The commercials point out those bad drivers are why your insurance rates are so high. But essentially, that's how insurance works. Some people are good drivers, others aren't. Companies take the complete risk pool into account when assigning auto insurance rates. It's worked like that for years. Progressive's Snapshot program seeks to separate the good drivers from the bad, rewarding the former and punishing the latter. To participate you attach the Snapshot device to the computer in your car, which collects data about your driving habits.
According to Progressive, the device records your vehicle identification number VIN , how many miles you drive each day and how often you drive between between midnight and 4 a. While it doesn't record your speed, it does make note when you slam on the brakes. If you watch the video you will note that Katie lives in a city neighborhood and walks to work. In her video, she says she only drives her car once a week. Insurance companies absolutely love customers like Katie. But in reality, most drivers are not like Katie.
Progressive and other insurers typically base their rates on the typical factors, such as your driving history, age, and vehicle.
With its plug-in device, Progressive Snapshot allows you to change things up and get a personalized insurance rate based on how you drive. It's one thing to go years without an accident, but it's another thing to demonstrate safe driving habits each time you get behind the wheel. Whether you have a spotless record or a couple accidents, Snapshot gives you a chance to prove you deserve a lower rate now. Over the years, this style of insurance, known as usage-based insurance, has risen in popularity.
In fact, many of the biggest car insurance companies in the country offer some type of program similar to this one. But to this day, Snapshot remains the most well-known.
So the question for Progressive customers, and those considering switching to Progressive, is if Progressive Snapshot is worth it? Unlike some of the other programs, this company will raise your rates if after the review it determines you are a risky driver. We looked at hundreds of Progressive reviews from customers who have used Progressive Snapshot to see if policyholders have had a positive experience when they added this device to their policy. If you allow Progressive to track your driving with usage-based insurance programs, it monitors four main aspects of your driving on all of your trips:.
If you're a driver who likes to step on the gas and slam on the brakes, Snapshot likely isn't for you. But keep in mind that what Progressive sees as hard braking may not align with what you think hard braking is.
Many customers complain that Progressive Snapshot penalizes them for stopping to avoid running a red light or for braking quickly to allow someone to come into their lane. City drivers especially need to be aware of this aspect of Progressive's monitoring. It looks at behaviors like acceleration, if you follow the posted speed limit, and more. Keep in mind, Progressive is looking for habits as opposed to one-off situations when identifying safe drivers.
Progressive has determined certain times of the day are riskier to drive than others. So, if your work hours require you to commute during high-risk hours, you'll likely be penalized by Progressive Snapshot. Night-time trips every so often won't have as significant of an impact.
Driving between midnight and 4 a. If you're a frequent late-night driver, Progressive Snapshot probably isn't right for you. Rush-hour commutes driving between 7 a. The more miles you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident.
For that reason, Progressive rewards drivers who are on the road less frequently. So if you don't drive a lot annually, Progressive Snapshot may be a perfect fit for you. You also have to consider what you reported when you first started with Progressive insurance when they asked for your mileage. If you're receiving a low mileage discount but do more actual driving than you reported, you could lose that discount.
That is one of the biggest pitfalls of insurance tracking programs. The Progressive Snapshot app can detect when you use mobile phones during a driving trip. Avoid texting, making phone calls, and using your cell phone for any other reason. This is only tracked in some states and only for those who choose to use the Snapshot mobile app rather than the plug-in device.
A majority of the more than reviews written on Clearsurance as of January involving an experience with Progressive Snapshot are positive. Many customers say they received a cheaper rate at their next policy renewal, but as Progressive warns, some did see an increase in their rates.
Others saw little change to their rates and expressed frustration for feeling like the Snapshot program was a waste of time. The reviews tell us that Progressive Snapshot discounts really are based on how you drive. In essence, by enrolling in Snapshot for the duration of your policy period, you're betting on yourself that you're a great driver with great driving habits. Is there a fee for Snapshot?
There is no fee to enroll. Can a customer add Snapshot in the middle of a policy? You can enroll at progressiveagent. You can enroll in the Snapshot program online at the time you purchase your policy or by calling Progressive. When is it a good idea for a customer to opt out? After enrolling, if you do not install the device in your vehicle, or simply change your mind, at this point, you should opt-out.
You can opt out at any time. However, you may lose your participation discount and any chance to earn a discount based on your driving habits. Once installed, you may opt out at any time, but will not receive any potential discount going forward.
You will go back to a regular Progressive rate. When opting out, the device must be returned either in the postage-paid box it was mailed in, or in a return envelope that will be provided upon request. Can you track your driving record? While the Snapshot device is installed, you can access your driving data on progressiveagent. Once there, you can click on Snapshot in the list of available discounts.
How do I get the device? In seven to ten days after enrolling, you will receive a details, along with the device, on where to plug it into your car. Whether you purchased a Progressive policy or signed up for our day trial, you will receive your device in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Can I enroll multiple vehicles in Snapshot? Yes, you can. Once you enroll your vehicles, you will receive one for each car enrolled. When do I install the device? As soon as you get it in the mail. Snapshot will not work until the device is installed. How do I install the device?
Every device comes with instructions and pictures to help you. See exactly where Snapshot plugs into your car. Complete instructions come with the device.
Then drive as you normally would to take your snapshot. How do I know the device is working? After starting your car, simply look for a blinking light on the device.
What type of driving reports can I view? When you log in to your policy online, you can:. Is the device compatible with my car?
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