Best Car Insurance in New York – GEICO vs. Progressive
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I help New York drivers navigate the complex world of auto insurance. New York is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, and with its no-fault insurance system and strict liability requirements, choosing the right provider is critical. Two of the most well-known insurers in the state, GEICO and Progressive, offer competitive rates and strong coverage, but they cater to different driver profiles.
In this comparison of GEICO vs. Progressive, we’ll break down their coverage options, pricing, customer service, and more to help you determine which company best fits your needs.
Coverage Options
Both GEICO and Progressive offer standard auto insurance coverage required in New York, including:
✔ Personal Injury Protection (PIP) (mandatory in New York’s no-fault system)
✔ Liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage)
✔ Collision and comprehensive coverage
✔ Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
✔ Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
However, some key differences in additional coverage options include:
- Progressive offers gap insurance, which helps cover the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual cash value if it’s totaled—great for leased or financed cars.
- GEICO provides Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), which is a cheaper alternative to extended warranties, covering major mechanical repairs for newer vehicles.
- Progressive includes custom parts and equipment coverage, making it a good choice for New York drivers who modify their vehicles.
- GEICO offers rideshare insurance, essential for Uber and Lyft drivers operating in cities like New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester.
If you lease or finance a vehicle, Progressive’s gap insurance is a valuable feature. If you own a newer car and want affordable extended coverage, GEICO’s MBI may be the better option.
Pricing and Discounts
New York’s high cost of living and traffic congestion contribute to its higher-than-average auto insurance premiums.
- GEICO tends to offer lower rates for:
✔ Good drivers with clean records
✔ Military members and government employees
✔ Multi-policy holders who bundle home or renters insurance - Progressive may offer better rates for:
✔ High-risk drivers (those with past accidents or violations)
✔ Drivers who participate in the Snapshot® program, which monitors driving habits and rewards safe behavior
✔ Drivers insuring multiple vehicles
For low-risk drivers, GEICO usually offers better base rates. However, if you have a history of accidents or want usage-based discounts, Progressive might be a better choice.
Claims Process
Both GEICO and Progressive provide 24/7 claims filing through their mobile apps, websites, and customer service lines.
- GEICO is known for its quick and efficient claims process, making it ideal for drivers who prefer a fully digital experience.
- Progressive is better at handling complex claims, particularly for multi-vehicle accidents or high-value repair cases.
- Progressive’s Name Your Price® tool allows drivers to adjust their coverage based on their budget.
If you want an easy, fast claims process, GEICO is a great option. If you anticipate complex claim scenarios or need coverage flexibility, Progressive might be the better fit.
Customer Service
Both insurers offer strong customer service, but they take different approaches:
✔ GEICO is a digital-first company, meaning most interactions happen through their mobile app and website. This is great for tech-savvy drivers who want a self-service experience.
✔ **Progressive provides a mix of digital tools and independent agents, making it better for customers who prefer personal interaction when managing their policies.
As an independent insurance agency, Blake Insurance Group provides personalized service to New York drivers, ensuring you get the best policy at the best price.
Unique Features
Each company offers exclusive features that may appeal to different New York drivers:
✔ GEICO’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) – A cost-effective alternative to extended warranties, ideal for drivers with newer vehicles.
✔ Progressive’s Snapshot® program – A usage-based discount program that rewards safe driving habits.
✔ Progressive’s gap insurance – Provides financial protection for leased or financed vehicles.
✔ GEICO’s rideshare insurance – A great option for Uber and Lyft drivers in New York.
If you want extended repair coverage, GEICO’s MBI is an advantage. If you want to lower your rates through safe driving habits, Progressive’s Snapshot® is a great option.
Availability
Both GEICO and Progressive offer statewide coverage across New York, including New York City, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester, as well as rural areas.
- GEICO is particularly popular among government employees and military families, given its affiliation with federal programs.
- Progressive is a strong choice for high-risk drivers, those looking for telematics-based discounts, and drivers who prefer agent support.
Regardless of where you live in New York, both companies provide reliable coverage options.
Reputation and Reviews
Both GEICO and Progressive have strong reputations for:
✔ Financial stability and the ability to pay out claims quickly
✔ Reliable digital platforms for managing policies
✔ Competitive pricing and discounts
However, customer experiences vary:
- GEICO is praised for affordability and fast claims processing, particularly for drivers who prefer a digital-first experience.
- Progressive is well-rated for customization options, flexibility, and willingness to cover high-risk drivers.
If you want a simple, digital-first experience with low rates, GEICO is a great fit. But if you want flexible coverage and more discount opportunities, Progressive is worth considering.
Which One is Right for You?
The best car insurance in New York depends on your driving habits, budget, and coverage needs:
✔ Choose GEICO if you want affordable rates, a digital-first experience, fast claims processing, and rideshare insurance.
✔ Choose Progressive if you need customized coverage, high-risk driver policies, or discounts based on your actual driving behavior.
Still unsure? At Blake Insurance Group, we specialize in helping New York drivers compare multiple options—including GEICO, Progressive, and other top insurers—to find the best policy at the best price.
📞 Contact us today for a free quote! Let’s make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs. 🚗💨
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Learn MoreFAQs: Best Car Insurance in New York – GEICO vs. Progressive
GEICO generally offers lower base rates for good drivers, military members, and government employees in New York. However, Progressive may provide better pricing for high-risk drivers or those who participate in the Snapshot® program, which rewards safe driving behavior with discounts.
Both companies provide standard coverage, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP), liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and medical payments (MedPay) coverage. However:
- Progressive offers gap insurance for financed or leased vehicles and custom parts & equipment coverage for modified cars.
- GEICO provides Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), which is a cost-effective alternative to extended warranties for newer vehicles.
- GEICO also offers rideshare insurance, making it ideal for Uber and Lyft drivers in New York.
Both companies provide statewide coverage across New York, including New York City, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester. GEICO is popular among military families and government employees, while Progressive is a better choice for high-risk drivers or those looking for customizable coverage.
Still unsure? Blake Insurance Group can help you compare both options and find the best car insurance for your specific needs. Contact us today for a free quote!

Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Expertise: All personal and commercial line insurance, including auto, home, business, health, and life insurance.
License: 16117464
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed