What’s Better for Auto Insurance – GEICO or Esurance?
Last Updated on December 21, 2025
GEICO and Esurance were once two of the biggest “buy-it-online” names in car insurance. But the comparison looks very different today: GEICO is still actively selling new policies nationwide, while Esurance has largely stopped offering new auto insurance for most shoppers and typically redirects people to Allstate or another Allstate-owned company.
So what’s better for auto insurance—GEICO or Esurance? For most people shopping for a new policy, the real answer is: GEICO is the more practical option because it’s still actively writing new business. If you’re an existing Esurance customer, the better question becomes whether to stay put through renewal/transition or shop around for a better fit.
Key Takeaways
- For most new shoppers, GEICO is the more practical option because Esurance often isn’t issuing new auto policies and may redirect you to Allstate or an affiliate.
- If you already have Esurance, you can often keep managing your policy online, but it’s smart to compare renewal/transition pricing to other active carriers.
- GEICO tends to stand out for broad availability, strong digital tools, and competitive add-ons like roadside assistance and telematics options.
- The “best” choice depends on your state, driving history, and coverage needs—so compare at least 3 quotes with identical limits and deductibles.
- Quick answer: Which is better—GEICO or Esurance?
- Is Esurance still selling auto insurance?
- GEICO vs. Esurance comparison (what matters most)
- Where GEICO tends to win
- Where Esurance used to win (and what that means now)
- What about rideshare insurance?
- How to decide in 10 minutes (simple checklist)
- FAQs on GEICO vs. Esurance Auto Insurance
- Final verdict: GEICO vs. Esurance
Quick answer: Which is better—GEICO or Esurance?
- Buying a new policy? GEICO is usually the better choice simply because Esurance often isn’t issuing new auto policies for most shoppers.
- Already have Esurance? You may be serviced through Esurance/Allstate during renewal or moved to another Allstate company—so it’s a good time to compare prices and coverage elsewhere.
- Want the best deal overall? Get at least 3 quotes and compare the same limits/deductibles (start here: the 25 best auto insurance companies in America).
Is Esurance still selling auto insurance?
In most cases, Esurance is no longer a true “head-to-head” competitor for new auto policies. Many shoppers who try to buy a new policy are redirected to Allstate or an affiliate, and Esurance is best thought of as a legacy brand for existing customers rather than a go-to place to start a fresh policy.
If you’re an existing Esurance customer, you can usually still manage your account online and through the app. But if you’re shopping from scratch, you’ll want to compare GEICO with other active carriers instead of assuming Esurance is a full alternative.
GEICO vs. Esurance comparison (what matters most)
| Category | GEICO | Esurance |
|---|---|---|
| New policy availability | Actively selling in most states | Often not issuing new auto policies for most shoppers; many are redirected |
| Best for | Price-focused drivers who want strong digital tools and broad availability | Existing policyholders who want to keep managing a legacy policy online |
| Discount potential | Strong discount menu for many drivers (varies by state and profile) | Varies; some programs/discounts may be limited as the brand transitions |
| Telematics / driver tracking | DriveEasy available in many states; can lower (or raise) rates based on driving data | Historically known for tech tools; current availability depends on your policy and state |
| Roadside assistance | Often considered a strong add-on option (towing, lockout help, etc.) | Historically more limited reimbursement-style roadside options on many policies |
Where GEICO tends to win
1) Shopping and availability: GEICO is still one of the easiest carriers to quote online and buy quickly. If you want to buy auto insurance online without a lot of phone calls, GEICO is built for that experience.
2) Strong add-ons for everyday driving: GEICO is often a solid pick if you care about extras like roadside help (especially if you want more than a tiny reimbursement cap). If roadside coverage matters to you, compare GEICO’s roadside assistance with Esurance’s roadside assistance before you decide.
3) Telematics options: If you’re a safe driver and don’t mind app-based tracking, telematics can help you save. Here’s the bigger picture on how telematics can reduce auto insurance costs.
Where Esurance used to win (and what that means now)
Esurance built its name on an easy online experience, a clean app, and features designed for people who prefer self-service. If you already have an Esurance policy, you may still be able to manage your account online and handle claims digitally.
But because Esurance isn’t a consistent option for new auto policies anymore, most shoppers today should treat Esurance as a “current customer” situation, not a top destination for new coverage.
What about rideshare insurance?
If you drive for Uber or Lyft, don’t pick a carrier based on brand familiarity—pick based on whether a rideshare endorsement is available in your state and what it covers. Start with this guide to the best auto insurance companies for Uber and Lyft drivers, then confirm the endorsement details on your quote.
How to decide in 10 minutes (simple checklist)
- Confirm Esurance availability: If Esurance won’t issue a new policy for you, your decision is basically made—shop GEICO and other active carriers.
- Match coverage apples-to-apples: Same liability limits, same deductibles, same add-ons (rental, roadside, etc.).
- Compare price + “pain points”: If you care about roadside help, check towing/lockout limits (see: does car insurance cover towing?).
- Shop at least 3 quotes: Use this list of the cheapest auto insurance companies as your starting lineup, then choose the best mix of price, coverage, and service.
FAQs on GEICO vs. Esurance Auto Insurance
Final verdict: GEICO vs. Esurance
For most drivers shopping today, GEICO is the more straightforward and available choice. Esurance is best viewed as a legacy option for existing customers rather than a true “new policy” competitor. If you’re currently with Esurance, this is a great moment to compare renewal/transition pricing to GEICO and other major insurers—because switching can be surprisingly easy when you compare the same coverage side-by-side.
