Is Progressive an Admitted Insurance Carrier?

When shopping for insurance, you may come across the terms “admitted” and “non-admitted” insurance carriers. This refers to a company’s status and certification under state regulations. So is Progressive, one of the largest auto and home insurers, an admitted or non-admitted carrier?

The short answer is yes, Progressive is an admitted insurance company in all states. But what exactly does this admitted status mean for policyholders? Let’s take a closer look.

What is an Admitted Insurance Carrier?

Insurance companies that are licensed and authorized to operate in a particular state are referred to as “admitted carriers”. To gain admitted status, insurers must go through a strict financial and operational review by the state department of insurance.

Specifically, admitted carriers must meet these key requirements:

• Apply for a certificate of authority – This demonstrates they are legally approved to sell policies in the state.

• Establish an in-state office – They must maintain a physical business presence and operations.

• Submit to financial examinations – The company’s finances are scrutinized to ensure sufficient assets and reserves.

• Participate in guaranty funds – Admitted carriers pay into state guaranty funds to protect policyholders if the insurer becomes insolvent.

• Use state-approved policy forms – The policy contracts must contain state-mandated terms and benefits.

• Submit rate filings – States review and approve the insurance rates carriers charge in that jurisdiction.

Benefits of Buying from Admitted Carriers

There are several advantages to purchasing insurance from an admitted company like Progressive:

• Backed by state guaranty funds – These provide coverage if the insurer goes bankrupt. Admitted carriers in most states pay into the fund.

• Easier claims process – Admitted insurers must use state-approved claims handling and settlement practices.

• Access to state support – If you have issues with an admitted carrier, you can turn to your state insurance department for help.

• Stability – Admitted companies must maintain minimum financial ratings and capital reserves set by the state. This enhances their financial strength.

So consumers typically view admitted carriers as more reputable and stable. This gives policyholders greater peace of mind.

Is Progressive an Admitted or Non-Admitted Insurer?

Progressive maintains admitted market licenses in all 50 states and Washington D.C. It has satisfied every state’s regulations to sell standard auto, motorcycle, homeowners, and other policies in that jurisdiction.

Some key facts about Progressive’s admitted status:

• Founded in 1937, it has maintained admitted licenses for over 80 years.

• Progressive is listed as an approved admitted carrier on every state department of insurance website.

• It operates physical corporate offices in all regions, meeting the in-state presence requirements.

• The company files regular financial statements that states analyze to confirm sufficient reserves. For example, California requires special annual filings from all admitted carriers. Progressive is on the state’s list of admitted insurers that comply with this requirement.

• Progressive pays annual assessments that fund state guaranty associations. These provide a safety net for policyholders if insurers fail.

So across all jurisdictions, Progressive holds proper admitted licensing. They comply with associated regulations and oversight in the states where they sell policies.

Requirements to Maintain Admitted Status

Maintaining compliant admitted carrier status in multiple states involves continuous adherence to regulations. Some key responsibilities for Progressive include:

• Submitting rate filings and getting pricing approved by each state department

• Using only state-approved policy forms with required terms, provisions and endorsements

• Paying annual guaranty fund assessments based on in-state premiums

• Meeting minimum capital and reserve requirements, which varies by state

• Reporting and filing quarterly and annual financial statements

• Undergoing periodic state examinations of company operations and finances

Falling out of compliance could trigger disciplinary action or even suspension of Progressive’s licenses by state regulators. So the carrier invests substantial resources to maintain good standing and trust in all jurisdictions.

Could Progressive Ever Become Non-Admitted?

It’s highly unlikely that Progressive would voluntarily give up its licensed admitted status. Its business model and brand reputation depend on operating on an admitted basis.

Regulators would only strip an insurer of its certificate of authority under dire circumstances, usually related to:

• Severe insolvency – If Progressive became so financially unsound that it couldn’t pay claims. This is improbable given the company’s $46 billion in assets and high ratings from A.M. Best (A+) and S&P (A+).

• Widespread non-compliance – If Progressive systemically disregarded key regulations like policy form requirements or rate approvals. Given their strong compliance track record, this scenario seems very remote.

• Unlawful conduct – Like fraud, ethical breaches, or violations that warrant license revocation as a penalty. No evidence suggests this type of misconduct at Progressive.

Barring any extreme scenarios, Progressive will certainly maintain its admitted status into the future given its financial health, strong reputation, and solid regulatory compliance over eight decades.

Key Takeaways

• Admitted insurance carriers are fully licensed by state departments of insurance to sell policies in that jurisdiction. It’s a more rigorous and regulated status.

• Major national insurers like Progressive are admitted market carriers, operating under state oversight across the U.S.

• Buying from an admitted insurer like Progressive provides protections if the company fails. States also assist with any consumer complaints.

• Maintaining compliant admitted status requires Progressive to adhere to regulations like rate approvals, mandated policy terms, financial reserves, and examinations.

• Progressive is very unlikely to ever abandon its admitted licenses given its brand strength and long track record of working successfully within state regulatory frameworks.

So policyholders can have confidence that Progressive holds proper admitted authority in all states. This offers long-standing consumer benefits that non-admitted carriers cannot provide. Check with your state’s insurance department website to look up Progressive’s admitted status in your jurisdiction.