stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

I hear you on the rental coverage. I used to think it was just another way for them to nickel and dime us, but after my transmission blew and I was carless for almost two weeks, I regretted not having it. Those Lyft fares add up fast, especially around here. As for Geico vs. Progressive, I’ve been with both at different times. Geico’s rates were a bit cheaper for me, but I agree with you - Progressive’s app is just smoother to use, especially when you’re already stressed from an accident. It’s a toss-up, but I’d probably lean Progressive if you value tech and claim ease.

Rental coverage is one of those things you don’t think you need until you’re stuck without wheels and watching your bank account drain from rideshares. I used to skip it too, thinking I was being smart, but after a week of Ubers during a repair, I realized it’s not worth the risk. As for Geico vs. Progressive, I’ll admit, Geico’s rates are usually a hair lower for me, but Progressive’s digital stuff just works better. Still, if you’re really trying to squeeze every dollar, Geico might edge it out - just gotta weigh what matters more: saving a bit upfront or less hassle if something goes sideways.

Geico’s rates are usually a hair lower for me, but Progressive’s digital stuff just works better.

Man, I feel this. Geico’s app is... fine, but Progressive’s is like they actually hired someone who’s used a smartphone before. I went with Geico last year because, yeah, it was cheaper by like $8 a month, but then their claims process felt like sending a carrier pigeon. If you’re the type who hates being on hold or wrestling with paperwork, that extra few bucks for Progressive might be worth your sanity. Rental coverage is a must though - learned that the hard way after my car decided to impersonate a lawn ornament for two weeks.

Honestly, I’ve seen both sides of this. Geico’s tech is clunky, and their claims process can drag - had a buddy wait almost a month for a simple bumper fix. Progressive’s app is smoother, and their claims move faster, but you’ll pay a bit more. If you hate paperwork and phone tag, that extra $8 might save you a headache.

Progressive’s app is smoother, and their claims move faster, but you’ll pay a bit more. If you hate paperwork and phone tag, that extra $8 might save you a headache.

- Geico’s tech is... well, let’s just say it feels like it was designed when flip phones were still cool. If you’re the type who likes to do everything from your couch in pajamas, their app might test your patience.
- Progressive’s app is actually decent. I’ve had folks file claims while waiting for their coffee - no joke. That said, “faster” is relative. Sometimes it’s speedy, sometimes you’re still playing the waiting game.
- Price-wise, yeah, Progressive usually costs a bit more. But if $8 a month saves you from being stuck on hold listening to elevator music, maybe it’s worth it? Depends how much you value your sanity.
- Claims with either can be hit or miss. Had one client with Geico get paid out in a week, another waited three. Progressive’s been more consistent lately, but nobody’s perfect.

If you’re allergic to paperwork and phone calls, Progressive probably wins by a nose. But if you’re just looking for the lowest bill and don’t mind some old-school hassle... Geico’s not the worst choice either.

Geico’s tech is... well, let’s just say it feels like it was designed when flip phones were still cool.

Honestly, as someone who’s had more tickets than I care to admit, I’ll take the “flip phone” app if it means saving a few bucks. Progressive’s app is slick, sure, but $8 a month adds up - especially when you’re already paying extra for being “high risk.” I’d rather deal with a clunky app than pay more for the same coverage. If you’re on a tight budget, Geico’s hassle is just part of the package.

I get the whole “cheaper is better” angle, but honestly, I’ve had a different experience. When I had a claim with Geico, dealing with their clunky app and slow customer service was just frustrating - especially since my car isn’t exactly cheap to fix. The few extra bucks a month with Progressive felt worth it for smoother tech and faster responses. Maybe it’s less of a big deal if you’re just looking for basic coverage or driving an older car, but when you’ve got something you really care about, that hassle gets old fast. Sometimes convenience and peace of mind are worth the premium, even if it stings a little at renewal time...

Sometimes convenience and peace of mind are worth the premium, even if it stings a little at renewal time...

Totally get where you’re coming from. I’m always torn between saving a few bucks and not wanting to pull my hair out when I need help. Quick question - did Progressive ever actually pay out faster, or was it just less painful to deal with? I ask because my last claim with Geico took forever, but my friend swears both are slow in NY.

Quick question - did Progressive ever actually pay out faster, or was it just less painful to deal with?

I’ve wondered the same thing. My cousin had Progressive and said the adjuster was more responsive, but the payout still dragged. Is it just a NY thing that claims move at a snail’s pace? I’m leaning toward whoever answers the phone first at this point...

I’ve had both Geico and Progressive here in NY (not by choice, my rates just kept jumping around), and honestly, neither one is going to win a race for fastest payout. It’s like they’re both stuck in the same slow-motion traffic jam as the rest of us. I do think Progressive’s people were easier to get ahold of - like, I could actually reach a human without playing phone tag for days. But when it came to getting the actual check? Still took weeks. Maybe it’s just a NY thing, or maybe it’s just insurance in general.

