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Written by R.E. Hawley
Edited by Amelia Buckley
Edited by Amelia Buckley
Updated Apr 16, 2024
Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of Geico vs. Progressive can help drivers decide between these major insurers.
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On this page
Geico and Progressive are two of the most well known insurance companies, but looking past their catchy advertising, how do you know if one will offer you great coverage? Both carriers offer competitive premiums and strong digital tools, but Progressive's Name Your Price tool could be quite useful for drivers on a budget trying to get the most coverage for their price point. The two carriers are scored very similarly for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power, but Geico has the service edge with a slightly lower NAIC Complaint Index.
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This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.com. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
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On This Page
On This Page
- Geico vs. Progressive comparison
- Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?
- Geico vs. Progressive: discounts
- Geico vs. Progressive: customer experience comparison
- Frequently asked questions
- Methodology
Geico and Progressive are two of the best-known cheap car insurance companies in the U.S., both with a major presence in both advertising and market share. Owned by the multinational holding company Berkshire Hathaway, Geico was founded in 1936 to sell auto insurance to federal government workers. Today, Geico sells a wide range of insurance products to consumers across the country. With an estimated 12.4 percent of the private passenger auto market according to S&P Global Intelligence, Geico is known for its competitive pricing, abundant discounts and charming gecko mascot.
Progressive exceeds Geico’s auto insurance underwriting with 15.3 percent of the market share. Founded in 1937, the company has pioneered a number of digital innovations in auto insurance as one of the first companies to sell policies online and offer a mobile app for policy management. Today, Progressive’s reputation is centered on its Name Your Price Tool, which allows customers to shop for coverage based on a preset budget.
Our verdict
Both Geico and Progressive offer competitive average premiums for drivers, but if cost is your primary consideration, Geico has the edge. Its average rates tend to be lower than the average rates offered by Progressive, and the company’s extensive discount list may help you save even more. If you have a DUI conviction, however, Progressive’s average rates are lower in comparison. Customer service records for both companies are somewhat mixed, but Geico received a lower rate of customer complaints from the NAIC in 2023.
Geico vs. Progressive comparison
When looking at Geico vs. Progressive, it may help to consider the pros and cons for each company. Both companies offer advantages — but both also have areas where they fall short.
Featured GeicoRating: 4.4 stars out of 5 Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings Cost & ratings Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 Coverage Rating: 4 stars out of 5 Support Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 Read Review | ProgressiveRating: 4.4 stars out of 5 Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings Cost & ratings Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5 Coverage Rating: 5 stars out of 5 Support Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 Read Review | |
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OVERVIEW Bankrate identified key carrier features, coverage offerings, discounts and more | ||
Policyholders who value cheaper car insurance and digital capabilities over bundling multiple insurance policies with the same company might consider Geico as their company of choice. Read More | Policyholders who value digital capabilities, want a company that can follow them throughout the country or need high-risk insurance might consider Progressive as their company of choice. Read More | |
STANDOUT FEATURES These features are some of the carrier’s most impressive | ||
DriveEasy telematics program Robust digital tools Long list of potential discounts | Name Your Price shopping tool Snapshot telematics program Online quote and sign online discounts | |
AVG FULL COV. AUTO RATE Average national annual cost of a full coverage auto insurance policy | ||
$2,031 | $2,018 | |
AVG MIN COV. AUTO RATE Average national annual cost of a minimum coverage auto insurance policy | ||
$550 | $627 | |
J.D. POWER AUTO SCORE J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale | ||
874/1000 | 870/1000 | |
AM BEST RATING AM Best ratings assess companies’ financial strength based on historical ability to pay out claims, among other financial obligations | ||
A++(Superior) | A+(Superior) |
Geico pros and cons
Pros
Average rates tend to be lower
Offers an extensive list of auto insurance discounts
Scores above average for service in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study
Robust digital tools for policy management
Cons
Limited opportunity to customize policies
Home and life policies underwritten by a third party
Mixed reviews from region to region for customer satisfaction per J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
Limited in-person local agencies
Progressive pros and cons
Pros
Can be an option for high-risk drivers
Mobile app offers virtual policy assistance and quotes
Above-average scores for service and shopping in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study
Highly customizable policy options
Cons
Progressive Snapshot (telematics program) can potentially raise rates
Average rates higher than Geico in most cases
Below-average scores for customer satisfaction per J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
Rates may differ between agency and online quotes
Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed the latest rate data available from Quadrant Information Services and found that, on average, Geico is cheaper than Progressive for most driver profiles. Keep in mind, however, that your actual rate could look different from the average. Insurance companies consider a wide range of rating factors when quoting premiums, from your age and driving record to your credit history, vehicle and ZIP code. As a result, some drivers could find cheaper rates from Progressive while others find the cheapest insurance with Geico.
Car insurance company | Geico avg. full coverage premium | Progressive avg. full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
Young driver (age 25) | $2,334 | $2,801 |
Senior driver (age 70) | $2,125 | $2,056 |
Good driver, good credit | $2,031 | $2,018 |
Good driver, poor credit | $2,958 | $3,942 |
Speeding ticket with good credit | $2,492 | $2,841 |
At-fault accident with good credit | $2,874 | $3,361 |
DUI conviction with good credit | $4,616 | $3,075 |
Bankrate's take
Not all carriers are willing to insure drivers with high-risk incidents on their record, like a DUI. If you have high-risk rating factors, the best way to gauge coverage eligibility is to request personalized quotes from each carrier you're considering. While it may be tempting to omit these blemishes from your quote, the carrier will uncover these when it analyzes your driving record before finalizing your policy, so it's best to be honest and upfront about your driving history.
