Totally agree with prioritizing claims handling—especially in NY traffic, where fender-benders and cracked windshields are practically routine. Had Geico for a few years myself, and they've always been pretty quick about repairs. Progressive wasn't terrible, but they did seem to drag their feet when my Accord got sideswiped near Brooklyn. IMO, paying a little extra for smoother, faster claims service is definitely worth the peace of mind...especially if you're commuting daily through city chaos.
While I understand the appeal of prioritizing claims handling, especially given the chaos of NYC traffic, I'm not entirely convinced that paying extra always guarantees smoother service. I've had experiences with both Geico and Progressive, and honestly, my experience with Progressive wasn't as sluggish as yours. When my Civic got rear-ended near Queens last year, Progressive handled it pretty efficiently—maybe not lightning-fast, but definitely reasonable.
Also, it's worth considering that claims handling can vary significantly depending on the specific adjuster or even the repair shop you choose. I've heard stories from friends who've had wildly different experiences with the same insurer just because they went to different body shops. So, while Geico might have been quicker for you, it doesn't necessarily mean they'll always outperform Progressive across the board.
Another point to consider is customer service beyond just claims. I've found Progressive's online tools and mobile app to be more intuitive and user-friendly than Geico's. For someone commuting daily and juggling a busy schedule, having easy access to policy details, roadside assistance, or even just quick billing updates can be a lifesaver. Sometimes convenience and ease of use can outweigh minor differences in claims processing speed.
Ultimately, I think it's less about paying extra for peace of mind and more about finding the right balance between cost, convenience, and reliability. Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, so it might be worth looking beyond just claims handling speed when making your decision.
"claims handling can vary significantly depending on the specific adjuster or even the repair shop you choose."
That's what makes me hesitant... I'm leaning toward Geico because their quote came in cheaper, but the app convenience point about Progressive is tempting. Guess I'll flip a coin soon lol.
I've been wondering about this myself—does the app convenience really matter that much in practice? When I had a minor fender bender last year, Geico handled my claim pretty smoothly, but I gotta admit, the adjuster made a huge difference. He was into classic cars too, so we ended up chatting more about my '69 Mustang than the actual damage, lol. Maybe ask around locally about adjusters or repair shops people trust? Might give you a better feel than flipping a coin...
I've used both Geico and Progressive in NY, and honestly, the app convenience is pretty minor compared to how smoothly claims go. Progressive was decent, but Geico seemed quicker with repairs. Still, your mileage may vary depending on the adjuster you get...
