Honestly, I don’t totally trust any of the big insurance roadside services in NYC—traffic just kills their response times, like you said. I’ve got AAA, and while it’s not magic, they’ve actually shown up faster than Geico for me a couple times. Still, I never leave home without my own jump starter and inflator... learned that lesson the hard way too.
Stuck Between Geico And Progressive In NY, Thoughts?
Still, I never leave home without my own jump starter and inflator... learned that lesson the hard way too.
That right there is the move. I’ve had AAA for years, and while they’re not perfect, at least you know what you’re getting. Geico’s roadside left me hanging on the BQE during a July heatwave—two hours waiting, and when the tow finally showed up, the guy looked like he’d just rolled out of bed. Not ideal.
I’ve tried Progressive’s roadside too (switched for a year when they had a promo), and honestly, the difference wasn’t huge. Both seem to rely on the same local contractors, so if it’s rush hour or raining, you’re just stuck waiting. I kind of think NYC just eats up any promise of “fast” service—traffic, double-parked delivery trucks, you name it.
Carrying your own gear is a lifesaver. I learned after a dead battery in Astoria at 2am—no one’s coming fast at that hour. Now I keep one of those lithium jump starters in my trunk and a can of tire inflator. It’s not about not trusting the insurance, just knowing that sometimes you’re your own best backup.
If you’re picking between Geico and Progressive just for roadside, I wouldn’t put too much weight on it. Maybe look at what else they offer or who’s easier to deal with for claims. Roadside is just always a gamble here... but being prepared makes it a little less stressful.
Carrying your own gear is a lifesaver. I learned after a dead battery in Astoria at 2am—no one’s coming fast at that hour.
You’re not kidding about that. I once spent a solid hour on the side of the Cross Bronx with Progressive’s roadside “on the way”—which, as it turns out, means “eventually, maybe.” By the time help arrived, I’d already called my cousin, watched half a movie on my phone, and contemplated just abandoning the car and taking up cycling. The tow truck driver was nice enough but looked like he’d just woken up from a nap in the cab.
Honestly, between Geico and Progressive for roadside in NYC, it feels like picking which line at Trader Joe’s will move faster—there’s just no winning. Both seem to have their hands tied by the city’s chaos. I do give Geico a slight edge for customer service when dealing with claims (had to file one after someone tried parallel parking by feel... into my bumper), but for roadside? It’s all about lowering expectations.
I’ve started carrying one of those portable jump boxes too. They’re worth every penny, especially if you drive an older car or park on random streets overnight. Had to use mine last winter when my battery decided it had enough of Brooklyn mornings. No waiting around, no awkward small talk with tow truck drivers who clearly want to go back to bed.
If you’re set on picking between these two just for roadside perks, I’d say don’t sweat it too much. Like you said, “roadside is just always a gamble here.” Maybe focus more on who gives you less grief when something really goes wrong—or who won’t make you listen to elevator music for thirty minutes every time you call.
At this point, I trust my jump starter more than any hotline number printed on my insurance card...
Honestly, you nailed it with the Trader Joe’s line—there’s just no “fast lane” for roadside in NYC. I’ve had both Geico and Progressive, and neither one has ever gotten to me before I started questioning my life choices. If you’ve got points on your license or a less-than-perfect record (guilty here), both companies will nickel-and-dime you anyway. At this point, I’m convinced the only real difference is which app crashes less when you actually need it. The jump starter is clutch, but I’d add a tire inflator too—NYC potholes don’t care who you’re insured with.
Trader Joe’s parking lot is basically a microcosm of NYC driving chaos, so that comparison hits home. I’ve bounced between Geico and Progressive too, and honestly, the only time roadside showed up before I gave up was when I flagged down a random tow truck instead. One thing I learned the hard way: keep a plug-in tire inflator in your trunk. Last winter, I hit a crater on Atlantic Ave and had to wait 2 hours for help—never again. Insurance apps are just there to drain your phone battery while you wait, it seems.
