Two of the largest auto insurance providers in the US, Progressive and Geico, are winning praise for affordability and availability.
Started in 1937, Progressive has grown into an outstanding company with affordable coverage for high-risk drivers and an online platform that allows customers to compare quotes with rates from other companies. Progressive is the second largest auto insurance provider in the US with 15.3% market share in 2023.
Founded as an insurance company for government employees in 1936, Geico originally offered auto policies only to federal employees. but expanded to provide a variety of insurance lines to the public. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, it has some of the lowest average rates in the industry and is the third largest auto insurer in the US in 2023 with 12.3% market share.
Progressive auto insurance
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price
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote.
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App available
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Highlights in politics
Progressive offers several lines of insurance to allow for bundling and convenient tools to help you keep your policy within your budget.
pluses
- Available in all 50 states
- Low rates for DUI drivers
- Non-owner car insurance and SR-22 certificates available
- Offers a disappearing deductible as well as accident forgiveness
cons
- Below average customer satisfaction ratings from JD Power
- Above average number of complaints
- The Snapshot Safe Driving Discount Program may result in price increases
Geico auto insurance
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price
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
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App available
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Highlights in politics
Geico auto coverage is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional extras such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and breakdown cover.
pluses
- Low average rates
- Can buy and manage policies online
- Available nationwide
cons
- No gap insurance or carpool insurance
- Fewer branches for personal services
- Pay per mile car insurance is not available
Geico vs. Progressive Auto Insurance
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Geico vs. Progressive: Pros and Cons
Geico auto insurance
pluses
- Low rates for most drivers
- Easily get quotes and buy policies online
- Discounts for military and professional affiliation
cons
- Fewer branches for personal service
- No carpool coverage
- Does not offer omission insurance
- A Geico DriveEasy telematics program can result in an increase in speed
Progressive auto insurance
pluses
- Lower rates for drivers with DUI convictions
- Lots of money saving discounts
- Carpool coverage available
- Top rated website and app
- Three levels of accident forgiveness
cons
- Below average customer satisfaction scores
- Accidental forgiveness requires five years
- The Progressive Snapshot telematics plan may result in a rate increase
Geico vs. Progressive: Coverage
Coverage | Progressive | Geico |
---|---|---|
Accidental forgiveness | yes | yes |
Changing to a new car | no | no |
Omissions Insurance | Yes (loan or lease repayment coverage) | no |
Underinsured Motorist/Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | yes | yes |
Insurance against mechanical damage | yes | yes |
Medical payments (MedPay) | yes | yes |
Non-owner insurance | yes | yes |
Pay per mile | no | no |
Car insurance based on usage | All states except California | 28 states and Washington, DC |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | yes | yes |
Roadside assistance | yes | yes |
Car rental | yes | yes |
Carpool insurance | yes | no |
Disappearing deduction | yes | yes |
Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?
The average levels of both companies are below the national average. For drivers with good credit and a clean driving record, Geico and is slightly cheaper than Progressive for full coverage and significantly cheaper for liability only insurance.
Geico also leads with teenagers and young drivers and those with at-fault accidents, based on the speed data we reviewed, while Progressive is more affordable for seniors and those with DUIs on their records.
However, your individual premiums will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, age and driving record.
Geico vs. Progressive: Discounts
While prime rates are a good starting point, discounts can significantly lower your monthly premiums.
Progressive vs. Geico: Discounts
Discount | Progressive | Geico |
---|---|---|
Accident free | no | up to 22% |
Air bags | no | up to 23% |
Anti-lock brakes | no | up to 5% |
Anti theft | no | up to 23% |
Automatic payment | Discount varies | no |
Grouping | up to 7% | Discount varies |
Daytime running lights | no | up to 3% |
Defensive driving course | Discount varies | Discount varies |
Driver training | no | Discount varies |
Employees/members | no | Discount varies |
Good student | Average savings 10% | up to 15% |
Federal workers | no | up to 12% |
Military | no | up to 15% |
Multiple vehicles | Average savings 12% | up to 25% |
A new cycle | no | up to 15% |
No paper | Discount varies | no |
Passive retention | no | yes |
Payment in full | Discount varies | It is not revealed |
Safe driving app | Average savings of $231 | up to 25% |
School student discount | Discount varies | no |
Teacher | no | Available with some professional associations |
Geico vs. Progressive: Customer Satisfaction
Progressive's innovative website and app earned it the top spot in JD Power's digital customer experience survey, while Geico ranked below average.
Both companies scored below average for customer satisfaction with the claims process.
Geico earned an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and receives a lower volume of complaints than similarly sized competitors, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. However, Progressive received an A and has a slightly higher than average volume of complaints.
Both companies keep their customer service phone lines open 24/7 and have live online chat.
Geico vs. Progressive: Which is better?
Rates are cheaper overall with Geico, including for drivers under 25 or those with at-fault accidents on their records. However, if you are a senior or a driver with a DUI conviction, Progressive is the more affordable choice.
Progressive also has coverage options that Geico doesn't, including trip interruption protection, custom equipment coverage and three levels of accident forgiveness. If you are a pet owner, Progressive may also cover $1,000 in veterinary expenses if your pet is injured in a covered accident.
Only Geico has a military discount, though, and offers up to 25% if you insure multiple vehicles — more than twice the discount that Progressive offers. Geico also has fewer complaints and has earned higher ratings from both JD Power and the Better Business Bureau.
Fortunately, both companies make it easy to get an online quote to see which one has the best rates and coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Progressive cheaper than Geico for auto insurance?
Progressive and Geico are very close for full coverage auto insurance, although Geico is slightly cheaper. In the case of liability-only insurances, the difference is more noticeable. Households with young drivers also save more with Geico, although Progressive's rates are lower for seniors and heavy-duty drivers.
What other types of insurance does Progressive sell?
What other types of insurance does Geico offer?
Who is progressive car insurance for?
Progressive's low rates and widespread availability make it a good fit for many types of drivers, especially seniors, people with bad credit and those with a DUI conviction. It may also be right for you if you want robust coverage options such as accident waivers and custom equipment coverage.
Who Is Geico Car Insurance Right For?
Geico is a good choice for anyone looking for reasonable prices and excellent customer service. In particular, young drivers and those with at-fault accidents may find it cheaper than the competition.
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At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality journalistic service and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Each auto insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of auto insurance products. Although CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners for many offers and links, we create all of our content without input from our sales team or outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
In addition, we include results from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Complaint Index, Better Business Bureau Ratings, AM Best Financial Strength Ratings, and other independent sources, including JD Power surveys on insurance shopping, claims process, experience of digital consumers and overall customer satisfaction.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Car insurance rates can come from a variety of sources, including the provider and state insurance departments.
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Editorial Note: The opinions, analysis, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are solely those of the editorial staff of Select and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any third party.