Bundling actually saved me a decent chunk when I added renters to my Progressive policy, but it really depends on your zip code and what you’re insuring. Geico’s tech is better, but if it flakes out when you need it most, that’s a problem. I’ve noticed Progressive’s rates seem to jump less randomly for me, but their “discounts” can be confusing. Honestly, I keep paper cards in my glovebox now—tech is great until it isn’t.
Geico’s tech is better, but if it flakes out when you need it most, that’s a problem.
That’s exactly why I don’t trust the apps alone. If you get pulled over or in a fender bender and your phone’s dead, you’re stuck. I’ve had Progressive for years, and while their discounts are kind of a mystery sometimes, at least their rate hikes haven’t blindsided me. Geico quoted me lower once, but then jacked it up at renewal. Anyone else notice that? Paper cards in the glovebox are just common sense.
Paper cards in the glovebox are a must. Tech is great until it isn’t—phones die, apps crash, cell service drops out. I’ve seen people scrambling at the side of the road trying to pull up their insurance info while a cop waits. Not worth the stress.
- Geico’s tech is slick, but I’ve had the same issue with their rates. Lowball you at first, then hike it up after six months or a year. Feels like bait-and-switch.
- Progressive’s discounts are confusing, but at least they’re more upfront about rate changes. I’d rather deal with a steady increase than get blindsided.
- Had both in NY. Geico was cheaper for me initially, but after two renewals Progressive ended up being less expensive overall.
- Customer service: Geico’s app is better, but Progressive’s phone reps actually helped me when I had a claim. That matters more than an app when you’re standing on the shoulder after an accident.
I keep both digital and paper proof of insurance just in case. Not trusting my luck to a battery or signal.
If you’re worried about getting stuck, don’t rely on just your phone. Print out your ID cards every renewal and toss them in the glovebox. Takes two minutes and saves a headache later.
Honestly, neither company is perfect—just pick the one that won’t surprise you with random fees or hikes. And yeah, always have backup for your insurance info... learned that one the hard way during a blackout last summer when my phone was dead and I needed to show proof for a rental car. Never again.
Honestly, I get the whole “paper backup” thing, but I’ve actually had more issues with glovebox cards being out of date than my phone failing me. Maybe I’m just lucky with batteries, but I always forget to swap out the old card when my policy renews. Had a cop point out my expired card once, but the app had the current one. Guess it depends on your habits.
On the Geico vs Progressive front, I’ve seen some folks get rate hikes with both, but sometimes it’s just NY being NY—crazy premiums all around. I’ve had clients save a chunk by bundling renters or homeowners with auto, so sometimes it’s worth checking if either company gives you a better deal that way. The “steady increase” thing with Progressive is real, but at least you see it coming. Geico’s tech is nice, but I’d rather have a human help me when things go sideways.
I’m the same way with forgetting to swap out the paper card—mine’s usually buried under old receipts and gas station napkins. Never had my phone fail me either, but I do get nervous about it dying on a long trip. As for Geico vs Progressive, I bounced between both over the years. Geico’s app is slick, but when my car got rear-ended, I actually got a real person from Progressive on the line fast. Didn’t love the rate hike later, though... NY insurance is just wild sometimes.
