Progressive Snapshot Discount Review

Here’s what you need to know…

• Progressive Snapshot is a usage-based insurance program that tracks your driving habits
• In some states, if you drive poorly with Snapshot, it can actually increase your car insurance rates
• Progressive says Snapshot can’t be hacked to take over your car

Our Progressive Snapshot discount review found that the main benefit of the program is its savings of up to 30 percent. When you get into the details of how this new product may save you money on your Progressive policy, however, you may find that driving poorly may actually increase your rates in your state (read our Progressive insurance review for more information on the company).

It’s also important to realize that even with a Progressive Snapshot discount, Progressive may not be the cheapest insurance company for you. Compare quotes today to make sure you are getting the best deal on your car insurance. Just enter your ZIP to see if you can get a better deal than the Snapshot discount.

Progressive’s Pitch with Snapshot

According to Progressive.com, Snapshot, formerly known as the Pay As You Drive® (PAYD) program, is a type of usage-based or pay as you go car insurance.

Once enrolled, you can earn a personalized car insurance discount, known as your “Snapshot Discount,” by driving less, in safer ways, and during safer times of the day.

When you sign up for this program, you can select if you want to use the plug-in device or mobile app. Both work similarly and provide a discount for good driving.

Let’s look at just one of those factors. This table shows you the average annual rate for drivers based on commute. See how Progressive Insurance compares to other companies.

Average Annual Rates Based on Commute and Mileage

Progressive charges very little for a longer commute. You can also supposedly save up to 30 percent on your auto insurance rates via the program, making it their “biggest discount ever!

But there’s no guarantee you’ll qualify for that mega discount.

Car insurance rates are based on a variety of factors related to your driving history (learn more: how are car insurance rates determined). Progressive Snapshot calculates your insurance differently and offers personalized rates based on your actual driving. So, the better you drive, the more you can save on car insurance. These types of programs can also better your driving skills and make you a safe driver, even if you don’t qualify for a discount.

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How Progressive Snapshot Works

How does Snapshot work? The Progressive Snapshot device is able to track your driving habits by having you install a small device called a dongle in your vehicle that ties into your car’s diagnostic port (“computer”).

The Progressive Snapshot device works with vehicle model years 1996 and newer. If your vehicle does not have a diagnostic port, you’re out of luck. If it does, plug it in and look for a blinking light. That means it’s working.

Next, you drive as you normally would. The device creates a “snapshot” of your driving habits, thus the name…and the information is reviewed by Progressive to determine what level of discount, if any, you qualify for.

How long does Progressive Snapshot stay in my car, you ask? Typically, the first snapshot is taken after 30 days of driving, then finalized when your insurance policy renews after six months. At that point, you can return the device.

Progressive also offers its Snapshot Road Test program to people who are not currently Progressive customers. It will show you how much you could save if you switched to Progressive.

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Progressive Snapshot Hack

In early 2015, it was rumored that hackers could control vehicles with the Snapshot device installed. An Israeli security firm called Argus Cyber Security made the claims on a similar device.

And an American company by the name of Digital Bond Labs reportedly found “major problems” with Snapshot.

When reverse-engineered, the company apparently learned how to hack Snapshot and was able to access a vehicle’s critical functions, such as steering, braking, and throttle. Clearly, that would be a pretty scary thing if it fell into the wrong hands.

Of course, Progressive was quick to fire back that the researcher couldn’t actually control a vehicle, and no evidence has been brought forward that anyone else could either. Progressive also said they would investigate the matter because security is a top priority. It’s unclear what has been done since this issue was brought to light.

Additionally, there’s a hack on Reddit that apparently shows how to cheat the Progressive Snapshot app into thinking they’re super safe drivers to get the maximum discount.

Progressive’s Snapshot Reddit users say the app hack works if you unplug it from your car, turn off the car, then plug it back in. This is supposed to erase your bad drive. Of course, this is against the Progressive Snapshot rules.

Clearly, this technology is still in its infancy, and with that comes a lot of potential headaches as the kinks are worked out. If you’re wondering how to get an A on Progressive Snapshot, it’s still advisable that you just drive carefully.

Driving Habits That Progressive Snapshot Tracks

Thankfully, the device cannot measure how far off the ground all four tires go when you are jumping railroad tracks!

Progressive Snapshot grades drivers on some basic driving characteristics. The time of day you drive and how you drive contribute to car accidents, so Snapshot tracks these habits to help you cut down on dangerous driving behavior.

