stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

I get where you’re coming from -

“it’s not realistic for families”

Maybe it’s not fair, but I’d rather play it safe than end up with a gap in coverage...

I get what you mean about playing it safe, especially with rentals. But do you think the cap actually helps keep premiums down long-term, or does it just shift the cost somewhere else? Like, if more people end up paying out of pocket for bigger rentals, does that really solve the problem? I’ve always wondered if there’s a better way to balance family needs and overall risk.

I totally get wanting to avoid a gap - I'm in the same boat, just trying to keep costs down without risking too much. Honestly, I’m not sure the cap really helps in the long run either. It feels like you end up paying one way or another, especially if you need a bigger rental for family stuff. I wish there was a more flexible option that didn’t make you choose between coverage and affordability...

Honestly, I kinda see it differently. I went with higher coverage even though it costs more, just because the rental cap always felt like a gamble. Had a situation last year where my car was in the shop for weeks - if I’d stuck with the basic cap, I’d have been out of pocket a lot more. Not saying it’s perfect, but sometimes paying up front saves you stress later. The lack of flexibility is annoying though, totally agree there.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from - having higher coverage does save your butt when stuff hits the fan. But man, those premiums add up, especially in NY. I keep looking at my monthly bill and thinking, “Is this really worth it or am I just paying for peace of mind I’ll never use?” The rental cap thing is tricky though. Had a buddy who got stuck with a $900 rental bill because his shop took forever to get parts (classic). He was not thrilled.

I’m always torn between wanting to be covered for every possible disaster and just not wanting to fork over more cash than I have to. It’s like gambling either way, really. Sometimes I wonder if these companies just bank on us being afraid of worst-case scenarios.

Geico quoted me lower for basic coverage but started creeping up when I tried to add extras. Progressive felt more upfront, but their online system kept glitching on me. Not sure if that’s a red flag or just my luck with tech. Honestly, neither feels perfect and both have that “we gotcha” fine print... but maybe that’s just insurance in general.

I guess it comes down to how much risk you’re willing to stomach. For now, I’m sticking with the basics and crossing my fingers that my car doesn’t decide to fall apart at the worst possible moment. If it does, well, maybe I’ll finally get around to learning the bus schedule...

Man, I feel this in my soul. Every time I get my renewal notice, I have to resist the urge to just start biking everywhere. NY insurance is like paying rent for your car’s imaginary problems. I had Geico for a while - lured in by that “low” rate, then suddenly it’s like, “Oh, you want to actually use your insurance? That’ll be extra.” Progressive’s website once froze on me mid-quote and I swear it was a sign from the universe.

The rental cap thing is wild. My cousin got stuck with a rental Corolla for three weeks after a fender bender and ended up paying more for the rental than the repair. Now he jokes his next car will just be a bus pass.

Honestly, I stick with basic coverage too and just cross my fingers. If disaster strikes, maybe it’s fate telling me to finally try out Citi Bike or see if my legs remember how to walk more than two blocks. Insurance feels like one of those things where you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t... but at least you get a lizard or a box as your mascot.

NY insurance is like paying rent for your car’s imaginary problems.

That’s honestly the best way I’ve heard it put. I get why people just stick with basic coverage, but I always worry about those “what if” moments. Have you ever actually had to file a claim with either Geico or Progressive? Curious if the hassle is as bad as the price.

Had to process claims for both, and honestly, neither is a total nightmare, but it depends on the situation. Geico tends to move a bit faster with simple stuff, but Progressive is solid if things get complicated. Paperwork is annoying everywhere, but it’s not like pulling teeth. Just keep your docs handy and don’t expect miracles, and you’ll get through it. NY insurance is wild, though... sometimes feels like you’re paying for peace of mind more than anything real.

NY insurance is wild, though... sometimes feels like you’re paying for peace of mind more than anything real.

That line really hits home. After three decades driving around NY, I’ve learned to just accept the high premiums as the cost of living here. I’ve had policies with both Geico and Progressive over the years - switched back and forth depending on rates and the occasional headache.

In my experience, Geico’s online tools are a bit smoother, especially for minor stuff like windshield claims or fender benders. Progressive was actually better when I had a more complicated claim involving another driver’s insurance. Their adjuster was more responsive, which surprised me. Honestly, paperwork is just part of the deal, but if you keep your accident reports and photos handy, it speeds things up a lot.

I do think both companies are pretty comparable overall. I wouldn’t say either one is perfect, but I’ve never had a truly awful experience. NY insurance definitely feels like a safety net you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s at least somewhat reassuring knowing both options are solid.

NY insurance definitely feels like a safety net you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s at least somewhat reassuring knowing both options are solid.

