For most drivers, Geico is cheaper — about $2,150/year for full coverage vs $2,675 for Progressive. But Progressive usually wins for high-risk drivers, especially after a DUI or reckless-driving violation. Whatever your record, quote both before you buy — the gap is often hundreds of dollars for the same coverage.
Side by side
| Geico | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage / yr | ~$2,150 | ~$2,675 |
| Minimum coverage / yr | ~$440 | ~$620 |
| Best for | Low rates, most drivers | High-risk, DUI |
| Standout tool | DriveEasy app & discounts | Name Your Price, Snapshot |
| Customer satisfaction | Slightly higher | Solid |
| AM Best strength | A++ | A+ |
Source: Insurance.com / NerdWallet national average estimates, 2026. Your real price varies by state, age, car, record and credit.
Which is cheaper?
On average, Geico — it tends to beat Progressive for teens, young drivers, adults, seniors, and even after most speeding tickets or at-fault accidents. The main exception is serious violations: after a DUI or reckless driving, Progressive is usually cheaper. Pricing swings a lot by state and profile, so the only way to know your real number is to quote both.
How the answer flips by driver (and state)
This is why there’s no single winner. Take two drivers: one is 28 with a clean record in Ohio — Geico quotes ~$1,900, Progressive ~$2,300, so Geico’s the easy call. The other just picked up a DUI — now Progressive comes back around $3,100 and Geico around $3,800, and suddenly Progressive wins. Same two companies, opposite answer. Add in your state — rankings shift again between, say, California and Florida — and you can see why your own two quotes beat any national headline.
Who should choose each one
Choose Geico if…
- You want the lowest price with a clean-to-average record
- You’re a young driver, adding a teen, or a senior
- You like managing everything in a top-rated app
Choose Progressive if…
- You’re high-risk — a DUI or several violations
- You want the Name Your Price tool
- You’re a safe driver happy to use Snapshot telematics
A real example
A reader-style case: imagine you’re 35, clean record, decent credit, and you’re deciding between the two for your paid-off SUV. Geico quotes you $1,850, Progressive $2,250 — so you go Geico and save $400 a year. Fast-forward two years and you get an at-fault accident; at renewal you re-shop, and this time Progressive’s “Name Your Price” lands you at $2,600 versus Geico’s $2,950. Same person, and the better deal switched sides. That’s the whole lesson: re-quote both whenever your situation changes.
The bottom line
Clean-to-average record? Start with Geico — it’s usually cheaper. DUI or high-risk history? Get a quote from Progressive first (and see our SR-22 and DUI guides). Either way, quote both: the same driver can pay hundreds more at one company than the other.
Honestly? If a friend asked me, I’d just tell them to start with Geico. For most people it’s cheaper, the app is genuinely good, and the discounts stack up fast — it’s the easy, boring, right answer. The only time I’d point someone to Progressive first is if they’ve got a DUI or a messy record, because that’s the one spot where it actually wins.
But whatever you do, don’t just sign up with the first one — pull a quote from both. I know it’s a hassle, but the same person can pay hundreds more for literally the same coverage. Five minutes comparing is the best-paid five minutes you’ll have all year.
FAQs
Is Geico or Progressive cheaper?
Which is better for high-risk drivers?
Do both offer usage-based discounts?
Which has better customer service?
Does my state change which is cheaper?
Should I switch to save money?
Sources: Insurance.com and NerdWallet (2026 national average estimates).