Progressive vs. American Family: Which provider is better?

Progressive vs. American Family

Insurance giant Progressive is a household name, and although American Family Insurance is lesser known, it aims to gain the trust of their customers through top-notch customer service and protection.

Both companies get good marks from the Better Business Bureau, with Progressive edging out ahead of American Family Insurance’s B+ with an A+. And both offer ways to bring the cost of your insurance down through discounts.

So which one should you choose? Take a look at our side-by-side comparison below to get a better idea of which one might best suit your needs.

	Progressive	American Family
About the provider	Progressive is a household name and one of the largest car insurance companies in the US. Since its origins in 1937, customers have been flocking to Progressive for their insurance needs. It also offers discounts via Snapshot, a usage-based insurance program.	For 90 years, American Family has worked hard to give quality rates and services. In addition to auto insurance, it offers home, life, business, and farm and ranch insurance with a strong commitment to protect its customers.
Price	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Progressive for a quote based on your specific needs.	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit American Family for a quote based on your specific needs.
States served	All 50 states	19
User satisfaction*	A+	B+
J.D. Power ratings**	3/5 on overall claims satisfaction	4/5 on overall claims satisfaction
Driver discounts	View driver discounts	View driver discounts
Vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts
	Read Review	Read Review

* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating ** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

Driver discounts

	Progressive	American Family
Good student	Varies (B’s or better. Additional discount if away at school, 100+ miles away and 22 or younger)	Varies. Teen Safe Driver Discount + Generational Discount (18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer)
Defensive driver		5-10% (55+, completed defensive driving course)
Good driver	31% (no tickets or accidents in the last three years)
Pay in full discount
Multicar	10%
Military
Homeowner
Other discounts	Automatic bill pays – Varies Sign documents online – 7% (not available in CA, GA, and NC) Minor child driver – Varies (newly licensed child, 18 and under) Continuous insurance (maintained active car insurance with no gaps or cancellations)	Loyalty discount Early-bird discount Steer into Savings discount Low mileage discount – Drive less than 7,500 miles per year Teen Safe Driver discount – Enroll teen in free program Young volunteer discount – Under 25, 40+ hours per year volunteering for non-profit Generational discount – 18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer KnowYourDrive discount – Up to 40% on your car insurance (based on evaluation during KnowYourDrive periods)
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Vehicle discounts

	Progressive	American Family
Anti-theft device
Anti-lock brake
Passive restraints
Air bag
Other discounts		Auto safety equipment – 10-30%
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Bottom line

Progressive is the clear winner in the amount of discounts it provides, but if those discounts don’t apply to you, then there’s no real cost savings. Keep in mind your personal situation when making a decision.

Also be aware that American Family only offers coverage in 19 states.