Considering the switch from traditional auto insurance with Progressive to the new telematics-based model with Root Car Insurance? It's important to be aware of some key distinctions between the two companies and their offerings.
Progressive is one of America's largest car insurance companies, writing policies since 1937. Progressive — with 18 million clients — offers multi-policy discounts that can come in handy if you're looking to insure your home and vehicle. Based in Ohio, Progressive holds an "about average" J.D. Power rating, measuring its customer claims satisfaction and a "superior" financial strength rating.
Root Car Insurance is at the forefront of the emerging InsurTech trend. The carrier offers "car insurance for the way you drive," pricing its policies based on feedback from a smartphone app that tracks your driving behavior. Root's model minimizes the weight of traditional rating factors such as credit score and demographics in favor of more objective qualifications like driving speed, total mileage, and braking patterns. Root is currently available in 21 U.S. states.
In addition to its traditional auto insurance policies, Progressive offers Snapshot, a telematics-powered option. Progressive Snapshot bases your rates on your driving behavior over time, rather than pricing your policy based solely on standard rating factors. Review our detailed breakdown of Progressive Snapshot vs. Root Car Insurance.
| Discount Comparison | Root Insurance | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ratings Comparison | Root Insurance | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength | N/A | Superior |
| JD Power Rankings | N/A | Below average |
| User Satisfaction | N/A | N/A |
| Other Products | Root Insurance | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Insurance | ||
| Condo Insurance | ||
| Life Insurance | ||
| Homeowners Insurance | ||
| Travel Trailer Insurance | ||
| Renters Insurance | ||
| RV Insurance | ||
| Motorcycle Insurance | ||
| Mobile Home Insurance |
| Other Features | Root Insurance | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| About | Root Car Insurance offers "car insurance for the way you drive." Its usage-based pricing model uses data gathered via telematics devices to price premiums based on mileage and driving habits, rather then demographic information. | Since 1938, Progressive has made it easy to understand, buy, and use car insurance. In fact, as one of the largest insurance companies out there and the number one personal auto insurer by written premium among independent agents, you can choose the coverage options that make the most sense to you. |
| Roadside Assistance | Root Car Insurance offers roadside assistance with every policy. | Progressive's Roadside Assistance offers towing service, winching service, flat tire change, battery jump-start, battery charge for electric cars, locksmith service, on-scene labor, and emergency gasoline delivery, and depending on your policy, these may come with no out-of-pocket fee. In most states, you'll need to have Comprehensive and Collision coverage on the vehicle to add Progressive's Roadside Assistance. |
| Additional Discounts | Root Car Insurance provides usage-based discounts based on driving behavior and mileage. | Progressive offers additional savings through a loyalty rewards program which includes perks like priority call service, renewal guarantees, and accident forgiveness, based on the amount of time you’ve been with the company. |
| Recent Questions | Can my new insurer cover a bodily injury claim made against me from my past accident when I was covered by a different company? Unfortunately, State Farm will not handle your recent bodily injury claim since you no longer have a policy with them. Progressive would be the one to handle that claim since that is your current active plan. Do I need to put everyone in my household on my policy?It's usually recommended to add everyone who lives in the household on the same policy if it's likely they will be driving the insured car, and insurance companies generally require everyone in the household of driving age to be listed on the policy. But if the others in the household already have their own insurance and vehicles, this would be unnecessary. How many cars can I have on my progressive policy?Hello, Most companies — including Progressive — will allow four cars per policy. Of course, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company if you are unsure about whether or not your cars are covered. Why won't my insurance recognize or cover Tesla labor rates?Each insurance company has different guidelines when it comes to how they handle claims and repairs. As long as they are following the guidelines agreed to within your policy documents, then they are meeting the requirements on their end, so refer back to your policy and check what's covered and what's not. See More Questions | |
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