)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Progressive and USAA are two of the most popular car insurance companies on the market. Progressive offers numerous coverage options and discounts but struggles with some aspects of customer satisfaction. USAA offers excellent customer service, but it only sells coverage to members of the military community.
Progressive is the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., with a market share of nearly 17%, while USAA is the fifth-largest insurer, with a market share of just over 6%.[1]
To make the right choice for your needs, you should compare auto insurance rates, coverages, discounts, and customer satisfaction ratings. Here’s what you should know about Progressive and USAA.
Both Progressive and USAA have solid financial strength ratings, indicating a strong ability to pay claims.
The average monthly cost of liability coverage is $53 from USAA and $97 from Progressive.
USAA and Progressive both offer telematics programs you can use to potentially save money on coverage if you’re a safe driver.
Progressive vs. USAA: Our verdict
USAA is a great car insurance company if you qualify for membership. It excels in most categories, especially customer satisfaction and affordability. Progressive is also an excellent car insurance company that offers numerous discounts and customizable coverage for policyholders.
USAA has better customer satisfaction rankings than Progressive. For example, it earned the second-highest rating in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, compared to Progressive’s below-average score.[2] It also earned a slightly higher AM Best financial strength rating, with an A++ (Superior) rating, compared to Progressive’s A+ (Superior) rating.
But Progressive has USAA beat when it comes to discounts, offering 19 discounts compared to USAA’s 15. It also has a stronger telematics program, offering greater potential savings and availability.
Progressive vs. USAA
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $135/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $76/mo* |
Overall rating 3.2 | Overall rating 4.9 |
Value for money 3.2/5 | Value for money 4.9/5 |
Customer service 3.4/5 | Customer service 4.8/5 |
Claims handling 3.4/5 | Claims handling 4.9/5 |
Special highlight Competitive ratesAI-generated from 7522 user reviews | Special highlight Members of the military communityAI-generated from 1326 user reviews |
Progressive: Best for customizable coverage
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| 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. | $97/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. | $172/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive is a good insurer for most drivers, particularly those seeking specialized coverage. The insurer offers numerous coverage options, discounts, and various other ways to save.
Drivers can save more using the Name Your Price tool, a deductible savings bank, and the Snapshot program, which rewards good driving. If you want to customize your car insurance policy, Progressive is a great choice.
Many available coverages and add-ons
Available in all 50 states
Strong digital tools and mobile app
Lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Low Trustpilot rating
Rates can be higher for high-risk drivers
USAA: Best for customer satisfaction
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| 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. | $53/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. | $99/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
USAA is a great insurer if you’re a qualifying military member or family member of one. It provides excellent customer service and offers exclusive coverages and discounts to its members. The company typically has affordable average rates for its members. If you qualify for coverage, USAA is a solid choice.
High customer satisfaction
Affordable rates
Specialized coverage for military members and families
Not available to everyone
No 24/7 customer phone support
Low Trustpilot rating
USAA vs. Progressive: Which is cheaper?
Average premiums from USAA and Progressive vary based on factors such as your age, driving record, location, credit history, and other relevant factors.
Take a look at the table below to see how auto insurance rates vary between the two insurers for different types of drivers. Unless otherwise specified, all quotes below are average monthly costs for liability insurance.
Driver Type | Progressive | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $133 | $91 |
| Liability-only coverage | $97 | $53 |
| Full coverage | $172 | $99 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $191 | $130 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $250 | $146 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $208 | $131 |
| Poor credit drivers | $185 | $117 |
| Good credit drivers | $147 | $87 |
| Teen drivers | $287 | $186 |
| Senior drivers | $93 | $76 |
Progressive vs. USAA car insurance discounts
Both auto insurance companies have numerous car insurance discounts and ways for drivers to save on their policies.
Progressive stands out for families, thanks to its discounts for homeowners and students away at school. It also offers numerous discounts when it comes to buying a car insurance policy, such as online quote, sign online, paperless, and auto-pay discounts.[3]
USAA excels with its new car and military affiliation discounts, but it falls short of Progressive’s 19 different ways for drivers to save. Both insurers also offer solid discounts for bundling with renters insurance or home insurance.[4]
Take a look at the discounts below and compare how the two insurers stack up.
Discount | Progressive | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Defensive driving course | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-car | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low mileage | ✔ | ✔ |
| Telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car | ✖ | ✔ |
| Military/affiliation | ✖ | ✔ |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Teen driver | ✔ | ✖ |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✔ |
| Continuous insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Online quote | ✔ | ✖ |
| Sign online | ✔ | ✖ |
| Paperless | ✔ | ✖ |
| Loyalty | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto pay | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student away at school | ✔ | ✖ |
| Homeowner | ✔ | ✖ |
| Alternative fuel | ✖ | ✖ |
| Pay in full | ✔ | ✔ |
Compare customer satisfaction and financial strength
Both car insurance companies perform well across numerous customer satisfaction and financial strength metrics, but USAA outperforms Progressive in a few categories. USAA earned a higher overall average ranking in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study than Progressive.[5] USAA also earned a slightly higher AM Best rating than Progressive.
Both Progressive and USAA have a below-average number of customer complaints filed on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index. The insurers have similar customer review ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.
Compare the customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings of USAA and Progressive below.
