stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

I recently looked into Geico's accident forgiveness myself, and from what I recall, their policy is pretty similar - usually kicks in after a certain period without incidents. But the specifics can vary depending on your driving history and coverage level.

"those little dings add up fast."

Definitely true. Had a client once who thought minor parking scrapes wouldn't count against him...until renewal time rolled around. Always worth clarifying exactly what's covered under "forgiveness," especially in NYC where parking feels like bumper cars half the time.

"Always worth clarifying exactly what's covered under 'forgiveness,' especially in NYC where parking feels like bumper cars half the time."

Yeah, but honestly, I'm not convinced accident forgiveness is even worth it in NYC. With how aggressive insurers are about hiking rates after minor incidents, it feels like you're paying extra just to avoid a penalty that shouldn't be there in the first place. Maybe better off investing in a dashcam or parking sensors instead...at least those actually help prevent the dings.

I get the skepticism about accident forgiveness, especially in NYC. A few years back, I had my '68 Mustang parked on a side street in Brooklyn - thought it was safe enough - but came back to find a pretty nasty scrape along the rear quarter panel. Insurance called it an "at-fault" incident even though I wasn't even there (go figure). My premium shot up, and the forgiveness I'd paid extra for didn't even cover that scenario - turns out it only applied to actual collisions while driving.

Since then, I've gone with Progressive and invested in a solid dashcam and proximity sensors. Honestly, those have been way more helpful. The dashcam footage even saved me once when someone backed into me at a red light and tried blaming me. Insurance companies can be tricky with their fine print, so I'd definitely double-check exactly what's covered before paying extra for forgiveness. In my experience, prevention beats forgiveness any day...especially when you're dealing with classic cars or anything you really care about.

Can totally relate about the dashcam saving the day...I mean, NYC driving can be like a Mad Max movie sometimes. I'm still new to this whole insurance thing (student driver here, pray for me), but I've heard similar stories from friends. Accident forgiveness always sounded too good to be true - like, they'll forgive you but only if you crash exactly at 2:37 pm on a Tuesday, lol.

I've been leaning towards Progressive too, mostly because their app seems super straightforward and I heard their customer service isn't too painful. Plus, Geico commercials are funny, but funny doesn't exactly help when you're stuck arguing about who's fault a fender bender was.

Anyway, thanks for the heads-up about the fine print. Guess I'll be investing in a dashcam sooner rather than later...and maybe some bubble wrap for my car.

Dashcams are definitely worth it, especially around here. I've had mine for about two years now, and even though I haven't needed it for insurance yet (knock on wood), it's already helped me clear up a parking ticket dispute. Progressive's app is pretty user-friendly, I'll give them that, but have you checked out how each company handles claims specifically in NY? I ask because my cousin had Geico and said their claims process was surprisingly smooth after a minor accident in Brooklyn. Progressive might have the better app, but sometimes the ease of filing a claim and getting reimbursed matters more than the interface.

Also, have you looked into how each handles roadside assistance? NYC potholes are no joke, and I've used roadside help more times than I'd like to admit. Might be worth comparing that too before you commit.

"Progressive might have the better app, but sometimes the ease of filing a claim and getting reimbursed matters more than the interface."

Fair point, but how reliable is Geico's customer support when things get complicated? I've heard mixed reviews - smooth for minor stuff, sure, but what happens if it's something more serious or expensive? Also, roadside assistance sounds good on paper, but from experience, luxury dealerships often have their own roadside programs that are way faster in NYC traffic. Might wanna double-check if insurance roadside is even worth paying extra for...

Good points about roadside assistance, especially in NYC - dealership programs usually have quicker response times here. One thing I'd add is to check how each company handles rental car coverage during repairs. Had a client recently whose Geico policy only covered a compact rental, and he was stuck paying extra for something bigger. Might be worth clarifying exactly what's included in rental reimbursement before deciding. Has anyone compared this aspect between Progressive and Geico?

"Had a client recently whose Geico policy only covered a compact rental, and he was stuck paying extra for something bigger."

That's actually a really good point - I hadn't even thought about rental car size restrictions. I commute daily into Manhattan, and honestly, the idea of squeezing my family into a tiny compact rental for more than a day or two sounds like a nightmare. I haven't directly compared Progressive and Geico on this yet, but now I'm curious. A friend of mine had Progressive last year and mentioned something about them being pretty flexible with rental options, but I don't remember the specifics. Might be worth double-checking their fine print.

Also, does anyone know if either company lets you upgrade your rental coverage easily mid-policy? Seems like something you'd want to adjust if your situation changes (like having kids or needing more cargo space). Just thinking out loud here...

That's a good catch about rental sizes - I ran into something similar last summer. Had Geico at the time, and when our SUV was in the shop, they only covered a compact. Ended up paying extra for an upgrade because no way was my family fitting comfortably in a tiny sedan for a week-long road trip. Switched to Progressive recently, and while I haven't tested their rental coverage yet (knock on wood...), their policy wording seemed more flexible. Might wanna dig into that before deciding.

