Car Insurance FAQ (2024)

Table of Contents
Get answers to common car insurance questions Rates and payments Are Progressive's online rates the same as rates from an agent? What are Progressive's payment options for a car insurance policy? Can I pay my Progressive bill online? Is my payment accepted immediately? What happens if I mail a payment on the due date? How often do I need to pay for my car insurance coverage? How does Progressive determine my car insurance rate? How can I get rates for other auto insurance companies? How long does it take to get a car insurance quote? Why did my rate change after I received a quote? Can my car insurance rate increase during my policy term? Picking a company Do all auto insurance companies offer the same coverages and discounts? Are auto insurance companies regulated? Understanding coverages How do I know if I chose the right coverage? Can I make changes to my car insurance coverage before the renewal date? Does Progressive coverage cover rental cars? Can I insure a car that's not in my name? Does my car insurance policy cover other drivers? Making policy changes How quickly do policy changes go into effect? Do I need to start a new policy to add a driver or vehicle? How long do I have to add a new car to my insurance policy? Can I make changes to my car insurance policy online? Can I change car insurance companies before my renewal date? Can I call anytime to make changes to my policy? How do I add a lienholder to my car insurance policy? Can I cancel my Progressive policy online? Nearly $750 average savings for new customers who save** FAQs

Get answers to common car insurance questions

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  • Rates and Payments
  • Picking a Company
  • Understanding Coverages
  • Making Policy Changes

Rates and payments

Are Progressive's online rates the same as rates from an agent?

No. Buying directly by quoting online or calling instead of going through an agent could result in different prices for Progressive policies because these areas of our business make independent decisions about the expenses they incur and the prices of their products. When buying through an agent or broker, your rate includes the commission paid to the agent or broker for selling the policy. When you buy directly from Progressive, the rate reflects the cost of building, staffing, and maintaining the sales centers and marketing costs of that aspect of our business.

No matter how you purchase your Progressive car insurance policy, you'll always receive the benefits and services we offer to all of our customers, including unparalleled 24/7 claims support and online service.

What are Progressive's payment options for a car insurance policy?

You can pay for your car insurance policy with a credit card, PayPal, online check, personal check, money order, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your checking account. Some methods of payment may not be available in certain situations.

Is my payment accepted immediately?

When paying online or by phone, we'll accept your payment right away. For automatic payment setup, your payment will be accepted on the regularly scheduled date. If you mail your payment, we'll note the postmark date on your envelope and consider your payment to be made on that date.

What happens if I mail a payment on the due date?

We consider the postmark date on the envelope as your payment date, so as long as your payment is postmarked by the due date, it's considered to be on time.

How often do I need to pay for my car insurance coverage?

We give you the option of paying monthly or in full, whichever fits your budget best. However, you'll earn a nice discount if you pay for your six-month policy up front.*

How does Progressive determine my car insurance rate?

Progressive, like other auto insurance companies, groups customers based on similar characteristics, evaluates their claims experiences within these groups and determines what to charge individuals with characteristics similar to members of the group. We charge a higher rate for customers more likely to have claims and a cheaper car insurance rate for customers less likely to have claims. Progressive also determines rates based on acquisition and operation costs.

Depending on your state, Progressive uses credit-based insurance scores and we also consider the type and value of the vehicle, your driving record, location, gender, age, and other factors to determine your insurance premium.

How can I get rates for other auto insurance companies?

To receive rates for other auto insurers in your state, you must get a Progressive quote online first or call us directly at 1-800-776-4737. Once you receive your quote, answer a few more questions to compare our car insurance rate with rates from other leading car insurance companies.

How long does it take to get a car insurance quote?

You can get an online quote in minutes with Progressive. If you prefer to chat with someone about your options, you can also call 1-800-776-4737 for questions about auto insurance or to quote over the phone.

Why did my rate change after I received a quote?

Several factors can influence a rate change between the time you received your quote and when you decided to purchase your policy. If it's been a few months since you received your quote, rates may have been revised in your area, which could decrease or increase the price you pay for your car insurance policy. If you recently received a quote, it's possible that something on your driving record — or the driving records of others on your policy — prompted a change in the quoted price. Please contact us at 1-800-776-4737, and we'll assist you.

Can my car insurance rate increase during my policy term?

The only way your rate will change mid-policy term is if you make changes to your policy. For instance, if you add or subtract drivers and/or vehicles, adjust coverages, or change your address, your rate will change. However, your rate won't increase during your policy term due to an accident, a violation, or a filed claim.

Picking a company

Do all auto insurance companies offer the same coverages and discounts?

Most basic coverages, such as liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage are offered by major companies. However, discounts, specialized coverages, and auto insurance rates can vary between companies. For instance, not all companies offer loan/lease payoff coverage (which is similar to gap insurance), student discounts, good driving discounts, or deductible reductions.

Are auto insurance companies regulated?

Yes. Each state requires auto insurance companies to file how they calculate customer rates, and insurers cannot deviate from these filed rates. Each state also has regulators who review the rates that companies charge.

Understanding coverages

How do I know if I chose the right coverage?

During your Progressive quote, you won't be able to select auto insurance coverages that don't apply to you. If you're unsure about what optional coverages to select, use the coverage help provided during your online quote, or chat with a licensed insurance representative using the "Talk to Me" option. If you're getting a quote by phone or through a local independent agent, feel free to ask questions throughout the quoting process.

Can I make changes to my car insurance coverage before the renewal date?

Yes, and it's easy to change your policy, too! Log in to your policy anytime to add or remove vehicles or drivers, change addresses, pay bills, and more. Or call us anytime at 1-800-776-4737, and a Progressive insurance representative will assist you. Keep in mind that some changes will affect the price you pay for insurance, so your premium may change.

