Esurance and Nationwide are two well-known names in the auto insurance industry. Esurance was founded in 1999, and Nationwide was founded in 1925. Nationwide is fairly large and successful company, ranking as the #2 top auto insurer for 2016, and Esurance ranks as #10. Overall, Nationwide received high ratings across the board: its only criticism was its lack of a strong online platform.
On the other hand, Esurance has comparably strong financial strength and J.D. Power ratings, as well as good customer satisfaction reviews. However, its roadside assistance program is among the weakest.
So which one offers the kinds of discounts, services, and even customer ratings that best fit your car insurance wants and needs? Keep reading to find out.
Best If |
Esurance
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Nationwide
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Worst If |
Esurance
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Nationwide
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Esurance
There are a few discounts unique to Esurance that stand out. We’ll provide you with more information on these discounts below. Fast 5 DiscountThis discount gives you 5 percent off of your first-term premium for auto insurance. All you have to do to get this discount is start a quote online at esurance.com. Paid-in-Full DiscountThis discount saves you 10 percent off your premium if you pay the full amount instead of monthly payments. Switch & Save DiscountThis discount saves you up to 5 percent off your premium for the first two policy terms. You can get this discount when you switch to Esurance from your current insurer. Emergency Road Assistance DiscountYou can get this discount when you buy emergency road assistance from a different provider like AAA. It can can save you up to 5 percent on your premium. Pac-12 DiscountYou can get this discount if you attended or are an alum of a Pac-12 school. |
Nationwide
Paperless DocumentsNationwide has a unique discount that saves customers money and saves the company (and the planet) paper. Going paperless simply means sending all the bills, or documents you’d otherwise receive in the mail over to e-mail. It’s an easy way to save paper and keep better track of your important insurance documents. Read more about the Paperless Documents discount. |
Bundling Coverage Discounts | Esurance | Nationwide |
---|---|---|
Multi-Car | ||
Home and Car | ||
Car and Life | ||
Vehicle Type and Safety Features | Esurance | Nationwide |
Alternative Fuel | ||
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ||
Anti-Lock Brake | ||
Anti-Theft | ||
Passive Restraint | ||
New Car | ||
Economy Car | ||
Utility Vehicle | ||
Farm or Ranch Vehicle | ||
Driving Record and Insurance History | Esurance | Nationwide |
Accident Free/Good Driver | ||
Prior Insurance | ||
Long Term Policy Holder | ||
Defensive Driving Course | ||
Student, Professional, and Club Memberships | Esurance | Nationwide |
Affinity Group | ||
College Graduate | ||
Good Student | ||
Resident Student | ||
Organization or Club Membership | ||
Farm Bureau Member | ||
Military | ||
Special Circumstances | Esurance | Nationwide |
Telematics Device | ||
Low Mileage | ||
Short Commute | ||
Days Per Week Driven | ||
Other Discounts | Esurance | Nationwide |
Married | ||
Paid in Full | ||
Advance Renewal | ||
Electronic Funds Transfer | ||
Senior Driver | ||
55 and Retired |
Esurance Auto Insurance | Nationwide Auto Insurance | |
---|---|---|
2016 | 48 | 53 |
2015 | 67 | 112 |
2014 | 47 | 90 |
2013 | 43 | 134 |
Esurance Auto Insurance | Nationwide Auto Insurance | |
---|---|---|
Overall Purchase Experience | Average | Average |
Policy Offerings | Average | Average |
Pricing | Average | Average |
Local Agent | Average | Average |
Call Center Representative | -- | Average |
Insurer Website | Among the best | Average |
Esurance Auto Insurance | Nationwide Auto Insurance | |
---|---|---|
Overall Satisfaction | Below average | Above average |
First Notice of Loss | Below average | Above average |
Service Interaction | Below average | Above average |
Appraisal | Below average | Above average |
Repair Process | Below average | Above average |
Rental Car Experience | Below average | Average |
Settlement | Below average | Average |
Esurance Auto Insurance | Nationwide Auto Insurance | |
---|---|---|
A.M. Best | A+ | A+ |
Moody's | -- | A1 |
S&P's | -- | A+ |
Esurance
Esurance MobileThis app lets you take care of your insurance anytime and anywhere. View your insurance ID cards, file a claim, track claim status, and pay your premiums directly from your mobile device. Esurance Mobile makes managing your insurance fast, smart, and easy. Click here to download the app for iPhone or Android. |
Nationwide
Nationwide Mobile AppThis app allows you to:
Download the Nationwide Mobile App app. Nationwide Mobile Banking AppThis app can be downloaded to your web browser or your mobile phone. The app grants you access to your Nationwide bank accounts. It also lets you stay on top of your insurance related finances. You can deposit checks or pay insurance bills at home or by phone. Click here for more information and to download the Mobile Banking App. |
Esurance
Esurance Emergency Road Service coverageEsurance offers free roadside assistance 24/7. The company pays up to $75 per incident toward:
Roadside assistance is free if you select comprehensive and collision coverage for a vehicle on your insurance policy. Emergency Road Service offers free rescue tracking. It uses your smartphone to give the service provider your exact location. It will also give you updates on their ETA. Emergency Road Service is only eligible for Esurance covered vehicles. Roadside Assistance Phone: 1 (888) 374-6472 |
Nationwide
Nationwide Roadside AssistanceNationwide Roadside Assistance offers two levels of coverage that apply to everyone on your policy. It doesn't matter who's car you might be in. Nationwide Roadside Assistance BasicServices covered:
Nationwide Roadside Assistance PlusCovers all the services of the basic plan plus:
Contact Phone NumberCall 1 (800) 421-3535. Visit Nationwide's roadside service website here. This service can help if you need a: locksmith, jumpstart, tire fixed, tow, or gas delivered. |