When choosing the best auto insurance company in the United States there are two popular companies that one can consider which include AAA and Progressive. Both of them provide affordable prices and a great number of insurance packages, but there are certain aspects in which they differ. If you are comparing AAA auto insurance with Progressive auto insurance, then this article will give you a detailed analysis of the two to aid you in coming up with the right decision.
Overview of AAA Auto Insurance
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is most famous for its services in providing breakdown services but it also provides a range of auto insurance services. AAA was established in the year 1902 and is an association of motor clubs in the United States of America and has been a leading provider of member services with regard to available insurance in as most well of AAA the as is states other a but services. group The the of auto details local insurance of motor policies the clubs that coverage which are and provides provided costs insurance by may services. AAA differ is with different states since.
Coverage Options with AAA Auto Insurance
The AAA auto insurance policies tend to offer the basic coverage packages that are usually sufficient for the needs of most drivers:
- Liability Coverage: This type of coverage protects you in case you are found to be liable for causing bodily injury or property damage to a third party in an accident.
- Collision Coverage: This kind of coverage is helpful in repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event that it is damaged due to an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers for the losses which are not as a result of an accident, that is, theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This is beneficial to you if the other party involved in the accident has no or insufficient insurance coverage for your loss.
- Roadside Assistance: Among the many aspects of AAA’s heritage, it is worth noting that roadside assistance is of perhaps the one most prominent services that is offered by AAA auto insurance policies and this service covers a number of benefits which include towing, flat tire replacement, and jump starting a car.
In addition to these basic coverages, AAA offers a range of optional coverages, including:
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Provides for a rental car in case your car is in for repairs because of an accident.
- New Car Replacement: In the event that your new car is a write-off this option can assist in getting a new car.
- Gap Insurance: Covers the gap between the amount of money you own on your car loan and what your car is worth if it is destroyed.
AAA Auto Insurance Discounts
Among the various auto insurance companies, AAA auto insurance provides several discount options for policy holders to minimize their premiums:
- Multi-policy Discount: This is because you can enroll in other policies such as home or life insurance and get a discount.
- Safe Driver Discount: For those who have a good driving history with no prior accidents or traffic violations.
- Good Student Discount: For students, who are still in the school and have a good academic performance.
- Anti-theft Device Discount: Discounts for the vehicles that are already installed with security systems.
- Defensive Driving Course Discount: This is for drivers who have undergone a defensive driving training program.
Overview of Progressive Auto Insurance
Progressive is one of the largest Insurers of auto insurance in the United States, known for its low prices, numerous coverage options and such features as mobile app. Progressive Insurance Company was established in the year 1937 and has to a great extent expanded and now has its operations in all the states of the United States of America except Alaska.
Coverage Options with Progressive Auto Insurance
Progressive is providing, as which and coverage are equally include:
- Liability Coverage: This covers you in the event that you are responsible for an accident which includes medical expenses and property damage.
- Collision Coverage: It compensates for the damage of your car and helps in the process of repairing or replacing it in case of an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers for the damages which are not caused by collision such as vandalism, theft or natural causes.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.
- Medical Payments Coverage: This pays for your and your passengers’ medical bills even if you or they are at fault.
Besides these standard coverage types, Progressive also has the following additional options which may make a difference to the company’s insurance policies: Besides these standard coverage types, Progressive also has the following additional options that may set it apart from other insurers:
- Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage:- This covers the custom parts that you have added to your car personally, for example the stereo system or the wheels.
- Rideshare Insurance: If you use your car for Uber or Lyft then Progressive has a specific rideshare insurance that can help you to fill the gap between your personal auto insurance and the insurance provided by Uber or Lyft.
- Roadside Assistance: Similarly to AAA, Progressive also provides the roadside assistance which may include such services as towing, replacing a flat tire, or jumping start of the car which may be an extra charge or may be included in a specific plan.
Progressive Auto Insurance Discounts
Progressive is known to offer several discounts which can be considered as a method of minimizing the costs of the premiums. Some of the most notable discounts include:
- Multi-policy Discount: For instance, if you have more than one policy for instance both a home and an auto policy from Progressive, then you can be eligible for a multi policy discount.
