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Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert who’s written for Compare.com since 2023. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Her work can be seen across the web in several notable publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and The Balance.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
| User Reviews | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $100/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $148/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Janet
March 18, 2025
I should have read my policy. I thought I had coverage that I didn't have, so that's my own fault for not reading it.
Therese
March 17, 2025
Figuring Out Online Info Takes a Minute
Daphne
March 6, 2025
Representatives are Nice but Policy Increase is Unacceptable
Progressive is one of several national insurers that offer 24/7 customer care, an easy-to-use mobile app, and competitive pricing — even to drivers considered high-risk. It offers a wide range of auto coverage options, but price hikes may eventually occur, regardless of driving record changes.
Great discount programs
Snapshot can save drivers as much as 30%
24/7 customer service and claims availability
Higher rates than some competitors
Vague loyalty program requirements
Snapshot mobile app issues
Progressive Snapshot is a car insurance program that rewards safe driving behaviors with policy discounts. It uses a plug-in device or smartphone app to get a sense of your driving behavior and may potentially lead to lower car insurance rates. But if you demonstrate high-risk driving behaviors while using Snapshot, your premiums will likely increase.
Our latest guide breaks down everything you need to know about Progressive Snapshot, including how it works, what real customers are saying, and how much you can save on your monthly bill. Keep reading to learn more.
Created in 2008, Snapshot is a usage-based car insurance program that uses telematics to track how you behave on the road. Depending on how you drive, you could get a significant discount on your monthly bill. But if you drive aggressively — speeding, hard braking, or sharp cornering — you could face higher premiums with Progressive Snapshot.
There are many similar programs offered by other car insurance companies, such as Allstate’s Drivewise, GEICO’s DriveEasy, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, Nationwide’s SmartRide, Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack, and Travelers’ IntelliDrive.
When you buy a car insurance policy from Progressive, your rates are based on factors like your age, ZIP code, driving record, and vehicle type. But if you sign up for Snapshot within 45 days of purchasing your policy, you might be able to lock in a unique auto insurance discount when your policy renews (plus an average discount of $94 just for signing up, according to Progressive’s website).
As you advance through the Progressive Snapshot program, you’ll receive emails that show your progress. If you practice responsible driving habits, your rates may go down (Progressive advertises average savings of $231 per year) — but you could see rate increases if you participate in any risky driving behaviors.
Progressive Snapshot keeps tabs on your driving performance and focuses on the following driving behaviors:
Braking and acceleration: Snapshot monitors your speed to determine if you’ve braked or accelerated too quickly. It will reward you for easy acceleration and smooth braking.
Time of day: Progressive considers midnight to 4 a.m. the most dangerous time for driving. You’ll be more likely to land the discount if you avoid driving late at night and choose safer times of the day.
Mileage: Less driving reduces your risk for an accident. That’s why Progressive tracks mileage and gives bonus points to low-mileage drivers.
Mobile phone use: Depending on your state, Progressive may look at how often you use your phone while on the road. The less you use your phone while behind the wheel, the fewer points you’ll lose.
When you sign up for Snapshot, you’ll be required to download the mobile app on your phone. Depending on the state in which you reside, you may choose which vehicle you drive most often. Once you do, your phone will be associated with that vehicle. Progressive may also average the data from all of the smartphones associated with your policy.
If you and another driver in your household are in the car together, Progressive’s mobile app should be able to figure out who’s driving and only use data from that person’s smartphone. Either way, you can correct your trip information in the app if there’s an issue with the way the app tracks it.
If you participate in Snapshot, Progressive will let you choose between the mobile app or its proprietary plug-in Snapshot device. If you go with the app, you’ll need to sign up every driver listed in your policy. This is because the app won’t be able to determine which vehicle you’re driving.
If you opt for the Progressive Snapshot device instead of the mobile app, you won’t have to enroll all of the drivers in your policy since the device will stay with your vehicle.
The Progressive Snapshot app earns 4.4 stars out of 5 in the Apple App Store and 3.6 stars out of 5 in the Google Play Store. As shown by the reviews below, many users are pleased with its ease of use and tracking capabilities.
