My Progressive's Snapshot® Test Drive

My  Progressive's Snapshot® Test Drive

by Dawn M. Johnson

When our agency was given the chance to try out Progressive's Snapshot® device, I decided that I would like to try it out.  I wanted to be able to give our customers first hand experience on how the Snapshot® device works so I immediately signed up online.

First, a quick note on the program.  The Snapshot® device plugs into your diagnostic port in your vehicle.  It collects data such as fast accelerations, hard brakes and time of day that the vehicle is being used.  However, it is not a GPS device and does not know your location.  One particular note is that in order to sign up for Snapshot®, you must have an email in order to participate as you will go online and track your own progress and will receive emails from the company.

Within less than a week, I received a small package from Progressive that contained the Snapshot® device, a return label, the terms and conditions of my participation in Snapshot® Test Drive and very quick and clear instructions on how to install the device. 

I took the device out to my car and in less than a minute, I had the device installed.  Just under your steering wheel is a diagnostic port and the device simply plugs right into it.  It's no harder than plugging an appliance into an outlet....it's THAT EASY!

Every time you start your car, you hear 3 quick beeps and you know the device is connected and working.  The directions had said that the device will beep if you brake hard.   I went almost 15 days into the trial and then I found out, yes indeed it beeps when you hard brake!  During my test period, I had 2 or 3 hard brakes and I was glad I had the device plugged in because it made me aware.  It turns out that all of the hard brakes happened at the same traffic light.  It made me aware that this is an area that I need to pay more attention at when driving. 



Each day I logged on to track my progress and to see my potential discount.  It tracks your hard braking, fast accelerations and average mileage driven.  And because we all like things to be fun, you earn badges along the way....the badges have nothing to do with the discount you earn, they just make it fun and interesting along the way.  Once you are done with the trial period, you receive an email saying that you are done and it's time to return the device.  Simply put the device back into the box it came in, put on the free return shipping label and drop it in the mail - again it's THAT EASY!   The only time you incur a fee is if you fail to return the device. 

At the end of my 30 days, I have a potential of receiving a 23% discount.  If it is something I want to pursue, I will keep the device plugged in for the remainder of 6 months, at which time I would lock in the savings after they've collected the data for the full 6 months.  Now, I really think that if I choose to switch and fulfill my remaining 6 months I don't think my discount will be as high as 23%.  It's only natural that for the first 30 days you are really aware and intent on getting the best discount you can, however over 6 months I feel that I would drive a little more normal and would have a few "bumps" in the road, so to speak and my end result would be a more realistic "snapshot" of my driving.  But even getting a 5, 10 or any discount is better than none. 

I love bargains, coupons and discounts.  Progressive offers an easy and free way to earn a discount for your good driving behavior.  If you have any questions about Progressive's Snapshot® discount and would like to try it out, please contact me and I would be happy to discuss it in more detail!

Dawn M Johnson
Personal Lines Coordinator
van den Heuvel & Fountain
973-948-3200 x10