Complain about a product or service

Progressive - Rates

Progressive Insurance • Claim disputes • Rates • Why do they call it that?

Mrs. B. of Rushville, MO, writes:
I started on the internet to receive a rate quote for car insurance on three vehicles. This could not be completed because of the year of a truck we have. So I was instructed to call and I did.

The customer service rep. had asked for my husband's Social Security number, and I asked her "Why do you need that if I just want a rate quote on cars?" She hesitated. I told her I needed more information on why she needed this number?

She then told me that they have a rating system based on my credit history! I then asked her "What if I have a good driving record?" she answered "We use that plus your credit history" I said, "So if I pay all my bills on time, I will get good rates?" she said "yes" then I said "But if I have bad credit and a great driving record?" she said "that will hurt you."

I asked her if this information (way of business) is known to the consumers, and she said she was not in marketing. What can I do with this? I feel I have or will be cheated, because of information that has nothing to do with insurance or driving record!

Please respond and let me know, and let others be aware of the way "Progressive Insurance" bases their quotes!

Auto insurance companies base their rates on a complex array of factors -- not only on driving record and credit history but also driver age, type of vehicle, place of residence, miles driven annually, whether the driving is mostly business or personal and so on. In the case of younger drivers, grade-point average is often a factor. Believe it or not, statistical models incorporating all this information are surprisingly accurate in predicting which motorists will crumple fenders and break bones in a given year.

Chuck of Las Vegas (7/9/03):
Was charged $309 up front to bind coverage on my new car or almost 50% of the premium for 6 months. I was assured this was the best premium I could get. I was charged for things I told them I didn't want after I got the policy. Well I found that Geico could better their premium by almost $200 so I called to cancel "Progressives" policy. Well I found out there would be NO refund as it is the policy of Progressive to claim 90% of all unused premium with the other 10% going to the company who wrote the policy. In other words I paid $309 for 41 days of coverage.

Stephen of Manassas, VA, writes:
I asked for and recieved a quote for auto insurance from Progressive and they preceded to tell me that after receiving their quote that it would cost me more because I was a VICTIM in two rear end accidents that were not my fault. I can see where you would pay more for insurance if you were AT FAULT, but not because you were the victim of the accident. What is going on with this?

They proceded to tell me that the state allows them to do this when they set their rates and that all insurance companies do the same thing. If that is the case, then we as consumers are getting ripped off and something should be done to stop it NOW. This is a flagrant gouging of the consumer and legislation should be set to immediately stop this unorthodox practice. We pay enough for insurance as it is, so why should we be penalized for being the victim in an accident?

I would like an answer to this as soon as possible so I may take it further to my state representative and state senator, even to the governor himself if need be.

Many states have no-fault laws under which each insurance companies pays for damages to their client's vehicle. Thus, the entire notion of fault is irrelevant in setting rates. Odd as it may seem, some people have more accidents than others and, logically, insurance companies charge those people more for coverage.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top |