Progressive Review
Does an outstanding car insurance quote experience equal a great company for the next six months?
Question: Was getting a Progressive car insurance quote that easy?
Answer: Absolutely.
After grabbing some quotes from a few different insurance companies, I jumped on Progressive’s website. Five minutes later, I had a quote staring me in the face. It was the quickest and simplest quote experience I’ve ever had. Their website interface was the best I’ve seen – period.
I’m not alone in my assessment. In 2007, Progressive.com won the Webby People’s Choice Award for the best insurance website. From what I’ve seen, they deserved it.
Still, a quote is just the first step. Committing hard-earned dollars to Progressive so they can insure my cars for the next 6 months – that’ another story entirely. They may have a solid ‘first interaction’, but it’s worth it to check out other variables before buying a policy.
About the Company
Progressive Corporation (PGR) sells insurance for cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs. In 2008, they were #175 on the Fortune’s 500 with over $14 billion annual revenue. Progressive is located in Mayfield Village, Ohio. They recently became the official car insurance company of the Cleveland Indians baseball franchise.
Progressive sells to consumers in two ways. For one, they market directly to consumers via the internet and their toll-free number. Second, they sell through independent agents. You may have noticed Progressive’s white SUVs driving the highways. Their Immediate Response Vehicles (IRVs) are supposed to come to policyholders if they ever have an auto claim. It’s a nice touch for a company without an army of Progressive-only agents.
Progressive is a financially strong company. According to independent rating agency AM Best, Progressive carries an ‘A+’ or ‘Superior’ rating. They are a stable company and should be around for years to come.
Getting a Progressive Quote
Even though I was impressed with their website, I still wanted to call Progressive on the phone. As usual, I recommend doing what I did. First off, I grabbed an online quote with the same coverages as my current policy. It was a good price. Next, I called them up to see if they would say anything different.
When I called, I got right through to Francis in Austin, Texas. According to Francis, Progressive also has call centers in Sacramento, California, Cleveland, Ohio, and Tampa, Florida. He confirmed what they advertise online: 24/7 sales, service and claims support. If I had an accident in the middle of the night, I may not get someone in Austin, but I would talk to someone from Progressive in short order.
As for their claims service, I’ve never carried Progressive Insurance, so I can’t speak from personal experience. However, I surveyed a few big departments of insurance around the country. Progressive seems to have an average complaint ratio. They even track claim progress online – an impressive feature. Chances are good my claim would be handled fairly with Progressive.
Progressive Positives: Easy & Affordable
Progressive offers a virtually-frictionless car insurance transaction at their website. If you’re comfortable giving out your credit card online, then you got yourself a policy in a matter of minutes.
In my case, they were also very affordable. Compared to my current State Farm policy, I stand to save over $500 a year if I switch to Progressive – not chump change by any stretch. However, they tack on an additional $70 every period if I pay monthly. I didn’t like that part.
Progressive Negative: Car Insurance As A Commodity
As nice as Francis was on the phone, he did not go over my coverages with me on the phone. I’ve sold policies before, so I don’t need him to review everything. But Francis didn’t know that. I expect any insurance agent to get a little financial info from prospects to know what coverages to recommend. That’s their job, and Progressive failed that test.
To me, Progressive gets so many things right, but they fail on a basic level. They are an insurance company. If they don’t know what I have, how do they know $50,000 in liability coverage is enough? The fact is they don’t. If they took a few more minutes and asked some questions about my financial situation, they would be able to advise me accordingly.
What’s the Verdict: Will I Switch to Progressive?
I’m still in the process of shopping for car insurance, so I haven’t bought a policy yet. However, Progressive is near the top of the heap. Their easy, affordable, and simple interface calmed my fears about their ability to process a claim. I would have appreciated a little more hand-holding during my phone call, but that’s what Progressive does: lots of easy policies. That may work for you.
Right now, I’m still researching.
Quote Process: 10
(Scale 1-10: 10=the best)
Price: 8
(Scale 1-10: 10=Cheapest)
Customer Service: 7
(Scale 1-10: 10=the best)
Claims: *
(Scale 1-10: 10=the best)
Overall Rating: 8
(Scale 1-10: 10=the best)
Anything to add? Leave a comment about your experience with Progressive or write your own review.
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Reviews (3)
Will Davis
| #
This April I purchase insurance through my agent. I paid for a year in cash and the agent wrote me up with Progressive. After only two months, I sold the motorcycle and canceled the policy. Progressive charged a $30 dollar cancellation fee and returned 50% of the price a paid for a year. After calling to see if they made a mistake, I dealt with a frustrating phone call trying to get past the computer that did not recognize mt policy number. I finally got through to a person that was difficult to understand and could care less about my concerns.
It is obvious that Progressive is only concerned with profit, not people.
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Patricia Colleen Hayko
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I was insured by Progressive for 6 years. I financed a new car and needed full coverage. The rates for my full coverage seemed high as my driving record is clean and my credit is ok. I shopped online and found they were second highest rates (highest being Liberty Mutual). I decided to change and called Progressive, following up with a fax, as is required in NC. That was on May 20, 2011 at about 4 pm, I also requested for the auto-draft feature to cease and desist. Progressive billed me for the ‘expired discount’, (dropping the auto draft) which amounts to $78 for 8 hours of coverage..REALLY!!! ..They have also already sent it to a collection agency who called and threatened a ‘derogatory’ on my credit if I don’t pay this bogus bill…(from May 20 to today is less than 60 days)
Seriously, think twice before you are woo’d by the ease of obtaining coverage at their website…
sincerely
Patricia Colleen Hayko
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Sheila
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I had Progressive for 5 years ,The first time I filed a claim was terrible.My car was wrecked in the front end .Had them look at it and was told the motor was seized up.They would not pay for anything but a front end alignment.What good is that for a car that can,t move? Said motor damage was not due to accident. Well ,it was towed from the scene of the accident to my home than towed to the garage from my home and back again ,all with the same odometer reading…Hmm?
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