Progressive vs. USAA Car Insurance: Expert Recommended (2024)

Navigating the intricate landscape of auto insurance rates requires a discerning eye, considering the nuanced dance of various factors. In our analysis, the interplay of clean driving records, tickets, accidents, DUI incidents, and credit scores reveals a compelling narrative. Progressive and USAA emerge as key players, but the tale unfolds differently for each profile. For the pristine driver, USAA steals the spotlight with a monthly rate of $59 compared to Progressive’s $105. However, for those with less-than-ideal records, Progressive flexes its competitive edge.

Progressive

Pros:

• Generous Discounts: Progressive offers a variety of discounts, including environmentally conscious options like a 50% discount for going paperless.
• Innovative Programs: The Snapshot program allows policyholders to save based on their driving habits, providing a personalized approach to cost savings.
• Digital Features: Progressive’s mobile app and online account management systems provide convenient access to policy details, payments, and claims filing.
• Coverage Options: As one of the market leaders, Progressive offers a wider variety of car insurance coverages beyond the standard six, including specialty coverages.
• Financial Strength: Progressive has a solid financial rating and reasonable customer satisfaction scores.

Cons:

• Rates: Progressive’s rates are generally higher compared to USAA, especially for certain demographics like military members.
• Customer Satisfaction: While customer service is reasonable, Progressive doesn’t match the consistently high satisfaction levels of USAA.

USAA

Pros:

• Affordability: USAA consistently provides cheaper car insurance rates compared to Progressive, especially for military members and their families.
• Exceptional Customer Service: USAA is renowned for its outstanding customer service, with high customer satisfaction ratings and prompt claims handling.
• Military Benefits: Unique benefits catered to military members, including discounted premiums, deployment-specific coverage, and overseas auto insurance.
• Financial Strength: USAA holds the highest financial rating (A++) from A.M. Best, indicating superior financial stability.
• Wide Range of Discounts: USAA offers a total of 12 car insurance discounts, with significant savings for young drivers and deployed members.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: USAA is exclusively available to military members and their immediate families, limiting its accessibility to the general public.
• Less Competitive Discounts: While USAA provides numerous discounts, some of Progressive’s offerings, like the 50% paperless discount, may be more competitive.

USAA – The Definitive Choice

In the ever-evolving landscape of car insurance, choosing the right provider involves a meticulous examination of rates, coverage options, discounts, and overall customer satisfaction. Our in-depth analysis of Progressive and USAA, two stalwarts in the industry, aims to guide you in making an informed decision. After a thorough analysis, it is our expert opinion that USAA stands out as the definitive choice.

Rates and Affordability: When it comes to the critical factor of affordability, USAA emerges as the clear winner. With rates consistently lower than Progressive, especially for military members and their families, USAA demonstrates a commitment to providing cost-effective coverage. The affordability factor alone positions USAA as a top choice for those seeking substantial savings without compromising on service.

Coverage, Discounts, and Innovation: While Progressive offers innovative programs like Snapshot and a variety of discounts, USAA competes strongly with a wide range of discounts tailored to different demographics, including significant savings for young drivers. Progressive’s innovative approach is commendable, but USAA’s comprehensive coverage options and competitive discounts make it a formidable contender.

Customer Service and Satisfaction: Customer service is a pivotal aspect of the insurance experience. USAA stands out with its exceptional customer service, earning consistently high satisfaction ratings. The prompt and hassle-free claims handling contributes to USAA’s reputation for putting customers first. Progressive, while offering reasonable service, falls short of matching the stellar performance of USAA in this crucial category.

Military Benefits and Accessibility: USAA’s exclusive dedication to military members and their immediate families provides unique benefits tailored to their needs. While this limits accessibility to the general public, it establishes USAA as the go-to choice for military personnel seeking specialized coverage and support.

Financial Strength: Both companies exhibit strong financial stability, but USAA’s A++ rating from A.M. Best places it at the top. The superior financial strength ensures that USAA is well-equipped to fulfill its obligations and provide long-term stability for policyholders.

While Progressive offers innovation and diverse coverage, USAA’s holistic approach to affordability, service, and specialized benefits positions it as the unequivocal choice for those seeking the best in car insurance.

