Understanding Insurance

Policy Up for Renewal Soon? Keep Two Things in Mind

Posted by Brittany Ritchey on 12/3/2009 at 9:00 AM

Recently, we responded to a tweet wondering whether a Progressive policy rate would go down if it’s renewed. Like many other budget-conscious shoppers, the person who tweeted had compared rates at renewal time to make sure he was still getting a good deal. So what happens if you find a lower rate elsewhere? Why keep the policy you have?

 

Here are two things to consider.

If you renew your current policy, you might qualify for benefits and discounts. Progressive customers who renew a policy, for example, might qualify for guaranteed renewal, large accident forgiveness, and a young driver discount. These benefits can vary by state.

Not all policies are created equal, so a lower price might not be a better value. For example, a lower-priced policy might not include extras such as 24-hour customer service. Your deductible also might be higher.

So if your Progressive policy is up for renewal and you want a better rate, here’s a great first step: Review your policy to see if you qualify for discounts or whether you can do something differently—like pay for your policy in full—to cut costs. You can review your policy anytime at progressive.com. Or, you can call a customer service representative.

Do you shop around at renewal time? What makes you stick around?

The information in this blog may vary based on your particular state or situation. Always refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverages.

Tagged with: Discounts Renew Policy Renewal Time
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Comments

You guys need to start making sure to cancel a policy when a person request it to be cancelled instead of continuing to bill them and sending it to the collection agency. Severy complaints have been made about you guys doing this, just unfortunately i did not notice all of the complaints until you guys done it to me. I will spread the word for you.
Posted on 12/6/2009 at 5:03 AM by Michael Barrow
yes i would like to know why that my rates whent up they say the longer you have your policy your rates should go do or the same
Posted on 12/11/2009 at 9:06 AM by dannyeldridge
@dannyeldridge Multiple factors can impact your rate, so to find out what made yours go up, you should call a Progressive customer service rep (877-656-0914).
Posted on 12/11/2009 at 11:57 AM by Brittany R.
I would like to address the insurance industry as a whole. This may answer some of your bloggers questions with some truth and cander, I am sure it will be appreciated. #1) All insurance companies are in the business of making money and that is all they care about reguardless of what there commercials say. #2) Insurance companies have begun using credit and other consumer reports to rate policies. The reporting companies are in the business of making money so the more negative things they can say the better for them and the insurnace companies. #3) The reports more often than not are incorrect or incomplete both situations are bad for the consumer. ( Also there is no recourse but to try and correct the report and have it just revert back to its previous state. #4) Also these reports are weighted more heavily today than your driving record or accident experience. Also most companies are getting rid of there agency force that used to help consumers overcome these injustices. It also saves the company in payroll. #5) Many class action lawsuits have been filed against insurance companies for using credit reports imparticual, because there is no verifiable link between credit and accident experience. However because the vast majority of people with bad credit are also poor and the insurance lobby is among the richest in the world. The poor agian lose. #6) The insurance companies have also lost interest in going after people that commit insurance fraud, because it is no longer cost effective. It is easer and cheaper for the insurance company to lobby for higher rates aginst the poor and continue to line the pockets of the grifters. IF YOU THINK I AM WRONG WHAT DO YOU THINK MADDOFF'S PERSONAL CREDIT SCORE WAS ? Please understand that having people insured to drive cars is important but what should be a public service that spreads the risk has become a convoluted version of American Greed. Respectfully Jami
Posted on 12/13/2009 at 5:08 AM by Jami
@Jami Thanks for your comment. This page of Progressive.com (http://www.progressive.com/shop/car-insurance-credit.aspx) has more information about how credit information impacts car/vehicle insurance rates. If you have any concerns, please give us a call: 800-776-4737.
Posted on 12/15/2009 at 10:45 AM by Brittany R.
Why does progressive make it so hard to cancel your policy? Why isn't there a fax number easily found on this website?
Posted on 6/26/2010 at 8:16 AM by Tisha S.
@Tisha, We'd be glad to help you. Since cancellation requirements vary by state, the best thing to do is call us (800-776-4737), so we can help you get this taken care of quickly.
Posted on 6/29/2010 at 3:47 PM by Brittany R.
i tried to call and cancel and was told that we had to do this in writing...i am finding nothing on this website that is allowing me to do that...now, i see the above comment answer that says call us and we can do this for you? Please...give me a break...you people charge out of the butt and when someone needs to try to save a little money..you make that hard for them too.....
Posted on 8/24/2010 at 6:17 PM by nicole
It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes on hold to get to a rep. who can cancel a policy. Also I get that it is Progressive's goal to sell insurance but if I call with the express purpose of canceling a policy chances aren't good that I want to be talked into staying on.
Posted on 8/24/2010 at 9:41 PM by hope
Can you please stop dodging the question and just post your fax #?
Posted on 9/1/2010 at 4:17 PM by Amanda

