Progressive vs AAA: Which company is best for you?
Progressive and AAA are two very different insurance providers. Progressive is widely-known for its car and small business insurance offerings, and has been become an ever-growing presence among the largest insurance companies. AAA, on the other hand, is more popular for its membership perks and roadside assistance programs, though its insurance offerings are significant and popular among its members.
While each company offers a wide selection of policy types and coverages, you may find that one is a better fit for you than the other. For this reason, we've put together a comparison so that you can take a closer look at each.
Progressive car insurance
Now among the most popular insurance companies in the United States, Progressive offers a wide selection of coverage options. Eligible customers can also take advantage of its vast selection of discounts as well, making the company's already-affordable rates even more attractive.
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AAA car insurance
While it may be better known for its roadside assistance programs, AAA's car insurance offerings are wide-ranging. AAA uses partner and subsidiary companies to fulfill most policies, which means that your experience with a AAA insurance policy is likely to vary depending on your location. Eligibility is limited to AAA members.
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Which company comes out on top?
Progressive
Progressive comes out on top due to the company’s higher customer satisfaction ratings and more robust coverage offerings. However, AAA could still be a worthy option to explore if you are a AAA member.
Progressive vs. AAA: car insurance rate comparison
While getting the best coverage is the primary goal, getting that insurance coverage at a reasonable price is also important. Your car insurance rates are determined by many different elements, including your driving history, age, and credit score — in most states at least.
To aid in your search for an affordable auto policy, we've compiled rates from Progress and AAA based on a variety of factors. Our advice is to get quotes from each company to see which better fits your budget. In the meantime, take a look at the rates below to help guide you toward an affordable carrier.
Progressive's average monthly rate of $104 is significantly lower than AAA's average of $151 per month.
Progressive vs. AAA: pricing by credit score
If you have extremely bad credit, Progressive is a better option than AAA. Typically, Progressive's policies are nearly $3,000 per year cheaper for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Those with extraordinary credit — a score of 800 or better — are still likely to find cheaper rates with Progressive over AAA. Check out average insurance rates by credit level for AAA and Progressive below.
CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: AAA VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Credit level | Progressive avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,602 | $6,569 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,127 | $4,023 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,708 | $3,723 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,453 | $3,004 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,320 | $2,814 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
Progressive vs. AAA: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have a spotty driving history, Progressive is likely to provide much more affordable options than AAA. Those with a DUI on their record stand to pay nearly twice as much for a policy with AAA than with Progressive. In general, every auto insurance company handles driving offenses differently, so it's worth comparing quotes from many insurers to figure out which best suits you.
RATES BY VIOLATION: AAA VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Citation | Progressive avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $2,720 | $4,078 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $2,245 | $4,002 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,201 | $5,530 |
| Reckless driving | $2,457 | $5,530 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,091 | $4,078 |
Progressive vs. AAA: rates by age bracket
Age is a hugely important rating factor for most car insurance companies. In almost every scenario, car insurance policies are usually more expensive for younger drivers. Rates tend to become more affordable for older drivers. Because every insurance company rates age tiers differently, it's wise to compare rates and find the most suitable policy.
Both Progressive and AAA have incredibly high average rates for teen drivers. However, Progressive still comes out as the cheaper option for drivers of most ages.
COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: AAA VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Age | Progressive avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $8,248 | $10,256 |
| 20s | $2,287 | $4,644 |
| 30s | $1,646 | $4,644 |
| 40s | $1,644 | $3,195 |
| 50s | $1,542 | $3,083 |
| 60s | $1,403 | $2,887 |
Progressive and AAA each come with pros and cons. Learn more about each insurers' discount programs, add-ons and customer satisfaction ratings below.
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Ratings comparison: Progressive vs. AAA
A great premium with a poorly-rated insurer can still be a bad insurance policy. You will want to make sure that the company you choose is responsive and willing to handle claims in a fair and efficient manner.
