Progressive Review

We have had Progressive Insurance for about 7 years or so.  I have always just paid monthly since coming up with a big chunk is difficult for us.  We were up for renewal once again in February and I received the normal renewal withdrawal amount notice...everything looks the same. 

Since the beginning of the year, I have made it a challenge to myself to see how much money I can save on day to day bills so I filled out an application online for insurance quotes, changed phone services, etc.  I received a few quotes where Progressive was much lower but there were a couple that were lower than Progressive. 

In the midst of my reviews of these quotes, I am receiving the emails from Progressive for the renewal, reminders, etc.  One of the notices was the bill...monthly installments and then the 6-month lump sum amount.  To my dismay, there was nearly a $200 difference.  So, Progressive, in one notice claimed that they charge $1 per month for installments...my bachelors degree taught me that $6 for the 6-month period would be the total...correct? But, in another notice, there is nearly a $200 total fee charge for "processing."

I called the company convinced that this was NOT the case...it was!!  I heard the big song and dance about the State of Michigan charging all kinds of fees to process the insurance, etc.  I also did a side-by-side with my potentially new insurance (Michigan Millers) and Progressive ended up being much higher in comparison.

So, 2 people at Progressive told me that the fees were that amount and there is nothing they can do....even though they try to make you overlook it and believe that there is a $1 per month installment fee.  My insurance would have been $9?? in installments but $7?? in a lump sum for 6 MONTHS! 

I went with Michigan Millers and saved WELL OVER $100 for 6 months and that is with nearly DOUBLE the limits and includes comprehensive on our 2 PLPD cars.