Yeah, the “preferred shop” dance is a headache. I had a similar run-in with Geico after a fender bender—shop wanted to patch things up with zip ties and call it a day. Ended up pushing back and getting a better result, but it took way more effort than it should’ve. Progressive did seem a bit more flexible when I switched, but their rates crept up after a year. Guess it’s always a trade-off: hassle now or higher premiums later. Insurance really is a necessary evil...
“shop wanted to patch things up with zip ties and call it a day”
That’s wild—zip ties? I had a similar vibe with Geico after my first accident. Their “preferred” shop tried to use off-brand parts and didn’t even paint match right. Had to argue for OEM parts, which felt like pulling teeth.
- Geico: Cheaper at first, but the claims process was a pain. Felt like they were always trying to cut corners.
- Progressive: Switched last year. Claims went smoother, but yeah, rates jumped at renewal. Not by a ton, but enough to notice.
- Both: Customer service is hit or miss depending on who you get on the phone.
Honestly, it feels like whichever company you pick, you’re either fighting for decent repairs or paying more down the line. Insurance is just one of those things where you never really “win,” you just lose less...
Honestly, the whole zip tie thing makes me nervous—especially if you’re driving something that’s not cheap to fix. Has anyone here actually had luck getting a luxury car properly repaired through either Geico or Progressive? I keep hearing horror stories about aftermarket parts and shoddy paint jobs. Is it just a matter of finding the right shop, or do these companies really push back on OEM everything? I’m always worried about diminished value too... does either company handle that any better?
I hear you on the zip tie thing—nothing like seeing your bumper held together with plastic and hoping for the best. I’ve had Progressive for years, but thankfully haven’t had to test them with anything fancier than a Honda. I do wonder if it’s just luck of the draw with the repair shop, or if the insurance company really makes that much of a difference. Has anyone actually managed to get OEM parts approved without a fight? Or is it always a battle?
I do wonder if it’s just luck of the draw with the repair shop, or if the insurance company really makes that much of a difference.
In my experience, it’s a bit of both. I had Geico for a while and when my Camry got rear-ended, they pushed hard for aftermarket parts. I had to go back and forth with them and the shop to get OEM approved—definitely not automatic. Progressive wasn’t much different, honestly. Sometimes the shop helps you out, sometimes you’re on your own. It’s rarely a smooth ride, but persistence pays off.
