American Family Insurance vs. Progressive Car Insurance: Expert Recommended (2024)
This article meticulously examines and compares American Family Insurance versus Progressive Car Insurance, offering insightful guidance across pricing structures, customer service, and more for those seeking a comprehensive understanding before making insurance decisions.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 6, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 6, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Unveiling the intricate interplay between credit score, mileage, coverage levels, and driving record, this analysis offers a comprehensive breakdown of insurance rates from American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance. The data-packed table below meticulously showcases how varying factors influence insurance premiums for different customer profiles. For those with excellent credit scores or a clean driving record, American Family Insurance emerges as the more cost-effective choice across multiple coverage levels. However, Progressive Car Insurance presents competitive rates for higher-mileage drivers, illustrating the nuanced impact these variables have on securing the most advantageous insurance premiums.
| Factor | American Family | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $117 | $105 |
| 1+ Ticket | $136 | $140 |
| 1+ Accident | $176 | $186 |
| DUI | $194 | $140 |
| Poor Credit | $201 | $181 |
*monthly rates are based on an average of minimum and full coverage for a 45-year-old male driver
| Discount | American Family | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Anti Theft | 15% | 31% |
| Good Student | 20% | 20% |
| Low Mileage | 10% | 5% |
| Paperless | 5% | 15% |
| Safe Driver | 45% | 10% |
| Senior Driver | 10% | 10% |
American Family Car Insurance
Pros:
- Competitive Pricing: American Family Insurance often offers competitive pricing compared to state averages.
- Dreams Restored Program: Offers a program to find affordable and reputable auto body shops.
- Claims Process: Provides user-friendly online and phone-based claim filing options.
- Mobile App Functionality: Offers a dedicated mobile app for convenient policy management.
Cons:
- Pricing Variability: Price competitiveness varies widely across states.
- Limited Coverage Options: Might not offer as extensive coverage options as some other providers.
- Claim Processing Time: Specifics on claim processing times are not readily available.
- Digital Resources: May lack comprehensive digital tools and resources compared to other providers.
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Progressive Car Insurance
Pros:
- Coverage Options: Offers a wide array of insurance policies including home, renters, and commercial insurance.
- Discount Programs: Provides various discount programs to lower premiums.
- Mobile App Features: Offers a dedicated mobile app with multiple functionalities.
- Good Financial Rating: A.M. Best rating of A+ signifies superior financial strength.
Cons:
- Pricing Disparity: Prices may significantly vary across states, occasionally being more expensive than competitors.
- Higher Premiums: Tends to have higher premiums in certain states and for longer commute distances.
- Comparable Customer Service: While rated well, customer service ratings might be similar to competitors.
- Limited State Availability: Might not be available in all states or regions.
Best Overall Car Insurance: American Family Insurance
When evaluating between American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance, it’s essential to assess key factors such as rates, coverage offerings, claims procedures, digital tools, and customer service. After a comprehensive review, American Family Insurance emerges as the better choice for a majority of insurance seekers.
Competitive Pricing: While American Family’s pricing might vary across states, it tends to be more affordable in a considerable number of locations compared to Progressive.
State Averages: In states like Wisconsin, American Family’s rates are significantly lower, sometimes even up to 138% cheaper than the state average.
Diverse Coverage: American Family offers a comprehensive range of insurance policies, including auto, home, life, and business insurance, catering to diverse insurance needs.
Programs and Discounts: Their Dreams Restored Program showcases a commitment to helping customers find affordable and reputable auto body shops, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Ease of Claims Process: Both American Family and Progressive offer convenient online and mobile-based claims filing options, ensuring a hassle-free experience for policyholders.
Digital Tools: American Family provides robust mobile app features, online account management capabilities, and valuable digital resources to assist policyholders comprehensively.
American Family Insurance stands out as the superior option due to its competitive pricing, diverse coverage options, and a strong commitment to enhancing customer experience through various programs and digital services.
American Family
Established in 1927 by insurance salesman Herman Wittwer, American Family Insurance began as the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in Madison, Wisconsin. Initially offering auto insurance to farmers, the company expanded its coverage to include homes and businesses.
Over the years, it grew significantly, becoming American Family Mutual Insurance Company in 1963. Throughout its history, American Family has emphasized community involvement, supporting various initiatives and charitable causes. Today, it’s one of the largest mutual property and casualty insurance companies in the United States, serving millions of customers across 19 states.
