Why is Allstate more expensive than Progressive?

Allstate's pricing reflects a higher average loss ratio (claims paid ÷ premiums collected) and a more conservative underwriting model. Allstate also operates an agent-based distribution channel (~10,000 local agents) which adds 8-15% to the policy cost vs. Progressive's mix of direct + agent channels. The premium buys you generally stronger claims handling (#7 J.D. Power 2024 vs. Progressive's #16) and a broader product portfolio.

Is Progressive or Allstate better for accident forgiveness?

Allstate, by structure. Allstate's accident-forgiveness benefit is automatic and free after 5 claim-free years on the policy; before that, you can buy it as a $40-$80/year rider. Progressive offers accident forgiveness only as a paid rider ($70-$100/year typically) at all tenure levels, and only some states allow it. If you intend to keep the same carrier 5+ years, Allstate's free version is worth roughly $300-$500 in lifetime value vs. paying for Progressive's rider.

Which is better for high-risk drivers?

Progressive, almost universally. Progressive's underwriting model is built around high-risk segments (SR-22 filings, DUI, multiple at-fault claims, sub-650 credit) and the company has the largest market share in the non-standard insurance segment. Allstate generally won't quote drivers with a DUI in the prior 3 years or multiple at-fault claims, and where it does quote, the surcharge is among the steepest in the industry (80-120% above base rates).

Does Progressive or Allstate have better customer service?

Allstate, in independent surveys. J.D. Power's 2024 customer satisfaction study put Allstate at 3-stars out of 5 (industry median); Progressive at 2 stars (below median). The complaint volume per 1,000 policies is also lower at Allstate (0.8) than at Progressive (1.4) per NAIC data. The tradeoff: Allstate's higher premium is partly buying you the service quality that shows up in these scores.

Auto Insurance · Head-to-head

Progressive vs Allstate: Which auto insurance wins?

Name: Progressive — Auto Insurance
Brand: Progressive
Rating: 4.4 (1 reviews)

Side-by-side comparison of Progressive and Allstate auto insurance — average premiums, coverage strength, claims & support, and editorial verdict.

Best for high-risk drivers

Progressive

4.4·$1,633/yr full

Industry-leading underwriting for high-risk profiles — DUI, multiple accidents, lapsed coverage. The Snapshot telematics program rewards safe driving with 10–30% discounts after 6 months. Premiums for clean records are middling but the high-risk niche is best-in-class.

Best for accident forgiveness

Allstate

4.1·$2,108/yr full

Premiums run 30-50% above the GEICO baseline for clean-record drivers — Allstate competes on coverage extras, not price. The Drivewise telematics program offers 10-25% off, and the Accident Forgiveness rider is genuinely first-accident-free (unlike Progressive's which expires after 3 years). Best for drivers who've had a claim in the last 36 months.

Editor's verdict

Progressive wins on price; Allstate wins on bundling + accident forgiveness.

Progressive's $1,633/year national average is $475 cheaper than Allstate's $2,108/year — a 22.5% gap that holds for clean-record drivers across most states. Allstate's pricing premium buys you stronger bundling discounts (Allstate House + Auto + Personal Umbrella averages a 25% multi-policy discount, vs. Progressive's 12%), generous accident-forgiveness terms after 5 claim-free years, and a stronger local-agent network. Verdict: price-sensitive shoppers → Progressive. Drivers who bundle multiple policies, expect to file claims, or value a local agent → Allstate.

Progressive is $475/year cheaper on average (Quadrant 2024 national).
Allstate's bundle discount (25%) is double Progressive's (12%) when you bundle home + auto.
Allstate offers free accident forgiveness after 5 claim-free years; Progressive charges $40-$80/year for the same.
Both are AM Best A+ Superior — financial strength is identical.
Progressive's Snapshot caps at 30% discount; Allstate's Drivewise caps at 30% but is more lenient on hard-braking.

Side-by-side breakdown

Feature	Progressive	Allstate
Avg full-coverage premium	$1,633/yr	$2,108/yr
Avg liability-only premium	$632/yr	$735/yr
A.M. Best financial strength	—	—
Best for	high risk · dui	accident forgiveness · agent service
Overall rating	4.4/5	4.1/5
Price & savings score (40%)	4.3	3.8
Coverage strength score (25%)	4.5	4.4
Quote & buy experience (20%)	4.4	4.2
Claims & support score (15%)	4.3	4.3

Avg full-coverage premium

Progressive

$1,633/yr

Allstate

$2,108/yr

Avg liability-only premium

Progressive

$632/yr

Allstate

$735/yr

A.M. Best financial strength

Progressive

—

Allstate

—

Best for

Progressive

high risk · dui

Allstate

accident forgiveness · agent service

Overall rating

Progressive

4.4/5

Allstate

4.1/5

Price & savings score (40%)

Progressive

4.3

Allstate

3.8

Coverage strength score (25%)

Progressive

4.5

Allstate

4.4

Quote & buy experience (20%)

Progressive

4.4

Allstate

4.2

Claims & support score (15%)

Progressive

4.3

Allstate

4.3

Editor verdicts

Why we rate Progressive 4.4/5

Read the full Progressive review

Why we rate Allstate 4.1/5

Read the full Allstate review

Who should pick which?

Pick Progressive if…

You want the lowest annual premium — Progressive averages $1,633/yr for full coverage, $475 less than Allstate.
You want a smooth quote-and-buy flow with minimal phone follow-up.
Your driver profile leans high risk — Progressive's underwriting is best-in-class there.

Pick Allstate if…

Your driver profile leans accident forgiveness — Allstate's underwriting is best-in-class there.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most-searched questions about Progressive vs Allstate.

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