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Progressive vs Geico Rates: Full Breakdown by Driver Type
Last verified April 2026
Geico is 9% cheaper for full coverage on average. But Progressive is 20% cheaper after an accident, 35% cheaper with a DUI, and 9% cheaper after a speeding ticket. The winner depends entirely on your driving record.
Rates by Driver Profile
Full coverage estimates for eight common driver types. Rates shown are national averages.
| Driver profile | Progressive/yr | Geico/yr | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, age 30 | $1,820 | $1,669 | Geico |
| Clean record, age 25 | $2,002 | $1,752 | Geico |
| One at-fault accident | $2,184 | $2,504 | Progressive |
| One speeding ticket | $2,002 | $2,003 | Progressive |
| DUI on record | $2,493 | $3,154 | Progressive |
| Teen driver (18) | $3,400 | $3,200 | Geico |
| Senior driver (65+) | $1,911 | $1,802 | Geico |
| Military member | $1,766 | $1,419 | Geico |
Full Coverage vs Minimum Coverage
The cost difference between full protection and state-minimum liability only.
Full coverage
Includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist. Recommended for vehicles worth over $5,000.
Minimum coverage
State-required liability limits only. Acceptable for older vehicles you could replace out of pocket.
Rate Increases by Violation
How each insurer penalises violations differently. Progressive is consistently more lenient.
| Violation | Progressive increase | Geico increase |
|---|---|---|
| DUI / DWI | +37%Much lower penalty | +89%Near-industry average |
| At-fault accident | +20%Below average penalty | +50%Above average penalty |
| Speeding ticket | +10%Minimal impact | +20%Moderate impact |
| Two+ violations | +55%Still manageable | +110%Doubles the premium |
Why the Rate Difference Exists
Progressive was founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green specifically to insure high-risk drivers that other companies refused. This heritage shapes their entire pricing model. Progressive uses continuous, granular risk assessment that prices each driver individually rather than categorically penalising broad risk groups.
Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company) was founded in 1936 to serve government employees and military members, a low-risk demographic. Their pricing model rewards clean records and stable demographics. If you fit the profile Geico was built for, you will likely get a better rate from them.
The practical effect: Geico is cheaper for the majority of drivers (those with clean records in standard risk categories). Progressive is cheaper for anyone whose profile deviates from the norm, including DUI, accidents, young drivers without much history, and people who can prove safe driving through Snapshot telematics data.
How Rates Change Over Time
After 3 years clean
Most violations (tickets, minor accidents) fall off your driving record after 3 years in most states. At this point, the Geico vs Progressive gap narrows significantly because Progressive's advantage for imperfect records no longer applies.
After paying off a DUI
DUIs affect insurance rates for 3 to 7 years depending on the state. During this period, Progressive is consistently 30-35% cheaper. Once the DUI ages off your record, Geico often becomes cheaper again. The switch point is around year 4-5 in most states.
After turning 25
Both insurers drop rates substantially at age 25. The typical reduction is 15-20% compared to age 24 rates. Geico usually provides a slightly larger discount at 25 because their pricing model rewards the demographic shift from "young driver" to "established driver."
Methodology
Rate estimates are based on publicly available data from state insurance filings, industry reports, and rate comparison studies. All figures represent national averages for a driver with the specified profile and full coverage (100/300/100 liability limits, $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive). Your actual premium will vary based on your specific profile, vehicle, zip code, credit history (where permitted), and other factors. Always get personalised quotes from both insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Progressive vs Geico for full coverage?
National averages for full coverage are $1,820/yr at Progressive and $1,669/yr at Geico. Geico is 9% cheaper on average, but these rates vary significantly by driver profile, location, and vehicle.
Why is Progressive cheaper for high-risk drivers?
Progressive was founded in 1937 specifically to insure high-risk drivers. Their pricing model is built for risk assessment rather than risk avoidance. They increase rates less aggressively after violations compared to Geico and most other insurers.
How do rates change after turning 25?
Both insurers significantly reduce rates at age 25. The discount is typically 15-20% for drivers with clean records. Progressive and Geico both use continuous age-based pricing, so rates gradually decrease as you approach 25 rather than dropping sharply on your birthday.
Is minimum coverage much cheaper?
Yes. Minimum coverage (liability only) is roughly 40-55% cheaper than full coverage at both insurers. Geico averages $796/yr and Progressive averages $1,033/yr for minimum coverage. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive protection.
Do rates go down after 3 years with no violations?
Most violations fall off your record after 3-5 years. After a violation ages past 3 years, both Progressive and Geico will reduce your rates, though the exact timing varies by state and violation type. DUIs can affect rates for 5-7 years.
Which is cheaper for monthly payments?
Geico is cheaper monthly for clean-record drivers ($139/mo vs $152/mo for full coverage). However, both insurers charge fees for monthly billing. Paying in full saves 5-10% at both companies.