Progressive Snapshot Review

Progressive Snapshot uses telematics technology to provide real-time feedback about your driving habits. While safe driving can save you money on your insurance premiums, sloppy driving habits could cost you. Snapshot tracks your driving habits and offers discounts for safe driving.

What is Progressive Snapshot?

Progressive, like many other insurers has joined the telematics train with Snapshot. The monitoring program can be used via an app on your smartphone, or by plugging into your car with a small device. It will detect if you are speeding, talking on the phone, or driving while distracted.

If you’re a new Progressive policyholder, Snapshot is free. You get a $26 average discount for signing up. You can access it in the United States. However, only certain states permit you to use the mobile app because of state regulations.

After you have maintained an active Snapshot account for at least six months, the average length of a usage-based policy, the company will review the data. Your premium will decrease if you are a safe driver.

However, the reverse can also happen. Progressive could raise your rate if your driving record indicates that you are more likely to be in an accident. According to the company, about 20% of Snapshot customers experience this.

What is Progressive Snapshot?

It is simple to sign up for Progressive Snapshot. Signing up for Snapshot is easy. You can either download the Snapshot app that works with both iOS or Android, or wait for the company’s small dongle to be sent to you. It plugs into your car’s OBD2 port, usually located under the steering column.

Next, continue driving as normal. The Snapshot device will sound an alarm if it detects you are driving in unsafe conditions. The Snapshot app and the plug-in device both use GPS technology to track your speed and determine where you are. Progressive can transmit data to the app using sensors in your smartphone and Wi-Fi connections.

You have some control over how much data you transmit. You can also pause the monitoring system while you’re on vacation, or if you are a passenger and not a driver. Logging in to your Progressive account will allow you to view all data, receive driving tips, and view details about any vehicle trips that you have made.

Is Progressive Snapshot really able to lower rates?

For new Progressive policyholders, a participation discount can be obtained for enrolling in Snapshot. Snapshot users can enjoy an average $26 discount on their enrollment and $145 annually savings from Progressive. After completing the initial six month monitoring period and renewal of your policy for a further six months, a discount will be in effect.

Important to know that Progressive rates your driving habits using the Snapshot app and plug-in devices. Your premium may increase if you have poor driving habits.

Progressive Snapshot tracks what driving habits it observes

Snapshot analyses your driving habits in order to create driving reports. The data can also be used to determine auto claims and for research, development, and underwriting purposes. Snapshot monitors the following driving characteristics:

  • Snapshot focuses on smooth acceleration and brakes. To avoid an accident, don’t slam on the brakes.
  • Late-night driving: It is best to avoid driving at night (between 6 and 6 a.m.). According to the National Safety Council, driving between midnight and 4 a.m. on weekends can be considered dangerous. Snapshot might not be the right fit if you have to drive regularly during these hours.
  • Snapshot rewards time-driving: To participate, you must drive at least 4,000 km per year (roughly 10 miles per day on average). However, Snapshot also rewards drivers who regularly carpool or are low-mileage.
  • Snapshot can detect when you’ve been texting or calling from your mobile phone. To increase your discount and safety, avoid these activities.
  • Speeding Snapshot will note any driving that exceeds the posted speed limit.

Snapshot might not be right for you if you have any of the above problems. Snapshot can save money if you’re a safe driver and avoid bad habits.

Snapshot’s mobile app stores driving and analytics data for a period of time. You can also delete all data and analytics stored by the Snapshot mobile app when you close it. Progressive will retain analytics and driving data sent to its Snapshot system indefinitely.

Progressive reserves the right to share Snapshot data with third parties according to Snapshot’s privacy statement.

  • Service of the insurance policy
  • To detect or prevent fraudulent activity
  • Marketing and research
  • When required by law, when permitted or allowed
  • Support rates for government insurance departments
  • Progressive is your service provider
  • Other attorneys or insurers to help with claims resolution or litigation

Progressive can share data that is not personally identifiable to other third parties under these terms. Progressive may use all data on your policy to market. You have the option to limit how your data is used for marketing purposes.

What does Progressive do to prevent users “cheating?”

Snapshot will track your driving during the first policy term. Each person must have their own dongle plug-in or app if more than one person is driving the same vehicle. Some states require that each driver assigns a vehicle to their smartphone’s usage-based app. Other states allow for average driving data between vehicles and smartphones.

Progressive has not yet identified a way to track whether policyholders deceived the app or otherwise manipulated it.

Progressive Snapshot discounts

Snapshot offers additional discounts for progressive policyholders. Some of the discounts featured include:

  • Snapshot Safe Driver Discount: Snapshot allows drivers to save an average of $145 annually by signing up for Snapshot.
  • You can save money by limiting accelerations and hard brakes.
  • Savings can be made by avoiding late-night driving.
  • You can save more by driving less or using a carpooling service.
  • Avoid texting and phone calls behind the wheel: You can save additional money by avoiding these types of calls.

Who is Progressive Snapshot app a good choice for?

Snapshot is great for those who practice safe driving habits. Snapshot is not recommended for people who drive frequently between 12 and 4 am, when there are more traffic accidents, as it could lead to higher insurance rates. Snapshot is not recommended for people who talk on their phones while driving, even if they are using a hands-free phone.

Progressive Snapshot: How can you save?

Progressive’s Snapshot program rewards only good drivers. Drivers who do well during the monitoring period may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance rate. Many insurance companies offer discounts to students who earn good grades, get married, buy a house, or bundle their auto and homeowner insurance policies. Snapshot, a usage-based insurance program, offers immediate savings to ensure safe driving.

Is Progressive Snapshot worth it?

Snapshot monitors your driving habits, and determines the new rate for you within a single policy period.

According to customer reviews, Progressive Snapshot is generally well-received by customers. Snapshot can help you save hundreds of bucks a year if you have a clean driving record and follow the road rules.

Questions frequently asked

Which is the best auto insurer?

The best auto insurance company for you will depend on your needs, goals, budget, and other factors. Progressive offers many great options for coverage, including discounts and a wide range of add-ons. It is important to shop around, compare insurance companies, and get multiple quotes. Bankrate has an analysis of the top auto insurance companies.

Progressive Snapshot: How much can I save?

Drivers who sign up for Progressive Snapshot can save an average of $145 annually on their insurance premiums. You could also save more with additional discounts

How difficult is it to sign up for Progressive Snapshot?

Register at progressive.com for Snapshot. You can then download the app, or wait for the dongle plug in to be sent to you. Premium savings will be on the way.