Is Progressive or USAA Car Insurance Cheaper Based on age?

The older we get, the more driving experience we have. This is why car insurance companies use age as one of the most influential factors in determining your car insurance rates.

It’s legal to base car insurance rates on marital status and gender in most states; however, some have outlawed it. Let’s compare Progressive vs. USAA car insurance rates based on age, gender, and marital status.

Progressive vs. USAA Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Age, Gender, and Marital Status

USAA insurance rates are 28% cheaper than Progressive car insurance rates for drivers 25 and older.

Coming in at 44% cheaper than Progressive, USAA is the better choice if you have a teen driver on your policy.

If you want a concentrated view of both companies, check out our Progressive insurance review and USAA insurance review for more details.

Is Progressive or USAA Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Driving Record?

Speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs on your driving record will raise your car insurance rates no matter what company you pick because you become a higher-risk driver.

Look below to compare affordable Progressive vs. USAA car insurance quotes.

Progressive vs. USAA Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

In general, USAA has cheaper car insurance rates than Progressive for drivers with any type of driving record.

However, USAA is less punitive with customers if they cause an accident.

If you cause an accident while with USAA, expect your rates to increase by 30%. Getting a speeding ticket will increase your USAA car insurance rates by 13%, and if you get a DUI your rates will increase by more than 80%.

But, if you cause an accident while with Progressive, your rates will increase by 41%, which is more than how much USAA will increase your rates (30%).

Strangely, Progressive’s rates increase more for causing an accident than getting a DUI. If you get a DUI with Progressive, expect your rates to increase by only 17% compared to USAA’s 81%.

Is Progressive or USAA Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Credit Score?

A good credit score can drop in a matter of months if you experience some type of financial trauma such as medical debt or going through a divorce.

In most states it is legal for car insurance companies to base rates on your credit score; however, some are outlawing this along with basing rates on gender and marital status.

Based on the assumption that those with higher credit scores are more responsible and overall safer drivers are less likely to file a claim, car insurance companies justify using your credit score to determine your rates.

Let’s take a look at how Progressive and USAA address rates for drivers with low credit scores.

Progressive vs. USAA Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Credit History

Again, USAA comes in cheaper than Progressive if you have bad credit.

If your credit score tanks while with USAA, expect to pay more than twice as much as drivers with good credit. Progressive increases rates by less than a third as compared to drivers with good credit.

Hopefully, if you have bad credit, you live in a state that has outlawed this practice.

Does Progressive or USAA Have Better Car Insurance Discounts?

Car insurance company discounts vary widely and are usually based on a company’s values and philosophy. That’s why it pays to shop around, especially if you have a bad driving record or low credit score. Discounts can help offset high rates.

Progressive vs. USAA Car Insurance Discounts

When comparing all discounts that the companies offer, Progressive has a total of eight car insurance discounts while USAA has 12 discounts.

USAA’s best car insurance discounts are 75% for young drivers and 90% for keeping your car in a garage while deployed.

Even though USAA has cheaper rates, Progressive has some competitive discounts.

Progressive seems to be very environmentally conscious; its highest discount (50%) is for going paperless. Other notable Progressive car insurance discounts are for being a safe driver (31%) and using its driving device or driving app (20%).

You may find that discounts for you are better with Progressive. USAA discounts can also stack up in your favor. This is why comparing car insurance quotes is so important.

What Types of Car Insurance Coverages are Offered by Progressive and USAA?

Since both Progressive and USAA are two of the 10 companies that make up the most of the market share, they have the means to offer a wider variety of car insurance coverages that go beyond the standard six coverages which are listed below.

Be sure you understand the various car insurance coverage types before purchasing each one:

• Liability car insurance coverage – bodily injury and property damage
• Comprehensive car insurance coverage
• Collision car insurance coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured car insurance coverage
• Medical Payments (MedPay) car insurance coverage – particularly important in states that require no-fault car insurance
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) car insurance coverage

Be sure to take a closer look at any specialty coverages such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, guaranteed auto protection (GAP), mechanical breakdown, and insurance for recreational vehicles such as ATVs or boats.

