Let’s compare two well-known affordable insurance companies. In this article of Esurance vs Progressive we’ll take a look at pricing, J.D. Power rankings, BBB grade, insurance discounts, and more.
History about both insurance companies.
Esurance is an American insurance company that that was founded on April 22, 1998. In May 2011, Allstate acquired Esurance and rate-comparison site Answer Financial for approximately $1 billion.
The Progressive Corporation was founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green. Today, the Progressive Corporation is one of the top five largest providers of auto insurance in the U.S.
Car insurance rates comparison
Both insurance companies are known for offering cheap insurance quotes and a plethora of insurance discounts. ValuePenguin did a California car insurance study to find out which company offered the cheapest insurance rates. All the drivers in the study operated a 2012 Toyota Camry. Single males and women of all ages were able to receive cheaper rates with Progressive than with Esurance.
Always remember that rates are never fixed. Rates are dependent on various factors such as marital status, where you live, the make and model of your car, prior insurance history, how the car is used, and more. It is essential to get a quote to get the cheapest insurance prices.
Auto insurance claims study
Progressive and Esurance are almost identical in claims satisfaction. In the J.D. Power insurance claim study both companies are neck and neck. In fact, there is only 1 point differentiating the two in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction index rating. Progressive and Esurance tie in every category except for two. The two categories that they do not tie in are rental process and rental experience. In both of these categories Progressive does slightly better than Esurance.
Better Business Bureau awarded Progressive with an A+ rating while Esurance received a “B-” rating. BBB ratings are based on how the business is likely to interact with its customers. Factors that BBB takes into consideration are complaint volume, unresolved complaints, unanswered complaints, type of business, time in business, transparent business practices, competency licensing, and more.
Financial strength
Although Esurance was given an A- from A.M. Best in previous years, Esurance has since been boosted up to an A+ (Superior) rating. This A.M. Best rating gives us positive implications on how well Esurance is able to handle and pay insurance claims.
Progressive also received an A+ from A.M. Best. Progressive even received an AA from both Fitch and S&P.
Far too often people purchase from insurance companies with a poor financial strength rating, then something happens and their insurance provider makes a fuss about paying their claims. Always makes sure that the company that you insure with has the financial means to pay your claims.
Features and discounts
Progressive auto insurance discounts
Snapshot – Average Progressive drivers are able to save $130 with Snapshot. You will also receive a discount for signing up. With Snapshot the amount that you pay is based on how much you drive and also how well you drive.
Bundling auto and home insurance – With Progressive you are able to save 5% when you bundle your insurance policies.
Pay in full – This insurance discount varies per person. All that you have to do to qualify for this discount is pay your entire six-month policy up front.
Good student – Students 22 years or younger can save you 5% on auto insurance. You will qualify for this discount if your child receives straight B’s or better.
Starting a quote online – Drivers can save 7% on average with this discount.
Homeowner discount – Are you a homeowner? With Progressive you will be able to receive this discount if you own a home, condo, or mobile home. The awesome thing about this discount is that your home does not have to be insured by Progressive to qualify.
Esurance auto insurance discounts
Fast 5 – With this discount you are able to save 5% off your first term premium. Similar to Progressive all that you have to do is start an insurance quote online.
Switch & Save – If you switch to Esurance from another insurance company you are able to save 5%. Before switching to Esurance make sure that you are insured. This discount is only available for your first two terms.
Claim-Free – If you have been claim free for the last 5 years you might be eligible for Esurance’s claim-free discount. Depending on where you live you will be able to save 10% – 25% on your insurance premium.
Pac-12 discount – Do you currently attend or are you an alum of a Pac-12 school? If so, you can save up to 15% with Esurance if you attended one of their listed Pac-12 schools.
Multi-Policy discount – Bundling Esurance policies can help you to save on your insurance.
Emergency Road Assistance – You can save up to 5% on your premium by buying emergency road assistance from a provider other than Esurance such as AAA.
Roadside assistant
Esurance emergency roadside assistant covers various things such as:
- Towing assistance
- Flat tire changes
- Gas, oil, and water delivery
- Battery service (jump-start)
- Lockout service
Progressive roadside assistant covers more than Esurance.
- Towing – Receive towing within a 15-mile radius.
- Winching Service
- Battery Jump-Start
- Fuel Delivery
- Locksmith Service – If you ever lock your keys in your car and you’re too embarrassed to call your spouse for help, no problem just contact roadside assistance.
- Flat Tire Change
- On Scene Labor
App comparison
The Progressive app, was first released in 2010. With the Progressive app you are able to view coverages, find a service center, report a claim, take and add your own photos, obtain roadside assistance, and more.
The Esurance app is not as appealing as the Progressive app, but there are many features that you will enjoy having. Here a few things that this app can help you with. The Esurance app can help you to find a place to park, track gas stations, get roadside assistance, see and send photos of your repairs, file claims, check coverage, and more.
Availability
Progressive is one of the largest insurance companies so it comes to no surprise that it is available in all 50 states. Esurance is available in only 43 states.
Which insurance company is better?
I believe Progressive is slightly better than Esurance. Progressive handles customer claims better, they are available in more states, they offer more insurance features, and they handle customer complaints better. I encourage you to check insurance rates today to see which one gives you lower insurance rates.