What should I expect from Progressive after an accident?

By Michael Shemtoub, trial attorney, Beverly Law. Updated November 2026.

Beverly Law is not affiliated with Progressive.

Who Progressive is

The Progressive Corporation describes itself in its 2025 Form 10-K as an insurance holding company with insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries, with principal offices in Mayfield Village, Ohio. It says it ranked second in U.S. private passenger auto market share based on 2024 premiums, and that it sells personal auto policies through both independent agencies and directly online or by phone (Progressive 2025 Form 10-K).

Reporting a claim, even if you are not a customer

Progressive’s claims page says to call “right away at 1-800-776-4737” after an accident, or to report through the app or your account. People who are not insured by Progressive can use its online “Report a claim” form as guests (Progressive claims). Write down the claim number and the adjuster’s name.

Snapshot driving data and your claim

Snapshot is Progressive’s usage-based program. It uses a mobile app or a device plugged into the car’s port to track things like hard braking, late-night trips and, in some states with the app, phone use (Progressive Snapshot). The 10-K says Snapshot is offered in every state except California.

The Snapshot privacy statement lists uses of the data that matter after a crash. Progressive says it may use the data “to assist in resolving insurance claims,” may share it “in litigation or with other insurers for subrogation purposes,” and may provide it when legally required, such as “in response to a subpoena in a civil lawsuit” (Snapshot privacy statement). So in a Texas or Washington crash, ask early whether either driver was enrolled. That data could show braking or phone use in the seconds before impact, and it may help or hurt either side.

The rules Progressive must follow

California’s fair claims regulations apply to third-party claimants as well as policyholders (10 CCR 2695.2(c)). An insurer must answer a claimant’s communication within 15 calendar days (10 CCR 2695.5(b)), accept or deny within 40 days of proof of claim, and pay within 30 days of accepting (10 CCR 2695.7). Insurance Code 790.03(h) lists unfair claims practices, including failing to settle in good faith when liability is reasonably clear (Ins. Code 790.03).

Texas splits the rules by who is claiming. The prompt payment deadlines and 18 percent interest in chapter 542 cover first-party claims paid directly to the insured (Ins. Code ch. 542). Chapter 541 lists unfair settlement practices, such as refusing to pay “without conducting a reasonable investigation,” but says that list gives no cause of action to a third party suing an insured (Ins. Code 541.060). Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou.

Washington’s unfair practices rule bars insurers from negotiating or settling directly with any claimant known to be represented by an attorney without the attorney’s knowledge and consent, and requires good-faith attempts at prompt, fair settlements once liability has become reasonably clear (WAC 284-30-330). Investigations must be finished within 30 calendar days of notice of the claim unless that is not reasonably possible (WAC 284-30-370). An insurer cannot keep negotiating with an unrepresented third-party claimant close to the lawsuit deadline without giving written notice 60 days before it (WAC 284-30-380(5)).

A guest passenger case involving Progressive

In 2019, a Washington Court of Appeals decided Thompson v. Progressive Direct. A passenger was hurt in a one-car crash caused by the driver, who was Progressive’s named insured. Progressive paid the $100,000 liability limit, then denied the passenger’s underinsured motorist claim under an exclusion for the insured car itself. The court held that the exclusion did not violate public policy or Washington’s underinsured motorist statute and ordered judgment for Progressive (Thompson). For passengers, the lesson is to check every policy in your own household, because the driver’s policy may not pay twice.

Statements, records, exams and your car

• Recorded statement: no law we found requires one to the other driver’s insurer. You can send the basic facts in writing.
• Medical authorization: under federal privacy rules it must state an expiration date or event and your right to revoke it in writing (45 CFR 164.508).
• Defense medical exam: only after a lawsuit. California allows one physical exam in an injury case within 75 miles of your home (CCP 2032.220); Washington requires a court order and allows audio recording (CR 35).
• Total loss: a California cash settlement must reflect the actual cost of a comparable car, with taxes and one-time fees (10 CCR 2695.8).
• Rental and loss of use: Texas allows loss-of-use damages even when a vehicle is destroyed (J&D Towing).

How to complain to a regulator

• California Department of Insurance: 1-800-927-4357 (CDI)
• Texas Department of Insurance: 800-252-3439 (TDI)
• Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: 800-562-6900 (OIC)

What this means for your case

Early on, find out whether Snapshot data exists and ask that it be kept. Get your medical care documented, because a first offer on an injury claim is built from the records the adjuster has; our page on responding to a low settlement offer shows how to reply. If your own insurer paid your bills and later wants repayment, read what is a subrogation letter. For how a lawyer values the claim, see how lawyers calculate settlements.

Common questions

Related pages

Injury law FAQs

Important: This page is general information, not legal or medical advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou. Last reviewed: November 7, 2026.