Honestly, I hear you on the paperwork.
—been there, done that, and I swear I aged a year just filling out forms. But I’m not sure it’s always worth it. My cousin swears by his “guy” at the local shop, but when I tried that route, Geico dragged their feet on payment and I ended up paying out of pocket for weeks. Not everyone has the patience for that.last time I went outside Geico’s list, it felt like I was applying for a mortgage just to get my bumper fixed
I get wanting your own mechanic, but sometimes I wonder if it’s just easier to stick with the insurance-approved places, even if they’re not your first choice. Anyone actually had a good experience with Progressive’s network in NY? I’m tempted to switch, but I don’t want to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
Honestly, I hear you on the paperwork.
Never thought I’d say this, but “applying for a mortgage just to get my bumper fixed” is painfully accurate. I tried Progressive’s network in NY after a fender bender last year, and honestly, it wasn’t terrible—paperwork was still a pain, but the shop had my car back quicker than I expected. Not perfect, but at least I didn’t have to chase down payments or wait forever. I guess it depends on the shop, but I’d take slightly bland service over weeks of limbo any day. Anyone else notice these “approved” shops always have burnt coffee in the waiting room, though?
Burnt coffee is basically a rite of passage at those shops, right? I’ve done the Geico route in NY too, and it’s pretty much the same flavor of paperwork headache. My trick: bring your own coffee, and a book, just in case they “find something else” under the hood. At least with the approved shops, you don’t have to haggle over every little thing—just gotta survive the waiting room.
That burnt coffee is a whole mood, honestly. I’ve bounced between Geico and Progressive in NY, and honestly, the paperwork circus feels about the same. I will say, Progressive’s app is a little less clunky for claims, but Geico’s roadside help has bailed me out more than once. Either way, I just budget for an extra hour at the shop... and yeah, bring snacks unless you want to risk those vending machine “mystery” chips.
Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out which one’s better for new drivers. I’ve heard Geico’s roadside is solid, but I’m kinda nervous about how they handle claims if you’re at fault—like, do they hike your rates a ton? Progressive’s app does look easier, but I worry more about how fast they actually respond if you’re stuck somewhere. Anyone ever had to use their accident forgiveness or anything like that? I just want to avoid surprises if I mess up, you know?
