I was with Progressive for a few years in southern IL before moving back to TX in '23. Something happened with their algorithm application at that point...and it was just so stupid I had to move along. First, when I called to report my new address and state of residence, they sent me a list of all the people in my residence (from public records). So besides me, my wife, and my daughter, my house was still apparently home to the three teenagers who previously lived here. I called to tell them those teens were members of the "Smith" family, from which we purchased the home. The moron on the phone stated "Well, uh...the record still shows they reside there, so they must be included on your policy." I told them they used to live here, but obviously moved with their own family. No dice. I hung up and called back to see if I could talk to someone with more sense. After about another half-hour of waiting, I finally got a person who requested I sign a statement affirming the "Smith" children aren't mine and don't live in my house. I did that and they were removed.
Within minutes, they re-adjusted the rate and sent me new coverage info. I noticed they included my 21-year-old daughter on the policy as a covered driver. My daughter has been handicapped from birth, blind in one eye, and was never a licensed driver (and never will be). The agent told me "No matter...you have an adult in the house who could potentially operate your vehicles without your consent. She has to be on your policy." I told the lady this was impossible as my kid was not a licensed driver. She wouldn't budge, so I asked for someone else. Got the same tune from yet another moron. I left them hanging and visited a local Allstate agent. Same coverage was over $100.00 less every six months, so said goodbye to Progressive.
The problems I experienced were undoubtedly the result of computer algorithms being used and interpreted by people with little-to-no common sense or critical thinking skills. They were simply mindless drones reached via toll-free numbers. Sitting down with my local agent alleviated all the stupidity and even saved me a little money.
I shudder to think how some of these clowns would act in the event I actually had to file a claim. I'm sure it would be like a scene from Idiocracy...
