FREE cars for veterans are available from Progressive Insurance this November! We’ll show you how to apply to get one of them.
Every once in a while, I get an INCREDIBLE tip in my email. This was definitely one of those. It came from a concerned VA representative who knows just how awful my current vehicle is. She’s a VA employee and sent me the basic information and an application for one of these free cars for veterans. I turned it in ASAP – and then I came right here to tell you all about it!
I was tempted to keep this information to myself (fewer applicants = better odds of winning, right?) but I couldn’t do that. This is just too good and I know there many of you who are in a similar situation. Besides, Progressive typically gives away over 100 free cars for veterans every year, so there’s enough to share!
So without further ado… Here’s everything I know about the Progressive Keys to Progress vehicle giveaway.
What is the Keys to Progress Vehicle Giveaway?
The Keys to Progress® Vehicle Giveaway event is an annual event sponsored by Progressive Insurance and their partners. The event began in 2013 when they gave away 59 cars for veterans in one day. In the last 5 years, they’ve given away more than 500 cars for veterans!
The cars aren’t brand new. They have refurbished vehicles that have been gathered and fixed through a cooperative partnership between Progressive Insurance, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the National Auto Body Council (NABC), national salvage companies, network auto-body shops and 1-800-Charity-Cars.
Each year, the cars are given away at various Progressive Service Centers around the US. They have 60 of these locations! In 2017, they also hosted vehicle giveaway events in the metro locations of New York City, Colorado Springs, CO; Des Moines, IA; Louisville, KY; Lubbock, TX; FT Meyers, FL; Fresno, CA.
The event always takes place on in November, near Veteran’s Day. I have reached out to Progressive for more information about exact dates and times. (The 2017 event was hosted on Thursday, November 9th. Most locations held the giveaway between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.)
To see the entire press release that my VA contact sent me, please click here: 2017 Keys to Progress Summary
Who qualifies for one of these FREE cars for veterans?
The cars are only intended for veterans who are experiencing tough life circumstances, such as “difficult personal and family health needs, excessive rent burdens, unemployment and even homelessness.”
To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a veteran. You will need to be able to provide a DD214.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have a clean driving record with no major infractions within the last 7 years.
- Live in or near the community where the giveaway is being hosted.
- Be able to pass a background check.
- Meet certain income limits. You can click here to see what the income limits are for your specific area. You may be asked to submit last year’s income taxes.
- Not own a vehicle OR you must be able to show a hardship with your current vehicle.
If you receive a car through this program, you will also need to be able to pay for the following:
- Title transfer fees
- All applicable sales tax and fees
- Insurance on the vehicle
- Vehicle maintenance
How do I apply to get a FREE car?!
Applying is easier than you think!
Step One: Click here to download the application.
Step Two: Fill out the application. You can print it out and fill it out by hand. If you prefer, you can use a PDF editor to edit it on the computer.
Step Three: Prepare your statement. I recommend using your own word processor, like Google Docs, to prepare the statement.
Step Four: Find a Veteran’s Service Organization or similar veteran-friendly non-profit organization to help you submit your application. You will need to give them your completed application and statement.
You can speak to someone at the VA directly or you can contact someone at either VFW, DAV or another veteran’s organization. If you’ve ever filed a VA claim, it’s likely you already know a veterans representative who can help you submit this form. If you need help finding a local organization, you can use this eBenefits tool to find one. If the person you contact doesn’t know where to send it, just remind them to email it to [email protected]
Applications are reviewed beginning in May of each program year. Vehicles are usually awarded during the week surrounding Veteran’s Day.
Here are some tips for creating the perfect application!
On September 25, 2017, I was contacted by a representative from the Keys to Progress vehicle office. They had reviewed my application and she said they really, really, really wanted to give my family a free car… but they only had vehicles with five seats and my family required seven seats.
The representative asked if there was any way we could make a five-seat vehicle work but there really wasn’t. Since this was a needs-based giveaway, we refused to accept the vehicle because we knew someone else needed a five-seat vehicle more than we did.
However, that does mean that I know how to create a winning application! Since I was able to buy a vehicle a few months later, I’m definitely not going to be entering the giveaway again… and I’d love to share my tips with you so that you have better chances of winning!
First of all, you can click here to see my application as an example. I have redacted certain sensitive information, such as a screenshot of my $2,000+ power bill.
There are a few things that really helped set my application apart from the rest.
1. Tell a story to connect with the reviewer.
It is important to realize that the reviewers are sifting through hundreds, even thousands, of very good, very compelling applications. There are tens of thousands of good, deserving families who are vying for one of these free cars for veterans. Create a compelling application by inviting the reviewer into your life for a moment. Tell them a story so they get to know you and your circumstances.
Don’t just scrawl “I need it for work” or “I’m having a hard time.” Those statements mean different things to different people. Help the reader connect with your need as much as possible by answering these questions in your statement:
- What brought you to this point? Why don’t you have a reliable vehicle now?
- What is your daily life like? How do you function without a reliable vehicle?
- How would one of these free cars for veterans change your life? What do you see in your future if you win?
