Skip to Main Content

Geico vs. Progressive

Westend61/Getty Images
Bankrate logo

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our .

Geico and Progressive are two well-known car insurance companies in the U.S., both with a major presence in state availability, advertisements and online. Geico has been selling insurance since 1936. Now owned by Berkshire Hathaway, it is the third-largest seller of auto insurance policies in the country with 13.8 percent market share, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). In addition to the popular Geico gecko, the company is known for its long discount list, which could help you save money on your premium.

Progressive comes in just ahead of Geico in popularity with 14.1 percent of the market share. The company, founded in 1937, revolutionized the insurance claims process by instituting the first drive-in claims location. More recently, it has become popular for its Name Your Price tool, which helps you quickly fit your budget to your insurance needs online.

Geico Progressive
Bankrate Score 4.4 4.4
Tier 1 4.7 4.2
Tier 2 4.0 5.0
Tier 3 4.4 4.3
  • Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlight where they fall short.
    • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
    • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
    • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
    Tier scores are unweighted to show the company’s true score in each category out of a possible five points.
Info
Our verdict
Both Geico and Progressive insurance offer lower average premiums on policies for drivers and homeowners, but if cost is your primary consideration, Geico insurance has the edge. Its average rates tend to be lower than the average rates offered by Progressive, and the company’s extensive discount list may help you save even more. If you have a DUI conviction, Progressive’s average rates are lower in comparison. Geico also tops Progressive on customer service, though.

Compare auto insurance rates

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.
Location-Icon
Your information is kept secure
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Geico vs Progressive comparison

When looking at Geico vs. Progressive, it may help to consider the pros and cons for each company. Both companies offer advantages — but both also have areas where they fall short.

Geico pros and con

Pros Cons
Average rates tend to be lower Limited opportunity to customize policies
Offers an extensive list of auto insurance discounts Home and life policies underwritten by a third party
Scores above average for service in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study Mixed reviews from region to region for customer satisfaction per J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study

Progressive pros and cons

Pros Cons
Can be an option for high-risk drivers Progressive Snapshot (telematics program) can potentially raise rates
App is well-reviewed Average rates higher than Geico
Above-average scores for service and shopping in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study Mixed reviews from region to region for customer satisfaction per J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study

Is Geico cheaper than Progressive?

When comparing rates from each company for full and minimum coverage, Geico is cheaper than Progressive, on average. Knowing average rates can help you to make an informed decision when comparing insurance providers; however, your actual rate may be higher or lower than these averages based on your individual rating factors. Rate data for our analyses were gathered from Quadrant Information Services.

Car insurance company Average annual premium for full coverage Average annual premium for minimum coverage
Geico $1,353 $373
Progressive $1,642 $553
  • Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
    • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
    • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
    • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
    • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
    • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
    • $500 collision deductible
    • $500 comprehensive deductible
    To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Geico is generally cheaper for drivers with poor credit

Your credit score might impact your car insurance premium, depending on the state you live in and the insurance carrier you choose. Drivers with poor credit tend to pay higher rates, due to their statistically increased likelihood of filing a claim. However, in some states, including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan, the use of credit as a rating factor is banned.

Credit tier Geico Progressive
Poor $1,865 $2,968
Average $1,437 $1,836
Good $1,353 $1,642
Excellent $1,258 $1,270
  • Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit the use of credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Geico is generally cheaper for young drivers

Progressive and Geico, like most other insurance companies, use your age as a rating factor (except in Hawaii and Massachusetts, where the use of age to determine premiums is banned). Younger drivers usually pay more than older drivers for auto insurance due to their inexperience behind the wheel; however, shopping around can help drivers of any age find the best available deals. At most ages, Geico’s average annual full coverage rates are lower than Progressive’s. These average rates are for young drivers listed on their parents’ policy.

Age Geico Progressive
Age 16 $2,977 $3,473
Age 17 $2,753 $3,509
Age 18 $2,523 $3,163
Age 19 $2,212 $2,885
Age 20 $2,054 $2,600

*Rates are based on young drivers added to their parents’ policy.

  • The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a 16- through 20-year-old driver added to their parents’ policy.

Geico is generally cheaper for adult drivers

Once drivers are out of their teenage years, the average rates start to decline. Based on Bankrate’s analysis of average rate data from Quadrant Information Services, Geico’s average rates are generally lower for adult drivers of all ages. Note that Hawaii and Massachusetts ban the use of age in determining auto insurance rates. The table below reveals the average full coverage rates for Geico and Progressive broken up by age:

Age Geico Progressive
Age 18 $4,048 $7,088
Age 25 $1,584 $2,070
Age 30 $1,389 $1,779
Age 40 $1,353 $1,642
Age 60 $1,264 $1,460

*Rates for adult drivers on their own policy.

  • Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Geico is generally cheaper for high-risk drivers

Policyholders with tickets, accidents and DUIs may be more likely to be viewed as high-risk drivers, and these incidents generally increase car insurance premiums. Geico’s average annual full coverage rates are cheaper than Progressive’s after a speeding ticket or accident. Still, on average, Progressive is cheaper than Geico for full coverage after a DUI conviction. Not all companies are willing to write policies for drivers with DUIs on their record; you may have to shop around to find a favorable rate in this case.

Driving record Geico Progressive
Clean driving record $1,353 $1,561
Speeding ticket conviction $1,586 $2,140
At-fault accident $1,900 $2,638
DUI conviction $3,196 $2,156
  • Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.

