stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

Yeah, I’ve had the same experience - Progressive just throws out “rate revision” or “market conditions” and expects you to accept it. I tried calling once and got nowhere, just the same canned answers. Geico at least told me straight up my tickets were the reason, but their hike was brutal. I’ve looked at those NY-only companies too, but honestly, I’m skeptical. Feels like they’d be a nightmare if you ever had to file a claim. Anyone actually tried one and not regretted it?

Tried one of the NY-only ones last year because my Geico rate just kept creeping up, even though my driving record was clean. The price was way lower, but honestly, it made me nervous the whole time. I never had to file a claim, but their website looked like it hadn’t been updated since 2006 and customer service was... pretty rough. Ended up switching back after six months just for peace of mind. It’s a toss-up - cheaper isn’t always better if you actually need help.

Been there, honestly. I tried Progressive after Geico’s rates jumped for no reason, and the online stuff was way smoother. I get the peace of mind thing - sometimes the slightly higher price is worth it if you ever actually need to call them. I just compare every six months now and switch if it makes sense.

I just compare every six months now and switch if it makes sense.

That’s smart. I wish I’d started doing that sooner. After a couple tickets, my Geico rate shot up and I felt stuck. Switched to Progressive and, honestly, they didn’t judge me for my record - just gave me a straight-up quote. Their app’s been a lifesaver for me, especially when I had to file a claim after a fender bender. Not saying they’re perfect, but for folks like me with a few dings on the record, they’ve been way less stressful to deal with.

Honestly, I see a lot of folks in NY bouncing between those two, especially when their record's got a few... "character-building" moments. Funny thing, some people swear by Progressive's digital tools, but a buddy of mine hated their roadside assistance. Out of curiosity, did either one hit you hard with those hidden fees at renewal, or was it pretty transparent? Always feels like a roulette wheel with insurance rates.

Always feels like a roulette wheel with insurance rates.

That’s honestly the best way to put it. I’ve had Geico for a while and, for me, the renewal process was pretty straightforward - no weird surprise fees, just the usual rate creep. But I’m always a little paranoid about what’ll happen if I actually need to use their roadside assistance. Has anyone actually had to file a claim with either one? Did they make it a hassle, or was it smooth sailing?

Honestly, I get what you mean about the “roulette wheel” feeling. Insurance is one of those things where you never really know what you’re paying for until you actually need it. But I gotta say, my experience with Geico wasn’t as smooth as yours. I had a minor fender bender a couple years back - nothing wild, just a parking lot scrape - and the claim process felt like pulling teeth. Lots of back and forth, and I swear every time I called, I got a different answer. Maybe I just got unlucky, but it left a bad taste.

On the other hand, I’ve heard mixed things about Progressive too. My buddy with a ‘72 Chevelle swears by them, especially for classic cars, but he’s also had to jump through hoops for roadside assistance. He said they eventually got him a tow, but it took way longer than he expected. Not exactly “smooth sailing,” if you ask me.

I’m always a little paranoid about what’ll happen if I actually need to use their roadside assistance.

That’s a fair worry. I actually ended up getting AAA for roadside stuff, just because I didn’t want to rely on my main insurance for that. It’s a little extra cash, but for me, the peace of mind is worth it. Plus, with older cars, you never know when you’ll need a jump or a tow.

One thing I’d throw out there - sometimes the smaller, local insurance companies can surprise you. I switched to a regional provider last year, and while the rates aren’t drastically lower, the customer service has been way more personal. When I had a windshield claim, it was handled in a couple days, no drama.

Not saying Geico or Progressive are bad, but I wouldn’t rule out looking at the little guys, especially in NY where there’s a ton of options. Just my two cents.

That’s interesting about the local companies - never really thought about going that route, but it makes sense if you want more personal service. I’ve always wondered, though, do those smaller providers have decent coverage networks if you travel out of state? Like, if you’re on a road trip and something happens, are you still covered the same way? I’d hate to save a few bucks and then get stuck somewhere with no help.

I’ve wondered about that too, honestly. The big names like Geico and Progressive have national networks, so if you’re traveling or even moving states, you’re pretty much set. With smaller local companies, I’d double-check how their roadside assistance or claims work outside your home area. Some partner with national networks, but not all do. Personally, I’d rather pay a bit more for peace of mind if I’m going to be on the road a lot - just seems safer, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

I actually had a flat in Vermont last year and was really glad I had Progressive. Their roadside assistance picked up even though I was hours from home. Made me wonder if a smaller insurer would’ve been as quick... maybe, but I didn’t wanna risk it. Do you travel out of state much? That’s been the deciding factor for me.

