Esurance launches in Ontario with smart technology and financial savings for today's consumer

New data shows that almost half of Ontarians do not believe their insurance company wants to save them money

TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Esurance is expanding its online auto and home insurance to Ontario. Esurance uses advanced technology to offer an easy online experience and intuitive tools that help take the hassle out of insurance – something that's sure to appeal to digitally-minded Ontarians.

Esurance is here to help Ontarians understand their insurance options so they get the best value for their money. As Ontario residents continue to experience some of the highest home ownership and auto insurance costs in the country, a recent survey conducted by Leger found that almost half (45%) of Ontarians do not believe that their current insurance company wants to save them money and eight in ten (79%) would consider switching providers for one designed to save them money.

"We are absolutely thrilled to enter the Ontario market, because we know Ontarians are looking for an insurance company that will provide better value and an easy, effortless experience. Not only do we offer value in terms of dollars, we also help our customers save time by leveraging technology whenever we can," said Saskia Matheson, General Manager, Esurance Canada.

Insurance can be complicated. That's why Esurance simplifies the process starting with the initial quote, explaining in plain English how rates are calculated. This helps customers become well-informed and empowered to make smart decisions about their coverage. And the claims process is just as easy. Esurance responds fast using smart technology to help customers get back to normal as quickly and painlessly as possible.

"Our customers love that they have access to our services and their policy from anywhere, at their convenience.  What's more, through our intuitive online tools, consumers can see exactly what coverage is right for them and where they're saving money, bringing a new level of transparency to the insurance process," said Matheson.

Better value at an affordable price

The survey also found that almost one in four Ontarians (38%)  believe their insurance provider doesn't give them better value, and more than half (52%) would consider switching to one that offers value-add tools. Online policy management and easy billing are at the core of Esurance's value-add approach.

Esurance is changing insurance for the better, leveraging technology to reduce some of the costs that encumber traditional insurance companies, so customers receive quality coverage at an affordable rate, with more ways to save. For instance, the Esurance DIY Home Inspection app is the industry's first home inspection app tool that enables customers to self-inspect their homes for additional policy discounts.

In fact, there are more than 10 ways for Ontarians to easily reduce their home insurance costs with Esurance. For example, customers can bundle their home and auto insurance for additional savings, and new customers can take advantage of the "Welcome Home" discount when they switch to Esurance.

Drivers in Ontario can also benefit, with special rate savings for safe experienced drivers, including a good driver household discount.  At Esurance, the way drivers manage both their auto policy and their behaviour behind the wheel can qualify them for cash-saving discounts. And to help Ontarians make smart decisions about auto insurance, Esurance created Coverage Counsellor, a proprietary online tool that provides a customized car insurance estimate in minutes.

Though Esurance is one of the first companies to offer online auto and home insurance in Canada, knowledgeable experts are also available to review coverage options over the phone. As a member of the Allstate family, Esurance has the financial strength and reliability of one of the most trusted names in insurance.

Survey highlights and methodology

A survey of 1,000 Ontarians was completed online from July 10 – 13, 2017 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. Key findings include:

• Three quarters of Ontarians (76%) carry car insurance and more than half (54%) carry homeowner insurance
• More than half (52%) of Ontarians noted that if there was an insurance company that provided value-add tools such as online policy management and easy billing, they would consider switching from their current provider and eight in ten (79%) felt the same way about a company designed to save them money
• Almost half (47%) of Ontarians didn't agree that their insurance company wanted to save them money
• One in four (38%) people didn't feel that their insurance company wanted to give them better value
• Almost a quarter (22%) of Ontarians do not trust their insurance company to look out for their best interest

Esurance is an Allstate company, with homeowner and auto insurance available across the US, Alberta and Ontario. For more information, visit www.esurance.ca.

About Esurance®
Esurance provides homeowners and auto insurance direct to Canadian consumers in Ontario and Alberta and offers multiple insurance products in the U.S. including auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters. Esurance was a pioneer in offering insurance online in the U.S. in 1999. With an award-winning website and innovative tools, Esurance is the smart choice for tech-savvy consumers in Canada and the U.S. As a member of the Allstate family, Esurance is a reliable choice for insurance, offering anytime, anywhere service just a click, call, or tap away. For more information, visit www.esurance.ca or call 1-888-ESURANCE (1-888-378-7262).

SOURCE Esurance