I’ve tried and tried and tried to find a car insurance provider who is willing to offer me a lower rate on car insurance but it’s of no use. Even though I feel like I pay way to much with my current provider, Progressive, it’s becoming clearer to me that it’s actually a lot cheaper than anyone else. $110 a month simply for the lowest liability coverage needed on one car that I never drive still feels ridiculous, but when Geico and StateFarm offer the same insurance for $200 … I feel better knowing I’ve had Progressive since day one.
- UPDATE: I received my discount!
That said, I understand a little bit as to why my personal car insurance is so high. For starters, I live in the worst city in the world (Miami) when it comes to auto insurance rates and being a 27 year old male with poor credit who drives a sports car, I fit the bill of being high risk, even though I have a flawless driving record. Thankfully, luckily, whatever you want to call it, Progressive is now offering up to a 30% discount for taking part in their Snapshot driving program. Allow me to provide you the details.
Applying and Installing Snapshot
When I first saw commercials advertising the snapshot device, I was a little skeptical that the process would take a ton of time, and the results I would receive would be minimal. Even though I’m only halfway through the process, I have to admit things couldn’t be easier. To get started, I logged into my Progressive account and simply asked to take part in the program. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, I was done. Two days later I received an email from Progressive letting me know my snapshot device had been shipped and yesterday, I received it in the mail.
Included with the device, which looks like a larger, strangely shaped USB drive, was a few packets of info on what I can expect going forward. I also received a quick tutorial on how to plug this device into my car and up until today I had no idea where my car’s data port was located. Installing it took all of 5 seconds and to make sure I did it correctly, the snapshot device is now blinking green lights. Also included was postage so that when it comes time to return the device, I can do so at the expense of Progressive.
How Snapshot Can Save Me Money
Once snapshot is installed, it will remain that way for at least 30-days, as Progressive collects data on my driving habits. This includes how often I drive, at what time of day I drive and how I drive. Things like breaking hard and driving after midnight can take away from your discount so make sure you drive on the straight an narrow. Once the 30-day period ends, Progressive should have enough info to provide you an initial discount (or surcharge believe it or not). This discounts is good every month you stay with Progressive and as long as you keep the current automobile insured with them.
In some cases, Progressive will ask you keep snapshot installed for an additional amount of time, which could result in an additional discount. However, this could also mean that the initial discount they provide will be adjusted after more data is collected. Not every Progressive policyholder can qualify to receive the snapshot device and if you drive a car pre-1996, you’re out of luck. The snapshot device can only be plugged into data ports post 1996 so insuring your old car won’t become any cheaper.
Snapshot Conclusion
I decided to take a chance on this device because I know I barely drive my automobile. Even though there is a very small chance a surcharge could be added I hope Progressive will provide me a sizable discount. Considering how simple the process of receiving the device and installing snapshot was, I would recommend any Progressive policy holder take advantage. I’ll be sure to update everyone on just how much money (if any) I save using this promotion but for now, I’m thrilled with how things have “progressed”.
Hi Michael, I work at Progressive and saw your post. Thank you for being a customer and giving Snapshot a try! Just to clarify, your rate won’t go up with Snapshot. There is only the potential for a discount. Also, you need to leave the device plugged in for six months. After the first 30 days, you’ll see and start to earn your initial discount. At the end of six months, we set your discount based on your driving habits and you send the device back.
Hope that helps explain the program and here’s a link to more information in case you have more questions: http://www.progressive.com/snapshot/common-questions.aspx.
This is an interesting concept. Seems to me that actually measuring a drivers driving habits would be a better and fairer way to assess risky driver than looking at indirect things that make them assume you’re a bad driver.
I imagine some people may be worried about privacy or that Progressive will know where you are or what you’re doing, etc. According to the FAQ, the device has no GPS data and has no idea where you are. It tracks your speed but it doesn’t know if you’re exceeding the speed limit.
I think it’s a total ripoff. It captures your braking and the pressure applied in order to receive a discount. Most of the time it captures your hard braking which I don’t understand. But I used it and only got a 7% discount…..now tell me that it works. It’s a waste of time to use that thing. Sorry I applied for it.
You got this device for free and it saved you money. I don’t see how you are complaining. It explains exactly what it uses to calculate your discount so it is 100% your fault that you only got 7%.
I have the same type program with Nationwide. It was well worth installing and driving with device for 6 months for a 45% discount. The only one that should be concerned about the device would be radical drivers.
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I have had the snapshot in my son’s car for the past 6 months due to him being a truck driver he does’nt drive much.I am now returning the device which has given us a great discount of 30%.We were with nationwide paying 212.00 a month on 2 cars and full coverage,that to me was too much,especially when his car was just sitting until he came home.We now with our discount from the snapshot pay 125.00 a month for 2 cars and full coverage,which before the snapshot was paying 185.00.My son now thinks that the device has put a bug in his car,thinking it’s going to be monitoring him even though the device has been taken out.I have not heard any bad comments about the snapshot,has anyone encountered any problems from using the device?
