Progressive Snapshot Review

Progressive Snapshot is a usage-based auto insurance program that monitors driving behaviors with a device or mobile app and offers a discount of up to 20%, depending on how well you drive. However, if the Progressive Snapshot device detects poor driving, the company may increase your auto insurance rates. So, the Progressive Snapshot program may not be worth it for everyone.

Read our review to compare Progressive Snapshot vs. other usage-based insurance programs, learn how the Progressive Snapshot program works, and determine if you can get cheap auto insurance with the program.

Understanding Progressive Snapshot

While many factors affect auto insurance rates, your driving record is one of the most significant. Typically, car insurance companies look at your driving record to determine whether you’re a safe or risky driver and calculate rates accordingly.

However, telematics programs like Snapshot from Progressive allow insurers to use real-time driving to determine if you’re likely to cost them money. So, even if you have infractions on your driving record, you can still earn an auto insurance discount if your driving has improved.

Snapshot allows drivers to save money on Progressive auto insurance. Safe drivers earn a discount, but the discount amount depends on your driving. However, Progressive may raise rates if you score poorly — the company reports it raises rates on about 20% of participants.

Drivers earn a 5% Progressive Snapshot discount for enrolling in the program and can earn up to a 15% discount for safe driving. The length of the discount depends on your state. Some drivers may receive a discount for their policy’s life, but others may have to monitor driving repeatedly.

Progressive allows drivers to choose either app-based monitoring or a plug-in device. However, the Snapshot app records additional information and uses your phone’s battery and data. 

Snapshot isn’t available everywhere. For example, the program isn’t available in California, and other states don’t allow drivers to receive a participation discount. For example, New York doesn’t allow sign-up discounts, and drivers must repeat monitoring every three years if they opt for the device.

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How the Progressive Snapshot Program Works

Snapshot from Progressive is a usage-based auto insurance program that uses telematics to monitor your driving. Drivers can use the Snapshot app or a plug-in device to monitor driving.

Remember that some states only allow new customers to use the Snapshot app. However, drivers in those states may use the Progressive Snapshot plug-in device if they’re an existing customer with Snapshot. Regardless of how you’ll use Snapshot, contact Progressive to let them know you want to participate.

If you choose the Snapshot app, download it from your app store and create an account. All drivers on your account must participate in Snapshot. Once you’ve signed in, there’s no need to start the app when you drive, as the app runs in the background on your phone. You can see your trips and score in the Snapshot app.

If you’re using the Progressive Snapshot device to participate in the program, you’ll receive the device in the mail once you enroll. There’s no requirement for all drivers or vehicles to participate in Snapshot using the device.

Once your device arrives, plug it into your OBD port. The device monitors driving and beeps when it detects hard braking, and drivers can see their progress online or with the Progressive app. Mail your device back to Progressive when your monitoring period is over.

In most cases, your Snapshot discount gets calculated, added to your policy renewal, and applied to the rest of your policy. However, some states require monitored driving again to continue the Progressive Snapshot discount.

Drivers may opt for the Progressive Snapshot plug-in device for various reasons. For example, if one household member works nights, they’ll receive a low score if all drivers must enroll in the Snapshot app. With the device, not all vehicles need to participate in Snapshot.

Driving Behaviors Progressive Snapshot Monitors

Insurers have found that specific behaviors lead to more accidents and claims. So, Progressive monitors those behaviors, including:

• Mileage: Low-mileage drivers are less likely to be in an accident since they don’t spend much time on the road. Read more about how to get a low-mileage auto insurance discount.
• Time of day: Driving between midnight and 4 a.m. is the most dangerous since most serious crashes occur between these times.
• Hard braking and acceleration: Hard braking and acceleration indicate a lack of attention or aggressive driving. Both lead to more accidents.
• Speed: Snapshot records driving above the posted speed limit.
• Phone usage: Any handheld phone activity, such as calls and texts, lowers your Progressive Snapshot score.

Unfortunately, Snapshot doesn’t know when you brake to avoid another driver or if a passenger uses your phone. Both can affect your score and lower your Progressive Snapshot discount.

Drivers save the most if they limit mileage and hard braking, don’t drive at night, and don’t use their phones while driving. However, your rates will likely increase if you have risky driving habits.

Snapshot also records other data, such as your location and handheld phone usage. Progressive can use this information for underwriting and sell it to third parties for marketing and research purposes after removing personal information. However, users can restrict some third-party marketing usage of their data.

