Progressive vs Liberty Mutual: Which is Better for You?

Read on to see which company is best for you.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Progressive vs Liberty Mutual: Which company is best for you?

Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual are widely recognizable insurance brands. Each has a number of different coverage types to choose from, but which is right for you? We compare the two insurers — along with their coverage offerings and pricing info — below to help you get a sense of which company could be better for your insurance needs.

Progressive car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Progressive has grown substantially in recent years, becoming one of the largest and most recognizable names in car insurance. The company's policy offerings are wide-ranging and its large selection of discounts means will be appealing to drivers looking for reasonably affordable rates. The company has also become one of the top companies for commercial auto insurance coverage.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Lots of discount options
  • Affordable rates
  • Offers a good online experience (apps and website)
  • Below-average scores for claims satisfaction
  • Below-average scores for overall customer satisfaction                                 

Liberty Mutual car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Liberty Mutual is among the most recognizable car insurance brands in America. The company has a number of discount options, as well as all of the standard coverage types offered by most other major insurers. However, the company suffers from a higher-than-average number of customer complaints.

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3 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Affordable rates for most drivers
  • Wide-ranging coverage options
  • Great customer satisfaction scores
  • Lack of local agents   
  • High number of customer complaints                                      

Which company comes out on top?

Progressive


While both companies have good coverage options and reasonable rates, Progressive overtakes Liberty Mutual in overall coverage availability and customer satisfaction. Still, many drivers may find Liberty Mutual as a good option, so it may be worth getting a quote from the company while shopping.


Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: car insurance rate comparison

Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer reasonable rates to most drivers. However, it's always worth remembering that your individual car insurance rates are likely to differ from the average depending on your unique driving profile. The rating factors that go into determining your auto insurance premiums are also weighted differently from one company to another. For this reason, we suggest that shoppers get quotes from each company to see which is a better fit.

Affordability medal
Cheapest average rates

Progressive is generally cheaper than Liberty Mutual with an average rate of $104 per month. 


Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: pricing by credit score

If you have extremely bad credit, Liberty Mutual could be a slightly better option. On average, Liberty Mutual's rates for drivers with credit scores of less than 580 are somewhat cheaper than Progressive. Drivers with a score of 800 or better will likely be better off with Progressive. Take a look at the average insurance rates by credit level for Progressive and Liberty Mutual below.

 

CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: PROGRESSIVE VS. LIBERTY MUTUAL
Credit level Progressive avg. annual premium Liberty Mutual avg. annual premium
Very Poor (300-579) $3,602 $3,228
Fair (580-669) $2,127 $2,276
Good (670-739) $1,708 $2,109
Very Good (740-799) $1,453 $1,878
Exceptional (800-850) $1,320 $1,792

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: rates for high-risk drivers

Rates from Progressive and Liberty Mutual are comparable for most citations. However, those with a DUI or reckless driving citation on their record may do well to avoid Liberty Mutual, as premiums are significantly higher for drivers with those offenses. As every car insurance company rates driving offenses differently, it can pay off to compare quotes from many different insurers to see which is most affordable.

 

RATES BY VIOLATION: PROGRESSIVE VS. LIBERTY MUTUAL
Citation Progressive avg. annual premium Liberty Mutual avg. annual premium
At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) $2,720 $2,776
At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) $2,245 $2,112
DUI/DWI $2,201 $4,182
Reckless driving $2,457 $3,459
Speeding ticket $2,091 $2,068

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: rates by age bracket

Car insurance companies use age as a measurement of risk, allowing them to price policies accordingly. In nearly all cases, auto insurance is much more expensive for young drivers than for older drivers. This comes down to a lack of experience and the potential risk that they pose. Most companies rate age tiers differently, so it's in your best interest to compare rates from a few different companies.

In general, teen drivers on their own policy should choose Liberty Mutual over Progressive, though neither are particularly affordable.

 

COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: PROGRESSIVE VS. LIBERTY MUTUAL
Age Progressive avg. annual premium Liberty Mutual avg. annual premium
Teens $8,248 $6,559
20s $2,287 $2,686
30s $1,646 $2,686
40s $1,644 $1,926
50s $1,542 $1,793
60s $1,403 $1,746

 

Affordability aside, both Progressive and Liberty Mutual each have their pros and cons. These can include discounts, additional coverages, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Make sure to do your research before making your final decisions on a policy.

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Ratings comparison: Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual

Cost isn't the only factor you should consider when searching for a car insurance policy. Companies with better customer satisfaction scores are more likely to offer better service, be more communicative and handle your claims more efficiently. We've put together a list of third-part ratings from some of the most trusted sources in the insurance industry to help you get a better picture of how Progressive and Liberty Mutual compare.

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual
Ratings comparison Progressive Liberty Mutual
Financial strength (A.M. Best) Superior Good
JD Power (claims satisfaction) Below Average Average
JD Power (customer satisfaction) Below Average Above average
NAIC rating Good Poor
The Zebra's editorial review score 4/5 3/5
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey 4.3/5 4.2/5

Which company scores best?

Progressive


Progressive scores slightly better in key areas. The company also placed in the top five overall in the Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.


The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Zebra polled customers of many of the top auto insurance companies. The survey covered a wide range of topics to try to encompass as much of a customer experience as possible. Below you can see how both customers viewed their experiences with both Progressive and Liberty Mutual.

survey logo
Progressive

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 car insurance
  • Top three for online satisfaction
  • Among the top five companies for home and auto bundling
survey logo
Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual scored near the bottom of our survey of fifteen carriers, placing at number fourteen. However, with a score of 4.2, Liberty wasn't far from its nearest competitors and placed better in certain categories. Below are some highlights.

