚫 You’re worried about claims processing delays
Final Verdict: Is Progressive Worth It in 2025?
Progressive is a strong contender with a wide range of coverage options, decent rates, and tons of discounts. However, its customer service and claims handling leave room for improvement.
If you value affordability and stellar customer service, check out State Farm or Geico. But if you want customized coverage, accident forgiveness, and innovative perks, Progressive might be the right fit.
Still shopping around? Compare rates from multiple insurers before committing—because no one likes overpaying for car insurance.