Dairyland vs Progressive Car Insurance
An IA-channel non-standard specialist (Sentry-owned) against the two-largest-share standard-market carrier that happens to write SR-22 through its standard book. For a shopper deciding between the two: Dairyland's acceptance-ceiling is wide (DUIs, revocations, lapses, SR-22, FR-44 are the core book, not an exception); Progressive's acceptance depends on the specifics and declines many profiles Dairyland accepts. The honest decision is acceptance-vs-coverage-breadth, not price-first.
Dairyland reviewed 2026-10-02; Progressive reviewed 2026-09-28; this comparison reviewed 2026-10-02.
Why this comparison exists. SR-22, post-DUI, lapsed-coverage, and other high-risk shoppers whose profile is close to standard-eligible comparing their two realistic options: Progressive's standard-book SR-22 at the broader coverage menu, or Dairyland's non-standard-specialist IA channel. The comparison exists only in this shopper scenario — a clean-record standard shopper should quote Progressive against mainstream peers, not against Dairyland.
At a glance
| Dimension | Dairyland | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Parent / entity | Sentry Insurance Group (mutual holding structure). Sentry acquired Dairyland in 1966. HQ Stevens Point, Wisconsin. | The Progressive Corporation (NYSE: PGR); publicly-traded. HQ Mayfield Village, Ohio. |
| Category | Non-standard specialist | National mass-market |
| Distribution | Independent agent | Direct + independent agent |
| Footprint | National except AK, HI, LA, MA, MI, MT, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OK, RI | National (all 50 states + DC) |
| AM Best FSR | A+ (Superior); outlook StableTIER 1 | A+ (Superior); outlook StableTIER 1 |
| AM Best affirmation | 2025-07-02 | 2026-05-01 |
| Market share (NAIC) | 0.83% (rank 16, 2024) | 18.6% (rank 2, 2024) |
| Telematics program | None | Snapshot — can raise rate |
Where these two actually differ
Acceptance ceiling vs standard-book SR-22
Dairyland's core book is drivers denied by standard carriers — DUIs, multiple violations, SR-22 reinstatements, FR-44 shoppers, lapsed or no-prior-coverage drivers. Dairyland does not publish a public eligibility matrix because the acceptance surface is broader than most standard carriers can match. Progressive writes SR-22 through its standard underwriting at higher rates with the broader coverage menu, but acceptance depends on DUI count, time since conviction, violation history, and lapse specifics; profiles with multiple DUIs or very recent convictions will frequently be declined and routed to a non-standard specialist. The question is acceptance first, price second.
Minimum-coverage SR-22 vs coverage-breadth SR-22
Dairyland's core customer buys state-minimum liability plus mandatory SR-22 filing — the product is engineered around the reinstatement scenario. Progressive publishes a feature-rich menu available to SR-22 drivers who clear acceptance: Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent up to 25% ACV), Deductible Savings Bank ($50 credit per claim-free period), Pet Injury with collision ($1,000 limit), Custom Parts and Equipment up to $5,000. If you clear Progressive's SR-22 acceptance and want full coverage with those add-ons, Progressive is the structural fit; if you want state-minimum SR-22 bind at the cheapest acceptance-first rate, Dairyland is the fit.
Snapshot vs no telematics
Progressive offers Snapshot (app or plug-in device) with published average $164 sign-up / $328 completion discounts and the explicit disclosure that 'only about 2 out of 10 drivers actually get an increase.' Not available in CA; sign-up discount not in HI/NY. For an SR-22 shopper who clears Progressive's acceptance, Snapshot is a legitimate rate-forgiveness lever over 6-12 months of monitored driving. Dairyland does not publish a telematics / UBI program — if the shopper wants to earn rate forgiveness post-DUI through monitored driving, Dairyland does not provide that lever.
