A little over 2 weeks ago I was “rear-ended” by a Progressive- insured driver. When they determined that my car was totaled, they offered me a settlement amount that was $1500 below NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association…the accepted guideline used for determining used car value among most auto dealers and insurance companies) and $1200 below Kelly Blue Book price (a more commonly known pricing guide used by consumers). When I questioned the amount…they told me that was their offer and they would not budge on the price. “Take it or leave it.”
They furnished me 5 “comparable” cars and their prices they used to determine the value of my vehicle. FIRST: ALL 5 vehicles were selected from either a “buy here, pay here” corner lot dealers…or from individuals in the “Tradin’ Times” magazine. Not “genuine” permanent dealers associated with auto brands such as Ford, Lincoln, Buick, Chevrolet, etc.
When I contacted these sellers of these vehicles I discovered the following…
One car need (in the words of the dealer) a complete paint job…it was totally weathered from the Florida sun. When I asked if it could be buffed out…he commented…absolutely not, it needs a paint job.
Another had substantial rocker panel damage on the passenger’s side that amounted to a minimum of $1000 to repair.
A third had a rather “worn” cloth interior…with “minor” stains. Mine had MINT leather interior.
The other two…were from advertisements from 2 months ago, and had been sold.
NOW FOR THE REAL “KICKER” When they “priced” these cars…they DID NOT use the price listed in the ad as their value. They ASSUMED the dealer would take 15% less than listed and only offered me that mount for my vehicle. What a “RIPOFF”.
This company is beyond conniving…they are absolutely DISHONEST. They offer unsubstantiated values (with no documentation to back them up) and REFUSE to negotiate or even listen to your arguments to the contrary.
My only alternative was to turn to my own insurance company to file the claim. They are currently processing it, and will issue me a check for my car shortly. They will then subjugate the payment back to Progressive for their reimbursement. Even though the accident was not my fault…I don’t know what this “claim” will do to affect future rates with my insurance company. Time will tell.
If you currently HAVE Progressive insurance...my suggestion is to change to another company. If you’re THINKING of getting Progressive insurance…THINK AGAIN.
Do you really want to deal with “thieves”?

That's absurd, I work for Progressive and there are people of all races working with me.