Warning: Navigating Progressive Casualty Insurance Co (Progressive) Auto Insurance Claims in New York
- Reza Yassi
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you’ve been in a car accident in New York and hold a policy with Progressive Casualty Insurance Co—or you’re dealing with Progressive as an opposing insurer—you need to know their common tactics. Progressive Casualty writes about 3.55 % of all private‑passenger auto premiums in New York (2022 market share) Department of Financial Services and carries an A+ (“Superior”) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best, affirmed April 3, 2025 AMBEST News. Their scale and resources let them aggressively protect their bottom line, often at the expense of full, fair payouts.
Common Tactics Used by Progressive
1. Lowball Settlement Offers
Progressive often leads with offers far below true claim value—frequently omitting future medical needs, lost wages, and non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering. The National Law Review warns these initial bids are predatory, targeting claimants at their most vulnerable—before they’ve fully assessed the extent of injuries or expenses The National Law Review.
2. Delayed Claims Processing
By prolonging investigations and paperwork, Progressive pressures injured drivers to accept less. New York DFS data shows Progressive Casualty closed 151 auto‑claim complaints in 2022 (21 upheld), yielding 0.0382 upheld complaints per $1 million of premiums—well above the state average and ranking Progressive 86th of 130+ insurers for complaint volume Department of Financial Services.
3. Aggressive Liability Disputes
Though New York Insurance Law § 2601 prohibits unfair claim practices—like misrepresenting facts or failing to investigate promptly—Progressive adjusters routinely seize on minor inconsistencies in statements or reports to contest clear liability Department of Financial Services.
4. Intimidating Claim Denials
Progressive may deny valid claims on technicalities or vague accusations of fraud. Yet only 10–20 % of claims nationally involve any fraud, meaning most denials hinge on benign errors or missing forms III.
What to Watch Out For
Recorded Statements: You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to another party’s insurer—and Agile adjusters may use leading questions to elicit damaging admissions you can’t later correct The Injury and Disability Law Center.
Quick Settlement Offers: Offers made before you’ve finished treatment or assessed all expenses are red flags—they’re designed to close claims cheaply and quickly.
Blanket Medical Authorizations: Never grant Progressive unrestricted access to your entire medical history. Limit authorizations to records directly related to your accident injuries.
Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Claim
Document Everything: Keep organized, detailed records of all treatments, repair estimates, wage‑loss evidence, and out‑of‑pocket expenses. Date every entry and retain copies of all bills and correspondence.
Avoid Rushed Decisions: Don’t sign away your rights until you’ve fully evaluated long‑term injury impacts and financial consequences.
Communicate Carefully: Stick to factual “who, what, when, where” details. Avoid speculation about fault or downplaying symptoms. Redirect all substantive inquiries to your attorney.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney
Despite Progressive’s A+ rating, its customer satisfaction in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study places it among the lowest large insurers—tying for last with a 672 score out of 1,000 in claims satisfaction Insurance.com. An experienced New York attorney can:
Objectively assess current and future damages, including ongoing medical needs and non‑economic losses
Counter lowball offers and procedural delays with informed negotiation
Challenge unjust denials and aggressive liability disputes under Insurance Law § 2601
Handle all adjuster communications, letting you focus on recovery
Protect Your Rights Today
Don’t let Progressive’s tactics undermine your claim. Reach out to a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer for a free consultation—our New York‑licensed team is here to fight for the full, fair compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.
