stuck between Geico and Progressive in NY, thoughts?

You're definitely doing your homework, which is great to see. I went through a similar process last year - ended up choosing Progressive without Snapshot because the constant monitoring felt intrusive. Geico was competitive price-wise, but Progressive's customer service in NY edged them out slightly for me. You're smart to factor in local reviews; they really do make a difference. Keep at it, you're almost there...

"ended up choosing Progressive without Snapshot because the constant monitoring felt intrusive."

Yeah, Snapshot felt way too Big Brother-ish for me too. I went with Geico last summer - price was solid, and honestly, customer service hasn't let me down yet. Progressive's good, but Geico's simplicity won me over.

"Yeah, Snapshot felt way too Big Brother-ish for me too."

Totally hear you on the intrusive vibe of Snapshot. I've been labeled a "high-risk" driver (a couple speeding tickets and one fender-bender - not my proudest moments), so I looked into Snapshot thinking it might save me some cash. But honestly, the constant monitoring just felt like setting myself up for higher rates... no thanks. Geico's been surprisingly decent for me, even with my driving record. Their quotes were straightforward, and I didn't get the feeling they'd jack up my premiums the second I hit the brakes too hard. Progressive was tempting - good reputation and all - but Geico just felt less risky overall. Plus, when I called customer service to ask about coverage details, it was quick and painless. Can't say the same about every insurer I've dealt with...

I get what you mean about Snapshot feeling a bit too invasive. I almost signed up for it myself, thinking it'd be an easy way to shave a few bucks off my monthly bill. But then I started reading reviews and realized I'd probably end up paying more just because I occasionally brake a little harder than the app would like (thanks, NYC traffic...).

I've bounced between Geico and Progressive a couple of times over the years. Honestly, both have been pretty decent overall, but Geico has usually come out cheaper for me. I'm pretty cautious about hidden fees and sudden rate hikes, and Geico's always been straightforward - no nasty surprises when renewal time rolls around. Progressive wasn't bad either, but their quotes always seemed to creep up after the first year or two, even without any claims or tickets.

One thing I did appreciate about Progressive was their customer service. Had a minor accident a few years back (someone backed into me in a parking lot - ugh), and they handled it quickly and painlessly. But Geico's been solid too, and their app is surprisingly user-friendly. Makes it easy to check coverage details or update info without having to call anyone.

If you're budget-conscious like me, I'd say Geico edges out Progressive slightly, especially if you're wary of the Snapshot thing. But honestly, either one is probably fine as long as you keep an eye on your renewal rates. Just avoid those monitoring apps if you're not 100% confident in your driving habits... Big Brother is definitely watching, lol.

"Just avoid those monitoring apps if you're not 100% confident in your driving habits... Big Brother is definitely watching, lol."

Yeah, Snapshot was a no-go for me too. As someone who's had a few tickets (okay, maybe more than a few...), Progressive's rates jumped pretty quickly after the first year. Geico's been more forgiving overall, and their transparency is refreshing - no surprise hikes at renewal. If you're higher-risk like me, Geico might be the safer bet in the long run.

I've bounced between both in NY, and honestly Geico ended up being cheaper for me too. Progressive started off decent, but after one minor fender-bender (not even my fault), they bumped my rate noticeably at renewal. Geico's been steady so far, no surprises. Haven't tried Snapshot or anything similar though - just feels like asking for trouble, lol. If you're watching your budget closely, I'd lean toward Geico.

Have you checked how Geico handles accident forgiveness compared to Progressive? I agree Geico's pricing seems steadier, but I'm curious if their accident forgiveness is any better or worse. Progressive advertises theirs a lot, but like you said, one minor bump and your rate jumps anyway - so what's the point of paying extra for that feature?

Also, Snapshot always seemed sketchy to me too. Do we really want insurance companies tracking every hard brake or late-night drive? Feels like handing them ammo to raise rates later on. I'd rather keep my privacy and just focus on safe driving habits without the surveillance.

One thing I'd add: Geico's customer service has been pretty solid in my experience. Have you had to deal with claims yet? That might be worth considering before making a final call.

I'm actually in the same boat right now, first time buying insurance and all. I've been leaning towards Geico mostly because of the privacy thing you mentioned - Snapshot feels a bit too "big brother" for my liking. But now you've got me wondering about accident forgiveness... does Geico even offer it upfront, or do you have to earn it over time? Haven't had to file any claims yet (thankfully!), but hearing your positive experience with Geico's customer service is reassuring. Definitely something I'll keep in mind.

I'm right there with you on the Snapshot thing - feels a bit too much like having someone constantly peeking over your shoulder while driving. As for Geico's accident forgiveness, from what I recall, it's not something they hand out immediately. You typically have to stay accident-free for a certain period (I think around five years?), and then it kicks in automatically. Progressive, on the other hand, lets you buy accident forgiveness upfront, but of course, that means paying extra from day one.

