stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

Honestly, I’ve had the same headache with the OEM vs aftermarket parts. I drive a German sedan, and the last thing I want is some no-name mirror slapped on after a fender bender. I always wonder - has anyone actually had an insurer in NY cover OEM parts without tacking on a big premium? I get that aftermarket is cheaper, but with the tech in newer cars, it feels like a gamble.

Also, has anyone figured out if either Geico or Progressive is better when it comes to glass replacement? I’ve heard mixed things about how they handle recalibrating sensors and cameras after a windshield swap. It's wild how those details get buried in the policy. Do you guys ask about rental coverage limits too, or is that just my paranoia talking?

Rental coverage limits are definitely on my radar too, especially after getting stuck with a compact for a week when my SUV was in the shop. Has anyone actually had their sensors messed up after a glass replacement? I keep hearing horror stories about lane assist not working right after.

Has anyone actually had their sensors messed up after a glass replacement? I keep hearing horror stories about lane assist not working right after.

You’re not crazy for worrying about that. My buddy had his windshield replaced and the lane assist was totally off for weeks. Dealer said it needed recalibration, which wasn’t covered by insurance - total pain. Honestly, you’re smart to be thinking about this stuff now. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s just paranoia. These “little” issues can turn into big headaches fast, especially with all the tech in cars now.

- Had a similar issue after a windshield swap - my adaptive cruise went haywire until I got it recalibrated.
- Insurance (Progressive, in my case) only covered the glass, not the sensor work.
- Geico quoted me less for glass but their policy language was vague about sensor recalibration.
- Anyone actually get full coverage for both from either company? Or is it always a separate hassle?
- Wondering if it’s worth paying extra for OEM glass to avoid these tech headaches...

I had Geico for a while in NY - total pain trying to get them to explain what’s covered. They kept dodging the calibration question, just like you said. Ended up paying out of pocket for sensor work anyway. Honestly, OEM glass is pricey but might save you a headache down the road... especially with all these sensors glued everywhere now.

I’ve been trying to wrap my head around all this sensor and calibration stuff, especially since I’m about to pick my first policy. The whole “what’s covered” bit is so confusing - one agent says it’s included, another seems unsure, and I’m left reading the fine print like it’s a legal thriller. Did Progressive handle things any clearer for you? Or is it just as vague when it comes to tech-heavy repairs? I’m starting to think paying more upfront for OEM glass might be worth it, but I’d hate to overpay if there’s a way around it...

I hear you on the fine print - insurance policies are like a maze, especially with all the new tech in cars these days. Here’s my take, after a lot of back-and-forth with both Geico and Progressive (and a few headaches):

- Progressive’s wording on sensor recalibration and OEM glass is… not exactly crystal clear. I had to call twice and got two different answers. One agent said aftermarket glass was “standard,” and OEM was “sometimes covered if the car’s manufacturer requires it.” Another said it’s “case by case.” Not super reassuring.

- Geico wasn’t much better, but at least their online portal spelled out that OEM parts are extra unless your car is brand new or you pay for an add-on. Still, I found the calibration stuff buried in the policy docs.

- For modern cars with ADAS (lane keep, auto braking, etc.), you’re right to be cautious. Those sensors can get thrown off if you replace the windshield with anything but OEM, and recalibration isn’t always included in basic glass coverage.

- I ended up paying a bit more for a policy that specifically listed OEM glass and sensor recalibration as covered. It stings a little, but after seeing a friend’s insurance refuse to pay for recalibration (left him with a $400 bill), I figured it was worth it.

- If you’re leaning toward OEM, double-check if your car’s make *requires* it for safety features to work. Some insurers will only cover OEM if it’s a manufacturer requirement, not just a preference.

- Don’t trust the first answer from a phone rep. Ask for it in writing or find it in the policy docs. If they won’t put it in writing, that’s a red flag.

- If you don’t drive much or your car’s older, maybe not worth the extra cost. But if you’ve got a newer ride with all the gadgets, I’d err on the side of over-insuring. The cost of a bad repair (or a sensor that’s off by a few degrees) is way more than the premium difference.

Hope that helps. Insurance is one of those things where you only find out what’s missing when you need it... and by then, it’s too late.

Yeah, you nailed it - the fine print is a nightmare, especially once you get into the weeds with ADAS and all those sensors. I’ve run into the same “case by case” dance with Progressive, and it’s honestly exhausting trying to pin anyone down on specifics. There’s so much gray area around what’s “required” versus just “recommended” by the manufacturer, and that seems to be where the insurers wiggle out of covering OEM parts.

What surprised me is how quickly tech in even mid-range cars makes this stuff relevant. My last road trip, a rock chipped my windshield and suddenly I’m learning about camera recalibration costs I’d never thought about. Geico had a clearer add-on for OEM glass, but like you said, it’s buried unless you know what to look for.

I do think over-insuring makes sense if you’re clocking lots of miles or relying on those safety features. It’s not just about peace of mind - those repairs can get pricey fast. Still, I wish there was more transparency up front... feels like you need a law degree just to buy insurance now.