Both A+ (Superior); different scales
Dairyland carries AM Best A+ (Superior) via Sentry Insurance Group — Sentry has been A+ Superior every year since 1992. Progressive carries A+ (Superior) and 'aa' (Superior) ICR, affirmed May 1, 2026 with stable outlook, citing $11.3B 2025 net income. Both carriers now share the FSR letter; the scale difference is the honest context. Progressive's balance-sheet is materially larger, but Sentry's A+ history is longer-standing — counterparty strength is a wash on the letter grade.
IA channel vs direct + IA hybrid
Dairyland is independent-agent only — your shopping path is through an IA office with a Dairyland appointment. Progressive runs direct (web, app, phone) AND a substantial independent-agent channel in parallel — the same IA office that quotes Dairyland can also quote Progressive, giving the shopper a direct way to compare acceptance and pricing side-by-side. For a non-standard shopper, this parallel-quote capability through a single IA is a real operational feature.
Telematics side by side
Dairyland
No telematics program documented.
Progressive
Program Snapshot
Tracks hard_braking, acceleration, phone_use, mileage, time_of_day
Can raise rate? Yes
Enrollment max Average sign-up discount of $164 per Progressive's own Snapshot page
Renewal max Average program-completion discount of $328; usually applies at the six-month policy renewal following enrolment
State exclusions CA
Progressive itself states that "your rate may increase with high-risk driving" and that "only about 2 out of 10 drivers actually get an increase." Not available in California. The sign-up discount is not available in Hawaii or New York; Progressive excludes NC/HI/NY/MT from its Snapshot savings claims. Progressive explicitly advises drivers to "avoid driving between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on weekends." Phone use is only considered in some states and when you choose the mobile app rather than the device.TIER 1
Financial strength
Dairyland
AM Best FSR A+ (Superior)
Long-Term ICR aa- (Superior)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2025-07-02
Sentry Insurance Group has carried A+ (Superior) every year since 1992 per Dairyland's marketing. Most recent affirmation reported effective July 2, 2025 with Stable outlook. AM Best primary-page confirmation of the exact affirmation date for the Dairyland entity (AMB# 309) specifically was not retrieved in the research pass; Dairyland is a rated member of Sentry Insurance Group and shares the group FSR.TIER 1
Progressive
AM Best FSR A+ (Superior)
Long-Term ICR aa (Superior)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2026-05-01
AM Best affirmed FSR A+ (Superior) and Long-Term ICR "aa" (Superior) of The Progressive Corporation and its members on May 1, 2026, stable outlook. The affirmation cited an increase in underwriting profit in 2025 driven by lower personal and commercial auto accident frequency, lower weather-related catastrophe losses, and favorable prior-accident-year development, with the group reporting $11.3B in net income in 2025 vs $8.5B in 2024. A+ (Superior) is one tier below A++.TIER 1
Coverage differences
| Coverage | Dairyland | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Collision | Offered | — |
| Comprehensive and collision | — | OfferedOptional first-party coverages. |
| Comprehensive | Offered | — |
| Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) | — | OfferedReimbursement for covered custom modifications, subject to $5,000 limit. |
| Deductible Savings Bank | — | Offered$50 credit toward collision or comprehensive deductible for each violation- and claim-free six-month policy period. |
| Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent) | — | OfferedUp to 25% of the vehicle's actual cash value if totaled while you still owe on it. |
| Motorcycle, off-road, and specialty vehicle | OfferedSeparate product lines. | — |
| Pet Injury Coverage | — | OfferedAutomatically included when you add collision; $1,000 limit for veterinary expenses if your pet is injured in a covered accident. |
| Renters insurance add-on | — | OfferedAvailable in select states to bundle renters coverage into a single policy. |
| Rideshare coverage | — | OfferedAvailable as add-on for policyholders logged into rideshare or delivery apps, offered in select states. |