Curious if either company ever gave you any grief about insuring an older or classic car? I’ve heard some insurers can be picky about age or modifications. Ever run into that, or are they pretty chill as long as it’s street legal?

I’ve actually been through this with Progressive, and they were surprisingly decent about it. My dad handed down his old ‘98 Camry to me a few years back - definitely not a classic, but it’s creeping up there in age. I was half-expecting a hassle, but as long as it passed inspection and I didn’t try to do anything wild to it (no tinted windows or aftermarket exhausts), they didn’t blink. They did ask for a couple extra photos, though, just to check the condition.

A buddy of mine tried to get his ‘70s Firebird on Geico, and that was a little trickier. They wanted to know if it was a daily driver or just for shows, and there were a bunch of questions about modifications. He ended up going with Hagerty for the classic coverage, but Geico still covered his regular car. I guess it depends on how “classic” you’re talking, and what you’re doing with the car.

I’ve always wondered if it’s more about the modifications than the age, honestly. Like, if you keep everything stock and just use it for regular driving, most companies seem pretty chill. But the second you start swapping engines or lowering the suspension, that’s when they get picky.

Have you ever tried to insure something that’s been heavily modified, or is it more just older cars you’re dealing with? I’m curious how strict they get if you’re honest about the changes.

I’ve only tried to insure older cars, nothing wild in terms of mods. But even then, Progressive wanted to know if I’d swapped out anything major. I think once you start messing with the engine or suspension, they get nervous about payouts. I’m always worried about rates going up if I’m too honest, but hiding stuff seems risky if you ever need to file a claim. Anyone else ever get hit with a surcharge for mods?

Never actually got a surcharge for mods, but I've seen it happen - especially with engine swaps or aftermarket turbos. Insurers get jumpy about anything that could change the car’s risk profile. Honestly, being upfront is safer. If you ever have to file a claim and they find out about undisclosed mods, they can deny coverage. Rates might go up, but hiding stuff can cost way more in the long run. Geico and Progressive both ask a lot of questions, but I’ve found Geico a bit less picky about minor changes.

Stuck Between Geico And Progressive In NY, Thoughts?

- This is my first time shopping for car insurance, and honestly, it feels like picking a starter Pokémon - except none of them come with cool powers, just paperwork and anxiety.
- I keep hearing horror stories about mods and insurance companies. Like you said:

If you ever have to file a claim and they find out about undisclosed mods, they can deny coverage.

I’m leaning Geico right now since they didn’t make me feel like a criminal for wanting my car to look decent. But if rates jump at renewal, I’ll probably end up doing this dance again...

Curious if anyone’s had them actually deny a claim over something minor? Or am I just being paranoid because this whole process is new to me?

- Been there with both in NY.
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Geico barely blinked at it.

Honestly, I’ve seen Geico shrug off way more than Progressive ever would. I get why people lean that way if they’ve got a few mods - Geico just doesn’t seem to care unless you’re doing something wild under the hood or making the car look like it belongs at SEMA. Progressive, on the other hand, can be picky about stuff that’s barely even a mod. Had a client once who got flagged for an aftermarket shift knob. No joke.

But here’s where I get skeptical: both companies have fine print that’ll bite you if you’re not upfront. Sure, they might not send someone out to inspect your ride unless there’s a claim, but when it comes time to pay out, they’ll dig through everything. Seen too many folks think “it’s just wheels” and then get stuck fighting over coverage later.

If you’re only running cosmetic stuff, odds are you’re fine either way - but man, keep those receipts and photos. And don’t assume because they didn’t ask, they don’t care. Insurance companies love loopholes when it saves them money... just saying.

Honestly, I’ve had Geico for years on my ‘72 Chevelle and they never blinked at the aftermarket wheels or even the custom exhaust. Progressive gave me a headache just trying to explain why I swapped out the steering wheel. But you nailed it - when there’s money on the line, both will comb through your policy like Sherlock Holmes. I keep a folder of receipts and photos just in case... learned that lesson the hard way after a fender bender. Better safe than sorry, right?

That’s actually super helpful to hear, thanks. I’ve been stressing about whether I need to document every little thing I change on my car - like, does a new stereo even matter? Guess it’s better to have too much proof than not enough, huh?

Guess it’s better to have too much proof than not enough, huh?

That’s definitely the safer route, especially with insurance companies - they love documentation. I wouldn’t stress too much about every minor tweak like a stereo, but if it’s something you’d want covered in case of theft or damage, a quick photo and note never hurts. I’ve kept a folder on my phone for years with pics of upgrades, just in case. It’s saved me a headache or two down the line.

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with “having too much proof.” Sometimes it just gives the adjuster more stuff to pick apart or question. Like, when I had to file a claim for my wife’s car, they nitpicked every accessory - even stuff that came with the car. I agree with

a quick photo and note never hurts