When it comes to car insurance, GEICO and Progressive are two of the biggest names. Progressive is the second-largest company based on U.S. market share, while GEICO comes in third place. Both companies deliver competitive rates and have nationwide reach, but their strengths differ.
Progressive stands out for its flexible coverage, wide range of add-ons, and digital discounts, but its customer satisfaction is lower. In contrast, GEICO earns higher marks for customer service and claims handling but offers fewer coverage and discount options.
Here’s what you need to know about GEICO and Progressive and how the companies compare across car insurance rates, coverages, discounts, and customer satisfaction.
Progressive offers more discounts than GEICO.
Drivers can potentially save on coverage through GEICO’s DriveEasy and Progressive’s Snapshot telematics programs.
The average monthly cost of liability insurance in the U.S. is $91 from GEICO and $101 from Progressive.
GEICO vs. Progressive: Our verdict
Both car insurance companies present strong and affordable choices, but for different reasons.
Progressive provides more flexibility and customization at a cost-effective price with its Name Your Price Tool, comprehensive discounts, and its network of more than 40,000 independent agents. This insurer is ideal for drivers who want hands-on help tailoring coverage, adjusting deductibles, or bundling multiple insurance policies.
GEICO wins for its customer satisfaction, claims handling, and its robust digital experience. GEICO’s mobile app is highly rated and features a virtual assistant, vehicle care guides, and its telematics program. Military and federal employees may also qualify for discounts.
Before deciding, it’s always a good idea to compare insurance quotes and coverages from both auto insurance companies.
GEICO vs. Progressive
GEICO: Best for customer satisfaction
Progressive: Best for customizable and flexible protection
Progressive vs. GEICO: Which is cheaper?
Car insurance costs vary widely depending on your age, driving record, and location. In general, Progressive offers cheaper rates for most drivers, but the best way to find the lowest price is to compare quotes from both insurers.
The table below compares average car insurance rates from Progressive and GEICO by driver type.
Driver Type | GEICO | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $137 | $133 |
| Liability-only coverage | $91 | $101 |
| Full coverage | $139 | $173 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $187 | $191 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $195 | $250 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $169 | $208 |
| Poor credit drivers | $169 | $0 |
| Good credit drivers | $104 | $131 |
| Teen drivers | $250 | $287 |
| Senior drivers | $101 | $93 |
GEICO vs. Progressive car insurance discounts
While Progressive offers more car insurance discounts, GEICO offers savings for military members, defensive drivers, and new-car owners. Progressive’s strength lies in its digital and loyalty-based discounts, such as those for going paperless, getting a quote online, and having continuous insurance.
Both car insurance companies allow you to bundle your car insurance policy with home insurance and renters insurance for more savings. Compare available discounts below.
Discount | GEICO | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Defensive driving course | ✔ | ✖ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-car | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low mileage | ✖ | ✔ |
| Telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car | ✔ | ✖ |
| Military/affiliation | ✔ | ✖ |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Loyalty | ✖ | ✔ |
| Auto pay | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student away at school | ✔ | ✔ |
| Teen driver | ✖ | ✔ |
| Homeowner | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alternative fuel | ✖ | ✖ |
| Pay in full | ✔ | ✔ |
| Continuous insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
| Online quote | ✖ | ✔ |
| Sign documents online | ✖ | ✔ |
| Paperless | ✖ | ✔ |
Compare customer satisfaction and financial strength
Both car insurance companies have strong financial strength ratings and solid reputations. But GEICO has the edge in customer satisfaction. GEICO generally earns higher J.D. Power scores for customer and claims satisfaction and has a lower number of customer complaints.[?]
As for customer reviews, Progressive users often mention issues with cancellation and billing transparency as well as timely communication.[?] On the flip side, GEICO customers report mixed experiences with claims handling and customer service over the phone.[?]
Score | GEICO | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Customer reviews | 4.0/5 (13,292 reviews) | 3.3/5 (14,656 reviews) |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings | Total average score: 644 | Total average score: 621 |
| J.D. Power claims satisfaction ratings | 697 (Slightly below study average) | 673 (Below study average) |
| AM Best rating | A++ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) |
| NAIC complaint index | 0.53 (Fewer complaints than industry average) | 0.98 (Slightly fewer complaints than competitors) |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.11/5 | 1.08/5 |
Recent customer reviews of GEICO car insurance
Insurify collects verified reviews from real GEICO policyholders so you can hear directly from other drivers about their experience. Here are some recent reviews:
Recent customer reviews of Progressive car insurance
These verified reviews come from real Progressive customers who’ve shared their experiences with the company’s handling of coverage, claims, and customer service.
GEICO DriveEasy vs. Progressive Snapshot
Telematics car insurance — also called usage-based insurance (UBI) — uses motion sensors, GPS, cellular data, and other types of technology to track your driving behavior and personalize your auto insurance rates.
Both GEICO DriveEasy and Progressive Snapshot are telematics programs with significant potential savings for safe drivers.
Snapshot offers the choice between a plug-in device and a mobile app to record your driving habits, but availability varies by state. The flexibility may appeal to drivers who prefer hardware tracking over app-based data collection.
GEICO DriveEasy, on the other hand, is entirely app-based and rewards consistent, safe driving. The app also features accident assist, which detects hard braking and guides you through what to do after an incident.
Feature | GEICO DriveEasy | Progressive Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who want some gamification + accident-assist feature | Drivers who prefer hardware over phone apps |
| Savings potential | Up to 15% | No percentage advertised |
| How it works | App tracks behavior; driving score affects rate at renewal High-risk drivers may see an increase in insurance rates | App or plug-in device monitors behavior; discount at renewal High-risk drivers may see an increase in insurance rates |
| Availability | 45 states and D.C. (Not available in VT, MA, MI, NC, and HI) | 48 states and D.C. (Not available in CA or HI) |
| Data tracked | Time, location, trip distance, acceleration, braking, speeding, cornering, and phone use | Hard braking/acceleration, location, time of day, trip distance, and phone use |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | App store: 4.8/5 Google Play: 4.5/5 | App store: 4.8/5 Google Play: 4.6/5 |
| Average discount for good drivers | 5%–15% | $322 per year ($169 at signup) |
| Driver feedback tools | Dashboard, driving tips, accident assist feature | Dashboard, trip details, driving tips |
| Gamified rewards | Yes (Progress tracking and driving streaks) | None advertised |
| Compatibility | iPhone/Android app | iPhones/Android app or a plug-in device |
Compare coverages: GEICO vs. Progressive
Both auto insurance companies offer standard insurance coverages: liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Progressive goes further with add-ons like rideshare and loan/lease payoff insurance, custom equipment parts, and trip interruption insurance coverage. GEICO doesn’t advertise any of these options.
GEICO counters with more specialized offerings, including mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and classic car insurance coverage through Assurant. But Progressive offers comparable alternatives. Compare the coverages of both insurance companies below.
Coverage | GEICO | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✖ | ✔ (Similar coverage called loan/lease pay-off) |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ (through Assurant) | ✔ (through Hagerty) |
| Rideshare insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
| Mechanical breakdown insurance | ✔ | ✔ (similar coverage called vehicle protection plan) |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✔ |
| Custom parts and equipment value coverage | ✖ | ✔ |
| Deductible savings bank | ✖ | ✔ |
| Pet injury coverage | ✖ | ✔ |
| Trip interruption | ✖ | ✔ |
GEICO vs. Progressive FAQs
If you’re still trying to decide between Progressive and GEICO, check out the following answers to common questions you may have about cost, coverage, and claims experience.
Which is cheaper: GEICO or Progressive?
Progressive has lower rates for most driver profiles, but insurance costs vary widely by location, driving history, and coverage needs. It’s always smart to compare personalized insurance quotes to see which auto insurer is cheaper for you.
Is GEICO part of Allstate?
No. GEICO isn’t part of Allstate. It’s a subsidiary of the Berkshire Hathaway Group (a Warren Buffett-led holding company).
Does either company offer accident forgiveness?
Yes. Both companies have accident forgiveness, but each program works a little differently.
GEICO automatically forgives your first accident after five years of no-fault accidents. You can also purchase forgiveness insurance coverage sooner.
Progressive’s accident forgiveness automatically applies for small claims (less than $500) as soon as your insurance policy begins. You qualify for large claims after five years with a clean driving record. You can also purchase additional accident forgiveness benefits for more than one forgiveness per policy period.
Which company has the easier claims experience: GEICO or Progressive?
While individual experiences vary, GEICO ranks higher for claims satisfaction in J.D. Power studies. Progressive customers often note long processing times or less proactive communication.
Which company offers the best rates after an accident?
After an accident, the average liability-only Progressive policy costs $0 per month, and the average liability-only GEICO policy costs $111 per month, according to Insurify data. But differences in insurance pricing depend on your location and driving history. Comparing multiple insurance quotes can help you find the best insurance policy after an accident.
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