- Safe Driver Discount: For those who have a good record of driving without any previous accidents or violations.
- Snapshot Program: This program involves the use of a device or an application that gauges your driving skills and you can be able to get discounts if you are a safe driver.
- Pay-in-full Discount: This is because, if you are able to pay your premium without making installments, you are able to save some money.
- Multi-car Discount: This is because if you insure more than one car in the same policy you may be eligible for a discount.
- Continuous Insurance Discount: If you have had insurance without letting it expire or being cancelled at some point, then Progressive will offer you lower rates.
AAA vs Progressive Auto Insurance: Key Differences
When comparing the auto insurance policies of AAA and Progressive there are several factors that can be used in order to decide which company would be better. Here are the key differences that may help you in your decision:
1. Pricing and Affordability
Another factor which should not be ignored when looking for the best auto insurance company is price. Both AAA and Progressive are the two main competitors, but the prices may vary depending on your location, driving record and the type of coverage that you need.
- Progressive can be classified as a liberal company as it provides some of the best rates in the market, especially for the high risk drivers or those who require specific insurance plans, for instance, for rideshare drivers. The Snapshot program that the company uses to monitor the safe driving habits of the drivers to reward them can also help in reducing the costs.
- AAA, while it is similar to Progressive in terms of the prices, it may be a bit expensive as compared to Progressive especially for the drivers who are not enrolled in the AAA membership or any discount programs. Nevertheless, the overall cost of AAA’s bundling of auto insurance with other products such as roadside assistance and home insurance may be more beneficial for those who already have an account with AAA.
2. Customer Service and Claims Process
The two companies that can be compared are AAA and Progressive and they both have good reputation in providing good customer service but they work on different strategies when it comes to claims and customer support.
- AAA provides personalized service to its clients and this is because it has physical outlets where customers can visit to seek assistance. It is a common perception that AAA offers excellent customer service and attention to detail because the company’s agents are well versed with the local insurance laws. Nevertheless, the slowness of AAA’s claims process is an issue, especially in some regions, especially those where the company works with independent clubs.
- Progressive, however, has a very good platform that is used to report and process claims as well as get customer service. The company is famous for the fast service when it comes to claims and the convenience of making a claim through an app or the website. Progressive’s 24/7 claims service is available online which makes it easily accessible to the customer and this makes it preferable for those who are comfortable with the digital format of doing things.
3. Discounts and Savings
In both AAA and Progressive, there are multiple discounts but the discounts that are offered by both the companies are different in a way that the programs and the eligibility criteria to avail the discounts are different.
- AAA is more likely to offer discounts in the form of membership benefits such as travel, hotels, and automotive services such as cheap car repair and parts. However, it has fewer program-based discounts as compared to Progressive.
- Progressive has a wide range of discounts, for example, Snapshot discount, multi policy discount and special discounts for the safe drivers who never made a claim. Progressive’s discounts are more specific to the usage and the behavior of the driver, which provides drivers with more options to choose from in order to reduce their costs.
4. Roadside Assistance and Extra Features
AAA is famous for its great roadside assistance service which is commonly provided together with car insurance packages. For those who have had their share of emergencies on the road, whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery or needing to be towed, AAA may be a better choice as it includes all these services.
- Progressive also has a roadside assistance package although this is not included in the policy and may be an additional cost to the policy holder. However, Progressive’s roadside assistance coverage is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the services you receive to your specific needs.
Conclusion: Which is the Better Choice for You?
Both AAA and Progressive auto insurance provide good coverage options, affordable rates, and several discounts. However, which one would suit you best would depend on your specific requirements:
- If you are in the search for a full service customer care, an established company with a good reputation and a package of services including roadside assistance, travel services and home insurance, AAA may suits you best, if you are a member.
- If you are looking for cheap insurance, more advanced features for instance the Snapshot program and fast and electronic claims reporting, Progressive may be the best choice for you. It offers numerous discounts and the ability to tailor your coverage and meet your specific needs which makes it even more attractive to take cheap auto insurance quotes.
In the end, it is recommended to obtain quotes from both the mentioned providers to determine which one is more beneficial in your case. Thus, comparing AAA with Progressive auto insurance, you will be able to select the company that will best meet your requirements and offer the most beneficial terms.
