Review on Progressive Insurance

Review of Progressive Insurance

I want to share my honest experience with Progressive Insurance, which I consider a frustrating ordeal. (This is an unbiased account based on factual events that took place in Phoenix, Arizona.)

Initially, everything seemed fine. I was covering a car that was registered in my name and used primarily for commuting to work. Since I’m only 19 years old and the rates were high for me, I added my mother to the policy to keep costs down.

Then, on December 23, 2024, I was rear-ended while slowing down with traffic. I handled the situation properly—stepping out to record the details, gathering the other driver’s information, and waiting for the police to create a report. The following day, I informed Progressive about the accident, only to learn that I wasn’t listed on the policy and therefore had no coverage.

My mother then filed a claim with Progressive, allowing us to submit evidence and work with an adjuster. They spoke with the other driver’s insurance, and we were told to wait. In the meantime, I filed a claim with the other driver’s insurer, Trexis, which took three weeks to yield a response. When I finally reached out to them, I was told I had already been denied coverage because the other driver had a similar issue with insurance.

A few weeks later, I received a bill from Progressive for over $2000 related to the accident. Unbeknownst to me, they added me to my mother’s policy without asking for permission. This occurred after I financed a vehicle, which was under my name but registered at my mother’s address. I opted for her address to help with my credit, never realizing it would lead to complications. I had paid for “full coverage” for the first month, totaling $800.

When I contacted Progressive about the bill, they requested proof of residence and pay stubs connected to that address, as well as car insurance documents dated prior to the accident—which I supplied. Meanwhile, my mother disputed the charge with her bank, and we eventually got that money back. However, Progressive still claimed there was an outstanding balance, sending a notice around February 8 that arrived after February 20, giving us just four days to pay an $800 balance before it went into collections.

Now, with the balance due tomorrow, I feel pressure to settle it quickly. I received a quote from Geico for full coverage on my vehicle for only $250, and that’s where I intend to go next. At this rate, I’m eager to move on from Progressive.

Regarding my experience with their customer service, I’d rate it a 4/10. Many representatives seemed uninformed or disengaged. I often had to repeat myself, as it felt like they weren’t noting my concerns adequately.

Insurance Rates: 2/10 – Exorbitant prices for minimal coverage. It’s frustrating and not worthwhile for anyone to be with Progressive.

Usefulness: 2/10 – Often directed to agents who might not even pick up after my initial contact.

Professionalism: 0/10 – I didn’t receive any apologies or feel heard during my interactions.

Would I recommend Progressive? Absolutely not.

Now I’m left wondering how to recover that $800 once I pay it. Is it better to simply take the loss and cut ties with this company for good? Any advice would be appreciated.