Progressive Snapshot Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives (2024)

With the cost of just about everything rising, drivers are looking for new ways to save money everywhere they can. More companies are offering a usage-based insurance program (UBI) to help customers save money, but not all drivers can benefit.

Progressive’s usage-based insurance is Snapshot and offers a discount of up to 30%. 

While it’s not as high as most competitors, Progressive Snapshot is a good choice for low-mileage drivers. If you already have Progressive car insurance, Snapshot is worth considering. Read our expert review of Progressive car insurance to learn more about the Progressive Snapshot car insurance discount.

Read on to explore this Progressive Snapshot review and its pros, cons, and alternatives. Then, enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool to compare rates with several different insurance companies to find the best car insurance to fit your needs.

 

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Progressive Snapshot Defined

What is Snapshot by Progressive? Snapshot is Progressive’s usage-based insurance program that encourages safe driving habits by offering cheaper rates. Signing up for Snapshot is free, and you can let Progressive track your driving with either the mobile app or a plug-in device.

You’ll earn a small discount simply for signing up for Snapshot, and Progressive offers savings of up to 30% if you drive well. 

Progressive will track your driving for a period depending on your state and give you a score. Your score will determine how much of a discount you’ll receive on your insurance.

Here’s an overview of Progressive Snapshot as well as Snapshot Road Test:

Progressive launched Snapshot in 2008 for its customers. Then, in 2020, it created an offshoot, Snapshot Road Test, for potential Progressive customers.

With Snapshot Road Test, you can do a 30-day trial and see if your driving habits would warrant a discount that could make your car insurance more affordable by switching to Progressive. To give you a chance to improve your outcome, you can see your driving history after 15 days.

Snapshot Road Test is similar to Root Insurance. But since Root is only for car insurance, the advantage with Snapshot Road Test is you could bundle your policies with Progressive to garner more savings.

There are several other car insurance discounts available as well that you might qualify for. The best car insurance discounts available to you will depend on your unique circumstance. 

Unlike many other UBI programs, Progressive imposes surcharges for drivers with less-than-ideal driving habits. According to Progressive’s data, about 20% of Snapshot users see their rates increase after signing up.

Navigating Progressive Snapshot: Pros, Cons, and Comparisons

Rates With Progressive Snapshot

Who Is Eligible for Progressive Snapshot

Who Should Use Progressive Snapshot

The people who benefit most from Snapshot are those who regularly practice safe driving habits. If you’re prone to speeding, putting a lot of miles on your car, or getting distracted by your phone, you should probably skip Snapshot.

It’s also a good idea for low-mileage drivers. Snapshot isn’t exactly a mileage-based car insurance plan, but it does reward drivers who put fewer miles on their cars.

Drivers in New York should also carefully consider their options before signing up for Snapshot. According to state law, New Yorkers have to go through the initial driving evaluation every 36 months to stay in the program.

If you’re interested in Snapshot, you should compare your options before signing up. Progressive is not the only company with a usage-based program, and many of its competitors offer better savings and features.

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How Progressive Snapshot Works

How does Progressive Snapshot work? When you sign up for Snapshot, you’ll have to decide between the mobile app and a plug-in device to track your driving. Each has its benefits and disadvantages, but many drivers opt for the mobile app for convenience.

If you choose the mobile app, you’ll need to make sure every driver listed on your policy participates in the program. The app does an excellent job of determining who is driving, but you can correct it if it makes a mistake.

Snapshot follows the same procedure through the app or plug-in device, so follow these steps to get started:

1. Join the program. You can join Snapshot on the Progressive website, through the app, or with help from a representative.
2. Choose your device. If you want to use the mobile app, you’ll need to download it on your phone. If you choose the plug-in, Progressive will mail it to you. Once you get it, plug it into your vehicle’s OBD port.
3. Collect your participation discount. New customers using the mobile app should register within 45 days to receive their 5% discount. If you have the plug-in device, you’ll get your discount either after the first 45 days or after collecting 30 days’ worth of data.
4. Start driving. Snapshot needs to collect driving data before it can offer you a discount. You can review your results either on the app or the website.
5. Get your savings. Once Progressive has enough data, you’ll receive your score and see how much of a discount you earned. Your performance discount replaces the participation savings, and your score will stay the same unless Progressive needs more.
6. End your tracking. After Progressive gives you a score, you no longer need to track your driving. You can delete the app or mail the device back.

