stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

- You nailed it about roadside assistance - people expect miracles, but it’s just not how it works, especially in NYC at 2am.
- Claims process is where the real difference shows up. I’ve seen Geico move things along a bit faster, but Progressive’s online portal is handy if you’re into tracking everything digitally.
- Having AAA or a local tow guy’s number is honestly underrated. Insurance roadside is more like a backup plan, not your first line of defense.
- Overpreparing does feel silly... until it’s you in the middle of the FDR with your hazards on. Been there too - no shame in being cautious.
- At the end of the day, you’re thinking about the right stuff. It’s less about the branding and more about how you want things handled when it hits the fan.

Been there, done that - once spent an hour on the BQE waiting for “expedited” roadside help. Ended up calling a random tow guy who got there before my coffee cooled off. Honestly, I tell people to treat insurance roadside like the emergency granola bar in your glovebox... nice to have, but don’t count on it for dinner. Claims-wise, Geico’s faster, but Progressive’s app is slick if you’re into tracking every little update. Either way, nothing beats having a backup plan and a fully charged phone.

Title: Geico vs Progressive - Roadside Isn’t Everything

I get what you’re saying about not relying on insurance roadside, but I’ve actually had a different experience with Progressive in NY. Used their roadside twice - once for a flat in Queens and another time when my battery died upstate. Both times, the help showed up in under 30 minutes. Maybe I just got lucky, or maybe it depends on where you are and the time of day? Either way, I wouldn’t write it off completely.

As for the apps, I’m not super techy, but I found Geico’s app easier to use than Progressive’s. The tracking thing is cool, but I mostly just want to file a claim or pull up my ID card without jumping through hoops. Geico felt more straightforward to me.

I do agree about having a backup plan, though. I keep a portable charger and one of those jump starter things in my trunk now. Insurance is great, but sometimes you just need to take care of stuff yourself, especially in NYC traffic.

Honestly, both companies seem solid, but I wouldn’t base my whole decision on roadside or the app. For me, it came down to price and which one made me feel less stressed when I called with questions. Just my two cents.

Honestly, both companies seem solid, but I wouldn’t base my whole decision on roadside or the app. For me, it came down to price and which one made me feel less stressed when I called with questions. Just my two cents.

That’s honestly where I land, too. I’ve worked with both Geico and Progressive claims in NY, and while roadside is nice to have, it’s never been the main thing I look at either. In my experience, response times are all over the place - sometimes you get lucky and someone shows up fast, other times you’re waiting an hour or more (especially if it’s raining or there’s a big event in the city). It really does seem to depend on location and timing more than the company itself.

Funny thing about apps - I’m not super into tech either but I actually found Progressive’s app a bit easier for claims stuff, maybe just because that’s what I used first. But yeah, Geico’s is definitely more streamlined if you just want your ID card or to pay a bill. Guess it comes down to what you use most.

One thing I always ask people: have you checked how each company handles claims for stuff that isn’t just roadside? Like actual accidents or glass repairs? Sometimes the price difference is only a few bucks a month but the way they handle a claim can make a huge difference in stress levels. I’ve seen folks save $50 a year but end up pulling their hair out when it comes time to file a claim.

And about having your own jump starter - totally agree. After seeing so many people stranded waiting for help (especially in Brooklyn traffic), I started carrying one myself. It’s saved me twice already. Makes me wonder why they don’t just include them as part of the insurance package...

Curious if anyone else has noticed differences in how these companies handle actual claims versus just roadside? That’s usually where you find out if saving $10/month was worth it...

Honestly, I tell people not to sweat the roadside too much - it’s hit or miss with both. Where you’ll really care is when you have a fender bender or cracked windshield. I’ve seen Geico move a bit faster on glass claims, but Progressive can be easier to reach on the phone. Either way, if you’re saving $10/month but end up losing hours of your life on hold...kind of defeats the purpose, right? And yeah, having your own jump starter is a lifesaver - beats waiting in NYC traffic any day.