When your Snapshot monitoring period is over, you can delete it from your phone, which wipes stored data and analytics. However, the Progressive Snapshot mobile app keeps any data transmitted indefinitely.

The plug-in device records less data but still records locations and other information that Progressive or third parties can use.

How Progressive Snapshot Knows You’re Driving

How the program knows you’re driving depends on your state and whether you use the app or Progressive Snapshot plug-in device.

In some states, you pick the vehicle you drive when enrolling in the program. Then, the app records you as the driver in that vehicle. Progressive averages the Snapshot scores together in other states to determine your discount.

However, if you use the plug-in device, the Snapshot score goes with the vehicle, not the driver.

If Snapshot records the drive incorrectly, you can correct the trip. In addition, you can pause the Progressive Snapshot app if you’re not driving for a while or using public transportation.

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Progressive Snapshot Mobile App Reviews

For drivers without a plug-in device, you’ll need to download the Progressive Snapshot app to monitor your driving, either on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The Apple App Store has good Progressive Snapshot app reviews, with 4.5 stars out of 5 and over 4,900 reviews. On the other hand, the Google Play Store has over 12,100 reviews and 3.7 stars out of 5, featuring many Progressive Snapshot complaints regarding the app. Most customers who rated poorly complained of the app draining phone battery or logging events that never happened.

Progressive Snapshot vs. Other Usage-Based Insurance Programs

Progressive Snapshot doesn’t come out on top compared to telematics programs offered by the best auto insurance companies. Many other competitors offer higher discounts and don’t raise rates if you score poorly. Check out the table below to see how the Progressive Snapshot discount stacks up against other companies:

Usage-Based Auto Insurance Savings by Provider

Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Allstate auto insurance don’t raise rates for using their telematics programs, and you can save up to 40% with Nationwide SmartRide. Read more in our Nationwide SmartRide review.

However, while some companies offer higher usage-based discounts, Progressive rates are typically lower before discounts. 

People Who Would Benefit From Progressive Snapshot

The Progressive Snapshot program is free to enroll, and there’s no charge for the app or plug-in device. However, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Snapshot is a good option for low-mileage drivers, people who work from home, and safe drivers. Learn more about auto insurance for telecommuters.

In addition, the Progressive Snapshot program may benefit young drivers, since auto insurance for teens is higher than average.

Drivers who work nights, speed, brake or accelerate hard, and use their phones should skip Snapshot. These drivers may see a significant increase after participating in the program. Think carefully about your driving habits before enrolling in Snapshot.

If you’re not a Progressive customer, you can try Snapshot Road Test, allowing you to try the program for 30 days. Then, Progressive gives you a quote with your discount. You can then determine if switching to Progressive is right for you. Learn more about how to switch auto insurance.

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Deciding if Progressive Snapshot Is Worth it

Some drivers might be wondering whether Progressive Snapshot is worth it. Policyholders can save with Snapshot if they drive the speed limit and don’t use their phones while driving. However, other behaviors, such as hard braking and night driving, may increase Progressive rates. If Snapshot isn’t suitable for you, there are other ways to save on Progressive insurance.

Drivers can take advantage of other Progressive auto insurance discounts, such as a safe driving and multi-vehicle auto insurance discount. For example, the Progressive safe driver discount saves you around 30% on your policy.

Remember that Progressive isn’t the only insurer offering usage-based discounts. Most other top insurance companies offer similar programs, typically with higher discounts and without the chance of your rates increasing. If you’re shopping for car insurance, compare telematics programs and rates to find your best deal.

Final Thoughts on Progressive Snapshot

Snapshot allows Progressive drivers to earn a discount for safe driving. However, what you consider safe driving may differ from what Snapshot recommends.

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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) July 23, 2023

Snapshot monitors specific driving habits such as nighttime driving, speeding, hard braking, and handheld phone usage. Drivers who score well can earn up to a 20% discount. However, drivers who exhibit risky driving behaviors may see a rate increase.

Drivers confident in their driving abilities who don’t spend much time on the road may find Snapshot worth it. However, drivers who work nights or use their phones while driving may see higher rates.

Other car insurance companies offer similar programs with higher discounts and don’t have the risk of increased rates. So, drivers should compare Progressive Snapshot vs. other usage-based insurance programs to see which company offers the best deal.

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