Choosing the right device for you depends on your lifestyle. The plug-in device might be right for you if you live in a household with multiple owners of a vehicle. Since it allows you to remove the device whenever you’re not driving, it gives you better control over the data Progressive collects.

How Snapshot Knows Who’s Driving

If you use the plug-in device, Progressive will track driving habits as long as it’s in the OBD port. That’s why removing the device when you’re not driving is essential to keeping your rates from being affected by someone else’s bad habits.

If you decide the mobile app is right for you, you’ll need to enroll every driver in your policy. You might also have to indicate which car your drive most often, depending on your state. 

In some states, Progressive tracks driving data by phone. In others, it creates an average score using every driver on the account.

Although Progressive promises a high level of accuracy when detecting who is behind the wheel, the Snapshot app occasionally makes mistakes. If you notice an error after a drive, you can correct it in the app.

Driving Habits Progressive Snapshot Monitors

Snapshot looks at the following driving behaviors when you sign up for the program:

• Time of day: The safest time to drive is when the sun is up. If you frequently drive between midnight and 6 a.m., you probably won’t save very much with Snapshot.
• Mileage: Low-mileage drivers will save more with Snapshot than those who drive more frequently. High-mileage drivers are considered riskier simply because they spend more time on the road, so they should avoid usage-based insurance programs.
• Braking and accelerating: When you sign up for Snapshot, you should avoid quick accelerations and hard braking as much as possible.
• Speeding: Drivers who stick to posted speed limits will see higher Snapshot scores than those who frequently speed.
• Distracted driving: Snapshot tracks cell phone use if you sign up for the mobile app. If you text or make phone calls while you drive, your Snapshot score will suffer.

Snapshot looks at a variety of driving habits to determine your overall score. If you struggle to avoid any of the above behaviors, you should probably skip signing up for Snapshot. Learn more about how insurance companies determine rates.

While other companies do not penalize bad driving behaviors, you might see your rates increase with Snapshot.

You should also be aware that the Snapshot app reserves the right to share your data with third parties for the following reasons:

• To service your insurance policy
• For marketing purposes
• As support for insurance rates
• To detect fraudulence
• To help resolve claims
• As permitted to assist law enforcement investigations

You’ll need to agree to this data collection before using the Snapshot app. However, you can skip much of the data collection and sharing by opting for the plug-in device.

If Snapshot Is Worth It

The only way to get the most from Progressive’s Snapshot discount is to practice safe driving habits. You should also confirm you drive less than 10,000 miles per year and don’t mind being monitored before you sign up.

Read more: Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Old Drivers

For drivers who don’t practice the safest habits, it might be better to skip Snapshot, especially since you might actually pay higher rates.

Progressive Snapshot vs. the Competition

Before you decide if Snapshot is right for you, research other options, as most companies offer UBI, some of which with much bigger savings than Snapshot. See how Snapshot compares stacks up to the competition.

Usage-Based Insurance Savings by Company

Read more: Safeco Car Insurance Discounts 

We also offer reviews of many of these usage-based car insurance programs to help you get familiar:

• Allstate Milewise review
• American Family KnowYourDrive review
• Farmers Signal review
• Nationwide SmartRide review
• Travelers Intellidrive review
• USAA SafePilot review

Most major companies offer better potential savings than Progressive. However, Progressive’s mobile app receives high scores, and most customers recommend it.

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Progressive’s Other Discounts and How to Qualify for Them

In addition to the Snapshot discount program, Progressive offers a variety of other discounts that can help you save money on your car insurance premiums. These discounts include:

• Multi-car discount
• Homeowner discount
• Continuous insurance discount
• Good student discount
• Multi-policy discount

To qualify for these discounts, you will need to meet certain criteria. For example, to qualify for the good student car insurance discount, you must be a full-time student under the age of 23 and maintain a B average or better.

Car insurance companies also provide car insurance discounts by age. Many insurance providers offer special discounts for drivers who reach a certain age, typically around 50 or 55 years old.

To qualify for the multi-policy discount, you must have two or more policies with Progressive.

Expert Handling of Progressive Snapshot Claims

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

Progressive’s claims process is designed to be user-friendly and convenient. Policyholders have multiple options for filing a claim, including online, over the phone, or through the use of mobile apps. The online platform allows for a seamless and hassle-free claims submission process, where customers can provide all necessary information and documentation digitally.