Geico vs Progressive: discounts
Both Geico and Progressive offer car insurance discounts to help drivers lower their premiums. While many discounts are fairly standard, each company offers a few that are relatively uncommon. Keep in mind that not all discounts are available in all states and eligibility may vary based on your driving profile.
Discounts available from both carriers
Geico and Progressive share a few basic ways to save on car insurance, including:
- Multi-policy discounts: Both Geico and Progressive offer discounts to customers who purchase another insurance product, such as home or renters insurance, along with their auto policy.
- Multi-car discounts: Geico advertises a discount of up to 25 percent on most coverage for customers who insure multiple vehicles, while Progressive claims their average multi-car discount is 12 percent.
- Good student discounts: Both companies offer discounts to full-time high school or college students with a B average or better, with Geico advertising up to 15 percent off and Progressive advertising an average savings of 10 percent.
- Safe driver discounts: Geico customers with a five-year accident-free record are eligible for up to 22 percent off their premium. Progressive states that customers who stay accident- and ticket-free for three years save an average of 34 percent.
Geico discounts
- DriveEasy: Geico’s DriveEasy telematics program could help drivers save if they display safe driving habits. However, the company does warn that risky drivers might see an increase in their premiums.
- Group affiliation: Geico offers varying savings for members of partner organizations, including the federal government, alumni associations and certain employers. Ask an agent or your group representative for details.
- Military discounts: If you are on active duty, retired from the military or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may earn a discount of up to 15 percent on your auto insurance. Geico also offers emergency deployment discounts of up to 25 percent.
- New vehicle discount: If your vehicle is three model years old or newer, you could earn a discount of up to 15 percent on some coverage.
- Seat belt use discount: Geico policyholders who can demonstrate that they and their passengers always wear seat belts are eligible for discounted rates on medical payments or personal injury protection coverage.
- Defensive driving discount: Some Geico customers who completed an approved defensive driving course can earn a discount.
- Driver education discount: Geico offers a discount on most coverage if a teen driver in your household completed a driver education course.
Progressive discounts
- Snapshot: Progressive’s telematics discount is called Snapshot. Users could earn a discount based on their driving behavior, with an average savings of $231. Just like Geico, risky drivers could see an increase.
- Quote and sign online: Progressive offers two levels of discounts for doing business online. If you get your quote online, you could save an average of 7 percent, and if you complete your policy purchase online, you might save an additional 9 percent, on average.
- Paperless and autopay: Signing up for paperless billing and automatic payments could qualify you for a discount, although the amount for both discounts varies.
- Homeowner: If you own your home, even if it’s not insured with Progressive, you can potentially save on your auto insurance, but amounts vary. If you insure your home with Progressive, you might qualify for the multi-policy discount, too.
- Continuous insurance: New Progressive customers who switched from another provider can earn a discount based on how long they were with their previous insurer.
- Teen driver discount: In addition to its good student discounts, Progressive offers a discount to families with teen drivers 18 years or younger who have been with Progressive for at least a year.
- Distant student discount: If your policy includes a college student 22 years or younger who attends school without a vehicle at least 100 miles from home, you can earn a discount.
Geico and Progressive telematics programs
Both Geico and Progressive offer telematics apps — digital tools that track your driving in real time and base your future rates on your actual driving habits. While these programs have the potential to lower your rates if you avoid unsafe habits like harsh braking and speeding, both Geico and Progressive’s telematics can raise your rates for unsafe driving. Before you decide whether to participate in either app, it’s worth understanding the pros and cons of each.
Geico DriveEasy | Snapshot by Progressive | |
---|---|---|
Device | iOS or Android app | iOS or Android app, or plug-in device |
Can it raise your rate? | May increase your rate | May increase your rate |
Availability | Available in 37 states and Washington, D.C. | Not available in California or from all agents |
Discount | Varies | Average annual savings of $231, including sign up discount |
What it monitors | Braking, distance and time traveled, distracted driving, road conditions type, weather, cornering, acceleration, speeding, smoothness, time of day and route regularity | Braking, accelerating, time of day, mileage, use of mobile phone and speeding |
Geico vs Progressive: customer experience comparison
Both Geico and Progressive have robust online and mobile app features. If you prefer to handle your insurance online, you can do so with either carrier. With both online portals, you can make payments, process policy changes and access your documents. Progressive and Geico also each have a mobile app. Both apps allow you to see your ID cards, view policy information and pay bills, among other features.
When comparing Progressive vs. Geico mobile apps, both have close ratings between the App Store and Google Play, with Apple users giving both apps 4.8 stars and Android users 4.6 stars. When it comes to the provider rankings from the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, both carriers scored below the industry average — but Geico takes the lead with a score of 871 compared to Progressive’s score of 870.
Geico | Progressive | |
---|---|---|
Apple store | 4.8 of 5 | 4.8 of 5 |
Google play | 4.6 of 5 | 4.6 of 5 |
J.D. Power claims satisfaction | 871 / 1,000 | 870 / 1,000 |
Customer complaints
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks customer complaints for U.S. insurance companies and compares the rate of complaints to the size of the company. The resulting score, known as a carrier’s NAIC Complaint Index, indicates whether a company receives more or fewer complaints than expected based on its size. The baseline complaint index is 1.00; higher scores correspond to a higher number of complaints.
Geico auto insurance customer complaints
Geico’s 2023 NAIC Complaint Index score for private passenger auto insurance is 0.54, indicating that the company has significantly fewer complaints than the industry average for its size.
Progressive auto insurance customer complaints
Progressive received a private passenger auto complaint index score of 0.88 from NAIC in 2023. This represents a gradual decrease in customer complaints over the past few years.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze September 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Credit-based insurance scores: Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 25-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
Cost & ratings50%
Coverage & savings30%
Support20%
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlight where they fall short.
Written by
R.E. Hawley
Senior Writer, Insurance
Read more from R.E.
R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license.