@nicole, We’re sorry that we made it tough for you to cancel your policy, and that we lost your business. We hope you’ll give us another chance in the future.

Posted on 9/2/2010 at 12:09 PM by Brittany R.

@hope, We’re sorry that we couldn’t take your call right away, and that we lost your business. We hope you’ll give us another chance in the future.

Posted on 9/2/2010 at 12:11 PM by Brittany R.

@amanda, Unfortunately, depending on where you live, you'll have a unique process for canceling. We ask you to call, so we can give you the right information (including fax number) based on your location.

Posted on 9/2/2010 at 2:56 PM by Brittany R.
UPDATE—Here are some additional details about our cancelation process: To request to cancel your Progressive policy, you can call or e-mail us (https://www.progressive.com/contact-us.aspx). Then if your state requires you to submit a written cancelation request, you can use our general fax number, 1-877-280-5587, to do so (unless you bought your policy from a local agent). We're sorry for any confusion.
Posted on 9/28/2010 at 10:39 AM by Brittany R.
What is your fax number?
Posted on 10/5/2010 at 10:56 AM by nicki
@Nicki, Our general fax number is 1-877-280-5587 (unless you bought your policy from a local agent).
Posted on 10/5/2010 at 4:50 PM by Brittany R.
When I searched your website, here is the first place I found your fax number. Thanks for providing it. I recently switched over from another major company and am saving over $1100 a year. When I reviewed the factors used rating my policy, I found an error. I am faxing information that should result in my insurance premium going lower!! I'm so excited about switching over to Progressive and hope for nothing but positive experiences!!
Posted on 10/21/2010 at 10:00 PM by Nick Farlow
Progressive, The "email" address you gave the above customer to email for cancellation is not a valid address. I am ALSO finding it difficult to try and cancel my policy. Can you please give ma valid email address or phone number to contact someone? Otherwise, I'll have to option but to simply change my account # for my bank account to cancel my policy. Please don't try and make this difficult. Thanks
Posted on 3/16/2011 at 9:28 AM by Samantha Ruppel
@Samantha, We're sorry that we've lost your business. In order to cancel your policy, please call us at 1-800-776-4737. Or, copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser to submit your request via e-mail: https://www.progressive.com/contact-us.aspx. All of our contact information is also accessible from the top right corner of our site, under "Contact."
Posted on 3/18/2011 at 8:59 AM by Progressive
Wow, I am a young tech savy individual and also am finding it difficult to cancel. Thanks Progressive for being such a pain. Here is a suggestion! If you are going to direct people to your "e-mail" (https://www.progressive.com/contact-us.aspx) when they are inquiring about cancellation maybe you should list an appropriate option under your "select a topic" section. I would expect a large corporation to be professional enough to have little bugs like this figured out unless you are trying to squeeze a few more pennies out of customers who are trying to cancel. Seeing as there is no appropriate selection under the "select a topic" drop down, what would you suggest a customer like myself selecting?
Posted on 4/11/2011 at 10:32 AM by Ryan Dietrich
@Ryan, If you choose to cancel your Progressive policy, we prefer that you call us, so we can quickly review your options with you. But, for those who’ve requested our email, we do refer you to our Contact Us form, since we don’t have a general email address. If you're logged in to your policy, you can choose "I have a question about policy cancellation" on the Contact Us form. Otherwise, if you're not logged in, choosing “I have a question about my policy” topic is a good option, and regardless of what you choose, we’ll make sure your email gets to the right group. Thanks for your feedback.
Posted on 4/22/2011 at 1:36 PM by Progressive
I just built a quote online and WOW it was cheaper then what i pay now, its kind of funny considering its the same insurance company!!! Also why is there a renewal fee ? never had an insurance company do that before. I paid for 5 months and supposed to get the 6th month free instead, their is no 6th month... honestly thinking of canceling, this insurance company in NOT #1
Posted on 5/3/2011 at 1:29 PM by Ashley
@Ashley, Please give us a call (1-800-776-4737), so we can review your policy and billing cycle with you.
Posted on 5/17/2011 at 3:08 PM by Progressive
ok i was told that i had to wait for my insurance to renew to have my registration stamped.I would have to mail it in because the office is to far for me to have it stamped so it would be easier to mail it. Since when is this true I am a receptionist for a insurance company and i know for sure this is not the way it is.Can someone answer this question?
Posted on 5/22/2011 at 8:26 PM by Maria
Hi, I have a policy that states that it will end in november. is there any penalty for canceling my policy before then?
Posted on 5/31/2011 at 2:15 PM by monique
@Maria, Please call us (1-800-776-4737), so we can better understand what happened and help you.
Posted on 5/31/2011 at 4:07 PM by Progressive
