Which of these popular usage-based car insurance programs offers the most accurate tracking and best discounts?
Snapshot and Drivewise are optional usage-based insurance options from Progressive and Allstate, respectively, that use your driving behavior to price your policy. These programs attempt to price auto insurance for the way you drive, rather than who you are in a demographic sense. Despite their similar intention, these programs do vary. Let’s take a look at the differentiating factors.
Allstate’s program works through the Drivewise app, which provides personal feedback based on how you drive. Through the mobile app, you can view your trips, your driving habits, and any corresponding rewards. You can earn rewards — discounts on your insurance policy — for exhibiting safe driving habits. With Drivewise, all "earnings" are retroactive. The more safely you drive, the more you’ll be rewarded at the end of your policy period (usually six months).
Drivewise calculates good driving behaviors based on:
While your potential for savings depends on your individual driving score, Allstate advertises:
Allstate Drivewise telematics program: average six-month premiums
| Average Premium | Average Premium with Telematics |
|---|---|
| $692 | $498-$602 |
The Allstate Rewards program is a points system connected to Drivewise. The more safely drive, the more points you earn. These points can be used to save on everyday items and to enter sweepstakes.
For more information on Allstate, see our Allstate insurance guide. To learn more about Drivewise from Allstate, see our summary of telematics auto insurance.
Using a mobile app or in-car Snapshot device supplied by Progressive, your driving habits are analyzed and used to generate a new insurance premium. Using this data, Progressive determines your premium based on:
Your discount will depend on how you drive. If you’re a good driver, you should see some insurance savings. Progressive advertises an automatic $25 sign up bonus and average savings of $130 per six-month policy for participation.
Progressive telematics program: average six-month premiums
| Average Premium | Average Premium with Snapshot |
|---|---|
| $648 | $518 |
For more information on Snapshot from Progressive, see our review of it here..
That depends what you're looking for. The discount you get will depend on your driving habits, no matter which telematics provider you choose. There are some key differentiators worth considering when shopping for a usage-based insurance policy.
Drivewise from Allstate provides cash back discounts. Would you prefer cash back to a discounted monthly premium pricing model (Progressive Snapshot)?
Progressive Snapshot requires you carry an existing insurance policy with Progressive prior to participation, while Allstate Drivewise does not. If you’re interested in a trial experience, Allstate’s Drivewise might be an easier option.
At the end of the day, the decision is up to you. If you’re interested learning more about usage-based insurance and telematics, see our additional articles below.