Geico vs Progressive: discounts

Both Geico and Progressive offer car insurance discounts to help drivers lower their premiums. While many discounts are relatively standard, each company offers a few that are relatively uncommon. Keep in mind that not all discounts are available in all states and eligibility may vary based on your driving profile.

Geico discounts

  • DriveEasy Geico’s telematics program could help drivers save if they display safe driving habits. However, the company does warn that risky drivers might see an increase in their premiums.
  • Group affiliation — Geico offers varying savings for members of partner organizations, including alumni associations and certain employers. Ask an agent or your group representative for details.
  • Military discount — if you are on active duty, retired from the military or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may earn a discount of up to 15 percent on your auto insurance.

Progressive discounts

  • Snapshot — Progressive’s telematics discount is called Snapshot. Users could earn a discount based on their driving behavior, with an average savings of $231. Just like Geico, risky drivers could see an increase.
  • Quote and sign online — Progressive offers two levels of discounts for doing business online. If you get your quote online, you could save an average of 7 percent, and if you complete your policy purchase online, you might save an additional 9 percent, on average.
  • Homeowner — If you own your home, even if it’s not insured with Progressive, you can potentially save on your auto insurance, but amounts vary. If you insure your home with Progressive, you might qualify for the multi-policy discount, too.

Usage-based insurance comparison: Progressive vs Geico

In an increasingly digital world, insurance companies are using new digital tools to help customers get the best rates possible on their car insurance. This includes telematics programs, which are programs that determine your driving habits behind the wheel. These programs can have an impact on the cost of your insurance and work with the help of an app or small device, which is placed in your car to glean real-time data on your driving skills. If the data from the telematics program proves you to be a safe driver, you may be eligible for a discount on the cost of your policy. However, some telematics programs can also cause your rate to increase in certain cases, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of these programs before making a decision to participate.

Geico DriveEasy Progressive Snapshot
Telematics device iOS or Android app iOS or Android app, or plug-in device
Monitored driving factors Braking, distance and time traveled, distracted driving, road type, weather, cornering, acceleration, speeding, smoothness, time of day and route regularity Braking, accelerating, time of day, mileage, use of mobile phone and speeding
Potential impact on rates May increase your rate May increase your rate
Potential discount Varies Average annual savings of $231
Availability Available in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Not available in California or from all agents

Geico vs Progressive: customer experience comparison

Both Geico and Progressive have robust online and mobile app features. If you prefer to handle your insurance online, you can do so with either carrier. With both online portals, you can make payments, process policy changes and access your documents. Progressive and Geico also each have a mobile app. Both apps allow you to see your ID cards, view policy information and pay bills, among other features.

When comparing Progressive vs. Geico mobile apps, both have close ratings between the App Store and Google Play, with all relevant ratings falling between 4.6 and 4.8. When it comes to the provider rankings from the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Geico takes the lead with a score of 871 compared to Progressive’s score of 870.

Customer satisfaction Geico Progressive
App Store 4.7 out of 5 4.8 out of 5
Google Play 4.6 out of 5 4.6 out of 5
J.D. Power 871/1,000 870/1,000

Frequently asked questions

    • The best car insurance company for you will depend on your needs, wants and specific rating factors. Geico may be a better option for those looking for a long list of discounts, or for teens and young drivers. For drivers with DUI convictions, Progressive’s average annual full coverage rate was far lower than Geico’s. However, price isn’t the only consideration when buying car insurance.You may want to make a list of the features, coverage types, discounts and company accolades — such as customer satisfaction and financial strength that are important to you — and then get quotes from a few carriers. Comparing quotes could help you find the best car insurance for your needs.
    • Yes, both Geico and Progressive offer homeowners insurance policies to customers, but neither company does its own underwriting. When you purchase a homeowners insurance policy from either company, your policy is underwritten by one of the partner companies. What that means is that when you file a claim against your homeowner policy, a different company will be managing the claim. However, you will generally still be eligible for a bundling discount for purchasing both homeowners insurance and car insurance from either company.
    • Rates can vary significantly between different auto insurance providers and among drivers. Full coverage policies cost an annual average of $2,014. However, while knowing the average is helpful, it isn’t the whole picture. Your rates will vary based on several factors, including driving record, location, vehicle, claims history and more. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing insurers and rates before purchasing a policy, but this can also be used to evaluate whether or not your current policy may be overpriced. By requesting free quotes from several competing car insurance providers specifying the same coverage types and policy limits you currently have, you can get a sense of which company might offer you a better deal. You can also take this an extra step and see if other companies have better discounts for you that might lower your rates further.
    • Both scored very closely on the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, with Geico scoring one point higher. The implication is that, on average, customers found Geico and Progressive similarly satisfactory in terms of claims handling and payouts. However, it’s important to remember that while this information aims to capture a broad sense of customer satisfaction, it may not be a perfect reflection of what your experience will be.
    • Rates vary by age in most states, with younger drivers typically paying more than older drivers due to a higher likelihood of driving violations and claims. You may also see increased rates if you are over 70. Geico’s average annual premium for 60-year-old drivers is slightly less than Progressive’s, with an average rate of $1,460 per year compared to Progressive’s average cost of $1,264 per year. Rates will vary from the national average based on personal factors, so it’s worthwhile to obtain quotes from both companies to see which one gives you a better premium.

Related Articles