Founded in 1937, Progressive has lived up to its name from the start. Progressive was the first to offer drive-in claims service, the first to offer installment payments for premiums, and today has one of the best auto insurance websites in the industry, providing not just instant on-line quotes, but quotes from other major insurance companies to compare. In addition to this innovative service, the Progressive website also offers help in the form of instant chat, a page on understanding basic auto insurance which is informative and excellent, and the ability to bind coverage (that is, actually be insured) almost instant on-line without ever interacting with a human being. The last benefit mentioned-no human interaction-is also the greatest drawback, causing enormous irritation and dissatisfaction for anyone who has any problem at all at the website, with billing, or with claims.

I can give a personal illustration. I chose Progressive because I live in a no-fault insurance state where the rates are very high due to the state requirement that every person purchase medical coverage for themselves within the policy. Progressive had the lowest premiums of any of the other major insurers, and since I need full coverage price mattered to me. I have not had any accidents, any billing problems, any significant rate changes, or any other complaints in three consecutive policy periods. I signed up one the web, never spoke to a single soul, and have done just fine with my policy. My parter also has Progressive auto insurance and has had nothing but trouble since day one: trouble with billing, incorrect and contradictory advice over the phone, problems with unexplained premium changes, and massive frustration using the website features on several occasions when he really needed them. We both keep the insurance for the price: I am happy with it, he is not.

I think for young people who practically live on-line and have few accidents, Progressive is a very comfortable and affordable choice. For anyone else, especially anyone over 30 or so, it wouldn't hurt to keep shopping. Finding a more personable company could save untold grief and irritation and be worth every extra cent.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Grundy.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Car insurance company reviews: Progressive?
We want to hear your view. Write now!