| Trip Interruption | — | OfferedIn states where available: $500 daily max with $100 lodging / $50 transportation / $50 food per day. |
| Vehicle Protection | — | OfferedCovers major system repairs, minor dents/dings, and lost/stolen keys for vehicles under 7 years old also carrying liability + comprehensive + collision. |
| Bodily injury and property damage liability | Offered | OfferedState minimums vary; higher limits generally available. |
| Medical payments | OfferedWhere offered. | OfferedOptional in most states. |
| Personal injury protection | OfferedWhere state requires. | OfferedOffered in some states. |
| Rental reimbursement | OfferedIn select states; confirm per state. | OfferedUp to policy limits during covered repairs. |
| Roadside assistance (24/7) | Offered | OfferedTowing, lock-out, tire changes, fuel/fluid delivery. |
| Uninsured and underinsured motorist | Offered | OfferedRequired or optional depending on state. |
Dated events that specifically move this matchup
Affects ProgressiveProgressive AM Best affirmation A+ (Superior) / aa ICR; outlook stable2026-05-01
$11.3B 2025 net income (vs $8.5B 2024); affirmation cited lower auto accident frequency and favorable prior-accident-year development.TIER 1
Affects DairylandSentry acquired The General from American Family (The General joined Dairyland under Sentry)2024-12-31
Sentry now owns both Dairyland (IA non-standard, Dairyland's long-held channel) and The General (DTC non-standard, acquired from American Family). Both now share Sentry's A+ Superior rating. For Dairyland shoppers, the Sentry non-standard franchise is now broader post-acquisition.TIER 1
Who should quote each
Dairyland — Non-standard specialist shoppers Progressive would decline
- You have multiple DUIs, a very recent conviction, extended lapse, or a license-revocation history that will likely trigger a Progressive decline.
- You need FR-44 in Florida or Virginia — Dairyland publishes same-day electronic FR-44 filing with FL filing free; Progressive handles FR-44 through its standard book with state-variable timing.
- You want state-minimum SR-22 coverage at the lowest acceptance-first rate — Dairyland is engineered around this product scenario.
- You want motorcycle, off-road, or specialty-vehicle coverage alongside non-standard auto — Dairyland writes those lines.
Progressive — SR-22 shoppers who clear standard-book acceptance
- You need SR-22 but your profile is close to standard-eligible (single DUI, moderate time since conviction, acceptable credit) — Progressive will likely write you.
- You want full coverage with coverage-breadth add-ons (gap-equivalent Loan/Lease Payoff, Deductible Savings Bank, custom parts) alongside the SR-22 filing.
- You want Snapshot as a rate-forgiveness lever over 6-12 months of monitored safe driving post-DUI.
- You want to shop through an IA that writes both Progressive and Dairyland and compare at the same office visit.
Quote both — Any SR-22 shopper whose standard-book acceptance is uncertain
- SR-22 shoppers whose profile might clear Progressive's standard book — quote Progressive first; fall back to Dairyland if declined or priced out.
- Post-DUI shoppers in Florida or Virginia who need FR-44 — Dairyland's same-day filing is the operational anchor; Progressive's FR-44 posture varies by state.
- Multi-driver households where one driver needs SR-22 and others are standard — quote Progressive for the household at the same coverage, then Dairyland for the SR-22 driver if Progressive declines that specific profile.
- Shoppers choosing an IA channel vs direct — if you want to work through an IA, the same office can quote both carriers back-to-back.
Get real quotes from Dairyland and Progressive on your own profile.
Compare car insurance quotesCommon questions
Will Progressive write me after a DUI?
Possibly. Progressive's standard underwriting accepts a range of SR-22 profiles — single DUI, single violation, moderate time since conviction — at higher rates with the broader coverage menu. Profiles with multiple DUIs, very recent conviction, or extended lapse are frequently declined and will need Dairyland or another non-standard specialist. Try Progressive first; have Dairyland ready as a fallback.
Which is cheaper for SR-22?
