Man, I feel this in my soul. Every time I get my renewal notice, I have to resist the urge to just start biking everywhere. NY insurance is like paying rent for your car’s imaginary problems. I had Geico for a while—lured in by that “low” rate, then suddenly it’s like, “Oh, you want to actually use your insurance? That’ll be extra.” Progressive’s website once froze on me mid-quote and I swear it was a sign from the universe.
The rental cap thing is wild. My cousin got stuck with a rental Corolla for three weeks after a fender bender and ended up paying more for the rental than the repair. Now he jokes his next car will just be a bus pass.
Honestly, I stick with basic coverage too and just cross my fingers. If disaster strikes, maybe it’s fate telling me to finally try out Citi Bike or see if my legs remember how to walk more than two blocks. Insurance feels like one of those things where you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t... but at least you get a lizard or a box as your mascot.
NY insurance is like paying rent for your car’s imaginary problems.
That’s honestly the best way I’ve heard it put. I get why people just stick with basic coverage, but I always worry about those “what if” moments. Have you ever actually had to file a claim with either Geico or Progressive? Curious if the hassle is as bad as the price.
Had to process claims for both, and honestly, neither is a total nightmare, but it depends on the situation. Geico tends to move a bit faster with simple stuff, but Progressive is solid if things get complicated. Paperwork is annoying everywhere, but it’s not like pulling teeth. Just keep your docs handy and don’t expect miracles, and you’ll get through it. NY insurance is wild, though... sometimes feels like you’re paying for peace of mind more than anything real.
NY insurance is wild, though... sometimes feels like you’re paying for peace of mind more than anything real.
That line really hits home. After three decades driving around NY, I’ve learned to just accept the high premiums as the cost of living here. I’ve had policies with both Geico and Progressive over the years—switched back and forth depending on rates and the occasional headache.
In my experience, Geico’s online tools are a bit smoother, especially for minor stuff like windshield claims or fender benders. Progressive was actually better when I had a more complicated claim involving another driver’s insurance. Their adjuster was more responsive, which surprised me. Honestly, paperwork is just part of the deal, but if you keep your accident reports and photos handy, it speeds things up a lot.
I do think both companies are pretty comparable overall. I wouldn’t say either one is perfect, but I’ve never had a truly awful experience. NY insurance definitely feels like a safety net you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s at least somewhat reassuring knowing both options are solid.
NY insurance definitely feels like a safety net you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s at least somewhat reassuring knowing both options are solid.
Curious if either company ever gave you any grief about insuring an older or classic car? I’ve heard some insurers can be picky about age or modifications. Ever run into that, or are they pretty chill as long as it’s street legal?