Does Progressive coverage cover rental cars?

Your personal auto policy with Progressive can cover you while driving a rental car, up to the extent of coverage you have for your own vehicle. For instance, if you have comprehensive coverage on your car, that protection will extend to most rental vehicles.

Additionally, if you have rental car reimbursem*nt on your policy and your car is damaged in a covered accident, Progressive will pay for a rental (up to a specified limit and timeframe) while your own car is being repaired.

Can I insure a car that's not in my name?

In most states, the answer is yes. However, the vehicle must be parked regularly at your residence overnight for Progressive to insure it on your policy.

Does my car insurance policy cover other drivers?

If you lend your car to someone and they cause an accident, Progressive may cover some of the damages they're liable for. Whether the damages are covered depends on the accident, your coverage limits, the specific damages, and other factors. Learn more about how insurance works when borrowing cars.

Making policy changes

How quickly do policy changes go into effect?

If you make an adjustment to your policy, the change may be effective immediately; in specific situations, you can choose the effective date. Certain restrictions may apply to some changes, so call us at 1-800-776-4737 for further assistance or with questions.

Do I need to start a new policy to add a driver or vehicle?

No. Simply update your existing policy to reflect your current situation. We're happy to help with any changes.

How long do I have to add a new car to my insurance policy?

With Progressive, you have 30 days to transfer your insurance to your new car. The coverages you have on your previous vehicle will still apply to your new car during that period. Simply log in or call us at 1-800-776-4737 to add the vehicle to your policy. Learn more about insuring a new car.

Can I make changes to my car insurance policy online?

Absolutely. Our easy-to-use online customer service site lets you make changes to your policy at any time.

Can I change car insurance companies before my renewal date?

Yes. You can switch insurers at any time, even if you just renewed your policy with another insurance company. When you cancel with an insurer, you'll get a refund for the money you paid in advance.

Can I call anytime to make changes to my policy?

Yes. Progressive representatives are available to help you 24/7 at 1-800-776-4737.

How do I add a lienholder to my car insurance policy?

If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, you'll be prompted to select the lender upon purchase of your policy when quoting online. If your vehicle's lienholder changes, you can update the information by logging into your policy or calling us at 1-800-776-4737.

Can I cancel my Progressive policy online?

Auto policies can't be cancelled online, but you may cancel your policy over the phone, by mail, or via email.

Car Insurance FAQ (2)

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Car Insurance FAQ (2024)

FAQs

How to answer auto insurance questions? ›

Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything. Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference. Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.

Why do car insurance companies ask so many questions? ›

Insurance fraud is a significant concern for the industry. By asking questions, companies can verify the accuracy of their claims and prevent fraudulent activities. This ultimately keeps costs down for honest policyholders.

What are 3 factors that insurance companies look at to determine how much your insurance is going to cost? ›

The cost of car insurance is affected by factors including your age, gender, location and marital status; the vehicle you drive; your annual mileage; your driving record; your claims history and even your credit score.

Is a car insurance quote a hard inquiry? ›

Does getting insurance quotes affect your credit score? No, there is no hard credit pull when you get a car insurance quote, so shopping around won't affect your credit score. A hard credit pull generally happens when you apply for credit, such as a mortgage or credit card.

What is insurance best answer? ›

Insurance is a contract, represented by a policy, in which a policyholder receives financial protection or reimbursem*nt against losses from an insurance company.

How do you answer an insurance adjuster question? ›

Give brief answers.

Try to answer each question in as few words as possible. Don't explain. If you are specifically asked to explain, do so in as few words and with as little detail as possible.

Why do car insurance companies ask if you are currently insured? ›

A lapse (or several lapses) in car insurance coverage can lead to higher premiums, so the longer you've been consecutively insured, the less you can expect to pay for your car insurance policy, in general. When you get your Esurance quote, we ask you how long you've been continuously insured.

Why do insurance companies follow you? ›

However, the insurance company's main priority is to pay as little money as possible for your injuries. As a result, insurance companies are notorious for spying on clients in order to try to obtain evidence that diminishes the personal injury claim.

Does credit score affect car insurance? ›

On average, drivers with poor credit pay 118 percent more for full coverage car insurance than those with excellent credit. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates.

What vehicle has the lowest insurance rates? ›

Cheapest Vehicle Types To Insure

Generally, drivers receive the most cost-effective protection when they select smaller SUVs and minivans. On our list, compact or crossover SUVs such as the Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30 or Jeep Wrangler are among the most affordable cars to insure.

Is insurance cheaper if your car is paid off? ›

Car insurance premiums don't automatically go down when you pay off your car, but you can probably lower your premium by dropping coverage that's no longer required. Banks and financing companies who loan you money for your car are called lienholders.

Who has the best insurance rates right now? ›

USAA, Nationwide, Travelers, Erie, Geico and Progressive are the cheapest car insurance companies nationwide, according to our analysis.

Can my insurance agent see my credit score? ›

Yes. A federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), states insurance companies have a “permissible purpose” to look at your credit information without your permission. Insurance companies must also comply with state insurance laws when using credit information in the underwriting and rating process.

How do I talk like an insurance agent? ›

Hook your prospect with a strong opening sentence: It should address the needs of customers and why do they need insurance. Address their pain points: Most insurance customers tend to have common questions, and these are usually their concerns. It may include the premium amount, coverage, and even claims.

How to respond to insurance claims? ›

Promptly respond to letters and requests if they are unreasonable. If they are, say so, in writing. Be proactive: Give your insurer proof of your losses and ask for the dollar amounts you are entitled to. Don't wait for them to tell you how much they owe you.

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