What is the Snapshot program from Progressive?
Progressive Snapshot is a free usage-based insurance program that monitors and rewards safe driving. Unlike other usage-based programs, users get to pick from one of two Snapshot driving trackers — either a mobile app or a tracking device plugged into the OBD port of the car — to share their driving data with Progressive and receive a discount on their auto insurance.
Progressive Snapshot is not available in North Carolina and California, and the participation discount is not available in Hawaii, Alaska and New York.
To encourage policyholders to join the program, Progressive offers users a discount just for participating. After driving performance is monitored for a time — how long depends on the state you live in and which version of the program you use — you receive a Progressive Snapshot score. Your Progressive Snapshot discount amount corresponds to this grade, and the discount lasts for however long you cotinue to renew your insurance policy.
The average participation discount is $47 and the average performance discount is $145, though how much you save with Progressive Snapshot depends on your state and your performance.
If you drive very poorly, Progressive Snapshot can raise your insurance rates. Progressive imposes a surcharge for risky behavior on about 20% of Snapshot drivers.
Other insurance companies pledge that their program will not raise your rates, but Progressive Snapshot does not come with this guarantee. Given this risk, we recommend that drivers consider another usage-based program if they cannot avoid the driving behaviors Progressive deems high-risk.
We also do not recommend the program to New York drivers. Not only does the participation discount not apply in New York, but drivers who use the device-based version must undergo monitoring every 36 months to retain a performance discount.
Should you use Progressive Snapshot?
You should use Progressive Snapshot only if you're willing to take the risk that your rates could go up. The program offers some great features — it allows the user to decide whether they're monitored via app or device, and it limits monitoring to roughly one policy period — but those features likely aren't worth it if your premiums increase.
Additionally, the Progressive Snapshot discount, while solid, is not the largest offered by a major national insurer. Other programs advertise a bigger discount and don't factor phone usage into your discount, so they may be a better option for some drivers.
Program name | Maximum discount | Review period length | Can premiums go up? | Phone usage impacts discount? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Snapshot | $37 average sign-up discount, $145 average final discount | First policy period | Yes | Yes, if using mobile app |
| Allstate Drivewise (app) | No maximum; initial sign-up discount, followed by performance discount | First 50 trips, then every six months | Discount may increase or decrease depending on performance | No |
| Liberty Mutual RightTrack | 30% | 90 days | No | No |
| Geico DriveEasy | 25% | First policy period | Yes | Yes |
| Nationwide SmartRide | 40% | Four to six months | No | No |
| 30%, 50% for some customers | Each policy renewal period | Discount may increase or decrease depending on driving performance | Yes | |
| USAA SafePilot | 20% | Each policy renewal period | Discount may increase or decrease based on performance | Yes |
You should consider using Progressive Snapshot if:
- You want one of the cars on your policy monitored, but not all of them. Because you can select the device-based version, you decide what car you want Progressive Snapshot to track.
- You want to give a usage-based program a try before signing up. The Snapshot Road Test allows you to see what your rates would be like with Progressive Snapshot.
- You appreciate real-time feedback on your driving. The beeping noise that the device emits when you brake too hard could help some drivers build safer habits on the road.
You should not consider using Progressive Snapshot if:
- You are not confident you could earn the discount. Other programs guarantee that your rates will not go up; Progressive does not. Bear this in mind before adding Snapshot to your policy.
- You don't like the idea of sharing location data with Progressive and its third-party partners. Usage-based programs are not a good idea for anyone who is squeamish about sharing data, and Progressive Snapshot is no exception.
- You regularly drive a good deal. Progressive Snapshot rewards drivers who keep their mileage relatively low. If you drive longer and farther than average, consider another program that does not include mileage in its discount calculations.
Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Your Area
How does Progressive Snapshot work?
Because a mobile app follows an individual driver rather than a car, Progressive customers who use the app-based version of Snapshot must ensure that all drivers listed on their policy participate. The app can usually tell which driver is operating the car on a given trip, but if it makes a mistake, you can go back and correct the error afterwards in the app.
By contrast, because the device follows a car rather than a driver, Progressive policyholders who opt for the device-based version of Snapshot do not need to enroll all drivers, or even all cars. If you later decide you want to have the Snapshot device monitor a different car, you can remove it from one car and install it in the other.
Despite these slight differences between the app and device versions of Snapshot, both operate by the same essential steps:
- Step one: Join the program online, over the phone or via your insurance agent.
- Step two: Download the Snapshot mobile app or install the plug-in device into your car's OBD port after it arrives from Progressive in the mail.