One thing I noticed: Progressive seemed a little less nitpicky about paperwork. Geico made me jump through more hoops, like sending the same document twice because “the scan was blurry” (it wasn’t). But both dragged their feet when it came time to actually pay out. I’ve heard from friends upstate that it’s not much better there, so maybe it’s just how they roll in NY.

Honestly, I’ve started picking based on who gives me the better online dashboard and doesn’t make me want to throw my phone across the room. If you’re high-risk like me, sometimes you don’t get much choice anyway - just whoever will take you without charging double your rent. But yeah, if you’re hoping for quick cash after a claim, I wouldn’t hold your breath with either. At least Progressive’s app is less glitchy... small victories, I guess.

I’ve had both Geico and Progressive here in NY (not by choice, my rates just kept jumping around), and honestly, neither one is going to win a race for fastest payout.

That’s honestly super relatable - especially the part about picking based on “who gives me the better online dashboard and doesn’t make me want to throw my phone across the room.” I’ve wondered if all insurance in NY is just slow by default, or if it’s a staffing thing. Did you ever try calling at weird hours? I’ve had slightly better luck with Geico late at night, but maybe that’s just coincidence. At least you found Progressive’s app less glitchy... sometimes those little wins are all we get.

Honestly, I’ve noticed the same thing - NY insurance just feels slow no matter who you’re with. Calling late at night is a solid move though; fewer people on hold, maybe? I do think Progressive’s app is a bit smoother, but Geico’s customer service has bailed me out more than once. Sometimes it’s just about which headache you’d rather have.

Honestly, as someone with a couple of tickets and an accident on my record, I’ve had both Geico and Progressive in NY and neither one is exactly a walk in the park. Progressive’s app is slick, sure, but when I actually needed help after a fender bender, it took forever to get a real answer. Geico’s reps actually talked me through the mess, even if their hold times are brutal. At this point, I almost feel like you’re just picking your poison... but at least Geico didn’t make me feel like I was invisible because of my driving record.

Honestly, I’ve bounced between the two for years and totally get what you mean. Geico’s hold times are rough, but at least I felt like a person when I called. Progressive’s tech is nice, but when my car got sideswiped, it was like shouting into the void. At this point, I just stick with whoever gives me the better rate... customer service is a toss-up either way.

Honestly, I weigh coverage details more than rates after a fender bender a few years ago. It’s easy to get sucked in by the tech or the price, but if you need roadside help at 2am, you want someone who actually picks up. I’d say check their claims process reviews in your area - sometimes it’s night and day depending on the region.

I hear you about coverage details - price only goes so far when your car’s on the side of the road and you’ve got kids in the back. For me, Geico’s roadside was quick, but their claims process felt like pulling teeth. Progressive was smoother, but I’ve only had one claim. Have you compared how each handles rental cars during repairs? That was a headache for us last winter.

Rental coverage is where things get weirdly complicated, right? We had a fender bender last year - nothing major, but the car was in the shop for almost two weeks. Geico covered the rental, but only up to a certain daily limit, and of course, every rental place in our area wanted more per day than that. Ended up paying out of pocket for the “upgrade” to a minivan because apparently, three car seats don’t fit in a compact. Go figure.

Progressive’s policy looked a little better on paper when I checked, but I haven’t actually had to use it yet. Their rep told me they’d cover a higher daily rate, but I’m always skeptical until I see it in action. Insurance fine print is like reading a foreign language sometimes.

Honestly, both companies seem to have their quirks. Geico’s roadside was fast for us too, but their claims process dragged on forever - lots of back and forth, and I felt like I was repeating myself every time I called. Progressive was smoother when my neighbor used them after a deer hit, but maybe that was just luck of the draw.

If you’ve got kids and need a bigger rental, definitely double-check the daily limit and what types of cars are actually covered. Otherwise, you end up cramming everyone into a sedan with snacks flying everywhere... not my favorite memory.

At the end of the day, I’d say look at the rental coverage details closely and maybe even call both to ask about real-world scenarios. The devil’s in the details with this stuff.

“Ended up paying out of pocket for the ‘upgrade’ to a minivan because apparently, three car seats don’t fit in a compact. Go figure.”

- Been there with the car seat shuffle. Rental coverage limits are always lower than what you actually need, especially with kids.
- I’ve noticed some companies only cover “comparable” vehicles, but their idea of comparable is way off if you drive anything bigger than a sedan.
- Did either company let you pick the rental agency? Sometimes local spots are cheaper than the big chains, but I’m never sure if insurance will work with them.
- Curious if anyone’s actually gotten Progressive to pay for a full-size SUV or minivan without a fight? That’s my main hangup.

Rental coverage is such a pain with families - those “comparable” vehicle definitions are pretty generous if you ask them, but not so much for the customer. I’ve seen Progressive cover minivans in rare cases, but it usually takes some back-and-forth and proof that your daily driver really can’t be replaced with a sedan. One thing people forget: always check if your policy specifically lists vehicle types under rental coverage. If it’s vague, you’re probably stuck arguing every time. Don’t feel bad about pushing back, though - sometimes it’s the only way they’ll budge.

Honestly, you nailed it with this:

those “comparable” vehicle definitions are pretty generous if you ask them, but not so much for the customer.