Side question- what is wrong with progressive (compared to other insurers)? I ask as we just switched to Progressive.
Hi, it's a great valid question. We don't think anything is necessarily "wrong" with Progressive, so I hope my comment did not come across rudely. It's just not on the list of my wife's favorite companies for insurance, so we don't have it and never did. It is really just a personal opinion of hers. It's based on the fact that for about 25 years she has processed claims (her clients, insurance companies not wanting to reduce payments for damages) for just about every insurance company on the planet. She's done something like 7,000 claims.
The problem is this, and not to single out progressive specifically. There are a few companies in her "I hate to deal with them" group. Example, let's say someone rear-ends your car, and as part of that damage, they destroy your exhaust system. Some companies will not pay out the full value of replacement and some will. Just depends on your company and your coverage. "Generally" you get what you pay for, but not always. Most people will try to get the cheapest coverage, but it might cost you a lot more out of pocket when you have a claim.
Thus, one company might pay for the full replacement of the exhaust system, while another company will say something like, your car is "X" years old, and a typical exhaust, muffler, tail pipe, etc) will only last "Y" years before it rusts out and needs replacement. So we are going to deduct the percentage life of the system that you have used thus far and pay only for the remainder. Then there are often medical issues where they want to pay the minimum. Owners get upset, and come to the wife for help and she goes after the insurance company. So she has to deal with companies after an accident from angry policy holders. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, she is NOT a lawyer who gets 33% or 40% of the money. She gets a fixed salary.
So the bottom line from HER PERSPECTIVE is that all is well until you have an accident and that is when the insurance companies become not so nice because you are no longer dealing with your pleasant local representative. You get turned over to a claims adjuster following the book. Notice that they insurance companies use the word "ADJUSTER", not "PROCESSOR"
Progressive is really regressive about wanting to pay out money, RELATIVE to many other companies.
Again, just one person's opinion who has done this for a career. You might have better experience. Like every company, there will be happy customers and angry customers. Check reviews when choosing a company rather than just looking at cost.
Personally we pay about 10% more than average for a company with a reputation for dealing more fairly with policy holders. If you have trouble getting settlement after an accident, get some help.
Apology to sidetrack the thread. just answering a question. Hopefully we get back on topic.