Dairyland typically prices below standard-market SR-22 rates on identical minimum-coverage profiles — it is purpose-built for non-standard shoppers. Progressive's SR-22 rates run higher but come with the broader coverage menu. The honest comparison is minimum-coverage SR-22 at Dairyland against standard-coverage SR-22 at Progressive — not apples to apples. Get both quotes through an IA that writes both.
Does Dairyland offer telematics?
No. Dairyland does not publish a usage-based insurance / telematics program. Progressive's Snapshot is available for SR-22 drivers who clear acceptance; if telematics-based rate forgiveness matters to you post-DUI, Progressive is the fit.
What about FR-44?
FR-44 applies in Florida and Virginia only. Dairyland publishes same-day electronic FR-44 filing in both states with FL filing free. Progressive handles FR-44 through its standard underwriting with state-variable timing — ask the Progressive agent at bind time whether same-day FR-44 is available in your state.
Which has better financial strength?
Both carry AM Best A+ (Superior). Progressive affirmed May 1, 2026 with stable outlook citing $11.3B 2025 net income. Dairyland carries A+ via Sentry Insurance Group, which has been A+ Superior every year since 1992. Counterparty strength is a tie on the letter grade; Progressive's balance-sheet is materially larger.
Sources & methodology
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: About (history, parent, AM Best record) (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: Auto Insurance product page (discounts, online quote) (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: Auto Coverages (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: SR-22 filing (no-fee statement; next-day electronic filing) (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: FR-44 (same-day Florida and Virginia; FL fee-free) (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandDairyland: Independent-agent partners (Dairyland Insurance)
- TIER 1DairylandSentry Insurance: Acquisition of The General closed December 31, 2024 (Sentry Insurance)
- TIER 3DairylandNerdWallet: Dairyland Auto Insurance Review (April 2026 analysis) (NerdWallet)
- TIER 3DairylandValuePenguin: Dairyland Motorcycle and Auto Insurance Review (ValuePenguin)
- TIER 2DairylandJ.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1DairylandNAIC Consumer Information Source (per-entity complaint and financial lookup; Dairyland COCODE 21164) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
- TIER 1ProgressiveAM Best: AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Progressive Corporation and Its Subsidiaries (May 1, 2026 affirmation) (AM Best)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Snapshot program page (behaviors tracked, published averages, state availability) (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance discounts page (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance coverages page (Progressive)
- TIER 3ProgressiveNerdWallet: Progressive Car Insurance Review (September 2026 modeled rates) (NerdWallet)
- TIER 3ProgressiveValuePenguin: Progressive Insurance Review (modeled full-coverage rate) (ValuePenguin)
- TIER 1ProgressiveInsurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance (NAIC private-passenger market share, most recent year) (Insurance Information Institute)
- TIER 3ProgressiveAgency Checklists: NAIC 2025 Market Share, Top 25 Private Passenger Auto Insurers (secondary reporting of NAIC 2025 direct-premiums-earned data) (Agency Checklists)
- TIER 2ProgressiveS&P Global Market Intelligence: Progressive now No. 1 US private auto insurer for full 12 months, estimates show (May 2026, trailing 12 months ending March 31 2026) (S&P Global Market Intelligence)
- TIER 1ProgressiveThe Progressive Corporation: Form 10-K, fiscal year 2025 (SEC EDGAR) (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)
- TIER 2ProgressiveCarrier Management: Why Progressive's Customer Scores Lag State Farm, GEICO (secondary reporting on 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study) (Carrier Management)
- TIER 2ProgressiveJ.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (press release) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 2ProgressiveJ.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study (press release) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1ProgressiveNational Association of Insurance Commissioners: Consumer Information Source (complaint index lookup by insurer) (NAIC)
Every pivot and matrix cell on this page traces to a source listed above, with the provider tag identifying which ProviderReviewFacts record authored the claim. Shared sources (e.g. NAIC Consumer Information Source, J.D. Power press-release landing pages) are attributed to both providers and anchor against the alphabetically-first provider's slug.