Progressive Snapshot Review

Since car insurance is so expensive, drivers must take advantage of every opportunity to lower rates. One popular way to save is through telematics programs offering a discount for safe driving.

Snapshot from Progressive is one program that monitors driving behaviors and offers a discount of up to 15%, depending on how well you drive. However, Progressive may raise your rates if Snapshot detects risky driving behaviors.

Read our Progressive Snapshot review to learn more and determine if you’ll save on car insurance by using the program.

What is Progressive Snapshot?

While many factors affect car 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 a discount if your driving has improved.

Snapshot allows drivers to save money on Progressive car 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% discount for signing up for 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 the life of their policy, 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.

How does Progressive Snapshot work?

Snapshot from Progressive is a usage-based car 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 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 car monitor to participate in Snapshot, 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 discount.

Drivers may opt for the 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.

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What driving behaviors does Snapshot from Progressive monitor?

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.
• 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 accelerations 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 Snapshot score.

Unfortunately, Snapshot doesn’t know when you’re braking to avoid another driver or if a passenger uses your phone. Both can affect your score and lower your 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. This information can be used for underwriting and sold 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, Progressive 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 does Snapshot know who’s driving?

The way Snapshot records drivers depends on your state and whether you use the app or 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 app if you’re not driving for a while or using public transportation.

Does Snapshot save policyholders money on Progressive car insurance?

Whether you save money with Progressive Snapshot is up to you. Your driving determines your discount amount or if your rates increase. So drivers should look carefully at the habits monitored by Snapshot to decide whether it’s a good fit.

Drivers get a 5% discount for enrolling and can save up to 15% if they score well. However, a poor score means your rates can increase. Remember that around 20% of participants see a rate increase after using Snapshot.

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How does Snapshot stack up against other car insurance companies?

Compared to telematics programs offered by other top insurance companies, Snapshot doesn’t come out on top. Many other competitors offer higher discounts and don’t raise rates if you score poorly.

Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide don’t raise rates for using their telematics programs. However, while other companies offer higher usage-based discounts, Progressive rates are typically lower before discounts.

Who should use Progressive Snapshot?

Progressive Snapshot 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 who practice safe driving habits and don’t use their phones while driving.

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. For example, if you work nights or like to speed, Snapshot will wind up costing you.

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.

Is Snapshot worth it?

Drivers can save with Snapshot if they drive the speed limit and don’t use their phones while driving. However, other behaviors like 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 car insurance discounts, such as safe driving and multi-car discounts. 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.

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Final Thoughts on Progressive Snapshot

Snapshot allows Progressive drivers to earn a discount for safe driving. However, what you consider safe driving may not be the same as what Snapshot recommends.

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 15% discount. However, drivers who exhibit risky driving behaviors may see a rate increase.

Drivers confident in their driving abilities that 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 shop around before choosing Progressive Snapshot to see which company offers the best deal.

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