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
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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 April 17, 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$90$81
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.
  • Our editorial team spent 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. 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.

    We rate each company on a 1 to 5 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. We update ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.

    • Third-party financial ratings: We use data from AM Best, S&P, Moody's, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
    • Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 20,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also considered third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
    • Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the United States, as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
    • Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
    • Availability and reach: Insurify identified the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share to score availability and reach.

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.

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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.
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.
$90/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.
$142/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

Read our CSAA review
Muralidhara - April 16, 2024
Verified

Always Kind Enough to Answer My Queries

Very good.

Jay - April 16, 2024
Verified

Detailed Experience with AAA in a High-Risk Area

I have been using AAA for auto insurance for 7 years and have had a combined auto and home insurance policy for two or three years. However, I must admit that my home coverage is limited to Fire & Liability. My house is located less than 5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, but it's 70 feet above sea level, so wind is my primary concern. I have taken measures to secure my home against wind damage, including upgrading my garage door to a 150 mph rating, reinforcing all our second-story windows, and installing hurricane-rated installations including all the French doors on both floors. I have also reinforced the gable ends of the original part of the house and the second-story roof is a hip design. We even installed hurricane-rated skylights in the old gable roof. Storm flood surge is not a concern for us unless there's an extreme event like a Chixalub asteroid hit in the Gulf. We have weathered the after-effects of several former cyclones with ratings of 1 & 2. Consequently, I have not had to submit any claims for the home or our two automobiles for over a decade. My biggest complaint is the lack of personal service since my agent left AAA about a year ago. I have not been able to find a replacement locally. After I complained about this, they sent me a renewal policy with a premium that has doubled. However, this is due to how Florida manages disaster insurance. Every time there's a major cyclone event, every car, home, business, etc. insurance policy gets an assessment to pay for the uncovered damages when the local insurers go out of business or move to another state. This is a penalty for the inadequate insurance business model that uses state-run insurance corporations to cover those who cannot get insurance elsewhere. These corporations are usually unable to cover hurricane or sinkhole risks for everyone. The system doesn't help the average household very much unless you are wealthy or you self-insure.

Lora - April 15, 2024
Verified

Parking Lot Accident

A man hit my car in a parking lot while I was backing up. I was more than 5 feet out of the parking space. The man, in his 90s, was driving too fast and didn't see my car. However, AAA deemed it my fault.

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.
$81/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.
$143/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

Read our Progressive review
Kevin - April 17, 2024
Verified

Wonder Why They Did That?

They dropped me without any explanation, yet they let me renew without asking any questions.

Ishmeal - April 17, 2024
Verified

Too high for someone who's been driving for over 50 years with no tickets

I wouldn't recommend them; it's too expensive.

Stanley - April 17, 2024
Verified

Still Shopping

They are overpriced. I have one speeding ticket in 50 years and they won't forgive it. I've been driving for 67 years and have NEVER had a DWI.

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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$90$81
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$111$101
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$147
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$103$88
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$65$50
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."
  2. J.D. Power. "Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds."
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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