Tesla Insurance vs. Progressive
Which is the Best Insurance Agency for You?
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Last Updated: June 5, 2023
Choosing the right auto insurance agency can save you money and provide peace of mind while on the road. That’s why we’ve conducted a thorough analysis of two major players in the industry: Tesla Insurance and Progressive. In this blog post, we’ll explore the strengths, weaknesses, pricing structures, coverage options, and customer satisfaction levels of both. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision on which agency is the perfect fit for your needs.
Tesla Insurance
Tesla Insurance is the electric vehicle manufacturer’s in-house insurance program. It was initially launched in California in 2019 and specializes in providing insurance to Tesla vehicles. The insurance aims to provide the most affordable rates to Tesla owners by eliminating traditional insurance carriers’ additional charges and offering tailored coverage options for their customers.
Tesla Insurance Pros and Cons
- Considers advance features and technology of Tesla vehicles to provide comprehensive coverage options
- Offers competitive rates for Tesla owners
- Offers competitive rates for Tesla owners
- Enables direct relationship with Tesla as both the vehicle manufacturer and insurance provider
- Can quickly adapt to all innovations and advancements of Tesla cars
- Provides a straightforward claims process
- Only available in 12 states
- Might not be very affordable for other electric vehicles




Progressive Insurance
Progressive Insurance is one of the nation’s most prominent insurance companies. They have been in operation since 1937. The company started as an auto insurer but has since grown its offerings. Today, Progressive provides home insurance, renters insurance, boat insurance, motorcycle insurance, R.V. insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, and more. So far, it has sold 20.4 million policies and has become the third-largest insurer in the United States.
Progressive Insurance Pros and Cons
- Offers options for bundling multiple policies and securing discounts
- Well-established and financially secure company
- Provides excellent customer service, and 24/7 customer support
- Uses technology to enhance the insurance experience
- The network of insurance agents is less extensive than other companies
- Mixed reviews and opinions about the claims handling process
Background and Ratings
Tesla and Progressive are well-respected and innovative insurance providers that have earned customers’ trust.
Let’s look at the background and ratings of both insurance companies.
Background and Ratings | Tesla | Progressive |
---|---|---|
Year Established | 2019 | 1937 |
Availability | 11 states | 50 states |
A.M. Best Financial Rating | N/A | A+ |
Better Business Bureau (BBB Rating) | C- | A+ |
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Rating (2023) | N/A | 853 |
Claim Processing | Tesla ecosystem | Online, call, or mobile app |
Insurance Option
Progressive and Tesla Insurance are different in terms of their policies offered. Tesla is specifically designed for Tesla cars. Hence, they understand their vehicles, technology, safety, and repair costs well. Plus, the insurance reflects Tesla’s state-of-the-art safety and driving assistance features that come standard on all new Tesla vehicles. Tesla Insurance only focuses on protecting Tesla cars and owners, so they don’t provide any other policies for homeowners, renters, motorcycles, etc.
Progressive is a more holistic provider. While it might not be the best choice for Tesla cars, the insurance company has a wide range of options for other electric vehicles and coverage. From boat insurance and condo insurance to mobile home and life insurance, there is a lot that Progressive can offer.
Car Insurance Overview
- Coverage Options: Tesla car insurance offers most of the standard coverage required by vehicles in the U.S. Especially for electric cars, their coverage options are sufficient. However, Progressive car insurance offers few additional coverage options not provided by many companies (including Tesla Insurance). For instance, if your pet is injured in a car crash, you can get an additional add-on called collision insurance. This company also offers small accident forgiveness and provides a more significant benefit through its loyalty program.
- Discounts: Regarding the discounts offered, both companies are in good standing. Tesla and Progressive provide a wide range of discounts that you can take advantage of to save big bucks.
- Customer Service: Tesla Insurance needs a healthier reputation for customer service. Customers have left quite a few negative reviews across various channels due to issues such as longer waiting time and unfriendly staff. Regarding Progressive, the complaints are fewer, but ratings for customer service are still lower compared to other companies of the same size.




Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a service that helps drivers who experience unexpected car issues while driving. Here’s how the roadside assistance benefits provided by Tesla and Progressive compare:
Roadside Benefits | Tesla | Progressive |
---|---|---|
Towing | Yes (covers transportation services for the first 500 miles* to the nearest Tesla Service Center) | Yes (within a 15-mile radius) |
Jump Starts | N/A | Yes |
Tire changes | Yes (within 50 miles of a Tesla Service center) | No |
Lockout services | Yes | No |
Fuel delivery | N/A | Yes |
Winching services | N/A | Yes |
On-scene labor | N/A | Yes |
Battery change for EV | N/A | Yes |
Telematics Comparison
Tesla Insurance and Progressive have their usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, Tesla Insurance Telematics and Snapshot, which track driving behavior and offer personalized auto insurance rates.
Details | Tesla Insurance Telematics | Snapshot |
---|---|---|
Features | Use technology to monitor and collect data about the vehicle's usage and driving behavior | Offers automatic discount* after enrolling in most states |
Other Features | Determines 12premiums based on individual habits | Provides personalized rates after your first policy period |
Availability | 12 states | 43 states |
Saving/ Discount | N/A | Yes |
Car Insurance Discount
Here are the car insurance discounts that Tesla Insurance and Progressive offer:
Tesla Discounts | Progressive Discounts |
---|---|
Multi-Car (in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia) | Multi-Policy |
Auto-Pilot (in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia) | Multi-Vehicle |
Good Driver (in California) | Continuous Insurance |
Elite Driver (in California) | Good Student |
Group Discount (in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, in Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Oregon, Utah, Virginia) | Safe Driver |
Mature Driver Improvement Course (in California) | Teen Driver |
Good Student (in California) | Distant Student |
Multi-Car (in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota) | Homeowner |
Anti-Theft Device (in California, Illinois, Minnesota) | Online Quote |
Air Bag (in California, Nevada) | Sign Online |
Autopilot (in California, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon) | Paperless |
Defensive Driving Course (in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia) | Pay in Full |
Non-Stacking (in Nevada) | Non-Stacking (in Nevada) |
Information on Claims
Need to file a claim with Tesla Insurance? Reach out using the number on your Tesla Insurance card or log into your Tesla account online. Their claims specialists will be there to help every step of the way. And, if you’re lucky enough to be close to a Tesla Body Repair Center, they’ll take care of everything for you. You can even keep tabs on the status of your claim by calling the same number.
Need to file a claim with Progressive? You have three easy options: use their mobile app, go online, or call them at 1-800-776-4737. Providing just a few key details will kickstart the process with ease. Trust their team to connect you with the most appropriate specialists who will guide you every step of the way. If questions arise, they can put you in touch with a claims representative. Additionally, an estimator will visit you and evaluate the damage before generating an estimate outlining the repair costs. Let Progressive take the stress out of the situation and help you get back on the road quickly.




Customer Satisfaction
Tesla Insurance, however, could have a better reputation when it comes to customer satisfaction. Across several review platforms, customers have expressed dissatisfaction over unfriendly staff, long waiting hours, inability to process work quickly, last-minute notices, and carelessness.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ three-year data, Progressive’s auto insurance has received fewer complaints than expected for its size. In a recent NerdWallet survey, Progressive scored 74 out of 100 for overall customer satisfaction, which is lower than the average score of 77 among seven insurers. However, J.D. Power’s 2022 studies rated Progressive below average for consumer satisfaction with auto insurance claims and shopping.
Tesla | Progressive | |
---|---|---|
Customer reviews on official website | N/A | N/A |
Mobile App App Store Rating | 3.8 | 4.8 |
Mobile App Google Play Rating | 3.7 | 4.7 |
Tesla Vs. Progressive: Which Company is the Best for You?
In conclusion, when choosing between Tesla Insurance and Progressive, several factors should be considered to determine which insurance company is better suited for your needs.
While Tesla Insurance is a newcomer to the insurance market and has limited customer feedback, it’s important to note that its reputation for innovation and excellence in the automotive industry is highly regarded. Conversely, Progressive has a long-established reputation and vast customer base, potentially providing a more extensive collection of customer reviews and experiences. When choosing between Tesla Insurance and Progressive, weighing these factors and making a well-informed decision is essential.
Tesla Insurance provides custom coverage designed for Tesla owners, featuring original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and specialized repair networks. On the other hand, as a traditional insurance provider, Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options for different types of vehicles, including Tesla. Although they don’t have improvements for Tesla vehicles specifically, Progressive’s broad coverage options cater to diverse customers.
Tesla Insurance aims to streamline the claims process by integrating its insurance offerings with Tesla’s network of service centers. This integration can provide a seamless experience for Tesla owners, allowing for efficient repairs and claims handling. Progressive has developed robust claims processing procedures and a vast network of approved repair facilities as an established insurance company. They also offer 24/7 claims reporting and support, providing convenience to their policyholders.
Ultimately, the choice between Tesla Insurance and Progressive depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Tesla Insurance’s specialized coverage options and integration with Tesla’s ecosystem can be appealing to Tesla owners seeking a tailored insurance solution. On the other hand, Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options, discounts, and a well-established claims processing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Progressive a part of Allstate?
No, Progressive and Allstate are both independent companies. Progressive is owned by its shareholders and is a publicly traded company.
-
Is insurance on a Tesla expensive?
If you’re considering a Tesla, the insurance premiums can be pricey due to the steep repair expenses associated with a Tesla car.
-
Does Progressive offer rideshare insurance?
Progress does offer additional rideshare insurance that you can add to your auto insurance coverage.
Highlights
- Tesla Insurance
- Tesla Insurance Pros and Cons
- Progressive Insurance
- Progressive Insurance Pros and Cons
- Background and Ratings
- Insurance Option
- Car Insurance Overview
- Roadside Assistance
- Telematics Comparison
- Car Insurance Discount
- Information on Claims
- Customer Satisfaction
- Tesla Vs. Progressive: Which Company is the Best for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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