- Step three: Collect your participation discount. If you have the mobile app, you'll get this discount, provided that you're a new customer and register within 45 days. If you have the device, you will either receive your discount if you're a new customer and register within 45 days or after the device collects 30 days worth of driving data; it depends on which state you live in.
- Step four: Drive. Review your driving results in the Snapshot mobile app or, if you are using the plug-in device, you can review them on Progressive.com or the main Progressive mobile app.
- Step five: Enjoy your savings. After the monitoring period ends, you will receive a driving score and a corresponding discount. This performance discount replaces your participation discount. Your score will remain the same each time you renew, though the discount may change if Progressive revises the Snapshot program with your state's insurance department.
- Step six: Mail the device back to Progressive if you used the plug-in version, or delete the app if you used the mobile app version.
The device-based version may be a better fit for policyholders who have multiple cars and multiple drivers with very different driving habits.
For instance, let's say you're a married couple and each of you has your own car. You work normal hours, but your spouse works the night shift and cannot avoid driving late.
You can install the plug-in device just on your car and Progressive will still give you discounts on your auto insurance, with no penalties for your spouse's late driving.
What does Snapshot from Progressive track?
Progressive Snapshot measures your performance and awards your discount based on the following behaviors:
- Hard brakes and rapid acceleration. Progressive Snapshot tracks your speed and uses it to determine if you've braked or accelerated too quickly. The device version of Progressive Snapshot makes a beeping sound when you've braked too hard — a feature some drivers find helpful and some find irritating.
- Driving between midnight and 4 a.m. on weekends. Progressive Snapshot considers these hours the most high-risk driving time and penalizes drivers for being on the road during them.
- Overall mileage. The more time you spend on the road, the more statistically likely you are to get into an accident, so Progressive tracks your mileage and uses it to calculate your discount.
Additionally, the mobile app version of the program tracks your phone usage while in the car — including any hands-free calls you might make. If you find it difficult to stay phone-free on the road, Progressive Snapshot may not be right for you.
Progressive Snapshot can track you, since your location data is transmitted either via the GPS tracker that comes as part of the device or via the mobile app on your phone. Additionally, Progressive clearly states in its terms and conditions that it will share personally identifiable information with third parties for its research, marketing, underwriting and legal purposes.
If you use the mobile app version, this means that Progressive Snapshot monitors your movements even when you're not in your car. The app can usually tell if you're using an alternate form of transportation (such as a bicycle). Even if it makes a mistake, you can go back and correct it later. You can also pause monitoring for a maximum, which may be a good idea if you're traveling or otherwise breaking your driving routine.
However, even this pause feature comes with a catch. Progressive knows that certain drivers may try to "cheat" or "hack" the Snapshot app, so it keeps track of how frequently you pause the app. If you pause it too often, Progressive will require you to use the plug-in device instead.
But even if you move to the plug-in device, you'll encounter similar restrictions. While you can unplug your Progressive Snapshot device, Progressive will know about it. Repeated unplugging during your initial monitoring period means Progressive will not have enough data to set a performance discount, and it could also cause the company to take away your participation discount. If another policy period elapses and Progressive still does not have enough data, you will be kicked off the program and could be charged higher rates when you renew.
Don't try to cheat Progressive Snapshot. If you don't like the idea of constant monitoring, take advantage of Progressive's other auto insurance discounts — including its safe driver discount — to get your rates down.
How long does the Progressive Snapshot program last?
You have to keep the Progressive Snapshot device in your car for however long it takes to gather enough driving data to determine a performance discount. That typically ranges from 75 days to a six-month policy term.
Additionally, once this policy term is complete and your discount has been determined, Progressive stops monitoring your driving. At this point, you can delete the app or mail back the device. The discount you've earned will continue to apply.
This limited monitoring distinguishes Progressive from other usage-based programs. Some programs — such as Allstate's Drivewise — require drivers to undergo continuous monitoring and repeatedly recalculate their discount.
If you think you can earn a higher discount than what Progressive awards you at the end of monitoring, you can complete the program again. In some states, you'll need to switch from the mobile device to the plug-in device if you want to do the monitoring for a second time. In other states, you can continue with the mobile app.
Snapshot is also available on a trial basis — known as Snapshot Road Test — to drivers who do not hold an auto insurance policy with Progressive. The Snapshot Road Test program is 30 days long and allows non-policyholders to see what kind of discount they would earn from Progressive. However, make sure you're comfortable with the information the mobile app version Snapshot collects about you before signing up. Road Test is only available in the mobile app version and not via plug-in device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Progressive Snapshot save you money?
