AAA vs. Progressive: Which Insurer Is Better for You?

If you’re looking for an affordable insurance policy, you can’t go wrong with either Progressive or AAA — both offer competitive prices for most drivers and earn similar customer satisfaction ratings. Though Progressive is the cheapest overall insurer, teen drivers can find the best rates with AAA.

Unfortunately, only AAA members can purchase a AAA auto policy. So, Progressive is the better option if you don’t want to pay the $65 fee to become a AAA member.

We’ve done the research to compare AAA and Progressive across a number of factors so you can choose the best car insurance company for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Progressive offers cheaper auto insurance premiums to drivers across most demographics, with an average monthly rate of $119 compared to $121 for AAA.
• AAA has slightly better customer service ratings, although both companies have received some complaints about claims handling.
• Progressive offers slightly more coverage options, but AAA offers more discounts.

How Progressive and AAA Stack Up

You may want the lowest car insurance rate, but you don’t want to get so caught up in price that you end up with coverage that doesn’t meet your needs.

To help you find the best value, we’ve researched dozens of car insurance companies and given each a Compare.com Rating that considers cost, customer satisfaction, coverage availability, and reputation.

Check out the table below to see how the companies compare among these key metrics.

Progressive and AAA have similar overall scores, but the companies tie in cost. That said, Progressive scores higher in every other category. The insurer’s availability score is significantly higher since AAA coverage is only available to its members.

AAA vs. Progressive: Breaking Down Average Rates

Average rates give you an idea of how much insurance costs from different companies, but premiums vary from one company to the next. Rating factors like your driving history, vehicle, age, and ZIP code affect your insurance premiums. They also help insurers determine your risk level and how likely you are to file a claim — the riskier you seem, the more insurers will charge for an insurance policy.

The table below shows AAA and Progressive’s average rates for common driver profiles, according to Compare.com data.

Even though these are specific averages for different drivers, they can still vary widely. Insurers have unique formulas for measuring different kinds of risks, so your rate could be drastically different from someone who lives in a different state.

That’s why you should always shop around and compare multiple companies every time you shop for car insurance.

Progressive vs. AAA: Average Car Insurance Rates by State

Car insurance rates also vary greatly from state to state. For instance, if you live in an area with higher accident rates or your state requires more coverage, you can expect to pay more for your policy.

The table below shows the average costs of AAA and Progressive policies for different states, according to Compare.com data.

AAA vs. Progressive: Average Rates by Age

Age is an important factor that insurers consider when setting rates. Teens are riskier behind the wheel, so insurance companies charge younger drivers more for coverage. But the good news is your rates tend to drop as you age and gain more driving experience.

The table below shows what drivers in different age groups pay with AAA and Progressive, according to Compare.com data.

Cheaper for teens: AAA

Teens are at a higher risk of accidents than any other age group of drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s why insurance companies charge teen drivers much higher rates than older drivers.

Teens who get coverage through AAA pay an average premium of $187 per month, while Progressive’s average premiums are $213 per month, according to our analysis.

Cheaper for seniors: Progressive

Affordable auto insurance is one of the perks of getting older. Senior drivers tend to pay less for coverage than any age group because they generally drive less and practice safer driving habits, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Drivers in their 60s pay $74 per month with Progressive, while AAA charges $88, according to Compare.com data.

Progressive vs. AAA: Average Rates by Driving Record

Your driving record is another factor that weighs heavily on your insurance costs. Drivers with clean records get the best rates. Past accidents, driving under the influence (DUI), and speeding tickets put you in the high-risk category in the eyes of insurers — so they may charge you more for a policy.

Take a look at the table below to see how your driving record can affect your insurance premiums with AAA and Progressive.

Cheaper for good drivers: Progressive

If you have a clean driving record, insurers reward you with lower rates because it’s less risky to insure you. So if you want the cheapest coverage, focus on improving your driving record and asking for a safe driver discount.

Drivers with clean records pay an average rate of $119 with Progressive and $121 with AAA, according to Compare.com data.

Cheaper after a ticket: Progressive

Speeding increases your risk of getting into a car crash. If you get a speeding ticket, you’ll pay higher premiums. In fact, speeding tickets cause average rates to increase by 27%, according to our data.

We found that AAA charges drivers with a speeding ticket an average of $151 per month, while Progressive charges $149 per month.

Cheaper after an accident: Progressive

If you cause an accident, insurers will charge you more for coverage because you’re more likely to into a collision again. A recent at-fault accident on your driving record causes rates to increase by 34% nationally, according to Compare.com data.

We found that Progressive’s average premiums for drivers with an at-fault accident are $160 per month and AAA’s charges $166 per month.

Cheaper after a DUI: Progressive

Driving under the influence of alcohol leads to impaired driving and an increased risk of accidents. A DUI conviction can have the most significant effect on your insurance premiums — nationwide rates increase by 50% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data.

Our research shows that drivers with a DUI can expect to pay $184 per month with Progressive and $188 with AAA.

Comparing Progressive and AAA Car Insurance Coverages

While shopping for car insurance, you’ll notice that insurers offer a range of coverages. All companies offer basic liability coverage. But add-ons, or optional coverages that provide extra protection beyond what your state requires, vary by insurer.

The table below shows the types of coverage AAA and Progressive offer.

Progressive and AAA both offer an impressive range of coverages, but Progressive has slightly more. You can get new-car replacement through AAA, which allows you to get a new car (the same make and model) if an accident totals your vehicle — something Progressive doesn’t offer.