- Had a similar headache with Geico last year - my Audi went in for repairs, and they offered me a tiny hatchback. Picture me, 6'2", squeezing into that clown car every morning...
- Progressive's wording does seem better, but anyone actually tested their rental coverage yet?

"Progressive's wording does seem better, but anyone actually tested their rental coverage yet?"

Funny you mention that - I haven't personally tested Progressive's rental coverage, but my brother-in-law had them last winter. He ended up with a decent midsize sedan, no clown car situation at least. Still, wording and reality aren't always the same... anyone else have firsthand experience?

I'm leaning toward Geico myself, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Progressive's wording does sound reassuring, but like you said... wording isn't everything. Has anyone dealt with Geico's rental coverage in NY? Curious if they're any better.

I had Geico rental coverage last year after a minor accident in Brooklyn. Honestly, it was pretty smooth - no headaches or surprises. Progressive might sound reassuring, but Geico actually delivered when I needed it... you're probably safe leaning that way.

Had Geico a couple years back when I was living in Queens. Never had to use the rental coverage (thankfully), but when my side mirror got clipped by a delivery guy on a scooter (classic NYC moment...), Geico handled it pretty painlessly. Progressive always seems tempting with their commercials and all, but Geico's prices were consistently lower for me. Honestly, saving a few bucks each month feels like winning a tiny lottery - I'll take it.

I've been leaning toward Progressive myself, mostly because their app looks pretty user-friendly and I like the idea of snapshot discounts. But hearing your experience with Geico makes me reconsider a bit. Did you ever try comparing their customer service response times? I mean, price is obviously important, but if something happens (like your scooter incident, lol), I'd want to know I'm not stuck waiting on hold forever. Curious if anyone else has noticed a significant difference between the two on that front.

I've had experience with both Progressive and Geico over the years, and honestly, customer service-wise, they're pretty close. I had a minor fender-bender a couple years back while with Progressive, and their response was quick and professional - no long waits or frustrating transfers. Geico was solid too when I needed roadside assistance last winter; they picked up fast and got someone out to me within an hour. I'd say you're safe either way, but if the app and discounts appeal to you, Progressive might edge it out slightly.

"I'd say you're safe either way, but if the app and discounts appeal to you, Progressive might edge it out slightly."

Pretty much agree with this take. I've bounced between Geico and Progressive myself, and honestly, they're both solid choices. A few quick thoughts from my own experience:

- Customer service: Like you mentioned, both have been pretty responsive for me too. Had a minor claim with Geico about three years ago (nothing major, just a cracked windshield), and they handled it smoothly. Progressive was equally efficient when I had to update my policy after buying another car.

- Classic cars: One thing I'd add, though - if you're into classic or vintage cars, neither Geico nor Progressive has really impressed me with their specialized coverage options. I've found that dedicated classic car insurers (like Hagerty or Grundy) often provide better value and more tailored coverage. Might not matter if you're just insuring a daily driver, but something to keep in mind if you ever pick up an older car.

- Discounts and apps: Progressive's Snapshot discount actually worked out decently for me, but I've heard mixed reviews from friends. Some say it's too sensitive and penalizes them for normal driving habits. Geico's app is straightforward but nothing special - does the job, but no standout features.

- Pricing: In NY specifically, I've noticed Geico tends to be slightly cheaper for me, but obviously YMMV depending on your exact location and driving record. Definitely worth running quotes from both to see how they stack up.

Overall, you're probably fine either way, but if you're looking at long-term coverage or have any unique vehicle situations, might be worth digging a bit deeper into specialized options. Curious if anyone else here has had a different experience with specialized coverage in NY...

As someone who's had a few tickets (okay, maybe more than a few...), Progressive's Snapshot wasn't great for me.

"Some say it's too sensitive and penalizes them for normal driving habits."

Had a similar experience with Snapshot myself. I mean, I'm not exactly a speed demon, but it felt like every little tap on the brakes was being scrutinized.

"felt like it was judging every little thing."

"Exactly how I felt - like having a backseat driver constantly shaking their head at me."

Haha, that's spot-on. I tried Snapshot a couple years back, and honestly, it stressed me out more than anything. Felt like I was driving with my grandma in the passenger seat again, silently judging every move. I get the idea behind it - rewarding safe driving - but in practice, it just made me overly cautious and anxious about every little brake tap or acceleration.

That said, I do have a friend who swears by it. She drives mostly short distances around town, rarely hits highways, and Snapshot actually saved her a decent chunk. So I guess it really depends on your driving habits and comfort level with being monitored.

Personally, Geico ended up being cheaper for me too, without the added stress of feeling watched. If Snapshot's making you uneasy, you're definitely not alone there.