Had a client last fall who got rear-ended in Astoria - nothing major, but enough to mess up their bumper. They were with Geico at the time. The claim process was actually pretty smooth, though they did have to nudge the adjuster a couple of times via email. The repair shop told me Geico’s payment turnaround is usually quicker than Progressive, at least for minor bodywork.

On the flip side, I’ve had folks with Progressive swear by their customer service, especially if you need to talk to an actual person fast. One guy said he switched just because he hated Geico’s phone tree, which... fair enough. But I’ve also seen Progressive take forever to settle a windshield claim - like, weeks longer than expected.

Honestly, neither is perfect. If you value faster digital claims and don’t mind doing most things online, Geico might edge out. But if you want to pick up the phone and get a human quickly, Progressive seems less frustrating. Either way, jump starter in your trunk is non-negotiable around here - I’ve watched too many people wait hours for a boost on the BQE.

I’ve bounced between both over the years, and honestly, your summary lines up with what I’ve seen. That bit about Geico’s payment speed for repairs -

“Geico’s payment turnaround is usually quicker than Progressive, at least for minor bodywork.”

Progressive, on the other hand, really does have better phone support. When my windshield cracked (thanks, Cross Bronx), I got a human on the line right away. But then it took almost three weeks to get the claim sorted... which felt like forever when you’re driving around with a spiderweb in your line of sight.

One thing I’d add: both companies seem to have wildly different experiences depending on which repair shop you use. Some shops have “preferred” status with one or the other and that can speed things up - or slow them down if you pick wrong. Worth checking if your go-to shop has a relationship with either insurer.

Also, digital claims are great until you hit a snag that needs an actual person. If you’re comfortable navigating apps and don’t mind waiting for email replies, Geico’s probably less hassle. But if you’re like me and want to hash things out over the phone when stuff gets weird, Progressive might be less aggravating.

And yeah, jump starter is clutch around here. The BQE eats batteries for breakfast... learned that one the hard way last February when mine died in traffic and roadside took two hours to show up.

Neither company is perfect, but it comes down to whether you prefer quick digital processes or better phone support. Both will get you there eventually - it’s just a matter of how much patience you’ve got for hold music or email chains.

That’s wild about the BQE - mine ate a tire last year, so I feel your pain. Anyone actually had a claim where Geico or Progressive *didn’t* try to lowball the repair? I keep hearing “fast payment” but wonder if it’s just fast... and stingy.

I’ve had both over the years, and honestly, “fast” is about the only thing I’d give them credit for. Every time I’ve had to file a claim, it’s like pulling teeth to get them to cover the full cost - especially if you don’t use their “preferred” shops. Geico once tried to pay out less than half what my mechanic quoted. I pushed back and eventually got more, but it was a hassle. Maybe someone’s had a smoother ride, but in my experience, you’ve gotta fight for every dollar or they’ll just lowball you and move on.

Every time I’ve had to file a claim, it’s like pulling teeth to get them to cover the full cost - especially if you don’t use their “preferred” shops.

Honestly, this sounds all too familiar. I’ve been through the Geico vs. Progressive gauntlet in NY myself, and while both are quick with quotes and paperwork, they get a bit... creative when it comes time to pay out. The “preferred shop” thing is a classic move - last time my bumper got crunched, Geico’s shop wanted to glue it back together (not kidding), while my local guy quoted something reasonable for actual repairs. Took weeks of back-and-forth just to get a fair shake.

Progressive wasn’t much better for me, but at least their adjuster seemed more willing to negotiate. Still, I wouldn’t call either experience painless. If you’re handy with paperwork and don’t mind a little bureaucratic wrestling, you’ll probably be fine with either. Otherwise, brace yourself for some haggling. Insurance: it’s like a gym membership you hope you never have to use, but when you do, suddenly everyone’s out to lunch...

Yeah, the “preferred shop” dance is a headache. I had a similar run-in with Geico after a fender bender - shop wanted to patch things up with zip ties and call it a day. Ended up pushing back and getting a better result, but it took way more effort than it should’ve. Progressive did seem a bit more flexible when I switched, but their rates crept up after a year. Guess it’s always a trade-off: hassle now or higher premiums later. Insurance really is a necessary evil...