2. Add pictures for maximum visual impact.
When I completed my application, I assumed that most people would just write their explanation in the lines provided in the application. However, the application does state that “you may also send this in your own word processor document or email program,” so I took this opportunity to design my statement in Google Docs!
Illustrate the story you crafted in Step One with pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? I included several photos in my application, including family photos, vehicle photos and a screenshot of our $2,000+ power bill. Sometimes, just putting a face to your name can work in your favor when you’re completing an application like this.
Need help? Here’s a handy tutorial on how to add images to Google Docs.
3. Don’t be ashamed to explain your case… but BE HONEST.
Sometimes, we have a natural tendency to either minimize the severity of our situation or overlook details that are pertinent to your situation. Don’t be ashamed to tell that reviewer exactly what landed you in this situation and exactly why you need the vehicle. Lay it all out there. If you skip parts, you may lose the car to someone who states their case better.
This does NOT mean that you should whine or beg at any point in your application! Reviewers don’t want to read sob stories but they do want to see authenticity. Be genuine, sincere and real. Don’t fake it.
I’m sure there are at least a handful of people who lie on these applications. If possible, you can always distinguish yourself from the deceptive crowd by including screenshots to verify what you’re saying. That’s why I included a screenshot of our insanely high power bill in my application!
Do not, under any circumstances, SKIP the statement!
Even if you can’t figure out how to insert photos or you don’t want to spend the time writing a lengthy statement, do NOT submit your application without one. The statement is literally the only thing the reviewers have to consider when deciding who wins a free car (and who does not). In my opinion, it’s not worth submitting an application at all if you skip the statement.
Best of luck!
Veterans, want even more FREE stuff?!
My Sister just won in Atlanta this moth Nov 2017 . It was way beyond what I expected in both the truck she received and the ceremony Progressive held for her. She even received some additional assistance. The truck she received was in like new condition. Thank you Progressive and all your partners that helped
That is so awesome, Paul!!! I’m so glad she won. Just out of curiosity, what other assistance did she receive?
Hello how do i apply for help? I am a 20 year veteran really down on my luck the only transportation i had to get my kid to school has just been repoed because I can’t afford to pay the note on time. Struggling to find work and will probably be homeless soon because my rent is more that what i make. Can anyone help me?
Hey, Kelli! You’ll need to download the application, fill it out, prepare a statement and then ask a Veteran’s Service Organization to submit it to you. They can submit it via email to [email protected] but it has to be submitted by an organization. You can find one using this eBenefits tool. Best of luck to you!
Is there an application available for the year 2018? the link here says 2017. I am trying to get my veteran brother a car as his car has gotten unreliable.
Hey, Allysia! I just updated this article for 2018! Thanks for reminding me. 🙂
I’m having trouble Applying and filling out the app can you tell me why or what I have to do
Hi, Frank! I’ll revise this article to make it easier. Thank you for pointing out that it is difficult to follow!
Here’s what you need to do.
Step One: Click here to download the application.
Step Two: Fill out the application. You can print it out and fill it out by hand. If you prefer, you can use a PDF editor to edit it on the computer.
Step Three: Prepare your statement. I recommend using your own word processor, like Google Docs, to prepare the statement.
Step Four: Send your prepared application and statement to an agency that serves veterans. Your application must be sent by a Veteran’s Service Organization or similar agency live VFW or DAV. You can find a list of them here. If your VSO doesn’t know where to send it, just remind them to email it to [email protected].
That’s all! I hope that helps. =D
I’m still only seeing the 2017 Giveaway Application and Rulles. If you truly updated it, why does most of this article still stay 2017?
Hi, E! I contacted Progressive in April for updated information. At the time, Public Relations Representative Julie Kolencik informed me that I could find the application instructions on their website but that “the website in the process of getting updated, so you’ll still see “2017”, but the information within the page is accurate.”
Since their website was still being updated, I didn’t have any 2018 branded content to include in this post. On June 11, I sent another email looking for updates. I specifically stated, “The site still says 2017, but it also says applications are processed beginning in May of each year. Since it’s June, I was hoping there might be some additional information available.”
Julie responded, “Yes, we have begun taking applications, but we are still finalizing details for this year.”
My understanding, based on this conversation, is that the 2017 information is still valid for this year. There have been no substantial changes made to the Keys to Progress website (https://www.progressive.com/socialresponsibility/keys-to-progress.html) which is understandable since the giveaway is pretty much the same year-to-year.
Anyway, I hope this clarifies why this post still contains 2017 content even though it was updated for 2018.
HI my name is James a 56 year veteran who lives on a fixed income due to disability my 97 car quit and I’ve been without one since June 2018 I’ve tried to get one to no avail reason they say is I don’t make enough money so the banks and dealerships turn me down I am in dire need due to Dr visits and everyday chores like grocery shopping post office paying some bills it’s too far to walk for these things I have a bad heart and respiratory disease also I’m getting extremely depressed over it I need help I’ve also been homeless on 3 different occasions after heart surgery I barely can afford to keep a roof over my head and take care of my service dog please help I don’t have Internet or TV service I only have a cell with data that keeps me connected with the outside world thanks for listening
Hi, James! Thank you for your service. It sounds like you’re a great candidate for this program. I really hope you win!