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But several reviewers complained about battery drainage and the app occasionally tracking trips incorrectly.
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In most cases, safe drivers save money with Progressive Snapshot. Progressive advertises that the average customer scores a sign-up discount of $94 and an additional $231 once they complete the program.
But keep in mind that the initial discount is only offered to new Progressive customers, and it’s not available in New York or Hawaii. It expires once your policy renews and is replaced with your new rate, which hopefully includes your performance discount.
Here are a few tips that can help you save as much as possible on your insurance coverage with Progressive Snapshot.
Limit late-night driving: If possible, don’t drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m., since Progressive can penalize you for driving during hours it considers dangerous.
Drive less: Carpool, use public transit, or walk to work, errands, and social activities to lower your mileage and save more.
Avoid hard braking and acceleration: Don’t slam on the brake pedal, and gently press the gas when rolling away from traffic lights or stop signs.
Stay off your phone: Save texting and making calls for when you’re safely parked or at your final destination.
Yes. Your rates may increase if you use Snapshot. In fact, Progressive states that approximately 20% of drivers face higher premiums as a result of poor driving behaviors.
If you frequently drive at night, accelerate rapidly, or brake abruptly, you’ll likely pay more for your car insurance coverage because of Snapshot.
Overall, Snapshot’s customer reviews are mixed. Some Snapshot users are happy with the program and believe it’s easy to participate and earn a discount. Many users also loved the feedback they received from the app to help make them safer drivers.
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Others — like the one in the review below — are dissatisfied and note rate increases despite safe driving behaviors, or the program interpreting some safe behaviors as being dangerous — such as stopping abruptly because of a deer or a pedestrian crossing the street.
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Another common complaint is confusing and sometimes contradictory numbers when it comes to total discounts.
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And, ultimately, a lot of Snapshot customers aren’t happy with the fact that your rates can increase if you use Snapshot. There seems to be a lot of confusion specifically around phone usage and how hands-free devices affect your grade.
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If you’re already considering switching to Progressive and consider yourself a safe driver or don’t drive often, Snapshot might be worth trying out (at least for your first policy term).
But if you’re concerned with battery usage or live in an area where you might have to brake or swerve often to avoid people or obstacles in the road, for example, it may not be worth the risk.
If you’re interested in the Snapshot program, here’s how to enroll:
Progressive Snapshot is only for new customers, so you’ll need to get a car insurance quote from Progressive first.
You can opt in to Snapshot when you accept your quote. Another option is to sign up within 45 days after you buy a policy. All you have to do is call Progressive at 1 (877) 329-7283 and tell them you’re a current Progressive policyholder and want to give Snapshot a try.
Next, download the Snapshot app — compatible on iOS and Android devices — or wait for Progressive to send you the device and plug it in your car’s OBD2 port (typically found under the steering wheel).
Once Snapshot starts tracking your driving, be sure to practice safe driving habits as much as you can. Try to do most of your driving during the day, stay off your phone, and avoid hard braking and fast acceleration.
You’ll receive ongoing email updates that’ll show you how you’re doing. You can also log into your policy online or use the app to check your progress and view your current grade.
As long as Progressive has collected enough driving data, you’ll receive your Snapshot results and the associated discount when you renew your policy — typically after six months. Just be aware that your rate isn’t set in stone and may eventually change if Progressive modifies the program.
Here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about Progressive Snapshot.
That’s up to you. If you’re a responsible driver or someone who doesn’t drive often, Snapshot might be worth it. But if you tend to practice riskier driving behaviors and don’t want to risk higher rates, you might want to explore other options.
Progressive Snapshot tracks the time of day you usually drive, how often you drive, how hard you brake, and how you accelerate. All of the data is tracked through the Progressive Snapshot mobile app or plug-in device.
It depends. Snapshot saves the average driver $231 per year, according to Progressive’s website, but it can also increase your rates if you drive late at night or practice high-risk driving.
Sources:
ConsumerAffairs, “Progressive Auto Insurance,” Accessed September 15, 2023.
Trustpilot, “Progressive,” Accessed September 15, 2023.
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Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert who’s written for Compare.com since 2023. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Her work can be seen across the web in several notable publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and The Balance.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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