Independent comparison. Not affiliated with Progressive or Geico.
Progressive vs Geico for High-Risk Drivers: DUI, Accidents, and SR-22
Last verified April 2026
Progressive wins decisively for high-risk drivers. 35% cheaper after a DUI, 20% cheaper after an accident, and 9% cheaper after a speeding ticket. Progressive was founded in 1937 specifically to insure high-risk drivers.
Rates by Violation Type
Annual full coverage rates and the percentage increase over a clean-record baseline.
| Violation | Progressive | Geico | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / DWI | $2,493 | $3,154 | $661/yr |
| At-fault accident | $2,184 | $2,504 | $320/yr |
| Speeding ticket | $2,002 | $2,003 | $1/yr |
| Multiple violations | $2,821 | $3,505 | $684/yr |
| Reckless driving | $2,912 | $3,672 | $760/yr |
SR-22 Filing Comparison
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required minimum coverage. It is typically required after a DUI, driving without insurance, or other serious violations.
Progressive SR-22
- Electronic filing, often within minutes
- Available in all states that require SR-22
- Can be added to existing policy online
- Non-owner SR-22 policies available online
- Filing fee: $15-25 (varies by state)
Geico SR-22
- Batch processing, usually under 24 hours
- Available in most states
- May require calling a specialist
- Non-owner SR-22 may use a partner carrier
- Filing fee: $15-25 (varies by state)
Non-Owner Policy Comparison
A non-owner policy provides liability coverage when you drive vehicles you do not own. It is often needed to satisfy SR-22 requirements when you do not have your own car. This is common for drivers who had their licence suspended and are working toward reinstatement.
Progressive offers standalone non-owner SR-22 policies that you can purchase and manage entirely online. The process takes about 10 minutes and the policy is effective immediately.
Geico handles non-owner policies through their specialist team. You need to call to discuss your situation, and Geico may place you with a partner carrier rather than on their own paper. This adds complexity and sometimes cost.
How Long Violations Affect Your Rates
| Violation | Affects rates for | SR-22 required |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding ticket | 3 years | Usually no |
| At-fault accident | 3-5 years | Sometimes |
| DUI / DWI | 3-7 years | Yes (3 years typical) |
| Reckless driving | 3-5 years | Sometimes |
| Driving without insurance | 3 years | Yes (most states) |
Progressive's High-Risk DNA
Progressive was founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green in Cleveland, Ohio. Their specific mission was to insure the drivers no one else would take. At a time when most insurers refused anyone with a blemish on their record, Progressive built a business model around pricing risk accurately rather than avoiding it.
This heritage explains why Progressive remains the cheapest major insurer for high-risk drivers nearly 90 years later. Their actuarial models were built from the ground up to differentiate between a genuinely dangerous driver and someone who made a single mistake. A driver with one DUI who now drives safely gets treated very differently by Progressive than by Geico.
For comparison, Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company) was founded in 1936 to serve government employees, one of the lowest-risk demographics. Their pricing model rewards clean records and stable demographics. When your record deviates from that ideal, Geico's penalties are steeper because their model was not built for you.
When to Switch Between Insurers
Got a DUI while insured with Geico?
Switch to Progressive at your next renewal. Mid-term switching is usually not worth the cancellation fees, but at renewal you can save $600 to $1,000/yr by moving to Progressive while the DUI is on your record.
DUI aging off your record?
Start quoting Geico about 6 months before the DUI drops off. Once your record is clean, Geico is typically 9% cheaper than Progressive. The savings from switching back can be $500 to $800/yr.
Using Progressive Snapshot?
Even if Geico's base rate is lower for your profile, Snapshot can close the gap or even make Progressive cheaper if you are a very safe driver. Consider staying if Snapshot is saving you $300+/yr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Progressive cheaper for DUI drivers?
Progressive was founded in 1937 specifically to insure high-risk drivers that other companies refused. Their entire pricing model is designed for granular risk assessment rather than blanket penalties. They increase DUI rates by about 37% vs the industry average of 89%.
Does Progressive file SR-22 electronically?
Yes. Progressive can file SR-22 certificates electronically with your state, often within minutes. Geico uses batch processing that usually completes within 24 hours. For urgent filings (like court deadlines), Progressive's speed advantage matters.
How long does a DUI affect insurance rates?
A DUI affects your insurance rates for 3 to 7 years depending on your state. Most states require SR-22 filing for 3 years. During this entire period, Progressive is typically 30-35% cheaper than Geico for the same coverage level.
Can I get insurance with multiple violations?
Yes. Both Progressive and Geico insure drivers with multiple violations. However, Progressive is significantly cheaper for multi-violation drivers. With two or more violations, Geico may increase rates by 110%+ while Progressive typically stays around 55%.
What is a non-owner SR-22 policy?
A non-owner SR-22 policy provides liability coverage when you drive cars you do not own. It satisfies state SR-22 requirements without needing to own a vehicle. Progressive offers these directly online. Geico requires calling a specialist and may use a partner carrier.
When should I switch from Progressive to Geico after a DUI?
Once your DUI ages off your driving record (3-7 years depending on state), Geico typically becomes cheaper again for clean-record drivers. Start quoting Geico about 6 months before the DUI drops off. The savings from switching back can be $500-800/yr.