Hi Trisha, I have had the snapshot in for almost 5 months now and about 3 months in the computer on my car crashed and had to be replaced ($800). The master mechanic at the dealer as well as an engineer in their home office in Detroit blamed it on the snapshot not being compatible (Chrysler cars) and shorting out the computer. I called Progressive and was told to send the snapshot back immediately, it sounded like they knew they had an issue. I have filed a claim with Progressive for the damage to the computer, replacement an labor. Stay tuned!
omg i am so glad i just saw this the snapshot messed my car up to i filed a claim amd the guy seemed like he didnt believe me and said they havent had any othe rreports i have a 03 alero and it was in on a sat was ok went to start my car sunday every light in my dash came on so i took it out now my cluster is mesed up its very scary when ur driving and ur gas gadge drops to empty but goes back up when u stop hope all goes well for u and hopefully they fix this issue thanks have a blessed day
I had “Snapshot” in ,my 97 BMW Z3, for 3 days. Now my car will NOT start, well it will start but ,only keeps running about 30 secs.. The “CHECK EGN. LIGHT” is on. Plus the Progressive agent will not respond to my calls!! Oh well, back to All State
Snapshot was effecting my computer system in my brand new car. My navigation system and screen including the climate controls were not turning on or they would try to load and shut off. My husband is a mechanic and realized that as soon as we turned the car on and heard the progressive snapshot beep, the navigation system shut down. He unplugged the snapshot device and the navigation system worked again. I will be calling to make a report tomorrow.
The term “Snapshot” is a misnomer. After enrolling in the program, no one explained to me how long it will take to get a “Snapshot” of my driving habits. As it turns out, the initial evaluation is done in 30 days after enrolling. The second 75 day evaluation comes after that. If by chance, they don’t get the full 75 days before your current policy runs out, they will continue it for the entire 6 months of your next policy.
“Snapshot” I am not sure what kind of film they are using, but it is pretty slow.
how do I check on my driving results using this device which I have?
This is big brother! They want to not give insurance to anyone that stays out late or has a long drive to work………I went to a class on computers ..they said Never give out your information,, never on anything.
It;s not to help you it’s to help them.
I had this device thinking that I can get a good discount, since I feel I am a pretty safe driver. It went fine for a couple of months but when there was a factory recall on my Toyota Corolla and a new computer got installed the problem started. The car would not start. Took it to the Toyota dealership and they were suggesting some services for the problem and after approximately 1500 dollars in services and parts replacement they came to know that the culprit is Snapshot device. I have put in a claim with progressive.
I had this device thinking that I can get a good discount, since I feel I am a pretty safe driver. It went fine for a couple of months but when there was a factory recall on my Toyota Corolla and a new computer got installed the problem started. The car would not start. Took it to the Toyota dealership and they were suggesting some services for the problem and after approximately 1500 dollars in services and parts replacement they came to know that the culprit is Snapshot device. I have put in a claim with progressive.
Ive been using snapshot for a few months now. It was given to me by my father who considered my driving to be exceptional. He thought it would reduce the amount of insurance we pay due to our confident and safe driving. But this is where it all goes wrong. Ive noticed that japanese cars have a loser braking system then of my other cars Jeep(american) Volkswagon (german). Literally every time i break behind someone due to the pressure in which i MUST press the break, the device goes off. Although measuring a hard break is a good idea in determining a persons risk level of an accident, It is almost comletely inaccurate. I still fail to understand the reason why i should have my insurance sky rocket due to a driver stupidly stomping on the break in front of me. Yes, i would break hard, and yes i would avoid the accident. But how does that make my risk of getting into an accident increase? The snapshot fails to account to a persons natural reflexes and awarness which is what is needed in order to measure a persons risk factor when driving. The snapchat is a terrible way to save money. if anything i feel like it is more of a scam.
Ive been using snapshot for a few months now. It was given to me by my father who considered my driving to be exceptional. He thought it would reduce the amount of insurance we pay due to our confident and safe driving. But this is where it all goes wrong. Ive noticed that japanese cars have a loser braking system then of my other cars Jeep(american) Volkswagon (german). Literally every time i break behind someone due to the pressure in which i MUST press the break, the device goes off. Although measuring a hard break is a good idea in determining a persons risk level of an accident, It is almost comletely inaccurate. I still fail to understand the reason why i should have my insurance sky rocket due to a driver stupidly stomping on the break in front of me. Yes, i would break hard, and yes i would avoid the accident. But how does that make my risk of getting into an accident increase? The snapshot fails to account to a persons natural reflexes and awarness which is what is needed in order to measure a persons risk factor when driving. The snapchat is a terrible way to save money. if anything i feel like it is more of a scam.
I’m pretty sure Snapshot has fried my cars computer as well in my 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Do I have to have full coverage to get this paid for through a claim with them?
I have a 2003 nissan altima plugged in the snapshot and the car will not start when i calked progressive they transfered me 4 times and said when you unplugged the snapshot it still wont start? I said no they said thstd strange i said according to everyone online it happens all the time ?the customer service. Lady told me to send it back i ssid whst about my car she said i dont know ? Great customer service im without a car and stuck with god knows how much to have my car towed and fixed .