What your Progressive contract says

In short

This is a personal auto insurance policy with Progressive Corporation. Progressive is the third-largest auto insurer in the US and is well known for its Snapshot usage-based insurance program, which tracks your driving habits and can give you a discount (or increase your rate) based on how you actually drive. Your policy covers liability, collision, and comprehensive depending on what you select. California law requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 ($15K per person, $30K per accident for injuries, $5K for property damage). Progressive policies run for 6 months and auto-renew. Under California Proposition 103, Progressive must get rate changes approved by the California Department of Insurance.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your premium by the due date or your coverage will lapse.
• You must report any accident or claim to Progressive as soon as reasonably possible.
• You must cooperate with Progressive's claims investigation, including providing truthful statements and documentation.
• You must notify Progressive of material changes (new drivers, new vehicles, or address changes).
• You must maintain valid vehicle registration and a valid California driver's license.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel your policy at any time and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion.
• You can choose your own repair shop (Progressive may recommend shops but cannot force you to use one).

Points worth knowing

• Premium increases after claims or violationsFiling a claim or receiving traffic violations will likely increase your premium at the next renewal. California Proposition 103 regulates what factors insurers can use, but driving record, years of experience, and annual mileage are the three primary rating factors.
• Snapshot telematics can raise your rateIf you enroll in Progressive's Snapshot program, it monitors your driving behavior (hard braking, time of day, mileage). While it can earn you a discount, poor driving data can also result in higher premiums.
• Coverage gaps with minimum liability limitsCalifornia's minimum liability limits (15/30/5) are extremely low. In a serious accident, you could be personally liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars beyond what your insurance covers.
• Claim denial for undisclosed drivers or material misrepresentationProgressive can deny a claim if an undisclosed household member was driving, or if you made material misrepresentations on your application (like understating annual mileage).
• Coverage lapse for late paymentIf your premium is not paid within the grace period (typically 10 days), your coverage is canceled. Driving uninsured in California can lead to fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

Dates and deadlines

Policy term

6-month policy period: auto-renews unless you or Progressive cancel

Premium payment due

Due at start of term, or monthly/bimonthly if on a payment plan

Grace period for late payment

Typically 10 days after the due date before coverage lapses