I've been with Geico for a couple of years now, and while I haven't had to file any major claims yet (knock on wood), their customer service has always been pretty solid whenever I've had questions or needed minor adjustments. Plus, as someone who drives a luxury car, I've found their rates surprisingly competitive compared to other insurers. Just my two cents - insurance shopping is never fun, but at least we're all in this confusing boat together...

I'm definitely with you on Snapshot feeling intrusive - I tried it briefly and found myself second-guessing every brake or acceleration. Not exactly relaxing, especially as a newer driver. I've been leaning toward Geico too, mostly because friends have mentioned their app and customer support being pretty hassle-free. Haven't heard much about luxury car rates, but that's reassuring to know. Honestly, insurance feels like one big guessing game at times...just hoping I pick right and never need to test it out for real.

"Honestly, insurance feels like one big guessing game at times...just hoping I pick right and never need to test it out for real."

Totally get this feeling - insurance can be overwhelming, especially when you're newer behind the wheel. Snapshot stressed me out too; I found myself braking weirdly gentle at yellow lights, haha. Geico's app is pretty user-friendly, and their customer service has been solid in my experience. You're already doing great by researching and asking around...trust your gut, you'll be fine.

"Snapshot stressed me out too; I found myself braking weirdly gentle at yellow lights, haha."

Haha, same here...I tried Snapshot for a bit and felt like I was driving with my grandma in the passenger seat judging every move. Ended up ditching it because the discount wasn't worth the anxiety. Geico's been decent for me price-wise, but honestly, I haven't had to file a claim yet (knock on wood). Progressive seemed pricier when I checked, but maybe that's just my area or something. Have you compared quotes directly through their sites or used one of those comparison tools? Curious if anyone's actually had to deal with claims in NY specifically - heard mixed things about how smoothly that goes.

Progressive seemed pricier when I checked, but maybe that's just my area or something. Have you compared quotes directly through their sites or used one of those comparison tools?

I skipped Snapshot altogether after my friend said it felt like taking a driver's test every single day. Geico gave me the lowest quote, but haven't had to deal with claims yet either...is Progressive known for better claim handling in NY?

Totally agree about Snapshot - my brother tried it and said he felt judged every time he braked too hard at a yellow light, lol. I ended up going with Geico too since their quote was way cheaper for me. Haven't had to file a claim yet either (knock on wood), but my coworker did last year and said Geico handled it pretty smoothly here in NY. Progressive might be solid too, but saving money upfront was my priority as a first-timer.

"saving money upfront was my priority as a first-timer."

Totally understandable, but just a heads-up: cheapest upfront doesn't always mean best long-term. Have you checked Progressive's customer satisfaction ratings in NY? Sometimes paying a bit more initially can save headaches later...just something to consider.

"cheapest upfront doesn't always mean best long-term."

True, learned this the hard way. Went with Geico initially because it was cheaper, but after a minor fender bender last winter, dealing with their claims process was a headache - slow responses and lots of back-and-forth. Switched to Progressive afterward, and though it's slightly pricier, customer service has been smoother overall. Just my two cents from commuting daily in NY traffic...

Had a similar experience with Geico - cheap at first, but claims were a pain. Progressive's been decent for me, but haven't had to file anything major yet. Anyone here dealt with a bigger accident through Progressive? Curious how they handle tougher claims...

"Progressive's been decent for me, but haven't had to file anything major yet."

Had a client who went through a pretty big accident with Progressive last year. From what I saw, the claims process was actually smoother than expected. Here's a quick rundown of what happened: they filed online, got a call from an adjuster within a day, and repairs started pretty quickly. Communication was consistent, and the payout seemed fair enough - no major headaches or endless phone tag. Of course, every case varies, but overall I'd say they're solid when things get messy... definitely less stressful than some others I've seen.

"Progressive's been decent for me, but haven't had to file anything major yet."

That's good to hear, honestly. I was kinda skeptical about Progressive at first - heard mixed things from friends - but your experience and the other poster's story about their client's accident make me feel more confident. Insurance always feels like a gamble until you actually need it, right? Seems like Progressive might actually hold up when push comes to shove... fingers crossed none of us have to find out anytime soon though, lol.

Progressive does seem decent overall, but honestly, I'd be cautious if you're insuring anything classic or vintage. A buddy of mine had his '68 Mustang insured with them, and when he had a minor fender-bender (nothing major, thankfully), the claims process turned into a bit of a headache. They weren't exactly familiar with sourcing original parts or handling specialty repairs, so he ended up doing most of the legwork himself. Not saying they're bad - just that they might not be the best fit if your ride is older or has special requirements.

Geico, on the other hand, has been surprisingly smooth for another friend who owns a restored Camaro. He hasn't had any claims yet (knock on wood), but their customer service seemed more knowledgeable about classic car specifics when he set up his policy.

Insurance is always a bit of a gamble anyway...you never really know until something happens. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone else here is driving something vintage or unique.