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Progressive
Progressive Corporation, founded in 1937 by Jack Green and Joseph Lewis, started as a small insurance company in Ohio. Initially, it offered primarily auto insurance for high-risk drivers. Progressive gained prominence in the insurance industry by introducing innovative policies, such as offering drive-in claims service and being the first to introduce reduced rates for low-risk drivers.
The company expanded rapidly through technological advancements and marketing strategies, becoming one of the largest auto insurance providers in the United States. Progressive is known for its focus on innovation, launching features like usage-based insurance and Snapshot, a program that monitors driving behavior to offer personalized rates.
What can American Family Insurance do for you?
When you are comparing insurers, the best place to start is with their pricing structure. Take a look at the table below to see if American Family Insurance is currently offering an attractive price for premiums in your state.
American Family Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates Compared to State Average
| State | American Family Average Monthly Rates | State Average Monthly Rates | Higher/Lower ($) Than State Average Monthly Rates | Higher/Lower (%) Than State Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $346.09 | $285.13 | $60.96 | 1.47% |
| Colorado | $311.09 | $323.03 | -$11.95 | -0.32% |
| Iowa | $251.82 | $248.44 | $3.38 | 0.11% |
| Idaho | $310.73 | $248.26 | $62.48 | 1.68% |
| Illinois | $317.94 | $275.46 | $42.49 | 1.11% |
| Indiana | $306.64 | $284.58 | $22.06 | 0.60% |
| Kansas | $178.87 | $273.30 | -$94.44 | -4.40% |
| Minnesota | $293.44 | $366.94 | -$73.50 | -2.09% |
| Missouri | $273.91 | $277.41 | -$3.50 | -0.11% |
| North Dakota | $317.70 | $347.15 | -$29.45 | -0.77% |
| Nebraska | $184.59 | $273.64 | -$89.05 | -4.02% |
| Nevada | $453.43 | $405.14 | $48.29 | 0.89% |
| Ohio | $126.26 | $225.81 | -$99.55 | -6.57% |
| Oregon | $293.94 | $288.98 | $4.96 | 0.14% |
| South Dakota | $337.29 | $331.86 | $5.43 | 0.13% |
| Texas | $404.06 | $336.94 | $67.12 | 1.38% |
| Utah | $308.23 | $300.99 | $7.24 | 0.20% |
| Washington | $309.42 | $254.94 | $54.48 | 1.47% |
| Wisconsin | $126.11 | $300.51 | -$174.40 | -11.53% |
As you can see, it is fairly hit or miss when it comes to American Family being cheaper than state averages. On one hand, it is more expensive than just over half of the states’ averages. On the other hand, take a look at Wisconsin where American Family Insurance is a whopping 138% cheaper than the state average.
Another way to discern what a company can do for you is to analyze any preexisting discounts or programs that are applicable to you. Let’s take a look at American Family’s Dreams Restored Program, which finds the cheapest and most reputable auto body shops in your area.
Let’s move on to another great way to see if a company is for you — their ratings.
Unveiling the Claims Procedures: American Family Insurance vs. Progressive
Ease of Filing a Claim
When it comes to filing a claim with American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance, policyholders have several convenient options at their disposal. Both insurers offer user-friendly online claim filing systems, allowing customers to initiate the claims process with ease through their respective websites.
Additionally, policyholders can opt for traditional phone-based claim reporting, where they can speak directly with claims representatives for personalized assistance.
For those who prefer a mobile approach, both American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance provide dedicated mobile apps that streamline the claims submission process, allowing policyholders to report and track claims from the convenience of their smartphones.
Average Claim Processing Time
The speed at which an insurance company processes claims is a critical factor for policyholders. While the actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the claim, both American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance prioritize prompt and efficient claims handling.
To obtain specific information about the average claim processing times, policyholders are encouraged to contact each insurer directly for accurate details.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
Customer feedback offers valuable insights into how well an insurance company handles claims. Both American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance have received feedback from policyholders regarding their claim resolutions and payouts. Positive reviews often highlight the fair and timely resolution of claims, transparent communication throughout the process, and reliable payouts.
It is important for prospective policyholders to consider this feedback while keeping in mind that individual experiences may vary. Exploring customer reviews and engaging with the insurers directly can provide a comprehensive understanding of their claim resolution practices.
