How to Negotiate a Settlement With Progressive

Negotiating a car accident settlement with Progressive Insurance can be difficult because the company often starts with low offers and uses tactics to limit payouts. 

Negotiating a settlement with Progressive involves gathering strong evidence, understanding the value of your damages, and communicating carefully with their insurance adjusters; something best handled with professional support. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’re more likely to secure a fair outcome.

Our car accident lawyers in Atlanta from John Foy & Associates explain how you can negotiate a fair settlement with Progressive with our assistance. Read on to learn about the tactics to watch out for and a guide on how you should approach Progressive.

What is it Like Negotiating With Progressive for a Car Accident Settlement?

Negotiating with Progressive after a car accident can be challenging, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and vehicle repairs. Progressive is known for taking a tougher stance during settlement discussions, often starting with offers far below what a claim is truly worth.

Progressive’s Reputation and Claim Rankings

Compared to other insurance companies, Progressive is more aggressive in offering lowball settlements, which means their first offer is likely to be significantly low. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claim Satisfaction Study, Progressive earned an 870 out of 1,000 for how happy customers were with how their auto accident claims were handled.

Common Tactics Progressive Uses in Settlement Negotiations

Progressive and similar insurance companies often rely on a series of strategies that protect their profits rather than fairly compensate injured drivers. You may encounter tactics like:

• Using computer programs (like Colossus): These programs estimate claim values but lack the nuance to consider personal pain and suffering.
• Issuing standardized low offers: Adjusters often skip detailed evaluations of your unique case, resulting in unfair “one-size-fits-all” settlement offers.
• Undervaluing long-term injuries: Progressive might minimize the severity of your injuries to push for an early, low settlement.
• Citing policy technicalities: They may narrowly interpret policy language to deny valid claims over small details.
• Relying on biased medical reviewers: Some insurers use examiners known for siding with companies rather than injured claimants.
• Delaying or denying claims: Extended timelines and unclear coverage explanations can pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

Working with an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help level the playing field. Your attorney can counter these tactics, present clear evidence, and negotiate for the full value of your claim.

How Should You Approach Progressive?

Despite Progressive’s convincing commercials featuring the insurance company’s charming character, Flo, it’s not easy going up against the company after one of their customers has injured you in an Atlanta car accident. Here’s how to approach Progressive:

Hire an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney

You should never talk to the insurance company without a lawyer present. One of our Atlanta car accident lawyers can be your advocate by helping you through the negotiation process with Progressive Insurance. We can:

• Analyze your full claim to identify all sources of compensation.
• Gather medical records and objectively assess the extent of injuries.
• Inspect vehicle and property damage to document claim scope properly.
• Challenge any unjust liability denials or premature conclusion of claims.
• Cite applicable insurance statutes that require fair claim handling.
• Leverage our legal experience to negotiate confidently with Progressive adjusters.
• File formal legal proceedings like arbitration or lawsuit if needed.
• Work with medical experts to undermine any biased independent exams.
• Prevent unfair settlements by understanding long-term injury impacts.

Know They Are Not Your Friend

The Consumer Federation of America reveals its findings from the insurance company’s earnings report, showing how it really values its customers. In short, their target customer is someone who chooses bundles instead of just having their auto insurance. They refer to these people as “The Robinsons”.

Even though you are not their customer, this can be a good thing to keep in mind since their client is. They will typically fight harder to keep their business, which means less of a settlement for you. But we’re ready to fight even harder.

When meeting with Progressive to negotiate a settlement after a car accident, know that they are not working in your best interests. They are trying to settle your claim for as little money as possible. Progressive knows that injured people want their claims resolved so they can focus on healing. They will try to use this against you by pushing for a quick, low settlement.

How Can You Increase Your Chances of a Fair Settlement?

In addition to hiring a car accident lawyer, there are actions you can take to increase your chances of receiving a sufficient settlement. Some things you can do are:

• Thoroughly document all injuries, treatments, lost wages, and other expenses. Provide organized records upfront to strengthen your claim.
• Choose reputable medical providers and get appropriately treated. Progressive may try dismissing providers, so having trustworthy support bolsters your case.
• Cooperate fully with Progressive’s process, but avoid giving unnecessary statements that could undermine the value of your claim.
• Remain calm and avoid hostile communications when interacting directly with adjusters. An amicable tone maintains leverage, whereas anger may backfire.
• Request that settlement evaluation meetings be recorded or take notes. Details are easily forgotten or misconstrued, so additional records help.

What Are Your Options if Progressive Doesn’t Offer You a Fair Settlement?

Unfortunately, a lot of the time, Progressive won’t offer you a car accident settlement that covers all of your losses. But that doesn’t mean the legal process is over; it’s just the beginning. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help you by:

Suing Progressive

If Progressive offers you a lowball settlement and is unwilling to go higher, we can file a lawsuit against the insurance company for bad faith practices. Suing the other driver’s insurance company is common and often yields favorable results. Taking legal action against Progressive means that we take your case to court and fight for you.

Our team has over 20 years of experience advocating for our clients. You don’t have to worry if we take your case to court because we’ve been in the courtroom since 2003.

Filing a Lawsuit Against the Liable Party

Another option you have, if the at-fault party’s Progressive representative doesn’t offer you a fair settlement, is to file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you. We’re ready to help you gather additional evidence of your losses and injuries.

An Atlanta car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates can help you determine which option works best for your situation. To do this, we can give you a free consultation.

Learn More About Negotiating With Progressive After a Car Accident

Dealing with Progressive Insurance after a crash can be frustrating and time-consuming—especially when you’re already recovering from serious injuries. As an accident victim, you may face an insurance adjuster who pressures you to accept a low offer or give a recorded statement that could weaken your claim.

At John Foy & Associates, our personal injury attorneys know the tactics used in a Progressive Insurance claim and how to push back for a fair injury settlement. We fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, helping you rebuild your life.

When you’re facing stubborn car insurance negotiations, remember—when you get The Strong Arm™, you get results. Contact our team today to get the support you deserve.