Read more:

• How does the car insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Progressive?
• How long does it typically take for Progressive to process a car insurance claim?
• How long does it typically take for USAA to process a car insurance claim?

Does Progressive or USAA Have Better Car Insurance Mobile Apps?

Usage-based car insurance has become an individualized trend in the last decade or so, and all of the bigger car insurance companies have a driving app that uses your mobile phone or a device installed into your car.

Large car insurance companies also provide a more general app to enable you to view your policy, make changes, and pay your bill. Usually, your Progressive insurance login will work for access to your policy with Progressive.

For USAA member’s login, the same password should work with both the general app and the driving app.

Progressive vs. USAA Car Insurance Effortless Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim

Progressive and USAA both offer various methods for filing insurance claims, ensuring flexibility for their customers. You can conveniently file a claim online, over the phone, or through mobile apps provided by these companies. This ease of access makes it convenient for policyholders to report incidents and initiate the claims process.

Average Claim Processing Time

While the specific claim processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and other factors, it’s important to note that both Progressive and USAA have established processes to handle claims efficiently. They aim to provide prompt service to their customers to ensure a smooth claims experience.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback plays a crucial role in evaluating an insurance company’s performance in handling claims. Both Progressive and USAA have received reviews and ratings regarding their claim resolutions and payout processes.

It’s advisable to explore customer reviews and consider the experiences of policyholders to gauge the level of satisfaction with the claim outcomes provided by these insurers.

Read more: How does USAA handle claims involving hit-and-run accidents?

Unveiling Cutting-Edge Digital and Technological Features by Progressive vs. USAA Car Insurance

Mobile App Features and Functionality

In today’s digital age, mobile apps have become essential tools for managing insurance policies. Both Progressive and USAA offer mobile apps that provide policyholders with convenient access to their accounts.

These apps typically allow users to view policy details, make payments, and even file claims directly from their mobile devices. Exploring the features and functionality of these apps can help you determine which insurer aligns with your digital preferences.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Effective online account management is crucial for policyholders who prefer to handle their insurance matters through web-based platforms. Progressive and USAA offer online account management capabilities that allow customers to access policy documents, update personal information, and review billing statements.

Evaluating the user-friendliness and convenience of these online account management systems can assist you in making an informed decision.

Digital Tools and Resources

Digital tools and resources provided by insurance companies can enhance the overall customer experience. Progressive and USAA may offer educational resources, insurance calculators, and other digital tools to help policyholders better understand their coverage options and make informed decisions.

Exploring these resources can provide valuable insights into the level of support and information each insurer offers to its customers.

How Do Progressive and USAA Car Insurance Compare in Financial Strength and Customer Satisfaction?

Buying car insurance is a big financial responsibility, so you want to make sure you are choosing the right company that will be there for you when you need it.

A company’s financial strength, customer satisfaction with the claims process, and customer complaints should be examined before you make your decision.

The following three agencies provide insight into these factors:

A.M. Best scores companies based on their ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations, such as balancing premiums collected and claims paid. The highest score A.M. Best awards is Superior A++.

Consumer Reports collects annual data from its subscribers regarding customer satisfaction of the Progressive claims process and the USAA claims process, step by step. In their 2017 survey, 27 insurance companies were rated, and scores ranged between 86 to 96.

And the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint ratio based on the total number of customers against the total number of complaints. In 2017, the national average complaint ratio was 1. The lower the ratio, the better.

You may be wondering, “Is USAA and Progressive the same company?” The answer is no, and that’s because both companies have different ratings from these third-party agencies.

Should you buy Progressive vs. USAA car insurance rates? Let’s take a closer look at external ratings for Progressive and USAA.

Progressive vs. USAA Company Ratings

Progressive and USAA are on top of things when it comes to external financial rating agencies. In fact, USAA holds the highest score from A.M. Best.

USAA has one of the best reviews of customer satisfaction through the claims process, but Progressive customer service is still fairly good hovering around the same score as most other car insurance companies. Both USAA and Progressive have reasonable complaint ratios.

Ready to buy car insurance? Now that you’ve finished this Progressive vs. USAA review, use our free comparison tool to get quotes from multiple companies in your area.