The 2.7 million Progressive policyholders in Florida should be getting some relief soon.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced rebates for Progressive customers totaling $1 billion, going back to Florida policyholders.
“Progressive currently estimates that it will exceed the statutory profit limit that a Florida statute imposes for this specific line of business and is preparing to return excess profit to our Florida personal auto policyholders, consistent with Progressive’s goal to deliver sustainable value to our customers and comply with Florida regulations,” a Progressive spokesperson said in a statement to My News 13.
This move comes as Florida residents’ insurance costs for both auto and home have been, and still are, among the highest in the country. However, DeSantis said insurance rates are dropping or at least stabilizing, adding that the top five auto insurance writers in Florida have averaged a 6.5% rate reduction in 2025.
“Florida was really … considered a litigation hellhole by a lot of folks and that contributed to consumers having to bear more cost with respect to auto insurance,” DeSantis said.
But first, what is a rebate?
According to the Legal Information Institute, a rebate is a partial refund of a payment or a deduction from an amount already paid. It can also refer to a government subsidy to assist with rent payments.
For example, the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit was given to those who didn’t claim their stimulus payments during the pandemic.
Why is Progressive giving back to Florida policyholders?
Both DeSantis and Yaworsky credited the news to 2022 and 2023 legal changes aimed at what DeSantis described as “frivolous litigation.” The reforms made it harder for attorneys to collect hefty legal fees in insurance lawsuits.
This move cut much of the incentive for attorneys to take these cases, and the number of lawsuits has dropped dramatically in recent years.
“Florida represented 8% of claims nationwide but accounted for 78% of litigation costs,” DeSantis said. “That’s something policyholders end up paying. It’s basic economics.”
With companies’ litigation costs dropping since these changes were implemented, DeSantis and Yaworsky said the savings are being passed along to the consumers.
“We’re seeing rates go down in the auto space at a pace we haven’t seen in decades,” Yaworsky said. “That billion dollars is now going into the pockets of consumers instead of attorneys’ wallets. That’s the bottom line.”
How much will be in the Progressive Rebate?
The exact amount policyholders could receive is unknown, with officials saying the average amount is roughly $300 per customer.
“It depends on how long you’ve been with Progressive,” DeSantis said. “If you’ve been with Progressive this whole time, you’re going to get a bigger rebate. It might be a check. It might be a credit on your bill.”
Do I need to sign up to receive a Progressive rebate or credit?
No, you do not need to sign up. The rebates and credits will automatically go to those with active Progressive policies on Dec. 31, 2025.
When will I see a check or credit from Progressive?
DeSantis did not specify exactly when the rebates would be distributed, only that they would be early in 2026.
Will other insurance companies follow suit?
DeSantis confirmed state officials are now negotiating similar agreements with other major insurers.
“I know Mike’s going to work with all the other companies to get that statewide, across all our carriers,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think there’s a single carrier where these refunds aren’t going to be triggered.”
Contributing: Anne Geggis, Palm Beach Post
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida policy holders may be getting a check from Progressive. How much, what we know
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