Yeah, the ADAS stuff is a real curveball. I’ve seen claims get hung up on whether recalibration is “necessary” or just “recommended,” and it’s honestly a gray area even for us. Ever notice how both Geico and Progressive love to use that language? Makes you wonder if they’re intentionally vague. I do think the OEM glass add-on is worth it, but only if you actually drive enough to justify the extra cost - otherwise, you might be paying for peace of mind more than anything else. The lack of transparency is wild though... sometimes I feel like the policy docs are written in code.

sometimes I feel like the policy docs are written in code.

Right? Reading those docs is like prepping for the SATs. I will say, I’ve had Geico try to dodge an ADAS recalibration claim before - had to push back with a shop estimate. OEM glass is nice, but yeah, if you’re barely driving, it’s just extra cash out the window.

Stuck Between Geico And Progressive In NY, Thoughts?

I’m right there with you on the policy docs - had to Google half the terms and still felt like I was deciphering ancient runes. I’m actually in the middle of picking between Geico and Progressive myself, and it’s wild how different the quotes are for basically the same coverage.

Funny thing, when I called Geico to ask about glass coverage, the rep started rattling off exclusions so fast I had to ask her to slow down. Made me wonder if I was missing something obvious. Progressive’s site was a little clearer, but then their “Snapshot” thing made me nervous - like, do I really want my driving tracked?

I barely drive too, so paying extra for OEM glass feels like buying a fancy gym membership I’ll never use. But then again, what if I actually need it? Ugh. Insurance is one of those things where you don’t know if you picked right until something goes wrong...

Insurance is one of those things where you don’t know if you picked right until something goes wrong...

That’s the kicker, isn’t it? I always tell people, “You only find out how good your insurance is when you actually need to use it.” About the glass coverage - did either company mention if they use aftermarket parts by default, or do you have to specifically ask for OEM? Sometimes that’s buried in the fine print. And yeah, the Snapshot thing… I’ve seen folks get discounts, but also a few who got dinged for hard braking. Makes you wonder if it’s worth the stress.

You only find out how good your insurance is when you actually need to use it.

That’s been my experience, too. I used to think all the little differences in coverage were just marketing, but after a minor fender bender last year, I realized how much the details matter. With Geico, I had to push a bit to get OEM parts for my bumper - turns out their default was aftermarket unless you specifically request otherwise. The rep didn’t mention it up front; I only caught it because I read through the repair estimate line by line. Not sure if Progressive is any better about that, but it’s definitely something to ask about before signing up.

About the glass coverage, I remember Geico offering a separate “full glass” option in NY, but again, the fine print was tricky. They covered replacement without deductible, but only if you went through their preferred vendors. If you wanted your own shop or insisted on OEM glass, there were extra hoops (and sometimes extra costs). I haven’t dealt with Progressive for glass claims personally - has anyone here had luck with them on that front?

The Snapshot thing is a bit of a double-edged sword. I tried it for a few months and got so paranoid about every stoplight and sudden slowdown that it started affecting how I drove (not always in a good way). Got a small discount, but honestly, the stress wasn’t worth it for me. Plus, living in NY traffic means hard braking is sometimes unavoidable unless you want to rear-end someone.

I guess what bugs me most is how much of this stuff isn’t obvious until you’re knee-deep in a claim or repair process. The ads make it sound simple, but there’s always some catch buried in the policy docs. If you’re detail-oriented (like me), it pays to dig into those specifics before picking one over the other - even if it means spending an afternoon reading fine print and making some awkward phone calls.

Honestly, I don’t bother sweating the OEM vs aftermarket parts thing anymore - at least not in NY. After my third accident (none my fault, but try convincing insurance of that), both Geico and Progressive gave me the runaround. In the end, I just wanted my car back on the road. OEM? Aftermarket? I couldn’t tell a difference, and it’s not like anyone’s paying top dollar for a used Camry with a “genuine” bumper anyway.

On glass coverage, I’ve had both companies. Progressive let me pick my own shop, but they still lowballed the payout. Geico tried to steer me to their list, but honestly, every company’s got some hoops if you want anything outside their network. It’s all about minimizing their cost.

Snapshot and those tracking things are a joke if you drive in NYC or anywhere busy. Tried it for three months - my rates actually went up because of “hard braking.” Newsflash: everyone slams on the brakes around here unless you want to get sideswiped by an Uber. Unless you only drive at 2am on empty roads, those programs are basically traps.

I get digging into policy details is smart, but sometimes it feels like no matter how much research you do, they’ll find something to trip you up when you file a claim. At this point, I just go for whoever gives me the lowest price upfront and brace for hassle if I ever need to use it... which, with my luck, is more often than I’d like to admit.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I wouldn’t write off OEM parts so fast. Had an aftermarket fender once that didn’t line up right - looked off and rattled at highway speeds. On a Camry, maybe it’s not a big deal, but if you ever plan to keep a car long-term, sometimes OEM’s worth the hassle.

About the tracking programs, though, totally agree.

“my rates actually went up because of ‘hard braking.’ Newsflash: everyone slams on the brakes around here unless you want to get sideswiped by an Uber.”

