7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Save up to $852 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies
Excellent
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
If you’re shopping for car insurance, AAA and Progressive are two insurers you may consider.
While AAA is known for its roadside assistance services, like jump-starts, flat tire replacement, and fuel delivery, it also offers car insurance in select states. AAA’s car insurance products come from CSAA Insurance Group, which serves AAA members in clubs across the country.
Progressive, meanwhile, is the third-largest insurer in the U.S. It offers a variety of car insurance products, as well as home insurance, boat insurance, condo insurance, and other products.
Here’s a closer look at how AAA and Progressive stack up so you can make the best choice for your unique situation and insurance needs.
Quick Facts
While Progressive offers lower rates for most drivers, AAA has more perks for policyholders.
Any driver can purchase an auto insurance policy from Progressive, but you’ll have to join AAA to purchase car insurance from the company.
AAA has a wider selection of discounts than Progressive, but these discounts vary based on location.
AAA vs. Progressive: The verdict
If you’re a member of AAA or plan to become one, you can enjoy plenty of perks along with your auto insurance, like robust roadside coverage, car rental benefits, and identity theft protection. However, these perks come at an extra cost, so you have to determine whether they’re worth it for you.
Progressive, which typically offers lower car insurance rates than AAA, is a large insurance company with a variety of coverage levels and discounts. Through its Name Your Price tool, you can quickly learn about coverage options that align with your budget.
When it comes to financial stability, AM Best gave AAA an A (Excellent) rating and Progressive an A+ (Superior) rating.[1] In a customer satisfaction study by J.D. Power, AAA scored higher than Progressive.[2]
Factor
▲▼
AAA
▲▼
Progressive
▲▼
IQ Score
7.6
8.4
J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
820 out of 1,000
812 out of 1,000
Average quote: liability only
$83
$79
Number of discounts
10
13
Number of states where it operates
24
50
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
AAA
The American Automobile Association, or AAA, offers various insurance products through local auto clubs and is well-known for its roadside assistance program and membership perks.
User Reviews
4.5
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
7.6 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$83/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$130/mo
4.5
Best choiceBased on 1591 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about CSAA
Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of communication and the recent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
How drivers feel about CSAA
Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of communication and the recent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
Reviews (421)
Rebecca
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Poor Internal Control - No Use in Talking with Any Insurance Agent
I recently called them about an automatic deduction, but they took all my money from my checking account. The reason for my call was to split the last payment into two.
Ramiro
October 28, 2024
Verified Review
Expensive
It's too expensive. I drive less than 10,000 miles a year and my car is always parked in the garage.
Patricia
October 28, 2024
Verified Review
I believe we are paying too much. Twelve years ago, we paid for a 30-year roof. However, after a hail storm last month, we still have to pay $4000 for a new one. Additionally, our policy increased by 30%.
I believe we are paying too much. Twelve years ago, we paid for a 30-year roof. However, after a hail storm last month, we still have to pay $4000 for a new one. Additionally, our policy increased by 30%.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.75
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Why we picked this company
When AAA began in 1902, it was a small, members-only motor club. The organization introduced insurance coverage for members a few decades later. Other aspects of the club, like exclusive discounts, travel help, and emergency roadside assistance, have stayed the same throughout the years. Today, the company partners with regional insurance companies to offer insurance coverage for millions of members.
Pros
Unique membership perks like travel discounts and members only DMV locations
Standard extra coverage such as roadside assistance
High customer satisfaction
Cons
Limited company options
AAA membership is required to obtain coverage
Coverage varies based on location
Progressive
Based in Ohio, Progressive Insurance is one of the nation’s largest insurers. It’s most well known for its car insurance and small-business insurance.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$79/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$138/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,688)
Denise
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Awesome!
I haven't had any problems with the company. I am pleased with the work they do.
Priscilla
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
They Increased My Insurance Payment from $117 a Month to $199 a Month
They are very inconsiderate.
Lisa
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Disappointed
They were good until they doubled my monthly payment. My deductible also went up to $1000. At that price, I can fix my vehicle on my own.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.
Pros
Rewards for good drivers
Numerous coverage options and discounts available
Cons
Higher-than-expected amount of complaints
Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
AAA SMARTtrek vs. Progressive Snapshot
AAA and Progressive both offer telematics-based programs to encourage safe driving. If you download the mobile app and participate in AAA’s SMARTtrek, you’ll automatically save 10% on your policy. And if you demonstrate good driving habits, you may save up to 20%. The app will give you feedback on your driving and also provide tips on how to keep yourself safe on the road.
Progressive Snapshot also tracks your driving behavior and may reward you with an automatic discount just for signing up. However, this depends on where you live. While the total discount you can earn depends on factors like speeding and hard braking, Progressive says that good drivers save an average of $231 on their annual premiums.
AAA vs. Progressive: Which is the cheapest?
In general, Progressive offers lower rates and more affordable car insurance coverage than AAA. However, your premium will depend on a variety of factors, such as your ZIP code, location, age, marital status, driving record, credit score, and previous car insurance history.
Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
Drivers with a clean driving record, free of speeding tickets and DUI violations, can find lower car insurance premiums with Progressive.