I’ve had mixed results with both, honestly. With Geico, I had to wait almost two hours for a tow once, but Progressive wasn’t much better—driver showed up but didn’t have the right equipment. Now I keep a jump starter and a tire kit in the trunk just in case. If you’re leaning toward Progressive, maybe check if they use local contractors in your area? Sometimes it’s just luck of the draw.
Now I keep a jump starter and a tire kit in the trunk just in case.
Honestly, that’s probably the smartest move anyone can make, regardless of which company you pick. Roadside assistance is hit-or-miss everywhere, especially in NY where traffic and contractor coverage can be unpredictable.
- Both Geico and Progressive contract out roadside services, so wait times and equipment issues can happen with either.
- If you’re comparing them, check:
- Response time averages in your zip code (sometimes agents will share this if you ask).
- What’s actually covered—some plans only cover a limited number of tows or miles.
- Whether they offer app-based tracking for service calls (makes a difference when you’re stuck).
- Anecdotally, I’ve seen clients get faster help from AAA, but that’s another membership fee.
At the end of the day, “luck of the draw” really sums it up. Having your own gear in the trunk is just practical. Insurance roadside is more of a backup than a primary plan, at least from what I’ve seen.
- Whether they offer app-based tracking for service calls (makes a difference when you’re stuck).
Couldn’t agree more with “Insurance roadside is more of a backup than a primary plan.” In my experience, both Geico and Progressive have similar limitations—sometimes the tow truck shows up in 30 minutes, other times it’s closer to two hours. I’ve had a flat in Manhattan and ended up fixing it myself because the wait was just too long. Keeping your own jump starter and tire kit isn’t just smart, it’s almost necessary if you drive anything even halfway nice around here. The app tracking is handy, but not a magic fix.
- Couldn’t agree more about the wait times. Both Geico and Progressive roadside are a gamble, especially in NYC. I’ve had a dead battery in Queens and watched the app “track” my driver as he circled the block three times before finally calling me for directions. The app’s nice for knowing you’re not forgotten, but it doesn’t really make them move faster.
- DIY kits are a must. I keep a portable air compressor and one of those lithium jump starters in the trunk. Not just for me—helped a neighbor out last winter when his car wouldn’t start and roadside said “90 minutes, maybe longer.” If you drive at odd hours or in less busy parts of Brooklyn, waiting just isn’t realistic.
- One thing I’ve noticed: Geico’s app is a little cleaner, but Progressive’s call center folks have been more helpful when things go sideways. Not a huge difference, just a vibe I’ve gotten after a few breakdowns.
- Both companies seem to contract out to the same local tow outfits anyway. Sometimes you get lucky and the guy’s nearby, sometimes you’re at the mercy of NYC traffic and dispatch priorities. No real way around that.
- Honestly, if you rely on roadside for anything urgent—like being stuck on the BQE during rush hour—good luck. Insurance roadside is fine for “not in a hurry” situations, but if you need fast help, AAA or even a local towing membership might be worth it.
- Last thing: check your policy on how many miles they’ll tow for free. Both have limits and upcharges if you’re not paying attention. Learned that one the hard way after a breakdown in Staten Island... wasn’t cheap.
Bottom line, neither is perfect for NYC driving. The app tracking is better than nothing, but having your own gear and backup plan is just part of living here.
Honestly, I’d push back a bit on the “no real way around that” point:
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Both companies seem to contract out to the same local tow outfits anyway. Sometimes you get lucky and the guy’s nearby, sometimes you’re at the mercy of NYC traffic and dispatch priorities. No real way around that.
I’ve actually had better luck with Progressive’s premium roadside add-on (the one with higher coverage limits and priority dispatch). It’s not perfect, but my wait times dropped from 2+ hours to under 45 minutes twice last year in Manhattan. Not saying it’s magic, but if you’re willing to pay a little more, there *are* tiers that seem to move you up the queue.
Also, for anyone comparing: Geico’s base roadside doesn’t cover winching or off-road pulls, which bit me once in a snowy parking lot. That stuff’s buried in the fine print... worth double-checking before you pick.