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Esurance vs. Direct Auto: Discounts, quotes, and comparison

Esurance vs. Direct Auto

Roslyn McKenna
Roslyn McKenna

Updated

Fact checked

You’ve narrowed your potential insurers to Esurance and Direct Auto. But which one should you pick?

Esurance is a relatively new player in the insurance market, founded in 1999. Since its inception, it’s gained a lot of traction through its accessible online insurance. Today, it’s owned by Allstate.

Founded in 1991, Direct Auto isn’t much older. It serves a different niche than Esurance, focusing on high-risk drivers. This may be a key reason why it’s received a terrible “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau. If you can’t get insurance anywhere else, the insurer may be one of your few options.

Check out the comparison tables below to find the right insurer for you.

Esurance

Read review

Direct

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Read review

OVERVIEW

 OVERVIEW
About the provider
About the brand Take advantage of this online company's low base rates and mobile tools like app-based telematics and teen safe driver programs. Qualify for car insurance stacked with multiple discounts, whether or not you have a spotty driving record.
States served
States served All states except AK, DE, HI, MT, NH, VT, WY AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA

COVERAGE

 COVERAGE
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance Included free Optional
New car protection
New car protection Yes No
Accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness No No
Rideshare coverage
Rideshare coverage Yes No
SR-22 insurance
SR-22 insurance Yes
 Yes
Claims methods
Claims methods Online
Phone
In-person
 phone
Payment schedule
Payment schedule 12 months
monthly
 monthly
custom

DISCOUNTS

 DISCOUNTS
Anti-theft device discount
Anti theft device discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Bundling discount
Bundling discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Home owner discount
Home owner discount Yes Yes, up to 15%
Military discount
Military discount Yes Yes, up to 25%
Multi car discount
Multi car discount Yes Yes
Paid in full discount
Paid in full discount Yes Yes
Safety device discount
Safety device discount Yes Yes
Safe driver discount
Safe driver discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Special employment discount
Special employment discount No No
Student discount
Student discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Usage based discount
Usage based discount No No
Learn more
Learn more
Read review
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Read review

Bottom line

If you have no trouble finding insurance, consider passing on Direct Auto. The company scores atrocious ratings in customer service, and you can find a better experience with many other insurers.

Esurance fares much better in customer satisfaction, receiving an “A+” from the Better Business Bureau. However, it earns a middling score in claims satisfaction. Esurance comes out on top in coverage availability. It offers insurance in 43 US states, while Direct Auto covers only eight.

Direct Auto offers a surprisingly robust collection of insurance promotions, such as good-student, good-driver, senior-citizen and welcome-back discounts. Esurance’s discounts are nothing to sneeze at, either. Your family may qualify for cost reductions like good-student, defensive-driver and good driver discounts. Esurance also offers more vehicle discounts than Direct Auto does.

Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.

Compare alternatives to Esurance and Direct Auto

Name Product Roadside assistance New car protection Accident forgiveness Safe driver discount Available states
Progressive
Progressive
Optional
30%
All 50 states
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
Get quotes
More Info
USAA
USAA
Optional
Yes
All 50 states
Affordable car insurance with highly rated customer service. Only available to military members and veterans and their family.
Get quotes
More Info
Allstate
Allstate
13%
All 50 states
Your dedicated agent can help you find the best savings with multiple discounts and rewards programs.
Get quotes
More Info
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
Optional
Yes
All 50 states
Enjoy low rates for mature drivers, plus freebies and AARP member perks like free replacement cost coverage. Only for drivers over age 50.
Get quotes
More Info
Root
Root
52%
Available in 30 states
Track your driving to receive a low rate that reflects your driving skills, and enjoy a fully app-based policy experience.
Get quotes
More Info
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual
Optional
30%
All 50 states
Earn free accident forgiveness after five years claims-free and customize your policy anytime online at the tap of a button.
Get quotes
More Info
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