Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance Review
Progressive Commercial is a leading provider of commercial truck insurance, offering customizable coverage for owner-operators, fleets, and specialized haulers. With competitive rates and innovative discounts, it’s a popular choice—but how does it stack up for trucking businesses? Here’s an unbiased breakdown.
Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance Overview
AM Best Rating: A+ (Superior financial strength).
Specializations: Owner-operators, motor carriers, box trucks, and refrigerated cargo.
Key Features:
Motor truck cargo insurance (with refrigerationbreakdown options).
Non-trucking liability (NTL) for personal use.
Heavy truck roadside assistance and trailer interchange coverage.
State/federal compliance filings (e.g., MCS-90, SSRS Form E).
Pros of Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance
Affordability:
Progressive often undercuts competitors like Great West Casualty on premiums, making it appealing for budget-conscious operators.
Discounts for ELD usage (Smart Haul Program), CDL holders, and experienced businesses.
Efficient Claims Handling:
Some users report fast payouts, especially for collision-related claims (e.g., totaled trailers resolved in weeks).
High customer retention post-claim, attributed to streamlined processing.
Customization:
Tailored policies for niche needs: refrigerated cargo, steel haulers, and leased drivers.
Optional add-ons like medical payments (MedPay) and uninsured motorist coverage.
Cons and Complaints
Claim Disputes:
Multiple reports of lowball repair estimates and denied cargo claims, particularly for moisture-related damage (e.g., untarped steel loads).
Some repair shops refuse to work with Progressive due to payment disputes.
State-Specific Issues:
Illinois users cite poor personal auto claims experiences, raising concerns about commercial policies.
Premium hikes reported despite clean driving records.
Coverage Gaps:
Wetness/moisture exclusions in cargo policies may leave haulers vulnerable to uncovered losses (e.g., rusted steel coils).
Physical damage coverage may require negotiation for fair payouts.
Who Is Progressive Best For?
Owner-Operators: Competitive rates and flexible NTL coverage.
Dry Freight Haulers: Strong cargo coverage for non-perishable goods.
Tech-Savvy Fleets: Discounts for ELD adoption (Smart Haul) and telematics.
Who Should Avoid?
Tarped Load Carriers: Moisture exclusions pose risks for uncovered cargo claims.
High-Risk Fleets: Stricter claims handling may complicate complex incidents.
Progressive vs Competitors
| Feature | Progressive | Competitors (e.g., Great West, Northland) |
|---|---|---|
| Premiums | Lower upfront costs | Higher, but fewer coverage exclusions |
| Cargo Flexibility | Refrigeration options | Broader wetness/damage coverage |
| Claims Reputation | Mixed reviews | More consistent payouts (per user reports) |
Final Verdict
Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance shines for cost-conscious operators with straightforward needs, offering robust tech-driven discounts and compliance support. However, its moisture exclusions and claims disputes (particularly in Illinois) warrant caution.
Recommendation: Compare Progressive’s quote with specialized insurers like 1st Guard or Northland if hauling high-value or weather-sensitive cargo. Always review policy exclusions and request additional insured endorsements to protect freight partners.
Note: This review reflects aggregated user experiences and policy details as of 2025. Individual results may vary.