Progressive vs Embroker Reviews: Which Business Insurance Provider Is Right for Your Company?

Choosing the right business insurance provider can feel overwhelming for small-business owners. With countless options available, two names that frequently come up in searches are Progressive and Embroker. Both companies serve the small-business market, but they take distinctly different approaches to commercial insurance. This comprehensive review will help you understand the key differences, strengths, and potential drawbacks of each provider so you can make an informed decision for your business.

Understanding the Two Providers

Progressive was co-founded in 1937 by Jack Green and Joseph M. Lewis, and is headquartered in Mayfield, Ohio [1].

The company ranked #62 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of the top American corporations, making it one of the largest and most established insurance companies in the United States [1].

Progressive is the second-largest auto insurer in the United States as of the 2023 fiscal year, with 15.2% of the market [1].

Embroker, on the other hand, represents a newer generation of insurance providers. As a digital-first insurance broker, Embroker focuses specifically on serving small and medium-sized businesses through an online platform. While Progressive operates as a traditional insurance carrier that underwrites its own policies, Embroker functions as a broker that connects businesses with multiple insurance carriers.

Coverage Options and Policy Types

Progressive's Business Insurance Offerings

Progressive operates in three segments: personal lines, commercial auto, and other indemnity, and the company insures passenger vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, boats, personal water craft (PWC), and commercial vehicles. For small businesses, Progressive primarily focuses on commercial auto insurance, which is one of their core strengths [1].

Progressive's commercial auto coverage is particularly robust for businesses that rely on vehicles for daily operations.

Commercial auto insurance policies typically have higher liability limits, for example $1 million, and they also may have provisions that cover rented and other non-owned vehicles, including employees' cars driven for company business [2].

While Progressive excels in commercial auto coverage, businesses seeking comprehensive protection may need to look beyond vehicle insurance.

A BOP typically does not include commercial auto insurance, workers' compensation, health or disability insurance or liability insurance for claims of wrongful professional practices, which means businesses often need to purchase multiple policies from different providers to achieve complete coverage [2].

Embroker's Comprehensive Approach

Embroker takes a different approach by offering access to a wide range of business insurance products through its brokerage platform. As a broker, Embroker can provide quotes from multiple carriers for various coverage types, including general liability, professional liability, cyber insurance, directors and officers insurance, and errors and omissions coverage.

This multi-carrier approach can be particularly beneficial for businesses that need specialized coverage. For instance, technology companies often require cyber liability protection, while consulting firms need robust professional liability coverage. Embroker's platform is designed to help businesses identify their specific risks and find appropriate coverage from carriers that specialize in their industry.

The Digital Experience

Progressive's Technology Platform

Progressive claims being the first auto insurance company to allow customers to purchase insurance policies over the phone in 1993, and to have a website in 1995, and have policies available for purchase online in 1997. Later, Progressive enabled customers to use mobile browsers and smartphone apps for rating and managing policies. It also reports to be the first to offer 24/7 claims reporting [1].

Progressive has invested heavily in digital tools and customer-facing technology. Their mobile app allows policyholders to manage their policies, file claims, and access digital ID cards. The company's Snapshot program demonstrates their commitment to innovation in the insurance space, using telematics to offer usage-based insurance discounts to commercial auto customers.

Embroker's Digital-First Model

Embroker was built from the ground up as a digital platform, which gives it certain advantages in user experience and speed. The company's online portal allows business owners to get quotes, compare coverage options, and purchase policies entirely online without speaking to an agent. This can be particularly appealing for tech-savvy entrepreneurs who prefer self-service options and want to move quickly.

The platform typically provides instant quotes for many types of coverage and uses data analytics to help businesses understand their risk profile. This transparency can help business owners make more informed decisions about their coverage needs.

Pricing and Value Considerations

Insurance pricing varies significantly based on numerous factors including your industry, location, coverage limits, claims history, and specific risk profile. Neither Progressive nor Embroker publicly discloses standard pricing, as rates are highly individualized.

Progressive's Pricing Structure

As a direct insurance carrier, Progressive sets its own rates based on its underwriting criteria and risk assessment models. The company's large size and market presence can sometimes translate to competitive pricing, particularly for commercial auto insurance where they have deep expertise and significant market share.

Progressive offers various discounts that can help reduce premiums, including multi-policy discounts for businesses that bundle multiple types of coverage. Their usage-based insurance programs can also provide savings for businesses with safe driving records and lower mileage.

Embroker's Broker Advantage

As a broker, Embroker's value proposition lies in its ability to shop your business across multiple carriers to find competitive rates. This comparison shopping can potentially save money, especially for businesses with unique risk profiles or those in specialized industries.

However, it's important to understand that brokers typically earn commissions from insurance carriers, which is built into the premium cost.

Average small group commissions range from two percent to eight percent of premiums. That said, [3]

brokers provide services beyond procuring insurance, such as providing risk assessments, insurance consulting services, insurance-related regulatory and legislative updates, claims assistance services, assisting with employee enrollment, and helping to resolve benefit issues [3].

Customer Service and Claims Handling

Progressive's Service Model

Progressive primarily offers its services through the internet, by telephone or through independent insurance agents. Progressive's agency business sells insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agents. This multi-channel approach gives customers flexibility in how they interact with the company [1].

Progressive's 24/7 claims reporting and large network of claims adjusters means that businesses can typically get help quickly when they need it. The company's size and resources allow it to handle claims efficiently, though experiences can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the specific adjuster assigned.

Embroker's Personalized Support

Embroker emphasizes personalized service through dedicated account representatives who help businesses navigate their insurance needs. This can be particularly valuable for business owners who are unfamiliar with commercial insurance terminology and requirements.

As a broker, Embroker can advocate on behalf of the business when dealing with insurance carriers during the claims process. This intermediary role can be helpful, though it also means there's an additional layer between the business and the carrier actually paying the claim.

Industry Specialization and Expertise

Progressive's Commercial Auto Focus

Progressive's primary strength in the business insurance market is commercial auto coverage. The company has decades of experience insuring commercial vehicles and understands the unique risks faced by businesses that rely on transportation. This specialization means they've developed sophisticated underwriting models and risk assessment tools specifically for commercial auto.

For businesses where vehicles are a primary risk exposure—such as delivery services, contractors, or sales teams—Progressive's expertise in this area can be a significant advantage. However, businesses in other industries may find that Progressive's offerings don't fully address their needs.

Embroker's Tech and Professional Services Focus

Embroker has built a reputation for serving technology companies, startups, and professional services firms. The platform is particularly well-suited for businesses that need cyber insurance, errors and omissions coverage, or directors and officers liability protection.

This focus on modern, knowledge