Determining which insurance company has the right policy for you depends on many factors. Because every company has a unique formula for calculating rates, it’s important to look at cost, but the rates aren’t the only thing to consider. You also want to look at the ratings for customer service and the claims process. Esurance and Allstate are two auto insurance companies that will most likely come up in your search if you’re looking to open or upgrade a policy. Review the two to see how they compare.
What Are Allstate and Esurance?
Allstate and Esurance are two of the best-rated providers in the country.
Esurance sold its first policy in 1999, and it has since become a division of Allstate and expanded to offer auto insurance policies in 43 states. Esurance was one of the first to offer its policies online, and it continues to provide a comprehensive online experience. Allstate first started writing policies in 1931. It’s the fourth-largest auto insurance company in the U.S. and has thousands of agents across the country.
In 2011, Allstate purchased Esurance. Because both insurers are now owned by the same corporation, the two providers have several similarities. While they have similar rates and coverages, the two also have significant differences.
Allstate and Esurance Highlights
Both Allstate and Esurance have superior financial strength. Esurance has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau and an A+ rating for financial strength rating from AM Best. Allstate also has an A+ rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from the BBB.
One of the most significant differences between the two insurance providers is Esurance is completely online. It has no in-person offices where you can sit down and speak with an agent. Allstate has local offices and a network of agents across the country.
Allstate Insurance vs. Esurance Coverages
You can get all the standard types of auto coverage with both Allstate and Esurance. They also both offer added coverages such as rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. Coverage you can get with both companies includes:
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Rideshare insurance
Allstate Added Coverages
Allstate offers a few additional coverages that Esurance does not, including:
- Sound system insurance: This coverage will pay for the repair or replacement of your stereo system if it gets damaged in a covered accident or incident.
- Mexico tourist car insurance: This coverage is beneficial if you’re planning a trip to Mexico. Allstate partners with providers in Mexico to offer coverage for up to a year.
Esurance Added Coverages
Esurance has coverage options that stand out from Allstate’s. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, this company provides better gap insurance. Gap insurance is important optional coverage for new car buyers. When you buy or lease a new car, its value depreciates quickly. This insurance covers the difference between the actual value of a new or leased car and what you owe your financial institution. Some leasing companies or financial institutions require this extra financial protection, and in other cases, it is completely optional.
Allstate Insurance vs. Esurance Pricing
In most cases, Allstate and Esurance have similar pricing for their policies and will come within a few hundred dollars of each other. Both come close to the national average, but when researching auto insurance, request quotes from both. These estimates can vary depending on your driving record, where you live, and the type of vehicle you drive.
Allstate will offer cheaper rates in some cases, including if:
- You’ve recently been at fault for an accident.
- You have poor credit with a clean driving history.
- You only want the minimum required coverage for your state.
- You are a young driver.
Allstate vs. Esurance Auto Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking for ways to save money on top of lower premium rates, Allstate and Esurance offer standard discounts. Both companies have many of the same discounts as well as some differences, so look at the complete picture to determine which one works best for you.
Both companies offer discounts for:
- Sign online
- Good student
- Anti-theft device
- Carrying multiple policies
- Safe driver
- Paying in full
Allstate also has discounts for:
- Anti-lock brakes: Buy a car with anti-lock brakes for added discounts.
- Automatic payments: Set up automatic payments through Allstate for discounted rates.
- Paperless billing: Set up paperless billing for additional discounts.
- A new vehicle: Buy a new car and insure it through Allstate for discounted rates.
Esurance also has discounts for:
- Multiple vehicles: If you insure multiple vehicles through Esurance, you can get discounted rates.
- Online quote: If you get a quote online before buying through Esurance, you can save money.
- Defensive driver: If you take a defensive driving course, you can get discounts.
- Military discount: If you are active or retired military, Esurance offers discounted rates.
- Homeowners: If you own a home, even if you don’t have homeowners insurance with Esurance, you can save on your auto insurance rates.
Allstate Insurance vs. Esurance Usage-Based Programs
Allstate and Esurance both have usage-based programs. These programs benefit drivers who don’t do a lot of driving. The Esurance program is called DriveSense, and Allstate offers the same type of coverage called DriveWise.
DriveSense
You can get DriveSense through the Esurance mobile app or a plug-in device. It offers discounts for signing up and additional discounts for practicing safe driving habits throughout each insured period.
DriveWise
You can get DriveWise through the Allstate app or a plug-in device. It offers up to 10% cash back for signing up for the program, and you can get up to 25% off every six months if you have safe driving habits.
Allstate and Esurance are both strong insurance companies with high financial stability and competitive rates. Each company offers a full range of auto insurance coverages and discounts. The biggest difference between the two is Esurance’s online-only experience versus Allstate’s face-to-face interactions with an agent.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
