Progressive car insurance

[feh]

Hi folks.

I've been using State Farm my entire life for auto insurance. I've been happy with their service and their price.

The main reason we chose State Farm was because the rep was a friend of my parents. He recently died, and our new rep (while closer to our home) is somebody we've never met and have no relationship with. So, if we were to switch insurance companies, this would be a logical time to do so.

Does anybody have experience w/ Progressive? I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that they would be cheaper, but what would I be giving up? Can anybody compare and contrast the differences in service you get from an online company like Progressive or Geico vs. a traditional insurance company?

Thanks!

[jIM_Ohio]

I used progressive when I was young and single. Little issue.

I found an independent insurance agent and his rates were lower than progressive. He also shops our policy around and every 6-12 months our rates keep going down.

[tulog]

I had Progressive for 8 years. They were okay overall. But they were especially good when a woman T-boned me, and my car was totalled by Progressive for greater than market value.

One nice feature is that their website has a non-committing quote feature where you can test what estimated premiums would be for cars. For example, if you want to know what the rate would be for that sports car you are dreaming of.

One annoying thing is that they kept adjusting my rates again and again, and it became annoying with the frequency of rate changes. I could not budget or keep track of what my rate might be for more than a six month period. Also, there was no way to understand why the rate was changing. The rate went up and down and up and down with no discernible trend. They only state all the factors they use, but you don't know which factor caused the rate change.

However, now I use Esurance.com. They're more than 50% cheaper for me right now. They don't present quite as slick and polished as Progressive, but I don't really care.

[irmanator]

I use geico, They were cheaper for me. I have heard that they are not always cheaper. But when someone vandalized my hubbys car the claims service was awesome and fast. (don't even ask about allstate urgh!)

[snafu]

Why not check-out several options. After 20 yrs with State Farm we found the independent agent who could 'shop' our coverage needs was the best fit for us. The on-line sellers are great as long as you do your own investigation and understand all the details of your policy/coverage. It's cheaper to get multi coverage like all vehicles, home etc. Ask is there is a better rate because of your specific employment, or how far you commute. Ask if they can meet the rate offered by competition.

[PMMM]

Like several mentioned you should shop your insurance needs. I would not let a relationship preclude me from shopping insurance anyway. You have to get the best deal you can based on your circumstances. You can only do this by shopping your needs. I used to use Progressive but they raised my rates after many years, (No tickets or wrecks) I then went to Geico who I was with for many years as well. I currently get the best deal from American Family Insurance who covers my cars, homeowners and umbrella.

PMMM

[wringle]

I have progressive insurance and recently got into an accident. It was my fault, thankfully everyone was okay. Anyway I was wondering how anyone's claim process went. The progressive agent handeling my claim is nice and she called me the day i filed the claim, she asked me where I was going to get my car fixed and I told her. She said that the place I was getting it fixed was on their list of reapir shops and called them on three way to set up an appointment. What I want to know is , will they write a check to me or the repair shop? How did it work with you?

[greenskeeper]

i used progressive when I was single, however now my wife gets a great rate through "teachers" which is underwritten by some company can't remember at the moment.

[investingnoob]

I've been with Progressive for about 6 years now. Overall I have had a good experience with them. My rates are high, but i'm a 22 yr old male with bad tickets...I actually had a fender bender that was my fault. They automatically added accident forgiveness for me. Once my tickets come off, I might search to see if I can get lower insurance, but for now I have no issues with Progressive.