Progressive car insurance initially appears to be a budget-friendly option, often enticing new customers with lower premiums. Many are drawn in by programs like Snapshot, which promise even greater savings based on driving habits. The allure of reduced rates can be strong, especially when first signing up. However, some customers have reported that the initial savings can be fleeting, and the reality of programs like Snapshot may not live up to the advertised benefits.
One customer’s experience highlights a common concern. Starting with Progressive seemed like a smart financial move, with initial rates significantly lower than their previous insurer. The monthly savings were substantial, creating a positive first impression. However, this positive experience took an unexpected turn. Between the second and third payments, the premium inexplicably increased. This sudden rate hike occurred without any clear justification or explanation from Progressive, leaving the customer confused and frustrated.
Seeking to regain control over their insurance costs and potentially lower their premiums again, the customer enrolled four vehicles in Progressive’s Snapshot program. Snapshot, a usage-based insurance program, monitors driving behavior through a device or mobile app, promising discounts for safe driving. For six months, the customer diligently participated in the program, hoping to unlock further savings. Initially, the results seemed promising. Three of the four vehicles were tracking towards savings, indicating positive driving behavior. However, one vehicle experienced a couple of months with more frequent hard braking and late-night driving events. Despite minimal issues in the subsequent four months, this single vehicle triggered a dramatic rate increase.
While three vehicles earned modest savings of $109 per month, $10 per month, and no change respectively, the vehicle flagged for potential increase resulted in a staggering $244 per month rate hike. This significant penalty far outweighed the combined savings from the other vehicles, leading to a net increase of $135 per month overall. The customer felt misled by the Snapshot program, labeling it a “joke” and a “bait and switch.”
The core issues highlighted by this experience are twofold. Firstly, Snapshot’s metrics are perceived as flawed. The program heavily emphasizes hard stops and fast accelerations, which, while often indicative of aggressive driving, can sometimes be necessary safety maneuvers to avoid accidents or navigate unexpected traffic situations. Secondly, the program appears unforgiving and lacking in nuance. It doesn’t adequately balance occasional less-than-perfect months with extended periods of good driving behavior. The penalty for a brief period of less-than-ideal driving in one vehicle can negate the benefits of consistently safe driving across multiple vehicles over a longer duration.
Ultimately, the customer’s experience with Progressive Snapshot led to disappointment and a sense of betrayal. Despite the initial promise of savings, the program resulted in higher overall insurance costs. The recommendation based on this experience is a strong caution against relying on Snapshot for genuine savings. The customer advises others to “tell them to eat their snap shot,” suggesting that the program is ultimately designed to recoup any initial discounts, one way or another, leaving customers back where they started, or even worse off, despite promises to the contrary. The enticing initial rates and promised savings may simply be a “bait and switch” tactic, leading to frustration and increased costs in the long run.