I get the frustration with those tracking programs - especially in NYC. You said,

“my rates actually went up because of ‘hard braking.’ Newsflash: everyone slams on the brakes around here unless you want to get sideswiped by an Uber.”

On the OEM parts thing, I hear you about the fit and finish. But sometimes, insurers will only pay for aftermarket unless you specifically request OEM coverage (and pay extra). Have you checked if Geico or Progressive offers an OEM parts endorsement in NY? It’s not always standard, and it can make a difference if you’re picky about repairs.

Just something to think about - sometimes the “hassle” is more about knowing what’s actually covered than the parts themselves. Insurance fine print is a pain, but it’s worth digging into before you pick.

I actually just started looking into all this, and the tracking thing is wild. My cousin tried Progressive’s Snapshot for a few months and said it dinged him for “late night driving” too, which is kind of unavoidable if you work odd hours in the city. I’m leaning toward Geico, but I didn’t realize you could opt out after the discount period - does that mess with your rates later? Also, about OEM parts, has anyone actually had to fight their insurer over it? I keep hearing horror stories but not sure how common it really is.

Title: Stuck Between Geico and Progressive in NY, Thoughts?

I didn’t realize you could opt out after the discount period - does that mess with your rates later? Also, about OEM parts, has anyone actually had to fight their insurer over it? I keep hearing horror stories but not sure how common it really is.

- You’re not alone on the tracking thing. I looked into Snapshot too and noped out after reading about the “late night driving” penalty. It’s tough if you work nights or just have a weird schedule. Feels like they’re punishing people for living their lives.

- About opting out: If you drop the telematics program after the initial discount period, most companies (including Progressive) will just remove the discount from your rate. They don’t usually jack up your premium unless your driving data was really bad, but you’ll lose whatever savings you were getting. It’s not a penalty per se, but your rate goes back to “normal” (which can feel like a hike if you got used to the lower price). Geico’s DriveEasy works similarly, but double-check because these policies change all the time.

- On OEM parts: I’ve never had to fight for them personally, but my neighbor did when his Honda got rear-ended. His insurer (not Geico or Progressive, but still a big name) tried to push aftermarket parts. He pushed back and eventually got OEM for some of it, but it took weeks and a lot of phone calls. From what I’ve seen, it’s hit or miss - some adjusters are cool about it, others dig in their heels. If you drive something newer or still under warranty, definitely worth checking your policy language before signing up.

- One thing I’d add: both Geico and Progressive are pretty aggressive about using non-OEM parts unless your state requires otherwise or you pay extra for an endorsement. In NY, I think they have to disclose if they’re using aftermarket stuff, but they don’t have to use OEM unless you specifically ask (and sometimes pay more).

- If keeping costs down is your main goal and you don’t mind a little hassle now and then, either company can work. But if you want less drama over repairs or privacy concerns with tracking, maybe skip the telematics programs altogether.

It’s a lot to juggle... Insurance always feels like picking between “meh” and “less meh.” At least you’re asking questions before locking anything in - that already puts you ahead of most folks I know.

Honestly, I think people get a little too worked up about the telematics tracking. Yeah, it’s not perfect - late night driving gets flagged, and if you’re on a weird schedule, it stinks. But if you’re a generally safe driver and don’t have a lead foot, the discount can be significant. Most folks I’ve seen who complain about the “penalties” are also the ones who slam on their brakes or speed a lot. Not saying that’s you, but sometimes the data doesn’t lie. Is privacy a concern? Sure, but your phone’s already tracking you more than these apps ever will.

About OEM parts - here’s where I’ll push back a bit. NY law does require insurers to disclose when they’re using aftermarket parts, but it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them. If your car’s new or leased, you can usually negotiate for OEM, especially if you make some noise. I’ve seen plenty of claims where adjusters just caved after a couple of persistent calls. It’s not always a battle royale. The trick is knowing your rights and not taking the first “no” as gospel. And honestly, half the time the body shop will advocate for you if you ask.

One thing I don’t see mentioned much: both Geico and Progressive have customer service that’s... let’s say, hit or miss. If you ever have to file a claim, you’ll want to know how fast they actually pay out and whether they nickel-and-dime you on repairs. Sometimes saving $10/month isn’t worth the headache when your car’s in the shop for weeks because of paperwork games.

If you’re really worried about OEM parts or telematics, why not look at Erie or Amica? They’re not always the cheapest in NY, but their claims process is way less of a circus, and they’re less aggressive about aftermarket parts. Just something to consider if you’re tired of feeling like you have to compromise on everything.

At the end of the day, it’s insurance - nobody loves it, but you don’t want to find out you picked wrong when you actually need to use it.

I get what you’re saying about telematics, but I still feel like it’s a bit of a gamble if your commute is unpredictable. I’ve had weeks where my schedule flips and suddenly I’m getting dinged for “risky” driving just because I’m on the road at 2am. The OEM parts thing is interesting - has anyone actually managed to get Geico or Progressive to budge on that without a ton of hassle? I’ve heard mixed stories, and honestly, the idea of fighting with adjusters over every little thing sounds exhausting. Is Erie really that much better when it comes to claims, or is it just less drama because they’re smaller?