To help you get a better sense of how Progressive and AAA are viewed by customers and third-party rating agencies, we've compiled ratings from a variety of sources to help you make your comparison.
| Ratings comparison | Progressive | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Below Average | Below average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Below Average | Average |
| NAIC rating | Good | Poor |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | 4.2 |
Which company scores best?
Progressive
While the two companies are reasonably close in some ratings, Progressive scores better in key areas including overall customer service.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how customers viewed the level of service they received from their insurance companies, The Zebra conducted a survey covering a wide range of topics. Below you can see how both customers viewed their experiences with both Progressive and AAA.
Progressive car insurance placed among the top five companies overall with a score of 4.3, signifying that customers are generally pleased with the level of service they receive from the company. The company place in the top three for online satisfaction, indicating that Progressive's website and app selection are considered quite valuable by its customers.
- Top five overall for auto insurance
- Number three for online satisfaction
- Among the top five companies for bundling home and auto
Of the carriers on our survey, AAA ranked 13th (out of 15) with a score of 4.2. In general, the company placed near the bottom in almost every category.
- Younger respondents had a more favorable view than older drivers
- Best scores came in the trust category
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2023.
Progressive vs. AAA: discount comparison
Affordability is a concern for anyone shopping for a new policy. In that regard, auto insurance discounts can be a great help. Take a look at the discount options offered by both Progressive and AAA below.
| Discount comparison | Progressive | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Good student | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple policies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple vehicles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-theft device(s) | ✓ | |
| Anti-lock brake system | ||
| Air bags | ✓ | |
| Good driver | ✓ | |
| Defensive driver | ✓ | |
| Student away at school | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver training | ✓ | |
| Green vehicles | ||
| Affinity membership alum | ✓ | |
| Advanced purchase | ✓ | |
| Pay in full | ✓ | ✓ |
| Home owner | ✓ | |
| eSign or ePay | ||
| Telematics | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Vehicle | ✓ | |
| Annual Mileage | ✓ | |
| Military | ||
| Continuous coverage | ✓ |
Keep in mind that — due to the nature of its partner carriers — some of the AAA discounts listed above may not be available depending on where you live. Also of note, just because a company offers more discounts does not mean that they will have cheaper rates.
Telematics options: Progressive vs. AAA
Telematics car insurance programs allow insurers to track your driving habits through an app or plug-in device in order to better assess your risk level. For safe drivers, this can translate to savings on your premiums. Both Progressive and AAA offer a telematics option. Take a look at how each company's telematics offerings stack up below.
Snapshot is Progressive's telematics option. The app tracks drivers' behavior while behind the wheel (including hard braking, speeding, and more) to give a more accurate level of risk. Good drivers stand to save an average of $145 on their premium according to the company.
Depending on the state in which they reside, some customers may be able to sign up for OnBoard, AAA's telematics option. The company boasts savings of 15% at sign-up, with total savings of up to 30% possible for eligible drivers. However, there is no separate app at the time of writing, meaning that all participants must download the AAA mobile app.
Zebra tip: Explore Progressive if you are interested in telematics
Both Progressive Snapshot gets good ratings overall and can offer safe drivers a way to save money.
Roadside assistance: Progressive vs. AAA
If you find yourself on the side of the road after a breakdown, you'll definitely come to appreciate a great roadside assistance program. Have a look at the different options provided by both Progressive and AAA below.
Progressive
Progressive partners with a company called Agero to provide roadside assistance. These services can be used for your car, boat, motorcycle or RV. When added to your policy, Progressive's roadside assistance program offers the following:
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire changes
- Battery jump-start
- Battery recharge for EVs
- Lock-out services
- On-scene labor
- Winching services
AAA
Moreso than any other insurer, AAA remains closely associated with roadside assistance programs. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that the company has an expansive selection of options available to both members and policyholders. Below is a list of options available:
- Jumpstarts
- Towing
- Fuel delivery
- Vehicle lockout
- flat tire service
- Stuck vehicle services
AAA offers different levels of membership that apply to roadside assistance. Those in higher tiers are often reimbursed for larger amounts or eligible for towing for longer distances. The highest tier even offers trip interruption coverage.
