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 References

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 long after buying a car should you get insurance? ›

If your car is new and you do not have a current car insurance policy, you have 30 days to purchase insurance for it and provide proof of coverage to the California DMV. However, you may not legally drive the vehicle until you have an insurance policy that satisfies California's minimum coverage requirements.

What are 5 tips for buying car insurance? ›

Take These Steps to Save More
  • Keep your credit and driving record clean. Both have an impact on the price of your insurance premium. ...
  • Choose your car wisely. Premiums vary by model. ...
  • Assign the right driver to the right car. Ask your insurance agent who the principal driver should be for each car in your household.
Mar 14, 2023

What are the 3 parts of an auto insurance policy? ›

Components of Auto Insurance

Your policy must contain three major parts: liability insurance for bodily injury, liability insurance for property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage. Optional coverage includes underinsured motorists, medical expense coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

How long do I have to add a new car to my Progressive 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.

What is the grace period for progressive car insurance? ›

Progressive offers a grace period if you're late on payments. However, after 10 to 20 days, depending on your state's law, you could face a lapse in coverage. If you're struggling to make your payments, reach out to Progressive immediately to see what options it can offer.

What's the best car insurance coverage to have? ›

Key Takeaways
  • You should carry the highest amount of liability coverage you can afford, with 100/300/100 being the best coverage level for most drivers.
  • You may need to carry additional coverages to protect your vehicle, including comprehensive, collision and gap coverage.
Nov 15, 2023

Should you shop around for car insurance? ›

Bottom line. Shopping around at least once a year for car insurance can lower one of the biggest expenses of being a driver.

What is the best auto insurance for first time drivers? ›

We chose State Farm, USAA, Geico, Erie Insurance and Liberty Mutual as the best providers for new drivers. Depending on their location, vehicle, age and other factors, new drivers can pay $3,000 per year or more for car insurance.

What are the 5 C's of insurance? ›

The 5Cs of transformation in insurance are – communication, customization, connection, cognition and consensus. Let's look at each in turn: Communication At its core, insurance is a promise. Now, there isn't much value in a promise if you can't communicate it!

What to ask before getting an insurance? ›

Five questions to ask when choosing your health coverage
  • Who will your health plan cover? ...
  • Are there specific providers you want to see or facilities you want to use? ...
  • Will your plan cover the medical care you need? ...
  • How much can you afford to pay? ...
  • Do you want flexibility in choosing certain specialists or services?

What are the 3 most important insurance? ›

There are many types of insurance available, but there are some which top the charts in terms of importance. Home or property insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, and automobile insurance are five types that everyone should have.

What are the basics of car insurance? ›

Liability coverage: Covers medical expenses and repair costs the policyholder is liable to pay if they're responsible for causing an accident. Property damage coverage: Pays for vehicle damage or theft. Medical coverage: Covers the treatment of injuries, rehabilitation, lost wages, and funeral expenses.

What is a deductible in car insurance? ›

An auto insurance deductible is what you pay “out of pocket” on a claim before your insurance covers the rest. Collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection coverages all typically have a car insurance deductible. You typically have a choice between a low and high deductible.

Which type of car insurance will cover you if you are at fault? ›

To legally operate a vehicle, it's required in almost every state to have liability insurance; however, even if you don't live in a state that requires it, having this coverage can provide peace of mind and protection in the case of a future at-fault accident.

Does Michigan have a grace period for insurance? ›

The Michigan new-car insurance grace period is 7 to 30 days in most cases.

What is the grace period for new car insurance in Colorado? ›

Enjuris tip: A “new-car grace period” is how long insured drivers are allowed to drive a newly purchased vehicle before adding it to an existing auto insurance policy. The Colorado new-car insurance grace period is typically between 7 and 30 days.

What is the grace period for car insurance in Texas? ›

A grace period of 31 days shall be granted to the policyholder or premium payor for the payment of each premium falling due after the first premium.

How long do you have to register a car after purchase in California? ›

Registration for a Vehicle Purchased from a Private Party

Buyers have 10 days after purchasing the vehicle to transfer ownership from the seller to themselves, and sellers have 5 days after the sale to report the transfer of ownership to DMV.

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