Safeco vs. Progressive: Which Insurance Provider is Right for You?
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I understand that choosing between Safeco and Progressive can be challenging. Both companies offer comprehensive coverage, competitive pricing, and various discount options. However, their approach to customer service, claims processing, and unique features sets them apart.
If you’re deciding between Safeco and Progressive, this in-depth comparison will help you determine which insurer best fits your needs based on coverage options, pricing, claims handling, customer service, availability, and reputation.
Coverage Options
Both Safeco and Progressive offer a variety of insurance products, including auto, home, renters, and specialty insurance. However, each company has unique features that may appeal to different drivers and homeowners.
Safeco Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments (MedPay)
- RightTrack® Telematics Program: Rewards safe drivers with potential discounts
- Diminishing Deductible: Reduces deductibles for claim-free policyholders
- New Vehicle Replacement Coverage: Replaces a totaled new car with a brand-new model
- Homeowners Insurance: Covers dwelling, liability, personal property, and loss of use, with optional add-ons such as identity theft protection and valuable items coverage
Progressive Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Standard coverages plus gap insurance, rideshare insurance, and custom parts/equipment coverage
- Snapshot® Telematics Program: Monitors driving behavior to offer safe driving discounts
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents premium increases after a first accident for eligible drivers
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Covers car rentals while a vehicle is being repaired after an accident
- Homeowners Insurance: Progressive partners with third-party providers to offer customizable home insurance policies
Key Takeaway: Safeco provides more specialized auto insurance coverages, while Progressive offers additional perks like accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
Pricing and Discounts
Pricing varies based on driving history, credit score, location, and coverage levels. Progressive generally offers lower base rates, while Safeco provides more bundling opportunities and high-tech discounts.
Safeco Pricing & Discounts
- RightTrack® Telematics Discount for safe drivers
- Multi-policy and multi-vehicle discounts
- Diminishing Deductible reduces costs for claim-free drivers
- Accident Forgiveness available in select policies
- New car replacement coverage discounts
Progressive Pricing & Discounts
- Snapshot® Telematics Program rewards good driving habits
- Multi-car, multi-policy, and continuous insurance discounts
- Homeowner discount (even if the home is not insured with Progressive)
- Good student and defensive driving course discounts
- Accident forgiveness program for eligible drivers
Key Takeaway: Progressive offers more competitive base rates and a wider range of discount programs, while Safeco focuses on bundling and accident forgiveness discounts.
Claims Process
Filing and handling a claim efficiently is an important factor when choosing an insurance provider.
Safeco Claims Process
- 24/7 claims support with online tracking tools
- Concierge Claims Valet Service® – Provides rental car drop-off and repair coordination
- Mixed customer reviews regarding claims resolution speed
Progressive Claims Process
- 24/7 claims filing via phone, website, or mobile app
- Name Your Price® tool allows customization of coverage to match budgets
- Concierge Service for customers using Progressive’s direct repair network
Key Takeaway: Progressive has a faster and more digital-friendly claims process, while Safeco offers a concierge repair service for policyholders.
Customer Service
Safeco Customer Service
- Agent-based model for personalized customer service
- Mixed reviews on response time for claims
- 24/7 customer support available online and by phone
Progressive Customer Service
- Online and mobile tools for self-service policy management
- Agent support available, but not as widespread as Safeco
- Mixed reviews on customer support responsiveness
Key Takeaway: If you prefer a personal relationship with a local agent, Safeco is a better choice. If you prefer a digital-first, self-service approach, Progressive is ideal.
Unique Features
Safeco Unique Features
- RightTrack® Telematics Program: Monitors driving habits for potential premium reductions
- Diminishing Deductible: Lowers deductibles for each claim-free year
- New Vehicle Replacement Coverage: Pays for a brand-new replacement vehicle if totaled within the first year
Progressive Unique Features
- Snapshot® Telematics Program: Adjusts rates based on driving behavior
- Name Your Price® Tool: Allows customers to customize coverage based on their budget
- Gap Insurance: Covers the difference between the loan balance and car value if totaled
Key Takeaway: Safeco offers new car replacement and diminishing deductibles, while Progressive stands out with its innovative Name Your Price® tool and gap insurance.
Availability
- Safeco: Available nationwide, but coverage and discounts may vary by state.
- Progressive: Available nationwide, with a stronger online and direct-to-consumer presence.
Key Takeaway: Both insurers have nationwide availability, but Progressive has a stronger online and direct-sales model.
Reputation and Reviews
Both companies are financially strong, but they differ in customer satisfaction and claims handling.
Safeco Reputation
- A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- Highly rated for bundling and discount options
- Mixed reviews regarding claims response times
Progressive Reputation
- A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- Highly rated for affordability and digital tools
- Mixed reviews on customer service but positive ratings for online experience
Key Takeaway: Progressive is well-rated for affordability and digital management, while Safeco is strong in policy bundling and local agent service.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
The best insurance provider between Safeco and Progressive depends on your budget, service preferences, and coverage needs.
Choose Safeco if:
✔️ You prefer working with a local agent for personalized service
✔️ You want new vehicle replacement or diminishing deductibles
✔️ You need strong bundling discounts for home and auto policies
Choose Progressive if:
✔️ You want a tech-driven insurer with strong online and mobile tools
✔️ You’re a high-risk driver looking for more flexible pricing
✔️ You want accident forgiveness and a more customizable pricing model
Both Safeco and Progressive offer solid financial backing and competitive insurance products, but Safeco is ideal for customers who want local agent support and specialized coverage, while Progressive is better for digital convenience and affordability.
Still unsure which is right for you? Contact Blake Insurance Group today for a personalized quote and expert advice! 🚗🏡
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Explore OptionsSafeco vs. Progressive - Frequently Asked Questions
Progressive generally offers lower base auto insurance rates compared to Safeco. Progressive’s average monthly premium is around $104, while Safeco’s average is $120. However, Safeco offers more bundling discounts and accident forgiveness programs.
Progressive is highly rated for affordability and online tools, while Safeco receives positive reviews for customizable policies and bundling discounts. However, some customers report slower claims resolution with Safeco.
Safeco offers larger bundling discounts, often saving customers up to 20% when combining home and auto policies. Progressive also provides bundling discounts, but since Progressive partners with third-party insurers for home insurance, the bundling savings may not be as high.
Progressive is better for high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents, as they offer more competitive pricing for these drivers. Safeco tends to have stricter underwriting guidelines, which may result in higher premiums for high-risk drivers.
Safeco’s average homeowners insurance rate is around $1,350 per year, while Progressive’s average is $1,312 per year. Safeco underwrites its own home insurance policies, while Progressive partners with third-party providers.
✔ Safeco: Offers RightTrack®, which provides discounts for safe driving habits.
✔ Progressive: Offers Snapshot®, which monitors real-time driving behavior and customizes rates accordingly.
Both programs use telematics technology, but Progressive’s Snapshot® is available in more states and may offer greater savings for good drivers.
Safeco is known for strong customer service through its agent network, whereas Progressive is more focused on digital self-service tools.
✔ Choose Safeco if you prefer working with a local agent and want strong bundling discounts.
✔ Choose Progressive if you prefer self-service digital tools and a faster claims process.

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