Auto Insurance Comparison
Root vs Esurance
Side-by-side comparison of Root vs Esurance auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Root comes out clearly ahead Esurance in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Root | Esurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.00 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Root is a digital-native carrier built around a test-drive model — you install the app, drive for ~3 weeks, and Root prices your policy based on actual driving behavior | Esurance was a digital-first Allstate subsidiary that operated from 1999 to 2020 |
| Read full review | Root review → | Esurance review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Root | Esurance |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.50 | 3.00 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.50 | 3.00 |
| Affordability | 3.80 | 3.00 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Root
Full review →Pros
- Low-mileage drivers
- Drivers who do everything to keep themselves safe on the road
- Prospective customers want to save on renters and vehicle insurance.
Cons
- high-risk drivers in the high-risk categories.
- Insurance agents who prioritize work
- drivers who seek a comprehensive insurance plan
Esurance
Full review →Pros
- Strong digital-first user experience during its operating years
- Solid financial backing as an Allstate subsidiary
- Pioneered online auto insurance quoting
Cons
- No longer writing new policies — the brand was retired in 2020
- Existing policies transitioned to Allstate administration
- If you're shopping for new coverage today, Esurance is not an active option
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Root
Esurance
The bottom line
Root
Root is worth trying if you're a genuinely safe driver who's comfortable with a 3-week test and digital-only service. If you need immediate coverage or prefer human agents, look elsewhere.
Read the full Root reviewEsurance
Esurance is no longer an active carrier. If you're shopping today, see our Allstate review — that's where the Esurance book now lives.
Read the full Esurance reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.