GEICO vs. Progressive: Which Car Insurance Is Cheaper in 2025?
GEICO and Progressive are two of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., with Progressive holding a 17% market share and GEICO at 12% as of late 2025. Both offer competitive rates below the national average ($2,697/year for full coverage, $820/year for minimum), but GEICO is generally cheaper for most drivers—saving an average of $200–$500 annually on full coverage compared to Progressive. However, Progressive edges out for high-risk profiles like DUIs and in certain states (e.g., New York, North Carolina, Mississippi). Rates vary by age, location, record, and credit, so personalized quotes are essential. This 2025 comparison uses data from NerdWallet, Insurify, Forbes, The Zebra, and others (rates for a 40-year-old with good credit, clean record, 2012 Toyota Camry; actuals may differ).
Average Rates: GEICO Wins on Cost for Most
GEICO’s direct-to-consumer model keeps overhead low, translating to better baseline pricing. Progressive’s rates are solid but often 10–20% higher, except for specific scenarios.
| Coverage Type | GEICO Annual Rate | Progressive Annual Rate | National Avg. | GEICO Savings vs. Progressive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (Liability-Only) | $489–$1,092 ($41–$91/mo) | $1,212 ($101/mo) | $820 | $123–$720 (10–59%) |
| Full (Liability + Collision/Comprehensive) | $1,669–$2,112 ($139–$176/mo) | $1,820–$2,398 ($152–$200/mo) | $2,697 | $151–$286 (8–14%) |
- By Driver Profile (Full Coverage Annual):
- Clean Record: GEICO $1,731 vs. Progressive $2,101 (GEICO 18% cheaper).
- Speeding Ticket: GEICO ~$2,100 vs. Progressive ~$2,500 (GEICO 16% cheaper).
- At-Fault Accident: GEICO ~$2,400 vs. Progressive ~$2,800 (GEICO 14% cheaper).
- DUI: GEICO ~$3,500 vs. Progressive ~$3,200 (Progressive 9% cheaper).
- Poor Credit: GEICO ~$2,800 vs. Progressive ~$3,100 (GEICO 10% cheaper).
- Teen (16–19): GEICO ~$4,500 vs. Progressive ~$9,240 (GEICO 51% cheaper).
Pro Tip: Expect 7–8% industry hikes in 2025 due to inflation/claims; both companies project modest increases (GEICO ~2.6%, Progressive ~5%). Use tools like GEICO’s coverage calculator or Progressive’s Name Your Price for estimates.
Rates by State: It Varies—GEICO Dominates in High-Risk Areas
Location drives premiums (e.g., weather/theft in FL/LA). GEICO is cheapest in 39 states; Progressive shines in a handful like NY (urban density) and MS (rural risks). Here’s a snapshot for full coverage (monthly averages):
| State | GEICO Monthly | Progressive Monthly | Cheaper Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $180 | $195 | GEICO (8% cheaper) | No credit pricing; high theft rates. |
| Florida | $272 | $816 | GEICO (67% cheaper) | Uninsured drivers spike costs; Progressive triples in some ZIPs. |
| Texas | $150 | $165 | GEICO (9% cheaper) | Bundling key; low-mileage saves more with GEICO. |
| New York | $200 | $180 | Progressive (10% cheaper) | Dense traffic; Progressive better for urban drivers. |
| North Carolina | $140 | $130 | Progressive (7% cheaper) | SR-22 needs favor Progressive. |
| Mississippi | $160 | $145 | Progressive (9% cheaper) | Rural; Progressive lower for full coverage. |
| Louisiana | $308 | $320 | GEICO (4% cheaper) | Hurricanes; both high, but GEICO edges. |
| Maine (Cheapest Overall) | $85 | $95 | GEICO (11% cheaper) | Low accidents; minimal variance. |
Key Insight: In no-fault states like FL/MI, GEICO’s PIP handling keeps rates lower. Shop via ZIP code—savings average $500/year comparing both.
Coverage Options: Progressive Offers More Add-Ons
Both provide core coverages (liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, MedPay/PIP). GEICO focuses on basics; Progressive adds flexibility.
- GEICO Strengths: Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (extended warranty up to $2K), rental reimbursement, roadside (~$14/mo). No gap/rideshare.
- Progressive Strengths: Gap/loan payoff, rideshare, custom parts, trip interruption, pet injury. Better for financed cars or gig workers.
Telematics Programs (Usage-Based for Safe Drivers):
| Program | Savings Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO DriveEasy | Up to 25% | App-only; tracks braking/speed; accident assist feature. |
| Progressive Snapshot | 10–30% | Plug-in device/app; continuous insurance discount; risk for risky drivers. |
Discounts: Stack for Max Savings (Both Up to 40%)
Both excel here, but GEICO has military/federal edges; Progressive rewards loyalty/digital habits. Availability varies by state.
| Discount | GEICO Savings | Progressive Savings | Who Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Vehicle | Up to 25% | Up to 12% | GEICO |
| Good Student | Up to 15% | Up to 25% (teens) | Progressive |
| Safe Driver | Up to 22% | Up to 30% (Snapshot) | Progressive |
| Military/Federal | Up to 15% | Up to 5% | GEICO |
| Bundling (Auto + Home) | 8–18% | 5–21% | Tie |
| Online/Paperless | 5% | Up to 7% | Progressive |
| Low-Mileage | Up to 27% | Up to 12% | GEICO |
| Pay-in-Full | 5–10% | 5–15% | Progressive |
Hidden Gems: GEICO’s emergency deployment (military overseas: 25% off); Progressive’s continuous coverage (no lapses: 10%).
Customer Satisfaction & Ratings: GEICO Edges on Service
- Financial Strength: Both A++ (AM Best)—reliable payouts.
- J.D. Power 2025 Claims Satisfaction: GEICO 692/1,000 (16th) vs. Progressive 679 (20th); both below avg. (697).
- NAIC Complaints: GEICO 1.42 (slightly above avg.); Progressive 1.00 (avg.).
- App/User Reviews: GEICO 4.8/5 (WalletHub); Progressive 4.3/5. GEICO praised for ease; Progressive for tools but delays.
Pros/Cons:
| Company | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | Cheaper rates; fast quotes/app; strong for clean records/military. | Fewer add-ons; below-avg. claims in some regions. |
| Progressive | More coverages; flexible tools (Snapshot, agents); better for DUIs/high-risk. | Higher rates overall; potential Snapshot penalties. |
Final Verdict: GEICO for Most, Progressive for Specific Needs
GEICO is cheaper in 2025 for 80%+ of drivers, especially clean records, teens, or in high-cost states like FL. Choose Progressive if you have a DUI, need gap/rideshare, or live in NY/NC/MS. Neither is “best” universally—compare 3+ quotes (including State Farm/USAA) for $500+ savings. Get free quotes at geico.com or progressive.com (under 5 mins). Call GEICO (1-800-861-8380) or Progressive (1-800-776-4737) for details. Rates current as of Nov. 2025; shop annually.