From statement above: "on 4/11/2011 at 10:32 AM by Ryan Dietrich @Ryan, If you choose to cancel your Progressive policy, we prefer that you call us, so we can quickly review your options with you." Well, Progressive, I was one month into my renewal, and did exactly as stated above -- called you, reviewed details with customer service agent as suggested of cancellation policy, saw my local agent and policy was cancelled - one month into my 6 month renewal period - renewed May 1, cancelled May 31. Now, 3 weeks later I receive a "final bill" that is equal to 2/3 of a monthly payment. I was told that this is PROFIT for Progressive for the five months that the policy WAS INACTIVE!!!!! Note that I said "I was told" by Progressive. Ever hear that "A verbal contract is not binding"? Why should Progressive profit from a service that is NOT being provided? RIDICULOUS!! Just another way to rip off clients. I'm so happy that I found another company to offer me the exact same coverage as provided by Progressive for over $100 a month less. My daughter and granddaughter both currently have Progressive. Trust me, when their renewal dates come around in the next few months, I will be certain that they are changed to the same company I am now with, and also refer friends and acquaintances AWAY from Progressive.
Posted on 6/16/2011 at 3:49 PM by Marcia Debra Poteat
@Marcia, We're sorry to hear about your experience and that we've lost your business.
Posted on 6/22/2011 at 12:58 PM by Progressive
I was paying 73.26 a month and my insurance went up 25 dollars...without notice...just because...this is RIDICULOUS!
Posted on 6/22/2011 at 3:43 PM by Don
I had a wonderful experience with Progressive. They insured my motorcycle, no problems with renewal or price increases. When I sold my motorcycle, I called to cancel my policy, and they even backdated my cancellation to the day I sold it (a week prior). I call that good customer service. Unfortunately, too many people only use the comment boards for problems.
Posted on 6/27/2011 at 6:59 PM by Karen
@Don, We're sorry about your experience. Please give us a call (1-800-776-4737), so we can review your policy with you.
Posted on 6/28/2011 at 4:23 PM by Progressive
@Karen, Thanks for taking time to share your experience! We're glad that you're happy with Progressive!
Posted on 6/28/2011 at 4:24 PM by Progressive
I am absolutely appalled at the lack of service provided by Progressive. I checked my on line account for the first time in several months today because we are buying two new cars and adding our teenage son to our policy. Unfortunately for Progressive, my business will be lost to them. I called customer service to find out why I was paying so much for the 6 month "renewal". I was given so many reasons for the increase hike that my head was spinning. I have a great driving record and can't justify paying so much for a renewal after the first 6 month price was so good. When I explained this to the representative on the phone, she basically told me to go someplace else. Awesome, Progressive. I will take her advice. BTW, what is with the $81 renewal charge that the rep said is because the state demands it? You need to let people know that your price is nearly $100 more every six months than you quoted.
Posted on 8/20/2011 at 4:32 PM by Dawn
I renew my insurance with progressive couple months back and out of nowhere my bill shot up from 156 to 220. I even lower collision and everything and my final bill is 212. why is that?. im cancelling tomorrow
Posted on 9/1/2011 at 11:44 PM by packdy sengdara
@Packdy, There are several factors that impact your rate. Call anytime at 800-776-4737 and we can review your policy together. We can review your coverages and check for new discounts and other ways to save.
Posted on 9/12/2011 at 9:03 AM by Progressive
I just got my renewal notice for my 3 cars, myself, my son and daughter. Progressive is raising the rate by $70 per month because of a small rear end accident I had in a drive through restaurant parking lot. The payout was only $417. I am cancelling my policy and will look elsewhere!
Posted on 9/12/2011 at 3:52 PM by sharon
Customer service was horrible. Called to ask about cancelling and then they wanted to know why i wanted to know who i was switching to. Then they referred me to the website to get the info which isnt here. Saving 70 dollars a month with the new company. That actually supports the military
Posted on 9/13/2011 at 5:13 PM by Chris
I have had Progressive for many years and called to cancel my policy. I was told that I must pay a cancellation fee-which I have NO intention of paying. I realize that there is fine print in every contract. However, as a California resident, I already pay a huge amount for insurance and DMV fees. Far higher than other states. Why should your assumption that I would continue forever constitute an emergency (fees) on my part? I would not be cancelling if I could afford to pay higher fees, so you fine me further? Bad business! I would have referred you to others and perhaps come back to you in the future. Now, I will never come back on principle. P.S. legislation is being passed that will ban cancellation fees on services like yours, bad news for you.
Posted on 9/25/2011 at 8:49 PM by what and why
@Sharon - You should call 800-776-4737. We can review your policy and look for ways to help reduce the impact of the claim. You may qualify for additional discounts and savings.
Posted on 10/3/2011 at 9:33 AM by Progressive
I didn't want to renew when my 6 month policy was up. Anothe insurance company offered a better rate. When I called to "Not Renew" on the day before the policy renews, I was told I might still be charged. Even though I called before the day of renewal. I have no alternative but to call my bank and tell them I lost my card. At least this way, I won't get charged for insurance I don't want and I won't have to wait 30 days to get my money back.
Posted on 10/15/2011 at 6:28 PM by Corinna
Notice how all the answers here from Progressive are simply just to call them.. why not publicly answer these questions? Why can;t you explain publicly why your rates are double, even TRIPLE other companies rates for exactly the same coverage? You upped my policy after 1 year over $40 a month.. even though i have not had any violations or accidents in the time i have been covered.. When i applied for a quote thru Geico, it started at $48 a month to include $500 deductibles and full collision and comprehensive. that was with the one violation i have that is less than 3 years old. You guys have carried over a violation of mine that is 3 years and 7 months old. Upon further proceedings with geico, and finalizing the policy, it was upped to $78 a month due to my ex wife's previous accident. and what's taking SOOO incredibly long on getting a response from your email address? sent in a couple of questions YESTERDAY MORNING.. seriously?? or do you make it so people have to MANDATORILY take 30-40 minutes out of a busy day to call and sit on hold forever...
Posted on 10/18/2011 at 2:46 PM by James
FYI if you want to file a complaint with the Dept of Insurance in MO here is the link https://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/complaints/consumerComplaint.php You can google "file an insurance complaint in ___ (state)" for any other state. Insurance is state regulated and insurance companies get fined for inappropriate behavior.
Posted on 11/1/2011 at 3:26 PM by Jon O
I recently sold my boat and, obviously, needed to cancel my policy. To my surprise, I was charged a $30 cancellation fee. I have had insurance for nearly 30 years and have never incurred a fee to cancel. I will advise USAA to find another company to offer special lines policies. You have lost my business.
Posted on 11/20/2011 at 9:18 PM by Rob D
Why do you not have a fax number? That may have just cost you my business.
Posted on 12/8/2011 at 1:14 AM by rafael c.
@Rob D.: We’re very sorry to have lost your business.
Posted on 12/19/2011 at 11:54 AM by Progressive
@James: We encourage customers to call to protect their privacy and to make sure we understand the situation before responding. It’s most effective to discuss rates over the phone, so that we can help compare other quotes you’ve received and immediately explore policy changes/updates with you. We’re here at your convenience, 24/7. Our phone number is 1-800-776-4737.
Posted on 12/19/2011 at 11:57 AM by Progressive
@Corinna: We’re very sorry to have lost your business. Please give us a call (1-800-776-4737) before discussing with your bank. You would only owe money if you cancelled prior to end of your six-month term.
Posted on 12/19/2011 at 11:59 AM by Progressive
i received a bill from progressive after they cancelled my policy for nonpayment? how is this legal . I am requesting a full itemized statement of the charges they are trying to charge me. terrible company a total rip offff Progressive is also the only automobile insurance company I've encountered that promotes a policy of assessing an early cancellation fee if you cancel their policy before it expires. Is Progressive a cell phone company, too? So, if you don’t like their tactics and want to take your business elsewhere, you will still end up paying Progressive more than they deserve!
Posted on 12/19/2011 at 7:31 PM by cori
Not understanding why, after 6 months of being insured by you, my payment went up 10+ more $ then what it had been before. It's supposed to be cheaper then most other insurance (or at least that's what your commercials say.
Posted on 12/20/2011 at 12:13 AM by John
@Rafael: Our general fax number is 1-877-280-5587. Please be sure to include your name and policy number on all pages being sent.
Posted on 12/20/2011 at 10:05 AM by Progressive
@Cori: Because your policy was canceled before the end of its term, we charged you a fee to cover any administrative costs associated with this early termination. These fees are legal as our way of doing business is filed with your state's department of insurance. If you'd like a detailed explanation regarding the billing of your policy, please call us at your convenience at 1-800-888-7764.
Posted on 12/21/2011 at 2:38 PM by Progressive
@John: It is very common for rates to change at renewal, for a couple of reasons. First, most of our policies include a one-time discount for signing your new policy documents online. This discount is removed at renewal. (This is disclosed on your application as well as on your declarations page.) Also, since we regularly review our rates, many of our policyholders will see their rates decrease at renewal; however, others might see an increase. In general, insurance companies have different costs of doing business, so rates will vary, and no one company will have the lowest rate for every driver.
Posted on 12/21/2011 at 4:04 PM by Progressive
My fiance recently cancelled her policy with Progressive, when I added her to mine. One week later she recieves a bill in the mail for a cancellation fee of $50 plus misc charges for a total of $54.06. When she spoke with the customer service rep, there was no mention of a cancellation fee. Why is this? The rep had tried to get her to have my policies changed to Progressive, to which they can not compare.
Posted on 12/28/2011 at 12:38 AM by Kevin

@Kevin: In some states, we charge a fee for canceling a policy midterm. This covers administrative costs associated with early termination. We would be happy to review her billing with her. To have us do so, she should call us at 1-800-776-4737.

Posted on 1/3/2012 at 5:19 PM by Progressive
In NC, do you charge a fee to cancel mid-policy? Also, why is it that when calling to cancel (in NC), you told my friend that he had to show proof to you of his new insurance in order to cancel (not required under NC law), and you are continuing to bill him for a month's insurance, and now have 'no record' of the call, and have told him it will go to collections in 9 days? I can see a 10% cancellation fee, but why tell him he has to provide you proof to cancel his policy, when the NC Department of Insurance I just called said that is not the case. Why also, can I not find anywhere on your website that proof has to be shown to cancel? I look forward to your answers, as I will be helping to file the complaint to the NCDOI, of whom seems very interested in this practice.
Posted on 1/24/2012 at 3:01 PM by Jane
Ironic that a company that brags about their discounts is more expensive than any other insurance company, even after their so called discounts
Posted on 1/27/2012 at 2:25 AM by anonymous
@Jane: We're sorry for any misunderstanding. We do not charge a fee for cancelation or require proof. However, if there is a balance due for the time period that the insurance policy was active, we would ask to collect that as a part of the cancellation process. Also, the state of North Carolina does require that a mid-policy cancellation request be submitted in writing. This is as simple as sending a letter or email with information to identify the policyholder and the reason for canceling. We’d be more than happy to help you though the process and answer any additional questions. Just give us a call anytime at 1 800-776-4737.
Posted on 2/2/2012 at 12:15 PM by Progressive

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