  • Scored well in Online Satisfaction (4.3)
  • Older drivers rated the company higher

The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology

Methodology:

These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:

  • Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
  • Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
  • Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
  • Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.

Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.


Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: discount comparison

Auto insurance discounts offer qualifying customers the chance to save money on their car insurance premiums. Take a look at a side-by-side comparison of discount options from both Progressive and Liberty Mutual below.

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: discount comparison
Discount comparison Progressive Liberty Mutual
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 ✓

Telematics options: Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual

Telematics programs use technology to help insurance companies set rates for customers based on their driving habits. For safe drivers, this provides an opportunity to save money. Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer telematics options that are worth considering. Compare telematics offerings from each company below.

Progressive telematics logo
Progressive Snapshot

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.

Liberty Mutual logo
Liberty Mutual RightTrack

Liberty Mutual RightTrack follows your driving habits to help determine your rates. The company claims users can save as much as 30% on their premiums. At the time of writing, the app had a score of 4.5 on the Apple Store and a score of 4.0 on Google Play.

liberty mutual logo
Liberty Mutual ByMile

Liberty Mutual offers another telematics option called ByMile. ByMile is designed for low-mileage drivers. Alternatively known as pay-per-mile — or usage-based — car insurance, ByMile tracks the number of miles driven and customizes rates based on how much you drive. At the time of writing, the app held a 4.3 on the Apple Store and a 4.0 on Google Play.

Zebra tip: Consider telematics offerings from both companies


Regardless of your needs, each of the telematics options from both Progressive and Liberty Mutual could offer safe drivers a way to save money.


Roadside assistance: Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual

Roadside assistance programs can help stranded motorists get back on their way after a breakdown. Most insurers offer such a service, though it isn't likely to be automatically built into your coverage. Take a look at what the roadside assistance programs from both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer 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

 

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual offers 24-hour roadside assistance featuring the following:

  • Towing
  • Jump starts
  • Fuel delivery
  • Lockout services
  • Flat-tire changes
tow truck

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: home insurance

Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer home insurance. These can be purchased as individual policies or bundled together with auto or other coverage types. Progressive has a much smaller presence in the homeowners insurance space than it does auto, and certain policyholders may find its home policy options limiting. Liberty Mutual is the fourth largest homeowners insurance coverage provider in premiums written according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Compare ratings for each company's home insurance options below.

Progressive homeowners insurance review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While the company provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking. 

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3.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
Get a Quote at Progressive
  • 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.

Liberty Mutual homeowners review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

With the fourth largest share of the homeowners insurance market, Liberty Mutual has a large presence. The company has a variety of coverage options for add-ons and endorsements. This makes them a worthwhile option for those searching for flexible coverage options. In general, Liberty Mutual's homeowners insurance options enjoy good ratings from third-party agencies, and placed eighth overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey for home insurance.

Learn more about the company's home insurance in our detailed review below.

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3.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Liberty Mutual earned a 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's survey of customer satisfaction. 
  • Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: In J.D. Power's most recent property claims satisfaction report, Liberty Mutual came in just below the industry average.
  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: Liberty Mutual fell below the industry average in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study.
  • Financial strength — Good: According to AM Best, Liberty Mutual's financial outlook was rated at an "A".
  • NAIC Rating — Good: Fewer complaints were logged by the NAIC in regards to Liberty Mutual's homeowners insurance, falling just below the national complaint index.

Which company comes out on top?

Tie


Each company's homeowners offerings have their pros and cons. Potential customers would do well to get quotes from each company to see which is a better match for affordability and coverage.


Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: home insurance rate comparison

Similar to auto insurance rates, homeowners rates can vary depending widely depending on which company you choose. Other factors, such as your location, your claims history, and the age of your home, can also greatly impact your premiums. The average yearly homeowners premium for Progressive is $1,355, or $113 per month. Liberty Mutual's average is $1,414 per year or around $118 per month.

While cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's crucial to have proper coverage from an insurer that you can trust.

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Cheapest average rates

Progressive has the cheapest monthly homeowners insurance rates at an average of around $113 per month.

The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: homeowners discount comparison

Eligible customers can save money with home insurance discounts. Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer homeowners a number of discounts to eligible policyholders. See how these discounts compare below.

PROGRESSIVE VS. LIBERTY MUTUAL: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
Discount comparison Progressive Liberty Mutual
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 ✓
Gated community ✓
Home renovation
Smart home

Liberty Mutual has shown interest in smart home technology. Customers can inquire about additional savings on their premiums or rebates on smart-home devices when they are seeking a policy. 


Other insurance products and bundling options

Customers can often save money by bundling policy types such as home and auto together. Both Progressive and Liberty Mutual have many insurance offerings available to customers. Take a look below to see which company might be able to satisfy all of your insurance needs.

Progressive vs. Liberty Mutual: Other insurance products
Other products Progressive Liberty Mutual
Boat insurance ✓ ✓
Condo insurance ✓ ✓
Life insurance ✓ ✓
Homeowners insurance ✓ ✓
Travel trailer insurance ✓ ✓
Renters insurance ✓ ✓
RV insurance ✓ ✓
Motorcycle insurance ✓ ✓
Mobile home insurance ✓ ✓
Umbrella ✓ ✓
ATV insurance ✓ ✓
Pet insurance ✓ ✓
Commercial insurance ✓ ✓

In general, both Progressive and Liberty Mutual offer a wide selection of additional coverages. Both companies are major providers of 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), Progressive and Liberty Mutual could be good options. Furthermore, Liberty Mutual partners with car-share company Turo to provide coverage. 

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 editorial 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.