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American Family Insurance and Progressive car Insurance: Unpacking Their Digital Arsenal
Mobile App Features and Functionality
In today’s digital era, mobile apps play a significant role in enhancing the insurance experience. American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance both offer dedicated mobile apps with a range of features to empower policyholders.
These apps typically provide convenient access to policy details, effortless bill payments, seamless claims reporting and tracking, and additional functionalities such as locating nearby service providers.
Evaluating the features and user feedback of these mobile apps can assist policyholders in selecting the one that aligns with their preferences for managing their insurance needs conveniently on mobile devices.
Online Account Management Capabilities
Efficient online account management is crucial for modern insurance policyholders. Both American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance recognize this need and provide online account management platforms to cater to it.
These platforms enable policyholders to perform various actions related to their policies, including updating personal information, making payments, reviewing policy details, and obtaining digital ID cards. Assessing the online account management features offered by both insurers is essential to ensure they align with policyholders’ requirements for seamless policy management.
Digital Tools and Resources
Beyond mobile apps and online account management, American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance may offer additional digital tools and resources designed to assist policyholders. These resources can include online calculators for estimating coverage needs, educational materials covering topics such as safe driving, and comprehensive FAQs addressing common insurance-related inquiries.
Exploring the digital resources available from each insurer can help policyholders make informed decisions based on their preferences for additional support and information.
How are American Family Insurance’s ratings?
When it comes to rating a company’s credibility, there are two great options. One is A.M. Best and the other is the Better Business Bureau. Up next is a table that shows American Family Insurance’s ratings.
American Family Car Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Agency | American Family Ratings |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A |
| Better Business Bureau | A |
| Moody's | N/A |
| S&P | N/A |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.69 |
| JD Power | Claims Satisfaction 3/5 Shopping Study 4/5 |
| Consumer Reports | 89 |
A.M. Best and the Better Business Bureau both gave American Family Insurance an excellent A rating. If you are considering them, this is quite good to know.
Remember how we looked at American Family’s rate by state? Let’s now take a look at rates by coverage type. The more you drive, the higher the risk.
The higher the risk, the higher the premiums. If you drive more, you’ll most likely need a higher coverage level. Let’s take a look at this next table which compares the rates for three coverage levels offered by American Family Insurance.
American Family Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Level
| Coverage Level | American Family Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Low | $280.70 |
| Medium | $295.36 |
| High | $284.70 |
Now that we’ve gone through American Family Insurance, let’s see how Progressive Insurance fares in comparison. You can also read our Progressive Insurance review to learn more about this company.
What can Progressive Insurance do for you?
Now that we’ve analyzed American Family’s pricing structure, let’s compare it with Progressive’s.
Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates Comparison for Top 10 Companies by State
