What makes a HUGE difference is where you live. States do make a difference, but cities much more. Cities with high incidence of accidents and/or thefts are going to have much higher rates. If you live in the middle of nowhere in Montana, you'd pay probably a 1/3 of a large city anywhere else. With so many uninsured motorists here in the borderland, rates here are pretty damn high, even though I never commute or ride in traffic. Lots of traffic too, and tons of stupid drivers. But I imagine LA, NY, and other much larger cities with more traffic/theft problems pay even more.
Yes, Progressive is crap since they raise your rates for ANY claim. So if I have a claim, will have to move. Had my cars there, had a small comprehensive claim (hail), and they told me my rates wouldn't go up. Got the renewal and it was DOUBLE. Idiots (I asked them, and said no increases). Would have paid the damn difference out of pocket, if I knew. But when I shopped with others, NONE took that claim into account. Go figure. And yes, I HATE dealing with insurance companies with a passion. But they're a necessary evil, unfortunately.