Esurance vs. Direct Auto
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.
- CoverageMyWay® customized coverage
- 24/7 claims service
- Convenient mobile app
Our top pick: Esurance
Esurance offers a modern online and mobile experience that helps you take your insurance on the go. Available in 42 states.
- First-rate site with quotes in minutes
- Competitive pricing
- A+ BBB rating
 Direct Auto |
 Esurance |
|
|---|---|---|
| About the provider | Founded in 1991, Direct Auto Insurance offers low-cost insurance policies to “nonstandard” drivers — also known as high-risk drivers — who might have a hard time finding coverage elsewhere. But beware, the company gets very poor reviews and only services 13 states. | Esurance, the online insurance company, is making its name known in the car insurance world, offering affordable coverage for just about any of your vehicles. It takes pride in a hassle-free experience, and customers respect its low rates and excellent customer service. |
| Price | Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Direct Auto for a quote based on your specific needs. | Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Esurance for a quote based on your specific needs. |
| States served | 13 | 43 states |
| User satisfaction* | F | A+ |
| J.D. Power ratings** | N/A | 3/5 on overall claims satisfaction |
| Driver discounts | View driver discounts | View driver discounts |
| Vehicle discounts | View vehicle discounts | View vehicle discounts |
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* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating
** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Driver discounts
Vehicle discounts
Direct Auto |
Esurance |
|
|---|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | N/A | 5-25% |
| Anti-lock brake | N/A | 5% |
| Passive restraints | N/A | 2-33% |
| Air bag | N/A | |
| Other discounts | New vehicle discount | |
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.