How To File a Claim with Progressive

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Written by Paige Cerulli Edited by Quiana Darden Reviewed by Amanda Clear

Updated March 6th, 2023

Founded in 1937, the Progressive Mutual Insurance Company has become the third-largest insurance company and the largest auto insurance company in the United States. Progressive has built a reputation for providing excellent customer service and a smooth claims process and has earned a J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating of 832 out of 1,000 points. 

If you have to file a claim with Progressive, you will have several options along the way. You can choose how you want to file, and you may receive an estimate based on the photos and videos you submit. Read on to learn what you can expect from the claims process with Progressive. 

Key Takeaways

• You can file a claim with Progressive online, by phone, or through the Progressive mobile app. 
• With Progressive’s Photo Estimate tool, you may receive an estimate for repair costs based on the photos and videos you submit. 
• Whether your vehicle needs bodywork or a glass repair or replacement, you can choose the shop you want to perform the repair.

The Claims Process

Filing a claim might feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done it before, but you aren’t alone. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2021, car insurance providers paid out $196,826,993 in auto insurance claims. 

Progressive has made the claims process as easy as possible, so you can quickly get back on the road with your vehicle. 

Submit Your Claim

You can file a claim with Progressive by calling 800-776-4737. Alternatively, you can use the Progressive mobile app or file online. 

You’ll just need some basic information to start, and you can always add more details later. A claims representative can answer any questions you may have. An estimator will also contact you and inspect your vehicle to determine the cost of repairing it. 

Depending on your vehicle’s damages, you may be eligible to use the Progressive Photo Estimate tool. Progressive will text you an invitation code if you qualify. Next, you’ll need to open the app and submit photos and videos of your vehicle’s damages. Once you’ve uploaded them, Progressive will skip the in-person inspection and send you an estimate. The Photo Estimate tool can help speed up the claims process. 

Review Your Inspection and Repair Options

Next, you’ll need to decide if you want to have your vehicle repaired or if you simply want to receive payment for what those repairs would cost. You can always get an estimate first to see how much money you would receive. If your vehicle has a lease or loan, the finance company may require you to have your car fixed. 

If you want to get your vehicle repaired, you can choose a repair shop on your own or use one in Progressive’s network.

Should you decide that you simply want payment for what those repairs would cost, Progressive will send you that payment, and your claims process will be complete. 

Schedule Your Repair

To repair your vehicle, your Progressive rep will schedule an appointment through the repair shop you select. Your representative will also be available to help you during the repair process. 

Complete Your Claim

You can get back on the road after the shop completes the repairs. Progressive guarantees repairs performed by in-network shops as long as you own or lease your car. At this point, your auto insurance claim will be complete. 

Windshield and Glass Repair Claims

The process for filing windshield and glass repair claims is slightly different than if you needed to file a claim for a car accident or other damage to your vehicle. 

Submit Your Claim

You can submit a glass claim to Progressive by phone, mobile app, or online. A representative will help guide you through the process and may collect additional information about the size and location of the damage. The representative can use that information to determine if your glass needs to be repaired or replaced. 

Schedule the Glass Repair or Replacement

You can choose where to get your auto glass repaired or replaced. Progressive recommends Safelite AutoGlass shops for their convenience, and Safelite can often replace your glass while you are at home or work. Most repairs take less than 30 minutes, while a windshield replacement takes about an hour. Safelite guarantees all of the work performed.

Complete Your Claim

With your glass fixed, you will be ready to drive your car again. Progressive will cover the entire glass repair cost if you have comprehensive coverage. Depending on your state, you may have to pay a deductible for a glass replacement. Otherwise, the insurer will pay for it in full.

What to do After an Accident

Chances are that you will be upset, stressed, and even confused after an auto accident. Understanding what to do can help you deal with the process and gather the necessary information. 

Get to Safety

Stay calm and see if any passengers in your vehicle are injured. If it’s safe, check the driver and passengers in the other car for injuries. Call 911 immediately and state that you need police and medical assistance if required. Providing the 911 dispatcher with any available information on the number of people injured and their types of injuries can help get the right type and number of emergency responders there sooner. 

Move Vehicles Out of the Way

If your car is driveable, try to move it out of the road as much as possible. Don’t leave the accident scene; set up road flares to help other drivers steer clear of your car if you have them. 

Work with the Police

Work with the police officer that responds to the accident scene. Tell the officer exactly what happened and answer any questions they have. Don’t admit fault for the accident. 

Before the officer leaves, get their name and badge number. It’s also essential to ask for a copy of the police report to share it with your insurance company. 

Exchange Information

Take photos of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles. Try to capture pictures from multiple angles, including the accident scene. Get some close-up images of any damage to your car. 

Then, obtain the name and contact information of anyone involved in the crash. Write down the name of their insurer and insurance policy number, and be sure to gather names and contact information for any witnesses. 

File Your Claim

With that information, file your car insurance claim with Progressive. You can always add information later, like the police report, when you receive it. Immediately filing the claim can help you recall information correctly. It also starts the vehicle evaluation process so you can get it repaired sooner. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Progressive handle claims?

Once you file a claim, Progressive will gather additional information and appoint an insurance adjuster to handle your claim. The claims adjuster will arrange an inspection and estimate the repair costs. Once your claim is approved, Progressive pays for those repairs and ultimately closes the claim. 

Will my rates go up if I file a claim with Progressive? 

If you were at fault for an accident, your car insurance rates might increase if you file a claim. The accident will remain on your driving record for three to five years. When it falls off, your rates should go down again. 

What happens if I’m at fault in a car accident? 

It’s essential to notify Progressive if you were at fault in an accident rather than depending on the other driver to notify your insurance company. Progressive will deal with anyone injured in the accident and address the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other vehicles involved.

Who pays for my rental car after an accident? 

Carrying rental car reimbursement coverage can help to cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and undrivable. If you weren’t at fault for the car accident that damaged your vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider might pay for a rental car until your vehicle is repaired.

Paige Cerulli Auto Insurance Writer

Paige has written extensively on automotive topics. She frequently covers autonomous driving and electric vehicle topics, writes about car insurance and auto loans, covers car and trailer towing safety, and has written content for automotive dealerships.