Good point about the smaller insurers—I've seen some decent roadside assistance packages, but yeah, they're definitely not all created equal. Had a client once who went with a smaller company because the premium was lower, but when she got a flat tire on the Taconic, the roadside assistance took forever to show up. She wasn't thrilled, to say the least...
Between Geico and Progressive, both are pretty solid in NY. Progressive tends to have a slight edge with their network of repair shops, but Geico's roadside assistance is usually reliable and straightforward. I'd lean toward whichever gives you better peace of mind—saving a few bucks isn't worth it if you're stuck waiting on the side of the road at night. Just my two cents.
Gotta say, roadside assistance is nice and all, but honestly, I wouldn't make that the deciding factor between Geico and Progressive. Here's why:
- Roadside assistance is handy, sure, but I've had AAA for years and it's never let me down. Flat tire, dead battery, locked keys in the trunk (don't ask)—AAA always showed up pretty fast. Plus, AAA membership comes with a bunch of random discounts at hotels, restaurants, and even auto parts stores. Can't complain about saving a few bucks on spark plugs or wiper blades.
- As someone who's into classic cars, I've found that insurance companies' repair networks don't always matter much anyway. A lot of us classic guys have our go-to mechanic or specialty shop we trust with our babies. Progressive's network might be solid, but if you're particular about who touches your car (like I am), you might not even use their recommended shops.
- Geico and Progressive are pretty close in terms of rates and customer service, but one thing to consider is how they handle claims. Had a buddy with Progressive who said their app and online claims process was super smooth. Geico's decent too, but I've heard mixed reviews from friends who've dealt with them after an accident—some smooth experiences, some headaches.
- Also worth mentioning: Hagerty. If you're driving something older or collectible, Hagerty specializes in classics and enthusiast vehicles. They understand the value of your ride better than most mainstream insurers. Their rates aren't always the cheapest, but their coverage and claims process are top-notch for vintage iron.
Bottom line, I'd say pick based on claims experience and overall customer satisfaction rather than roadside assistance alone. You can always supplement with AAA or another standalone roadside service. And if you're rolling around in anything remotely classic or collectible... definitely give Hagerty a look before pulling the trigger on one of the big guys.
Good points all around. As a new driver who's been digging into this stuff lately, I appreciate the heads-up on Hagerty—I hadn't even considered specialty insurers. Also, totally agree about not getting hung up on roadside assistance. AAA saved my butt already (battery died in the school parking lot... embarrassing). Claims handling seems way more important, especially for someone inexperienced like me who might actually need it someday. Thanks for laying it out clearly.
Have you compared their apps yet? I was leaning Progressive but heard Geico's app is way smoother for managing claims. Might matter more than you'd think, especially if you're new to this stuff...
Have you actually had to file a claim before? I've used Progressive for years, and the app was fine enough, but honestly when I had an accident last winter, smooth app or not, all I cared about was how quickly they handled things. Maybe focus more on claim turnaround times?
