AAA vs. Progressive: Which Is the Best? (2024)

Progressive’s cheaper rates earn it a higher IQ Score of 3.9.

Anna Baluch
Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
  • 4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

  • MBA from Roosevelt University

Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 March 26, 2024

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If you’re shopping for car insurance, AAA and Progressive are two insurers you may consider.

While AAA is known for its roadside assistance services, like jump-starts, flat tire replacement, and fuel delivery, it also offers car insurance in select states. AAA’s car insurance products come from CSAA Insurance Group, which serves AAA members in clubs across the country.

Progressive, meanwhile, is the third-largest insurer in the U.S. It offers a variety of car insurance products, as well as home insurance, boat insurance, condo insurance, and other products.

Here’s a closer look at how AAA and Progressive stack up so you can make the best choice for your unique situation and insurance needs.

Quick Facts
  • While Progressive offers lower rates for most drivers, AAA has more perks for policyholders.

  • Any driver can purchase an auto insurance policy from Progressive, but you’ll have to join AAA to purchase car insurance from the company.

  • AAA has a wider selection of discounts than Progressive, but these discounts vary based on location.

AAA vs. Progressive: The verdict

If you’re a member of AAA or plan to become one, you can enjoy plenty of perks along with your auto insurance, like robust roadside coverage, car rental benefits, and identity theft protection. However, these perks come at an extra cost, so you have to determine whether they’re worth it for you.

Progressive, which typically offers lower car insurance rates than AAA, is a large insurance company with a variety of coverage levels and discounts. Through its Name Your Price tool, you can quickly learn about coverage options that align with your budget.

When it comes to financial stability, AM Best gave AAA an A (Excellent) rating and Progressive an A+ (Superior) rating.[1] In a customer satisfaction study by J.D. Power, AAA scored higher than Progressive.[2]

FactorAAAProgressive
IQ Score3.53.9
J.D. Power customer satisfaction score820 out of 1,000812 out of 1,000
Average quote: liability only$91$82
Number of discounts1013
Number of states where it operates2450
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

AAA

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, offers various insurance products through local auto clubs and is well-known for its roadside assistance program and membership perks.

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.5
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
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.
$91/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.
$145/mo

When AAA began in 1902, it was a small, members-only motor club. The organization introduced insurance coverage for members a few decades later. Other aspects of the club, like exclusive discounts, travel help, and emergency roadside assistance, have stayed the same throughout the years. Today, the company partners with regional insurance companies to offer insurance coverage for millions of members.

Pros
  • Unique membership perks like travel discounts and members only DMV locations

  • Standard extra coverage such as roadside assistance

  • High customer satisfaction

Cons
  • Limited company options

  • AAA membership is required to obtain coverage

  • Coverage varies based on location

Margaret - March 24, 2024
Verified

Excellent

The agent I worked with was more than excellent.

Leslie - March 24, 2024
Verified

Poor Customer Service

They charged me for someone who is not in my home for the card that provides road service, and they kept adding $30 each month without explaining why!

Dolores - March 24, 2024
Verified

Excellent

They still offer the lowest rate in the market for us.
Read our CSAA review

Progressive

Based in Ohio, Progressive Insurance is one of the nation’s largest insurers. It’s most well known for its car insurance and small-business insurance.

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IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
$82/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.
$146/mo

Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Rewards for good drivers

  • Numerous coverage options and discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-expected amount of complaints

  • Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking

Michael - March 26, 2024
Verified

I wish annual auto insurance premiums were as enticing as Progressive's customer service!

Communication and response are positive experiences. However, I have found Progressive to be more on the expensive side when it comes to annual premiums. Recent research into other insurance companies has proven to be beneficial when considering lowering my personal auto insurance premiums. That is the primary reason I am looking toward other companies hoping to reduce my annual insurance rates. It is looking very promising!

Jeffrey - March 26, 2024
Verified

Progressive - A Waste of Money and Time

I am very disappointed and will be looking for another company for coverage.

Usvaldo - March 25, 2024
Verified

Need to Improve for the American People

Snapshot can mistakenly mark you as being on your phone when you're in the house while your car is remote starting.
Read our Progressive review

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AAA SMARTtrek vs. Progressive Snapshot

AAA and Progressive both offer telematics-based programs to encourage safe driving. If you download the mobile app and participate in AAA’s SMARTtrek, you’ll automatically save 10% on your policy. And if you demonstrate good driving habits, you may save up to 20%. The app will give you feedback on your driving and also provide tips on how to keep yourself safe on the road.