Progressive’s mobile apps provide a convenient way to file a claim on the go, making it accessible to customers wherever they are. Additionally, the option to file a claim over the phone ensures that customers have a direct line of communication with Progressive’s claims representatives for assistance.

Average Claim Processing Time

Progressive is known for its efficient claims processing system. The company aims to provide quick resolution to policyholders’ claims. While the exact processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the claim, Progressive’s commitment to a timely claims process is a key factor that sets it apart from its competitors. Policyholders can expect prompt attention to their claims to minimize any disruptions to their lives.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Progressive values customer feedback and continuously strives to improve its claims resolution process. Customer feedback regarding claim resolutions and payouts is generally positive, with many customers expressing satisfaction with the company’s responsiveness and fairness. Progressive’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction is reflected in its claims handling practices.

The Cutting-Edge: Progressive Snapshop Tech Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Progressive’s mobile app offers a range of features and functionalities designed to enhance the overall customer experience. Policyholders can easily manage their policies, view and pay bills, access digital insurance cards, and file claims directly through the app. The intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it convenient for customers to navigate and access important information at their fingertips.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Progressive’s online account management capabilities provide policyholders with the flexibility to access and manage their insurance policies from any device with an internet connection. Customers can review policy details, make changes to their coverage, and track claims progress through the online portal. This digital convenience streamlines the insurance management process, giving customers more control over their policies.

Digital Tools and Resources

Progressive offers a range of digital tools and resources to assist policyholders in making informed decisions about their insurance coverage. These resources include insurance calculators, educational materials, and informative articles that help customers understand their insurance needs better.

Progressive’s commitment to providing digital tools and resources aligns with its mission to empower customers to make confident insurance choices.

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See What Progressive Snapshot Can Do for You

Progressive’s Snapshot program might be a good option if you practice safe driving habits and don’t put too many miles on your car. You’ll also need to be comfortable having your driving data tracked.

Although Snapshot is a good choice for usage-based insurance, there are other options. You might find better savings with other companies, so it’s important to compare quotes before you sign up for a policy. Use our comparison tool below to get free auto insurance quotes from local companies.

Case Studies: Progressive Snapshot Review

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Positive Experience

Sarah, a cautious driver, decided to try the Progressive Snapshot car insurance discount to potentially lower her insurance premiums. She found that the program accurately tracked her safe driving habits, including maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden braking. As a result, she received a significant discount on her insurance rates, ultimately saving her money.

Sarah’s positive experience with the Snapshot encouraged her to continue using the program and maintain her safe driving habits.

Case Study 2: John’s Frustrations with Accuracy

John, an occasional aggressive driver, enrolled in the Progressive Snapshot with the hope of receiving a discounted premium. However, he encountered some challenges with the program’s accuracy. The device occasionally registered false events, such as hard braking instances that didn’t occur. This led to an inaccurate assessment of his driving behavior and limited the potential discount he could receive.

Despite his frustrations, John appreciated the concept of usage-based insurance and considered exploring alternative programs that might offer more precise tracking.

Case Study 3: Emily’s Privacy Concerns

Emily was initially intrigued by the Progressive Snapshot and its potential cost savings. However, she hesitated to participate due to privacy concerns. The idea of having her driving habits monitored and potentially shared with the insurance company made her uneasy.

Emily decided to explore alternative insurance options that offered similar benefits without compromising her privacy. She ultimately opted for a different usage-based insurance program that allowed her to maintain more control over her personal data.

Case Study 4: Mark’s Inconsistent Results

Mark, an urban driver with frequent traffic congestion, signed up for the Progressive Snapshot in hopes of reducing his insurance costs. However, the program’s effectiveness varied based on his driving environment. The Snapshot struggled to distinguish between aggressive maneuvers caused by external factors, such as sudden lane changes due to heavy traffic, and genuine risky driving behavior.

This inconsistency led Mark to question the reliability of the program’s assessments and prompted him to explore alternative insurers that might offer more accurate tracking in his specific driving conditions.

Case Study 5: Lisa’s Alternative Approach

Lisa was intrigued by the concept of usage-based insurance and the potential for cost savings, but she didn’t want to commit to a specific program. Instead, she opted for an alternative solution: a smartphone app that tracked her driving behavior. This app provided similar benefits to the Progressive Snapshot, such as personalized rates based on her driving habits, but without the need for a physical device.

Lisa found this approach convenient and flexible, allowing her to compare multiple insurers offering usage-based insurance and choose the one that best suited her needs.

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