Score | Progressive | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| Customer reviews | 3.3/5 (14,755 reviews) | 4.9/5 (2,441 reviews) |
| J.D. Power | 735 | 621 |
| AM Best rating | A+ (Superior) | A++ (Superior) |
| NAIC complaint index | 0.98 (Below average) | 0.98 (Below average) |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.09 out of 5 | 1.16 out of 5 |
Recent customer reviews of Progressive car insurance
Like nearly every car insurance company, Progressive has mixed reviews. While it has fewer-than-average complaints with the NAIC, it only earns a rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. We collected reviews from actual Progressive customers so you can learn how they feel about the car insurance company.
Recent customer reviews of USAA car insurance
Although it has an excellent J.D. Power rating, USAA has some mixed reviews. Like Progressive, it only earns 1.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. We collected reviews from real Insurify customers to gauge their opinions about the military-forward insurer.
Progressive Snapshot vs. USAA SafePilot
Progressive and USAA offer strong telematics programs with different benefits. Progressive advertises a potential savings average of $322 upon completion of its Snapshot program, whereas USAA policyholders can save up to 30% after the SafePilot program.
Progressive’s Snapshot program utilizes either your phone or a plug-in device to track your driving behavior, such as speed, braking, acceleration, phone use, and mileage. USAA’s SafePilot program does the same, but it uses your smartphone to track the behavior. SafePilot and Snapshot have similar availability nationwide and comparable average app ratings.
It’s important to understand the differences between telematics car insurance and pay-per-mile car insurance.
Telematics programs track your vehicle’s usage, either through your phone or a device in your car, to determine your auto insurance rates. Pay-per-mile insurance is a type of car insurance policy that charges you based on how much you drive. The less mileage you rack up, the lower your car insurance premium will be.
Telematics programs are a great way for drivers to counter the ever-increasing cost of car insurance, as safe driving can lower rates. Telematics insurance can increase your auto insurance rates if you have bad driving habits. This is true for Progressive, but USAA claims the Safepilot program won’t increase premiums.
Compare telematics features from Progressive and USAA below.
Feature | Progressive Snapshot | USAA SafePilot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who want higher savings and broad availability | Drivers looking for a risk-free discount for good driving |
| Savings potential for good drivers | $322 at program completion | Up to 30% upon renewal |
| How it works | Uses your phone or a plug-in device to track speed, braking, acceleration, and mileage | Uses your smartphone’s sensors to track speed, braking, and phone distractions |
| Availability | 48 states (not available in CA or HI) | 47 states (not available in CA, DE, and NJ) |
| Data tracked | Speed, acceleration, braking, mileage, phone use | Speed, braking, phone distractions, and hard turns |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | 4.8/4.6 | 4.8/4.7 |
| Average enrollment discount | $169 | 10% for enrolling, up to 30% upon completion |
| Driver feedback tools | Driving habit reports available online and in-app | Driver feedback available in app |
| Gamified rewards | ✖ | ✖ |
| Compatibility | Smartphone app or plug-in device | Smartphone app only |
Compare coverages: Progressive vs. USAA
Both Progressive and USAA offer standard car insurance coverages, including add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and rideshare insurance. Neither insurer offers traditional gap insurance, but they each provide a similar type of insurance coverage.
Take a look at the table below for a closer look at what coverage options each car insurance company offers.
Coverage | Progressive | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP insurance) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✖ (has loan/lease payoff coverage instead) | ✖ (has car replacement assistance coverage instead) |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rideshare insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
Progressive vs. USAA FAQs
If you’re still deciding between Progressive and USAA, check out the additional information about each company below.
Which is cheaper: Progressive or USAA?
Progressive offers an average monthly rate of $97 for minimum coverage and $172 for full coverage. For comparison, USAA offers an average rate of $53 for liability coverage and $99 for full coverage. Your quotes will depend on your driving record, location, and more.
Who is USAA’s biggest competitor?
USAA’s biggest competitors are the other major car insurance companies, including Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate. When it comes to insurers with military benefits, Armed Forces Insurance Exchange is USAA’s biggest competitor. GEICO also offers various military discounts and benefits.
Is USAA a reputable company?
Yes. USAA is a reputable company. It earned the second-highest rating in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior). It also has fewer-than-average complaints on the NAIC index. It’s one of the top insurance companies in the market.
Is Progressive good at paying claims?
Yes. Progressive is good at paying claims. AM Best, which rates insurers on their financial strength and ability to pay claims, assigned Progressive a rating of A+ (Superior). Like with any car insurance company, you’ll need to provide proper proof and go through the insurer’s set channels to get your claim paid out.
Which car insurance company offers the cheapest insurance?
In the U.S., COUNTRY Financial has the cheapest coverage, with an average monthly liability rate of $42. Auto-Owners and USAA also have affordable coverage, with average monthly liability insurance rates of $46 and $53, respectively. But the best car insurance company for you will vary depending on your driving record, location, and other factors. You should talk to an insurance agent if you have any more questions.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
)
List of National and Regional Car Insurance Companies
)
Travelers Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
)
USAA Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
)
State Farm Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
)
Liberty Mutual Insurance Review: 3,213+ User Ratings
)
GEICO Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
)
Farmers Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
)
Allstate Insurance Review: 7,746+ User Ratings
Sources
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2024 Top 25 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium."
- J.D. Power. "Widespread Price Increases, Extreme Weather Events and Long Repair Cycle Times Strain Customer Satisfaction with Homeowners Insurance Claims, J.D. Power Finds."
- Progressive. "Auto Insurance Discounts."
- USAA. "Auto Insurance Discounts."
- J.D. Power. "It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds."
)
Danny is a Brooklyn-based writer with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance. A former editor at Insurify, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.
Danny has been a contributor at Insurify since March 2022.
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
)
)
)