Progressive Snapshot also tracks your driving behavior and may reward you with an automatic discount just for signing up. However, this depends on where you live. While the total discount you can earn depends on factors like speeding and hard braking, Progressive says that good drivers save an average of $231 on their annual premiums.

AAA vs. Progressive: Which is the cheapest?

In general, Progressive offers lower rates and more affordable car insurance coverage than AAA. However, your premium will depend on a variety of factors, such as your ZIP code, location, age, marital status, driving record, credit score, and previous car insurance history.

Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Drivers with a clean driving record, free of speeding tickets and DUI violations, can find lower car insurance premiums with Progressive.

Driver TypeAAAProgressive
Clean driving record$91$82
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Progressive offers cheaper auto insurance coverage for drivers with a speeding ticket.

Driver TypeAAAProgressive
Drivers with a speeding ticket$113$102
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Progressive: Cheapest for teen drivers

Teens and young drivers can lock in cheaper car insurance through Progressive insurance.

Driver TypeAAAProgressive
18-year-old$143$146
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Not every state allows insurers to review a driver’s credit history during the underwriting process. However, most states do. In states where this is legal, drivers with poor credit scores generally pay higher rates than drivers with good or excellent credit.

In general, Progressive offers better car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit.

Driver TypeAAAProgressive
Drivers with bad credit$104$90
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Progressive: Cheapest for senior drivers

Senior drivers can enjoy cheaper auto insurance rates with Progressive.

Driver TypeAAAProgressive
Senior drivers$66$51
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Compare coverages: AAA vs. Progressive

AAA and Progressive offer a number of main coverage options. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance.

In addition, both car insurance companies allow customers to choose from a variety of optional insurance policies or add-ons. While AAA is known for its roadside assistance plan, you can find a similar option through Progressive roadside assistance.

Both insurers also offer gap insurance to help you if your car is deemed a total loss and you owe more than it’s worth. Progressive calls this coverage “loan/lease payoff coverage.”

New-car added protection is unique to AAA and can pay to repair or replace your car without depreciation if it gets totaled.

Progressive stands out for its pet injury coverage, which can protect your pet if it sustains an injury and you face medical bills after a car accident.

Finally, keep in mind that AAA’s coverage options vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check with your regional club in your home state to find out what your options are.

CoverageAAAProgressive
Roadside assistanceYesYes
Rideshare insuranceYesYes
New-car added protectionYesNo
Gap insurance or
loan/lease payoff coverage
YesYes
Rental car reimbursementYesYes
Pet injury coverageNoYes

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Compare discounts: AAA vs. Progressive

Discounts can lower your car insurance costs, but remember that not all AAA discounts are available to everyone. You may want to reach out to your local AAA office to determine which discounts members in your area can get.

The table below provides you with an idea of the discounts available from each insurer.

DiscountAAAProgressive
Clean driving recordYesYes
Defensive driving courseYesNo
Multi-policyYesYes
Multi-carYesYes
Low mileageNoNo
Telematics (safe driving app)YesYes
Anti-theft deviceYesYes
New carNoNo
Military/affiliationNoNo
Good studentYesYes
LoyaltyYesNo
Auto payYesYes
Student away at schoolYesYes
HomeownerNoYes
Alternative fuelYesNo

AAA vs. Progressive FAQs

Looking for more information to help you decide between AAA and Progressive? Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about these insurers.

  • Which is better: AAA or Progressive?

    Your unique budget, specific needs, and preferences will determine whether AAA or Progressive is better. AAA may be a better choice if you want membership perks to save on various out-of-pocket costs, while Progressive is your best bet for cheaper rates.

  • What are the pros and cons of AAA?

    AAA offers a variety of car insurance options, as well as a comprehensive roadside assistance program and attractive membership perks. But its rates can be expensive, and you have to become an AAA member to get a policy.

  • Why is Progressive so cheap?

    Progressive offers cheap car insurance coverage due to its large market share and plethora of discounts. Note that your exact rates will depend on your ZIP code, age, driving history, and other factors.

  • Do you have to be a member of AAA to buy its insurance?

    Yes, you must join AAA to take advantage of its auto insurance. AAA membership fees vary by location.

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 50+ 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Sources

  1. AM Best. "CSAA Insurance Exchange." Accessed January 5, 2024
  2. J.D. Power. "Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds." Accessed January 5, 2024
Anna Baluch
Anna BaluchInsurance Writer

Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. 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 internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferSenior Editor
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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.

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