• Miles Driven: Prior to this technology, such information was based on the honor system. Progressive may be smart to question how many of their insured (and agents) may guess incorrectly!
• Time of Day: What time of day you drive your car may determine your chances of getting into an accident.
• Sudden Stops: Our guess is that people who make a lot of sudden stops have higher odds of running into the back of someone and filing an insurance claim. If you stop suddenly, the Snapshot device might make a “beeping” sound to warn you of your “bad driving.”

What they calculate depends on the state you buy your policy in. Riskier driving based on these factors indicates that you’re more likely to be involved in an accident and file a claim.

Read more: Will my premium go up if I file a claim? 

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Pros and Cons of Progressive Snapshot

If you are a low mileage driver, who typically doesn’t commute during peak driving hours and pays attention to the road, you may save a boatload of money with Progressive Snapshot in place.

But is Progressive Snapshot worth it? Or is Progressive Snapshot a scam?

Remember, up to a 30 percent maximum discount is available (depending on what state you live in). But don’t expect your insurance rate to drop from $700 to $70 for the same term if you simply don’t drive your vehicle very often.

It doesn’t use GPS or track a vehicle’s location, nor does it track whether you’re exceeding the speed limit.

Depending on which state you live in, you may be subject to a $30 fee, referred to as the “technology expense.” Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Rhode Island, and South Carolina…we’re talking to you.

This means you may not only miss the auto insurance discounts based on your bad driving habits but end up paying more for your policy due to the “Snapshot” technology in place.

Progressive Snapshot customer reviews are mixed. Some drivers claim they get great car insurance discounts, and some say the program is too sensitive and it actually cost them more money after using it.

Progressive Snapshot Rate Increases

Let’s face it – this is the real question here. Is having a device in your car that tracks your driving habits by the second going to end up causing you more trouble than it’s worth?

If you live in Kansas or Rhode Island, your policy rate may increase by as much as nine percent as a result of your “snapshot,” so driver beware.

Snapshot user reviews suggest that getting an A rating is nearly impossible and can’t be maintained. A B+ rating with Progressive Snapshot means you only get a 1-15 percent discount, a C will get you no discount at all.

But note that you can cancel the program at any time and Progressive will stop using any driving information you shared with them previously.

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Progressive Snapshot Availablity

Currently, Progressive offers the program in every state except for California and North Carolina. It’s unclear why exactly those two states are excluded but probably too much red tape.

But be sure to contact Progressive directly to ensure availability, as it will probably change since this is a new program.

Update: Now you can try Progressive’s Snapshot on a free trial basis for 30 days. This way you don’t have to switch insurers and risk seeing your car insurance rates jump after the device reports your aggressive driving habits back to the Progressive mothership.

You simply install the device and it tracks your driving habits for a month, with no obligation. If you like the discount afforded, you get six months to decide if you want to switch.

During the trial, you’ll get updates to gauge your driving habits. Progressive even encourages drivers to determine who is the best in the house, presumably so you will drive as safely as possible to ensure their rates are the lowest available. You can use your Progressive Snapshot login to see how you’re doing along the way.

They even go as far as to recommend that you tell people about it on social networks.

Of course, you have to wonder if the Snapshot device will lead to unnatural driving patterns, at least initially. This could rope in new drivers, who after becoming used to the presence of the device will go back to their wild ways.

This would obviously lead to higher rates in the future once the road rage resurfaced.

Still, it looks as if Progressive is a trailblazer and is reshaping how usage-based and mileage-based car insurance will be determined going forward.

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Progressive Snapshot App

This just in – Progressive has released a mobile app version of Snapshot for iPhones, which is free of charge.

Now, instead of having to commit to installing the Snapshot device in your vehicle, you can preview how Progressive views your driving habits and also see how you stack up against others, such as friends and family.

The Snapshot app tracks and maps your driving performance, then spits out a driving score based on hard braking, rapid acceleration, and the amount of driving you do.

You can earn badges, score points, dissect your driving data, and share your Progressive Snapshot discount results with family and friends. Even if you aren’t interested in the Snapshot device, this app could make you a safer driver.

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The Final Word on Progressive Snapshot

We hope our Progressive Snapshot discount review has helped clarify how the program works. Now that you know more about Progressive discounts by grade, it’s time to find the best rate for you.

Compare quotes today to make sure you are getting the best car insurance rates. Enter your ZIP now to see if you can get a better rate than what Snapshot offers you.

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