Progressive Snapshot saves most drivers money. According to Progressive, the average sign-up discount is $47 and the average discount at the end of the program is $145. However, two in 10 drivers will see their rates go up due to bad driving. If you're not confident in your ability to drive safely and avoid an increase, consider another telematics program.
How does Progressive Snapshot handle hard braking?
Progressive Snapshot factors hard braking into your driving score and into your discount. While hard braking is just one of several factors used to assess your performance, some reviewers complain that the app is too sensitive and counts regular braking as hard braking.
Where do I plug in and install my Snapshot device?
Your Snapshot device plugs into the OBD port of your car, which is usually located below the steering wheel. Progressive has a helpful web tool that tells you where your OBD port is if you enter your car's make, model and year.
What should I do if Snapshot has problems or isn't working?
If you encounter problems while using or installing Snapshot, call the dedicated Snapshot phone number at (877) 329-7283.
FAQs
How does snapshot know who is driving? ›
The app uses GPS to determine your mileage, driving behaviors, and speed over time. Location data sourced from GPS is also used to provide trip information, but is not used in generating your personalized rate.
Is it a good idea to use Progressive snapshot? ›Snapshot may be an excellent way for safe Progressive drivers to save money on their car insurance. This telematics program logs your driving habits using an app on your phone or a device that you plug into your car.
Does snapshot know if you speed? ›What does Snapshot from Progressive track? Progressive Snapshot measures your performance and awards your discount based on the following behaviors: Hard brakes and rapid acceleration. Progressive Snapshot tracks your speed and uses it to determine if you've braked or accelerated too quickly.
Does Progressive Snapshot know the speed limit? ›Yes, Progressive Snapshot does track speed using a smartphone app or a plug-in device. Snapshot also raises rates for poor driving, so drivers who have a habit of speeding may want to reconsider using this telematics program.
Does Progressive snapshot track phone usage? ›Snapshot collects phone usage only while you're driving, and does not know who you're calling or otherwise contacting.
How does snapshot know I'm not driving? ›There's no need to open the app—it'll just run in the background and collect data as you drive, unless Pause Monitoring is enabled. How does the app know if I'm driving? The Snapshot mobile app tracks movement of a certain speed and distance to determine when you're driving.
What are the disadvantages of snapshot? ›- Snapshot backups rely on the system's cloud provider and have to be on the server provider cloud-only. ...
- For in-house snapshots, if a server has too many snapshots, the system will slow down product volume.
Customers who sign up for Snapshot can save an average of $146, including an initial discount of 5%.
What does a B+ on snapshot mean? ›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.
How do I pass Progressive snapshot? ›- Limit hard brakes and accelerations. Go easy on the gas and avoid slamming your brakes.
- Avoid late night driving. Limit trips between 12-4 a.m. on weekends, as the roads can be more dangerous then.
- Stay off your phone.
How many miles does it take to complete snapshot? ›
To maximize your discount: Limit hard brakes and fast acceleration. Avoid driving between midnight and 4 a.m. on the weekends. Drive less overall — Snapshot rewards carpoolers and other infrequent drivers, though participants need to log at least 4,000 miles per year.
How long do you have to drive with snapshot? ›Once you complete a measurement period, you'll get a driving score and can be eligible for an auto insurance discount. Progressive's Snapshot review period typically lasts a minimum of 75 days.
Does Progressive Snapshot beep? ›The device will “beep” when you brake hard. Minimize hard braking to work toward a discount. Is it worth it to install Progressive's Snapshot device in my car?
How do I improve my progressive snapshot score? ›Drive less aggressively – Don't have a lead foot on your gas or slam your breaks, keep a safe following distance from other cars, and drive the speed limit. Don't drive between the hours of 12-4 AM – These hours are considered to be higher risk driving hours and Snapshot will ding you for driving during them.
Does Progressive Snapshot drain car battery? ›“Contrary to Progressive's statements about Snapshot being a huge savings to consumers, Snapshot actually increases the costs to consumers by ruining a vehicle's electrical system and draining its battery until it is non-functional,” the suit reads.
How does snapshot know when I'm a passenger? ›Snapshot collects this data even if you're a passenger. Mobile phone information, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth status, whether you're using your phone and date/time stamps. App analytics information, including how often you use the app, which screens you've viewed and other performance activity.
How do insurance apps know who is driving? ›Through GPS and other location-tracking features, the app will record and monitor your driving habits while you're on the road — it's as simple as that!
What does an A+ mean on snapshot? ›BEST RATING: A+ (Superior) FOCUS: Drivers now have a way to make their car insurance rates reflect how defensively they drive: Snapshot.
Are snapshot tests worth it? ›Snapshot tests are useful when you want to make sure your UI does not change unexpectedly. A typical snapshot test case renders a UI component, takes a snapshot, then compares it to a reference snapshot file stored alongside the test.
What happens if I remove snapshot? ›Deleting Snapshots
Deleting a snapshot does not change the virtual machine or other snapshots. Deleting a snapshot consolidates the changes between snapshots and previous disk states and writes all the data from the delta disk that contains the information about the deleted snapshot to the parent disk.
What happens when snapshot is taken? ›
Snapshots provide a change log for the virtual disk and are used to restore a VM to a particular point in time when a failure or system error occurs. Snapshots alone do not provide backup. Any data that was writable on a VM becomes read-only when the snapshot is taken.
Who is cheaper Geico or Progressive? ›Is Progressive Cheaper Than Geico? Both Geico and Progressive offer cheap car insurance to drivers across the country. Geico's rates are typically lower overall, but Progressive tends to offer better prices to those with a recent DUI, at-fault accident or speeding ticket on their driving record.
How long does it take Progressive to take money out of account? ›Payments take approximately 3 business days to reach your account. What are the different roles that can be assigned to user's on my account?
Is snapshot scored? ›How are Snapshot and Duet scored? Unlike Casper results, Snapshot results are provided to medical schools without a score. Individual programs review and assess your responses for themselves.
Is A or B+ Better? ›A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance.
What kind of questions does snapshot ask? ›The Altus Suite Snapshot section was a new addition to the 2022 application cycle. Snapshot is the interview portion that consists of three short interview-style questions designed to let schools see who you are, how you carry yourself, and how you perform under pressure.
How many questions are in snapshot? ›Snapshot asks three questions, and you only have a maximum of two minutes to respond to each one. Snapshot is different from other interviews as you won't be speaking to anyone directly. That said, as this is a test of your people skills, it's important not to approach the interview in this way.
What is considered a hard brake? ›Hard braking is defined as reducing your speed by 8-10 MPH in 1 second. Dangers of Hard Braking: Hard braking is dangerous because when doing so, you are unable to react to surprises that present themselves.
How does Progressive snapshot know when you're a passenger? ›How does Snapshot know I'm in my car? As long as the app is installed on your phone, and the phone is on, you don't need to do anything when you get in the car. The app detects the start of your trip and begins collecting information on its own.
How does Progressive snapshot transmit data? ›Customers who enroll in the plug-in version of Snapshot will receive a small device to plug into their vehicle's OBD port, typically located beneath the steering column. The device collects and sends to us driving information. Progressive will use this data to calculate a driving score.
Can the Progressive snapshot track you? ›
Yes, Progressive Snapshot tracks location for things like underwriting purposes, helping to speed up claims processes, and to give you accurate details of your trips. Your location information does not directly determine your premium or discounts, though.
How many miles do I have to drive with Progressive Snapshot? ›To maximize your discount: Limit hard brakes and fast acceleration. Avoid driving between midnight and 4 a.m. on the weekends. Drive less overall — Snapshot rewards carpoolers and other infrequent drivers, though participants need to log at least 4,000 miles per year.
How do you beat progressive snapshot? ›Racking up more miles is the easiest, controllable factor to beat the system. The hard brake-to-mile ratio is really what they're looking for when determining the discount for your policy. In other words, you can either adjust your braking behavior, or you can add more miles to the data to win with the law of averages.
How long do you have to drive with Progressive Snapshot? ›Generally, you'lldrive with Snapshot for a full policy period, which may be either six or 12 months (check your Policy Summary for details). However, if you aren't already receiving the Snapshot Participation Discount, you have the option to finish the program after 30 days of monitoring.
Can insurance companies check your phone? ›After a motor vehicle accident, your car insurance company will likely request information from you, and this may include your cell phone records. You are not required to give this to your insurer unless a court orders you to do so but refusing may affect your claim.
Do police know whos insured on a car? ›The police rely on the motor insurance database to know who is safely insured and who is not, as insurance is a legal requirement.
Do insurance companies track your location? ›Speed isn't the only thing insurance trackers can monitor. Here are some other pieces of data they can track: Your car's location. The date and time of your trip.
What makes Progressive snapshot beep? ›The device will “beep” when you brake hard. Minimize hard braking to work toward a discount.