I hear you on the roadside assistance thing - being stranded out of state is the worst, and not every company handles it the same way. Progressive does have a pretty solid rep for that, but I’ve seen Geico step up too, especially in bigger states like NY. Honestly, with the bigger names, you’re usually covered pretty well across state lines, but the devil’s in the details. Some of those smaller insurers can surprise you, but I’ve also seen folks get stuck waiting hours for a tow because their network’s just not as wide.

If you’re bouncing around different states a lot, I’d lean toward whoever’s got the better national network. I’ve had clients swear by both Geico and Progressive, but I’ve also heard a few gripes about Geico’s claims process dragging out. Not a dealbreaker for everyone, but worth thinking about. At the end of the day, it’s kind of a toss-up unless you’ve got a strong preference for one’s app or customer service vibe. Just make sure you check the fine print on what’s actually included in the roadside package - sometimes there are weird mileage limits or extra fees that don’t show up until you’re in a jam.

- Been digging into both lately since I’m in the same boat, and honestly, the fine print is wild. Geico’s app is super easy to use, but I’ve heard their roadside can be hit or miss if you’re way upstate. Progressive seems a bit pricier for me, but their roadside coverage spells out the mileage limits way clearer. I’d double-check if you’re covered for long hauls - nobody wants to find out they’re on their own 50 miles from civilization. Also, Geico’s claims process stories kinda freak me out... but maybe that’s just internet horror stories?

Honestly, the “fine print” is where they get you every time, right? I’ve seen folks get tripped up by roadside mileage limits - one guy thought he was good for a 100-mile tow, but it capped at 15. Not fun. Geico’s app is slick, but if you’re up in the Adirondacks, service can be spotty for both companies. As for claims, I’ve seen Geico move fast for fender benders, but bigger stuff sometimes drags out. Have you checked if either lets you pick your own repair shop? That can make a difference if you’re picky about where your car goes.

Have you checked if either lets you pick your own repair shop? That can make a difference if you’re picky about where your car goes.

Yeah, that’s a big one for me too. I know Geico usually has a “preferred” shop list, but they’ll let you go outside it - you just might have to do more paperwork. Progressive’s similar, but I’ve heard from friends they’re a bit more flexible. If you’re particular about your mechanic, double-check the policy details before signing. That fine print really does sneak up on you...

That paperwork is no joke - last time I went outside Geico’s list, it felt like I was applying for a mortgage just to get my bumper fixed. But honestly, having your own trusted mechanic is worth the hassle. The fine print really is out to get us...

Honestly, I hear you on the paperwork.

last time I went outside Geico’s list, it felt like I was applying for a mortgage just to get my bumper fixed

I get wanting your own mechanic, but sometimes I wonder if it’s just easier to stick with the insurance-approved places, even if they’re not your first choice. Anyone actually had a good experience with Progressive’s network in NY? I’m tempted to switch, but I don’t want to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

Honestly, I hear you on the paperwork.

Never thought I’d say this, but “applying for a mortgage just to get my bumper fixed” is painfully accurate. I tried Progressive’s network in NY after a fender bender last year, and honestly, it wasn’t terrible - paperwork was still a pain, but the shop had my car back quicker than I expected. Not perfect, but at least I didn’t have to chase down payments or wait forever. I guess it depends on the shop, but I’d take slightly bland service over weeks of limbo any day. Anyone else notice these “approved” shops always have burnt coffee in the waiting room, though?

Burnt coffee is basically a rite of passage at those shops, right? I’ve done the Geico route in NY too, and it’s pretty much the same flavor of paperwork headache. My trick: bring your own coffee, and a book, just in case they “find something else” under the hood. At least with the approved shops, you don’t have to haggle over every little thing - just gotta survive the waiting room.

That burnt coffee is a whole mood, honestly. I’ve bounced between Geico and Progressive in NY, and honestly, the paperwork circus feels about the same. I will say, Progressive’s app is a little less clunky for claims, but Geico’s roadside help has bailed me out more than once. Either way, I just budget for an extra hour at the shop... and yeah, bring snacks unless you want to risk those vending machine “mystery” chips.

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out which one’s better for new drivers. I’ve heard Geico’s roadside is solid, but I’m kinda nervous about how they handle claims if you’re at fault - like, do they hike your rates a ton? Progressive’s app does look easier, but I worry more about how fast they actually respond if you’re stuck somewhere. Anyone ever had to use their accident forgiveness or anything like that? I just want to avoid surprises if I mess up, you know?