Progressive vs. AAA: home insurance
Both Progressive and AAA offer homeowners insurance options, though neither are as renowned for their homeowners insurance as they are for their car insurance offerings. These home policies can either be paired with your auto insurance or purchased on their own. Compare ratings for each company below.
Progressive homeowners insurance review
Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While it provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.1/5: While a rating above 4 stars is sufficient, Progressive home ranked last overall among the 15 carriers surveyed.
- J.D. Power Rating – Below average: J.D. Power rates Progressive auto insurance as below-average in overall customer satisfaction.
- Financial Strength – Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating from AM Best shows Progressive has a solid ability to pay out claims.
- NAIC Rating– Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received significantly more customer complaints than average regarding Progressive homeowners insurance in 2020.
AAA homeowners review
Similar to the company's car insurance offering, AAA partners with a number of affiliated insurers to provide homeowners coverage. These companies include CSAA and Auto Club Indemnity Company. To give an accurate portrayal of what customers can expect from seemingly disparate carriers, we've put together a composite of these companies to help you make your decision.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.2/5: AAA ranked 14th in the overall homeowners carrier category of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
- Customer Service (J.D. Power) — Below Average: The average J.D. Power ranking of CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California Insurance group comes in just shy of the average for customer satisfaction.
- Financial Strength (AM Best) — Excellent: With a financial rating of “excellent,” you can rest assured AAA will be able to handle your claims.
- Claims Satisfaction (NAIC) — Fewer complaints than average: The average number of complaints across different branches of AAA homeowners insurance companies is fewer than average.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
While neither company is renowned for its homeowners coverage, that does not mean that you won't find a policy that is a good fit for you. Get homeowners quotes from both companies to see if they are right for you.
Progressive vs. AAA: home insurance rate comparison
Homeowners insurance rates can vary widely depending on the location, person or company. Progressive's average Monthly home insurance rate is $113 per month. AAA comes in a bit cheaper at around $108 per month.
Remember that while cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's most important to have good coverage from an insurer that you can trust.
AAA provides cheaper rates than Progressive on average, coming it $108 per month to Progressive's $113.
Homeowners insurance data methodology
The homeowners insurance rates published in this guide are based on The Zebra's analysis of the cost of home insurance in every U.S. ZIP code. These rates are based on a sample user profile: a 45-year-old married homeowner living in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home built in 2011 with these coverage levels:
- $200,000 for the dwelling
- $20,000 for other structures
- $100,000 for personal property
- $100,000 for personal liability
- $1,000 deductible
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the homeowner profile based on common pricing factors used by major home insurance companies. These factors include location, coverage limits, claims record and others.
Progressive vs. AAA: homeowners discount comparison
For those looking to save money on their homeowners coverage, home insurance discounts can be a great option. Both Progressive and AAA offer homeowners discounts to eligible policyholders. See how these discounts compare below.
| Discount comparison | Progressive | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ||
| New home consturction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Home renovation | ✓ | |
| Senior citizen | ✓ |
Other insurance products and bundling options
Both Progressive and AAA provide a number of additional insurance lines. Most of these coverage types can be bundled together for additional ease and savings. Have a look at the extra insurance lines that each company provides to see which could possibly fulfill all of your insurance needs.
| Other products | Progressive | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| ATV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pet insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Classic car | ✓ | ✓ |
In general, both companies provide a wide selection of additional coverages. However, AAA farms most of these coverage types out to partner carriers. Progressive, on the other hand, services most of these coverage types in-house. Progressive is also a major carrier for many types of commercial insurance, including for both automobiles and small businesses. For those who use their vehicles for commercial purposes (delivery or rideshare drivers), this could make them a much better option. They also offer a number of additional coverages such as identity theft protection and insurance for small events.
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.