| State | Allstate Average Monthly Rates | American Family Average Monthly Rates | Farmers Average Monthly Rates | Geico Average Monthly Rates | Liberty Mutual Average Monthly Rates | Nationwide Average Monthly Rates | Progressive Average Monthly Rates | State Farm Average Monthly Rates | Travelers Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 262.11 | 346.09 | - | 240.00 | 441.30 | - | 255.24 | 185.68 | - |
| Alabama | 275.96 | - | 348.82 | 238.88 | 333.79 | 221.89 | 370.88 | 399.85 | 308.15 |
| Arkansas | 429.17 | - | 354.82 | 290.39 | - | 321.82 | 442.67 | 232.42 | 497.78 |
| Arizona | 408.68 | - | 416.67 | 188.73 | - | 291.34 | 298.13 | 396.35 | 257.06 |
| California | 377.75 | - | 416.57 | 240.47 | 252.87 | 387.77 | 237.47 | 350.19 | 279.13 |
| Colorado | 461.43 | 311.09 | 440.85 | 257.64 | 233.15 | 311.62 | 352.66 | 272.56 | - |
| Connecticut | 485.97 | - | - | 256.14 | 606.91 | 306.03 | 410.03 | 248.02 | 500.36 |
| District of Columbia | 539.08 | - | - | 307.73 | - | 404.08 | 414.19 | 339.50 | - |
| Delaware | 526.34 | - | - | 310.61 | 1530.00 | 360.85 | 348.49 | 372.24 | 348.53 |
| Florida | 620.04 | - | - | 315.30 | 447.35 | 361.63 | 465.28 | 283.14 | - |
| Georgia | 350.89 | - | - | 248.10 | 837.79 | 540.41 | 374.94 | 282.07 | - |
| Hawaii | 181.12 | - | 396.99 | 279.91 | 265.80 | 212.65 | 181.49 | 86.69 | - |
| Iowa | 247.16 | 251.82 | 202.98 | 191.35 | 367.94 | 227.95 | 199.63 | 185.38 | 452.45 |
| Idaho | 340.73 | 310.73 | 264.02 | 230.89 | 191.79 | 252.68 | - | 155.66 | 268.86 |
| Illinois | 433.70 | 317.94 | 383.77 | 231.60 | 189.80 | 225.98 | 294.72 | 195.41 | 208.31 |
| Indiana | 331.57 | 306.64 | 286.46 | 188.42 | 481.78 | - | 324.83 | 200.75 | 282.81 |
| Kansas | 334.19 | 178.87 | 308.65 | 268.39 | 398.70 | 206.30 | 345.37 | 226.67 | 361.79 |
| Kentucky | 595.33 | - | - | 386.13 | 494.25 | 458.60 | 462.30 | 279.53 | 545.97 |
| Louisiana | 499.90 | - | - | 512.88 | - | - | 622.59 | 381.59 | - |
| Maine | 306.30 | - | 230.85 | 235.25 | 360.95 | - | 303.63 | 183.22 | 187.75 |
| Maryland | 436.10 | - | - | 319.39 | 774.80 | 242.97 | 341.24 | 330.07 | - |
| Massachusetts | 225.71 | - | - | 125.85 | 361.61 | - | 319.59 | 113.49 | 294.83 |
| Michigan | 1908.55 | - | 708.63 | 535.84 | 1666.67 | 527.28 | 447.05 | 1047.13 | 731.16 |
| Minnesota | 377.67 | 293.44 | 261.45 | 291.55 | 1130.30 | 243.87 | - | 172.25 | - |
| Missouri | 341.35 | 273.91 | 359.35 | 240.44 | 376.56 | 188.78 | 284.93 | 224.41 | - |
| Mississippi | 411.84 | - | - | 340.60 | 371.33 | 229.71 | 359.07 | 248.37 | 310.78 |
| Montana | 389.34 | - | 325.63 | 300.20 | 110.51 | 289.86 | 360.90 | 201.48 | - |
| North Carolina | 599.20 | - | - | 244.72 | 181.89 | 237.34 | 198.55 | 256.55 | 261.06 |
| North Dakota | 389.11 | 317.70 | 257.71 | 222.35 | 1071.07 | 213.36 | 301.92 | 213.38 | - |
| Nebraska | 266.57 | 184.59 | 333.11 | 319.79 | 520.13 | 217.00 | 313.17 | 203.23 | - |
| New Hampshire | 227.08 | - | - | 134.59 | 703.70 | 207.59 | 224.54 | 182.12 | - |
| New Jersey | 476.13 | - | 634.75 | 229.58 | 563.89 | - | 331.06 | 627.26 | 354.54 |
| New Mexico | 350.05 | - | 359.63 | 371.53 | - | 292.87 | 259.93 | 195.06 | - |
| Nevada | 447.64 | 453.43 | 466.30 | 305.17 | 516.80 | 289.76 | 338.55 | 483.03 | 446.70 |
| New York | 395.08 | - | - | 202.35 | 545.06 | 334.41 | 314.26 | 373.72 | 381.57 |
| Ohio | 266.44 | 126.26 | 285.25 | 155.60 | 369.15 | 275.07 | 286.41 | 208.99 | 261.26 |
| Oklahoma | 309.89 | - | 345.20 | 286.45 | 572.89 | - | 402.70 | 234.73 | - |
| Oregon | 397.16 | 293.94 | 312.79 | 268.34 | 361.21 | 264.74 | 302.43 | 227.62 | 241.02 |
| Pennsylvania | 332.01 | - | - | 217.10 | 504.60 | 233.36 | 370.92 | 228.69 | 653.54 |
| Rhode Island | 413.29 | - | - | 466.89 | 515.34 | 367.47 | 435.92 | 200.54 | 575.79 |
| South Carolina | 325.29 | - | 390.99 | 264.83 | - | 302.12 | 381.09 | 255.95 | - |
| South Dakota | 393.64 | 337.29 | 314.07 | 245.02 | 626.33 | 228.14 | 312.73 | 192.19 | - |
| Tennessee | 402.40 | - | 285.84 | 273.62 | 517.22 | 285.41 | 304.74 | 219.94 | 228.21 |
| Texas | 457.12 | 404.06 | - | 271.94 | - | 322.30 | 388.72 | 240.00 | - |
| Utah | 297.20 | 308.23 | 325.67 | 247.13 | 360.65 | 248.88 | 319.18 | 387.15 | - |
| Virginia | 282.23 | - | - | 171.79 | - | 172.75 | 208.22 | 189.08 | - |