But Progressive offers pet injury protection and vehicle protection that pays for damage to a car’s major systems, which covers things like lost or damaged keys — something AAA doesn’t.

Comparing Progressive and AAA Car Insurance Discounts

Many insurance companies offer car insurance discounts to help you save on your coverage. Though most insurers offer some types of discounts, savings vary by company. Students, military members, and members of certain organizations can often receive discounts, depending on the insurer. You can also find discounts for insuring multiple policies or vehicles with a single insurer or practicing safe driving habits.

The table below shows the different discounts available with AAA and Progressive.

We found that AAA offers more discounts than Progressive: 13 to Progressive’s 11. For example, drivers with an active AAA membership can get a discount on their car insurance policy, and the insurer is known for its signature roadside assistance benefits.

Comparing AAA and Progressive Customer Satisfaction

Though AAA doesn’t rank in every region, it earns high customer satisfaction scores in several regions, according to the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study. The insurer earns high scores in California, Florida, and Texas, but Progressive consistently ranks below the industry average in all regions.

Progressive and AAA earn similar scores from multiple customer review platforms, with AAA earning slightly more positive reviews on some platforms.

The table below shows how both companies stack up across several popular review sites.

Looking at individual reviews, many AAA customers — like the one feature below — were satisfied with their insurance coverage, with some praising sympathetic claims adjusters.

Unfortunately, some customers experienced problems when canceling their policies or had issues with the insurer’s claim process. The reviewer below says AAA took three months to declare their vehicle a total loss after their car accident.

Satisfied Progressive customers tend to praise the company’s customer service agents. The customer below says they had a great customer service experience with Progressive, and the insurer resolves their issues whenever they call.

But not everyone is happy. The Progressive customer below says they had an awful claims experience and that their agent was rude with a bad attitude.

More About Progressive and AAA

If you’re still deciding which insurer is best for you, consider other factors besides price and customer reviews. Some other things to consider include special perks, the company’s claims process, and whether you can manage your policy through a mobile app.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors below.

Company perks

With a AAA membership, you get complete solutions for vehicle protection. You get all of the auto club’s roadside assistance coverage benefits combined with a discounted auto insurance policy that offers unique options like coverage for specialized equipment.

Progressive, on the other hand, offers coverage for your pets if an accident injures them, as well as a deductible saving bank that subtracts $50 from your collision or comprehensive deductibles for every six months that you go without a violation or claim.

Claims processing

Progressive received below-average ratings on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Many online reviews highlighted problems with the company’s claims process. AAA has above-average scores with J.D. Power, but the insurer receives mixed online reviews. Still, customers generally report a positive experience when they submit a claim.

Mobile apps

The AAA app allows you to manage both your insurance and AAA membership. It receives 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store, and 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store.

Progressive’s app earns a slightly higher ranking on the App Store, with 4.8 out of 5 stars, but it earns the same 4.6 rating as AAA on Google Play.

Both are full-featured apps that users describe as simple to navigate.

AAA vs. Progressive FAQs

Here are a few answers to common questions about AAA and Progressive to help you pick the best auto insurance company for you.

What are the best car insurance companies?

It depends. The best car insurance company depends on your unique needs. Rates vary by where you live and even whether you prioritize low premiums or top-notch customer service.

If you’re trying to decide between AAA and Progressive, you can’t go wrong with either based on cost (but you’ll need to become a AAA member to buy a policy). Other top insurers include GEICO, Allstate, and State Farm.

Is AAA or Progressive better?

It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for good customer service, AAA may be the better option. Progressive is an affordable alternative if you aren’t a member of AAA or if you’re looking for more coverage options or specialized coverages like pet insurance.

Why is AAA so expensive?

While AAA may charge more for certain demographics, its insurance premiums are competitive with other companies, including Progressive. Its overall average monthly rate of $121 is lower than the industry average, according to Compare.com data.

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

Yes. At least one driver on the policy must have an AAA membership to get insurance through AAA.

Data Methodology:

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Rating Methodology:

Compare.com’s mission is to help our readers make more informed decisions about their personal finances. Our editorial staff has crafted a proprietary, objective rating formula — the Compare.com Rating — to make it easier for our readers to analyze and compare many of the industry’s most well-known insurers. The score you see referenced in this article is based on several factors, including:

• Cost: How the insurer’s average rates compare to its direct competitors and the industry as a whole. This includes available savings opportunities, such as discounts and other factors.
• Customer satisfaction: How satisfied existing customers are with the service they receive. This includes the insurer’s scores among various third-party studies, such as the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping and Claims Satisfaction studies, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, among others.
• Ease of use: How easy it is for policyholders to utilize their policies. This includes mobile app availability, customer service availability, payment flexibility, and other related factors.
• Availability: The overall scope of the company’s insurance offerings. This includes available coverage types, national footprint, and other related factors.
• Industry reputation: A measure of the insurer’s overall standing within the industry. This includes its AM Best financial strength rating, BBB accreditation, and other related factors.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers,” accessed August 8, 2024.
2. ConsumerAffairs, “AAA Reviews,” accessed August 8, 2024.
3. ConsumerAffairs, “Progressive Reviews,” accessed August 8, 2024.
4. J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed August 8, 2024.
5. BBB, “Progressive Insurance,” accessed August 8, 2024.
6. BBB, “AAA Insurance,” accessed August 8, 2024.
7. Trustpilot, “AAA Reviews,” accessed August 8, 2024.
8. Trustpilot, “Progressive Reviews,” accessed August 8, 2024.