stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

That’s smart—paper trails are everything with insurance.

Totally agree, keeping records is a lifesaver. I’ve heard way too many stories about people getting the runaround because they didn’t have proof of what was said or promised. I’m curious though—when you say Geico was a hassle, was it just slow, or did they actually push back on your claim? I’ve only ever had to call Progressive for roadside stuff (locked my keys in the car... twice), and they were fine, but that’s not really the same as a claim after an accident.

I keep wondering if all these companies are basically the same once you actually need them, or if there’s a real difference. Some folks swear by Progressive’s customer service, but then you hear horror stories too. Maybe it just depends on who picks up the phone that day? Insurance feels like such a gamble sometimes.

Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing—if it’s just luck of the draw with who handles your claim. My cousin had Geico and said they were super slow, but didn’t outright deny anything. Meanwhile, a neighbor swears Progressive lowballed her after a fender bender. I guess it’s hard to know if one is really better until you’re in the thick of it. Anyone ever actually switch and notice a real difference, or is it just six of one, half a dozen of the other?

I’ve bounced between both, honestly. After a couple speeding tickets, my rates shot up and I switched from Geico to Progressive thinking it’d be a fresh start. Didn’t notice much difference except Progressive’s app was a bit easier to use. Claims-wise, both dragged their feet when I had minor accidents—felt like pulling teeth either way. Maybe it’s just NY in general? Hard to say if one’s really better unless you get lucky with a good rep handling your case.

Stuck Between Geico and Progressive in NY, Thoughts?

Honestly, you’re not imagining things with the claims process. NY’s a tough market—lots of regulation, high accident rates, and insurers aren’t exactly falling over themselves to pay out. From what I’ve seen, Geico and Progressive are pretty similar on the surface. Both love to advertise low rates, but once you get a couple tickets or a small fender bender, they start feeling less “budget-friendly.” The apps are handy, sure, but after a while it’s all just different colors and logos.

Had a client last year who switched from Geico to Progressive after a rate hike—very similar story to yours. She had a minor parking lot scrape, nothing major, but getting either company to move faster than molasses was impossible. They both wanted endless photos, statements… at one point she was convinced they’d lost her paperwork twice. In the end, it took almost three months to get paid out for something that should’ve been wrapped up in a week. Not sure if it’s incompetence or just how claims go in NY these days.

One thing I will say—occasionally you’ll get lucky and land a rep who actually cares and moves things along. But that’s pure luck of the draw. If your rates are close between the two, I’d honestly just pick whichever app or website annoys you less. At this point, they’re more alike than different for most folks.

If you ever find an insurer in NY that makes claims painless, let me know. Been hunting for that unicorn for years...

Honestly, you nailed it with this:

If your rates are close between the two, I’d honestly just pick whichever app or website annoys you less. At this point, they’re more alike than different for most folks.

As someone who drives kids around all week, I get super anxious about claims actually getting handled if something real happens. I wish there was a magic answer, but in NY, it feels like you’re always rolling the dice. The only thing that’s ever made a difference for me is keeping obsessive records—screenshots, emails, everything. It’s a pain, but it’s saved me more than once when they “misplaced” info.

You’re not being too picky or paranoid. If anything, being cautious is just smart these days. If you find a company that actually makes things easy, I’d be shocked... but until then, just go with the one that gives you fewer headaches day-to-day.