| Vermont | 265.87 | - | - | 182.98 | 301.76 | 177.35 | 434.76 | 365.24 | - |
| Washington | 295.04 | 309.42 | 246.83 | 214.05 | 332.89 | 177.49 | 267.46 | 208.32 | - |
| West Virginia | 318.39 | - | - | 176.73 | 243.70 | - | - | 177.19 | - |
| Wisconsin | 404.53 | 126.11 | 314.79 | 327.18 | 563.24 | 435.42 | 260.74 | 198.96 | - |
| Wyoming | 364.49 | - | 255.78 | 291.38 | 165.78 | 265.60 | 366.76 | 191.96 | - |
Read more: Farmers vs. Progressive Car Insurance: Expert Recommended
As you can see, in most states the prices are fairly comparable. However, in some states such as Ohio and Wisconsin, Progressive can run you twice the price. This is substantial and goes to show why you should always compare company pricing structures in your state.
Now that we’ve gone through other factors that can alter your premiums, let’s look at commute rates. As we’ve said, the more you drive the higher the risk. The higher the risk, the higher the premium.
Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Commute Length
| Company | 10 Miles Commute/ 6,000 Monthly Mileage Average Monthly Rates | 25 Miles Commute/ 12,000 Monthly Mileage Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $403.48 | $411.18 |
| American Family | $283.44 | $290.41 |
| Farmers | $348.28 | $350.77 |
| Geico | $263.55 | $272.28 |
| Liberty Mutual | $499.61 | $512.64 |
| Nationwide | $286.44 | $288.56 |
| Progressive | $335.84 | $336.75 |
| State Farm | $264.67 | $278.67 |
| Travelers | $366.65 | $372.50 |
| USAA | $206.89 | $215.99 |
As you can see, Progressive is more expensive than American Family when it comes to both 10-mile and 25-mile commutes. As we’ve said, always compare rates.
All in all, it appears that Progressive is going to run you a higher price tag. This is not to say they are worth glossing over. Progressive offers numerous discount programs to lower your premiums, and its A.M. Best rating is A+ (Superior).
When comparing insurers, always ask what they can do for you and your particular situation.
Get a start on comparing rates by typing your ZIP code into our helpful and free tool below to find affordable auto insurance quotes, perhaps even from these two companies. Having proper insurance is a great way to practice safe driving habits, and will make the road a safer place. Which car insurance company is for you? Find out now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Family Insurance?
American Family Insurance is a Wisconsin-based insurance company that provides auto, home, life, and business insurance policies to its customers.
What is Progressive Car Insurance?
Progressive Car Insurance is an Ohio-based insurance company that specializes in auto insurance policies.
Which insurance company is better: American Family Insurance or Progressive Car Insurance?
American Family Insurance is a better option for those looking for a wide range of insurance policies, while Progressive Car Insurance is ideal for those seeking affordable auto insurance rates.
What types of insurance policies does American Family Insurance offer?
American Family Insurance offers:
- Auto Insurance Policies
- Home Insurance Policies
- Life Insurance Policies
- Business Insurance Policies
- Health Insurance Policies
- Farm/Ranch Insurance Policies
What types of insurance policies does Progressive Car Insurance offer?
Progressive Car Insurance specializes in auto insurance policies, but they also offer home, renters, and commercial insurance policies.
Which insurance company offers better customer service?
Both American Family Insurance and Progressive Car Insurance are known for their excellent customer service. However, American Family Insurance has received higher ratings in customer satisfaction surveys.
How do I choose the best insurance policy for me?
To choose the best insurance policy for your needs, you should evaluate your individual needs and preferences, as well as the coverage and rates offered by different insurance companies. You should also consider the reputation and customer service of the insurance company before making your final decision.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.