esurance drivesense review: Insights from an Independent Insurance Agent
Hey there! Blake from Blake Insurance Group here. I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about Esurance’s DriveSense program, and I thought it might be helpful to share my thoughts. As an independent agent, I’ve seen plenty of these usage-based insurance programs come and go, but DriveSense has been catching some attention.
Now, I’m not here to sell you on Esurance or DriveSense specifically – my job is to help you find the best coverage for your unique situation, regardless of the company. But I know many of you are curious about how these programs work and whether they’re worth trying out. So, I’ve put together a little review based on my experience and feedback from clients who’ve given it a shot.
Let’s explore DriveSense, how it might affect your premiums, and some pros and cons to consider. Remember, insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, so what works great for one person might not be the best fit for another. That’s why I’m always here to chat if you want to explore your options further. Alright, let’s get into it!
**Important Note**: As of March 2023, Esurance stopped selling new policies, redirecting customers to Allstate. Existing customers can still use DriveSense.
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How to Get Started with DriveSense
To get started with Esurance’s DriveSense program, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Sign Up
– **Start Your Quote**: If you are an existing Esurance customer, you can enroll in DriveSense directly through your account. New customers can start by obtaining a quote on the Esurance website, where you will be automatically enrolled in the DriveSense program.
Step 2: Download the App
Install the DriveSense App: After signing up, download the DriveSense app from the App Store or Google Play. Do this promptly to ensure you receive your initial discount.
Step 3: Set Up Your Account
– **Create an Account**: Open the app and follow the prompts to create your account. You must accept the terms and conditions and provide any necessary information.
Step 4: Start Tracking Your Driving
Log Your Trips: The app automatically detects when you are driving, so you don’t need to open it each time. However, to maintain eligibility for discounts, ensure that you log at least 50 qualifying trips during your policy term.
Step 5: Monitor Your Driving Behavior
Check Your Driving Score: Use the app to view your driving habits, including speed, hard braking, and trip times. The app provides feedback and tips to help improve your driving safety.
Important Considerations
– **Initial Discount**: You will receive a one-time discount for signing up. Subsequent discounts will be based on your driving behavior as tracked by the app.
Data Privacy: The app collects data about your driving habits. Esurance uses this data to calculate your “driving wellness” score, which affects your discount.
– **Support**: If you encounter any issues with the app or have questions about your enrollment, you can contact Esurance customer support for assistance.
Key Features of DriveSense
Automatic Trip Tracking
– The app automatically detects when you’re driving without requiring manual activation
– Tracks trips that are at least 1 mile long, 5 minutes in duration, and reach speeds of 20 mph or higher
Driving Behavior Monitoring
DriveSense tracks three primary driving factors:
**Speed**
– Penalizes driving at 80 miles per hour or higher
– Monitors overall speed patterns
**Hard Braking**
– Tracks instances of sudden or extreme braking
– Considers both hard and extreme braking events
**Time of Day**
– Identifies high-risk driving hours
– Penalizes driving during these potentially dangerous periods
Unique App Capabilities
– **Trip Deletion**: Allows users to remove specific trips that might negatively impact their score
– **Standby Mode**: Option to pause tracking when not driving
– **Weekly Recaps**: Provides driving performance summaries
Privacy and Control
– Uses third-party data tracking through Arity
– Provides transparency about data collection
– Allows users to opt out at any time
Technical Specifications
– Compatible with iOS 10+ and Android 6.0+
– Runs in the background of a smartphone
– GPS-based tracking
– Available in over 30 states
Potential Savings with Esurance DriveSense
Initial Sign-Up Discount
When enrolling in the DriveSense program, you automatically receive a **5% discount** just for signing up. This initial discount is applied to your first policy term, providing an immediate benefit.
| Driving Performance | Potential Discount Range |
|---|---|
| Safe Drivers | 5% - 35% |
| Risky Drivers | Potentially no additional discount |
Key Factors Affecting Your Discount
Your discount is calculated based on:
– Speed (avoiding speeds over 80 mph)
– Hard braking frequency
– Time of day you drive (avoiding late-night driving)
Important Considerations
– You must log **at least 50 trips** per policy term
– Discounts are recalculated each policy term
– Multiple drivers on the policy can increase overall savings
– The app allows you to delete trips that might negatively impact your score
**Pro Tip**: The more safely you drive, the more you can potentially save. DriveSense tracks fewer factors than other usage-based programs, making it easier to maintain a good driving score.
Pros and Cons of Esurance DriveSense
Pros
**Savings and Discounts**
– Initial 5% discount just for signing up
– Potential for additional discounts based on safe driving
– Ability to earn personalized discounts each policy term
**Flexible Features**
– Option to delete trips that might negatively impact your score
– Standby mode for when you’re not driving
– Less strict tracking compared to other telematics programs
– Tracks fewer factors than competitors
**User-Friendly**
– Automatic trip detection
– Weekly driving recaps
– Real-time feedback on driving habits
– Available in 35 states
Cons
**Performance Limitations**
– App glitches and inaccurate trip recordings
– Potential for no discount if driving is deemed unsafe
– Requires logging 50 trips per policy term
– Discount recalculated each term
**Privacy and Technical Concerns**
– Requires constant GPS tracking
– Data collected and potentially shared with third parties
– May drain smartphone battery
– Potential high data usage
**Availability and Restrictions**
– Only available in 35 states
– Requires a smartphone with a specific operating system
– Must keep the app installed to maintain the discount
| Feature | Esurance DriveSense | Progressive Snapshot | Allstate Drivewise | State Farm Drive Safe & Save | Geico DriveEasy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial discount | 5% for signing up | $25 sign-up bonus | Up to 10% for signing up | Up to 10% for signing up | Varies |
| Maximum potential discount | Up to 35% | Average of $130 per 6-month policy | Up to 40% | Up to 30% | Up to 25% |
| Factors tracked | Speed, hard braking, time of day | Speed, hard braking, mileage, time of day, phone use | Speed, hard braking, time of day | Acceleration, braking, cornering, speed, distraction | Speed, hard braking, distraction, time of day |
| Trip deletion option | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Minimum trips required | 50 per policy term | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| Potential for rate increase | No | Yes | Yes (except in NY) | No | Yes |
| Availability | 35 states | Most states | All states except NY | All states | 37 states and DC |
| Data collection method | Smartphone app | App or plug-in device | Smartphone app | Smartphone app or OnStar | Smartphone app |
| Program duration | Ongoing | 6-month policy period | Ongoing | Ongoing | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Esurance DriveSense is a usage-based discount program that helps safe drivers save money on car insurance by tracking driving behaviors like speeding and late-night driving using an app.
No, you don't have to sign up for DriveSense if you're an Esurance customer. However, it could save you money if you avoid risky driving behavior.
DriveSense tracks speed, hard braking, and the time of day you drive to determine your discount.
You receive an initial discount just for signing up, and your ongoing discount is based on your driving wellness rating after logging at least 50 trips.
Yes, you can delete trips that may negatively affect your driving wellness rating, as long as you still log at least 50 qualifying trips during your policy term.
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed