Progressive and Travelers are among the 10 largest U.S. car insurance companies by market share.1 Both companies offer a robust selection of add-on coverages. Travelers has higher average rates, but it has a much lower National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index score compared to Progressive.
So how do you determine if Progressive or Travelers is the better choice for your specific needs? Comparing car insurance companies on everything from rates and discounts to customer service and coverage options can help you make an informed decision.
Progressive offers cheaper average car insurance rates compared to Travelers, according to Insurify’s proprietary data.
These companies are similar in many ways. Both scored below average in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study across all regions. Progressive scored above-average only in the usage-based insurance section of J.D. Power’s study.3 They also offer similar coverages, discounts, and programs to help you save on your car insurance policies.
Progressive stands out with its Name Your Price Tool, with which the company customizes coverage according to what you’re willing to pay for insurance.
With lower prices and a highly rated mobile app, Progressive is a good fit if you want to save money and handle your insurance policies on the go.
Though Travelers has higher average rates, you can customize your insurance coverage with the company’s robust list of add-on coverage options.
You can potentially lower your rates with Progressive or Travelers by participating in their telematics programs.
The Progressive Snapshot program, available as a plug-in telematics device or through the mobile app, rewards the following behaviors:
Limiting hard braking
Limiting rapid acceleration
Driving less overall
Not driving between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on weekends
Not using your phone while driving
You can get an automatic discount for signing up for Progressive Snapshot and may receive another discount based on your driving behavior, although risky driving may increase your rates.
Travelers IntelliDrive program may also save you up to 10% just for enrolling (depending on your state). With IntelliDrive, you’ll download a mobile app that will monitor your driving behavior for 90 days. Travelers will determine your discount rate when it’s time to renew your policy. You can save up to 30% with safe driving behavior, but risky behavior could result in you paying a high premium at renewal.
The cheapest car insurance company won’t be the same for every driver. Insurers use various factors to determine policy premiums, including your age, home ZIP code, marital status, credit score, annual mileage, and driving history. As insurers give these factors different weight, the best way to find the best option for your situation is to shop around.
Here’s what you need to know how the rates for Progressive and Travelers compare for every type of driver, including high-risk drivers.
If you have a clean driving record — meaning no speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUIs, or other traffic violations — you can get the cheapest rates with your insurance company. Whether you’re purchasing liability-only coverage or full coverage, Progressive has lower rates for drivers with clean records than Travelers.
One or more speeding tickets on your driving record will increase your auto insurance premiums. Even if you didn’t cause an accident, speeding tickets show insurers that you’re a risky driver. Progressive has slightly cheaper rates for drivers with a speeding ticket compared to Travelers.
Young drivers pay the highest rates for auto insurance because they’re inexperienced behind the wheel and more likely to take risks on the road.4 Progressive’s auto insurance rates for teen drivers are cheaper than Travelers’ rates.
In states where credit-based insurance scores are allowed, insurance companies can use your credit history when setting rates. Insurance companies believe drivers with excellent credit are less likely to file a car insurance claim than drivers with bad credit.5 If you have bad credit, you may pay more for car insurance.
Progressive beats Travelers in this category as well, with cheaper rates for drivers with poor credit.
Senior drivers can have age-related conditions that may affect their driving skills, which is why you may see your car insurance rates increase around age 70.6 Progressive’s prices for senior drivers are cheaper than Travelers’ rates.
Progressive and Travelers sell auto insurance that meets state requirements, which can include liability coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These types of coverage may be mandatory or optional, depending on your state’s insurance laws.
In addition, drivers can also buy collision coverage, which pays for damage to your car if you cause an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents. While state law doesn’t require these coverages, your lender or lessor may require it if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Here are some of other optional coverages available from Progressive and Travelers that can help you create a robust auto insurance policy.
Although Progressive offers cheaper average rates for insurance premiums, Travelers has slightly more discounts.
These include discounts for taking defensive driving courses, installing an anti-theft device, having a new car, or using alternative fuel. These discounts may make up for the difference in the average cost of Progressive and Travelers.
For drivers deciding between Progressive and Travelers for their auto insurance, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these insurers.
Progressive offers cheaper average rates for insurance premiums compared to Travelers, according to Insurify data. The average cost of liability insurance is $98 per month with Travelers and $102 per month with Progressive.
Yes. Travelers is a reputable insurance company. It has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), which means the company has the highest possible financial stability.8
Progressive offers cheaper average rates than Travelers for many driver profiles. But Travelers offers a few more discounts than Progressive, which means it could be the cheaper option for people who qualify for multiple discounts.
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Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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