Little-known trick with Progressive’s roadside help

Yeah, I totally feel this. The whole “internal records” thing is a black box - like, they say it doesn’t go on your claims, but who really knows how they’re using that data? I’ve had my share of dings on my record (not proud, but hey, life happens), and I swear every time I use an insurer’s roadside help, I get paranoid it’s going to come back to bite me at renewal.

You said,

“my gut says it probably keeps your policy looking ‘cleaner.’”

Honestly, the lack of transparency drives me nuts. I wish insurers were just upfront about what counts against us and what doesn’t... but then again, maybe that’s wishful thinking. At this point, I just assume anything they know, they’ll use if it benefits them.

Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing - especially since I’ve got a couple of older cars that need the occasional tow. I’ve always leaned toward using AAA too, just to keep my insurance “record” as spotless as possible. But do you think there’s any real difference between how insurers treat roadside calls versus actual claims? I’ve heard mixed things, but it’s hard to get a straight answer.

I’ve dug into this a bit because I commute a lot and have had my share of breakdowns. From what I’ve read (and experienced), most insurers, including Progressive, don’t treat roadside assistance calls the same as accident claims. They’re usually logged separately and don’t impact your “at-fault” record or premiums the way an accident might. That said, if you’re calling for a tow every other month, it could raise a flag - maybe not on your rates, but possibly on your eligibility for the service itself. I still keep AAA as backup just in case, but I haven’t seen any negative impact from using Progressive’s roadside help once or twice a year.

That’s actually super reassuring to hear. I’ve been stressing about every little thing showing up on my “permanent record” with insurance, like I’m back in high school or something. Good to know a flat tire or two won’t send my rates through the roof. I guess as long as I’m not calling them every time I lock my keys in the car (which, let’s be honest, could happen), I should be fine? Might still keep AAA though... just in case my luck runs out.

I guess as long as I’m not calling them every time I lock my keys in the car (which, let’s be honest, could happen), I should be fine? Might still keep AAA though... just in case my luck runs out.

I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had Progressive’s roadside for years and honestly, a couple of calls for flats or dead batteries never made a dent in my rates. But I do keep AAA too - mainly because their coverage is broader if you’re far from home. Once got stranded in the middle of nowhere Utah and AAA was the only one who’d tow me 80 miles to civilization. Progressive’s roadside is solid for everyday stuff, but having a backup isn’t overkill if you travel a lot.