“shop wanted to patch things up with zip ties and call it a day”

That’s wild - zip ties? I had a similar vibe with Geico after my first accident. Their “preferred” shop tried to use off-brand parts and didn’t even paint match right. Had to argue for OEM parts, which felt like pulling teeth.

- Geico: Cheaper at first, but the claims process was a pain. Felt like they were always trying to cut corners.
- Progressive: Switched last year. Claims went smoother, but yeah, rates jumped at renewal. Not by a ton, but enough to notice.
- Both: Customer service is hit or miss depending on who you get on the phone.

Honestly, it feels like whichever company you pick, you’re either fighting for decent repairs or paying more down the line. Insurance is just one of those things where you never really “win,” you just lose less...

Honestly, the whole zip tie thing makes me nervous - especially if you’re driving something that’s not cheap to fix. Has anyone here actually had luck getting a luxury car properly repaired through either Geico or Progressive? I keep hearing horror stories about aftermarket parts and shoddy paint jobs. Is it just a matter of finding the right shop, or do these companies really push back on OEM everything? I’m always worried about diminished value too... does either company handle that any better?

I hear you on the zip tie thing - nothing like seeing your bumper held together with plastic and hoping for the best. I’ve had Progressive for years, but thankfully haven’t had to test them with anything fancier than a Honda. I do wonder if it’s just luck of the draw with the repair shop, or if the insurance company really makes that much of a difference. Has anyone actually managed to get OEM parts approved without a fight? Or is it always a battle?

I do wonder if it’s just luck of the draw with the repair shop, or if the insurance company really makes that much of a difference.

In my experience, it’s a bit of both. I had Geico for a while and when my Camry got rear-ended, they pushed hard for aftermarket parts. I had to go back and forth with them and the shop to get OEM approved - definitely not automatic. Progressive wasn’t much different, honestly. Sometimes the shop helps you out, sometimes you’re on your own. It’s rarely a smooth ride, but persistence pays off.

Honestly, you nailed it - sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to get your car fixed the way you want. I’ve had both Geico and Progressive too, and neither one made it easy. Hang in there... persistence really is half the battle.

Honestly, I get nervous every time I have to deal with insurance companies - feels like one wrong move and you’re stuck paying out of pocket. I’ve had Geico for years, mostly because their rates seemed lower, but when my minivan got rear-ended, the claims process dragged on forever. Progressive wasn’t much better when my brother used them, though. Has anyone actually had a smooth repair experience with either? Or is it just the nature of the beast in NY?

feels like one wrong move and you’re stuck paying out of pocket

Honestly, I hear that a lot, especially in NY. Claims do seem to take longer here, probably just the volume and all the red tape. I’ve seen Geico move faster if you use their approved repair shops, but it’s not always convenient. Did you go through their shop network or pick your own? Sometimes that makes a difference on turnaround.

Stuck Between Geico And Progressive In NY, Thoughts?

That’s actually something I’ve been worried about too - like, if I mess up the process or pick the wrong shop, I’ll end up footing the bill. I’m new to all this, so I’ve been reading a ton of reviews and it’s wild how many people mention delays in NY. I guess it makes sense with how busy everything is here, but it’s still kind of nerve-wracking.

I haven’t had to file a claim yet, but I did notice Geico really pushes their repair network. The rep told me it’s “faster and easier,” but honestly, the closest one to me is a good 40-minute drive. Not super practical. I’ve heard Progressive is a little more flexible about where you go, but then again, maybe that means more paperwork or waiting around? It’s tough to know what’s actually better until you’re in the middle of it.

I get why people stick with the approved shops, but sometimes convenience wins out. Wish there was a way to know for sure which one’s less of a headache before you actually need them...

I totally get the stress about picking the “right” shop - my cousin had a nightmare with Geico’s network last year. She ended up waiting weeks for parts, and it was all across town. I’m leaning Progressive just because I’d rather have more options nearby, but then again, I wonder if that means more hoops to jump through? Has anyone actually tried using a non-network shop with either company and not gotten burned on costs?