⚡ Quick Verdict
CHOOSE GEICO IF:
- ✓ You want the lowest rates
- ✓ You're military or federal employee
- ✓ You prefer self-service/digital
CHOOSE PROGRESSIVE IF:
- ✓ You have a DUI or accidents
- ✓ You want Name Your Price tool
- ✓ You want gap insurance
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | GEICO | Progressive | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Full Coverage Rate | $1,731/yr | $1,960/yr | GEICO |
| Avg. Minimum Coverage | $517/yr | $572/yr | GEICO |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.69 | 0.71 | GEICO |
| AM Best Rating | A++ | A+ | GEICO |
| J.D. Power Claims | Below Avg | Below Avg | Tie |
| Gap Insurance | ✗ Not offered | ✓ Available | Progressive |
| Telematics Savings | Up to 25% | Avg. $322/yr | Progressive |
| High-Risk Driver Rates | Higher | Better for DUI | Progressive |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.6 ⭐ | Progressive |
| Local Agents | ✗ None | ✓ Available | Progressive |
Overall Score: GEICO wins on price and financial strength. Progressive wins on features and flexibility for high-risk drivers. For most drivers with clean records, GEICO is the better value.
Rate Comparison by Driver Profile
| Driver Profile | GEICO | Progressive | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good driver, 35 years old | $1,731 | $1,960 | GEICO saves $229 |
| Young driver, 22 years old | $3,200 | $3,450 | GEICO saves $250 |
| Senior driver, 65 years old | $1,580 | $1,720 | GEICO saves $140 |
| One at-fault accident | $2,890 | $2,650 | Progressive saves $240 |
| DUI on record | $4,800 | $3,950 | Progressive saves $850 |
| Poor credit score | $3,200 | $2,980 | Progressive saves $220 |
Key insight: GEICO wins for clean-record drivers. Progressive is more forgiving of accidents, DUIs, and credit issues. If you have anything on your record, get quotes from both.
Discount Comparison
GEICO Discounts
- Military: Up to 15%
- Federal employee: Up to 12%
- Multi-vehicle: Up to 25%
- Good student: Up to 15%
- Anti-theft device: Up to 23%
- Airbags: Up to 40% on medical
- DriveEasy telematics: Up to 25%
- Defensive driving: Varies by state
16 total discount categories available
Progressive Discounts
- Snapshot telematics: Avg. $322/year
- Multi-policy bundle: Avg. 7%
- Multi-car: Avg. 12%
- Online quote: 7%
- Sign online: 10%
- Good student: Available
- Homeowner: Varies
- Continuous insurance: Available
Snapshot program is Progressive's standout
Unique Features
GEICO Exclusives
- Berkshire Hathaway backing: Warren Buffett's company owns GEICO, providing exceptional financial stability.
- Military & federal discounts: Best-in-class rates for these groups (up to 15%).
- Fast online quotes: Often quoted as fastest/easiest in the industry (<5 minutes).
- Mechanical breakdown insurance: Covers repairs like a warranty would.
Progressive Exclusives
- Name Your Price® tool: Enter your budget, see what coverage you can get.
- Comparison quotes: Shows competitor rates alongside Progressive's.
- Gap insurance: Covers loan/lease payoff difference (GEICO doesn't offer this).
- Rideshare coverage: Specific coverage for Uber/Lyft drivers.
Customer Service Comparison
GEICO Service
- Model: 100% direct/digital—no local agents
- Phone: 24/7 customer service line
- App rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Common complaints: Hard to reach humans, app-focused
- NAIC complaint index: 0.69 (good)
Progressive Service
- Model: Hybrid—online + independent agents
- Phone: 24/7 customer service line
- App rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Common complaints: Claims take longer than expected
- NAIC complaint index: 0.71 (good)
Bottom line: Both have below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction scores, but solid NAIC complaint indices. If you need in-person support, Progressive has agents; GEICO is fully digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GEICO really cheaper than Progressive? ▼
For most drivers with clean records, yes. GEICO averages $1,731/year vs Progressive's $1,960—a savings of about $229/year. However, Progressive often beats GEICO for drivers with accidents, DUIs, or poor credit. Always get quotes from both.
Which is better for young drivers? ▼
GEICO typically offers lower rates for young drivers, especially students who qualify for the good student discount (up to 15%). However, Progressive's Snapshot program can reward young drivers who can prove safe driving habits. If you're a careful young driver willing to use telematics, compare both.
Does either offer accident forgiveness? ▼
Progressive offers "small accident forgiveness" that prevents rate increases for minor fender-benders. GEICO offers accident forgiveness in some states as an add-on. Neither is as generous as Allstate's built-in accident forgiveness program.
Can I bundle home insurance with either? ▼
Yes, but through partners. GEICO partners with various home insurers for bundling discounts. Progressive offers home insurance through Progressive Home (their home insurance subsidiary). Progressive's bundle is more integrated; GEICO's requires working with a separate company.
The Bottom Line
Choose GEICO if:
- ✓ You have a clean driving record
- ✓ You're military or federal employee
- ✓ You prefer the lowest possible rate
- ✓ You're comfortable with digital self-service
Choose Progressive if:
- ✓ You have accidents or DUI on record
- ✓ You need gap insurance
- ✓ You want to compare rates in one place
- ✓ You prefer working with local agents