Direct Auto Car Insurance Review [2024]

Direct Auto provides car insurance for high-risk drivers throughout the U.S. Rates with Direct Auto are higher than with other companies, so it's important to shop online and compare quotes.

UPDATED: Jun 18, 2024Fact Checked

D. Gilson, PhD

Professor & Published Author

D. Gilson is a writer and author of essays, poetry, and scholarship that explore the relationship between popular culture, literature, sexuality, and memoir. His latest book is Jesus Freak, with Will Stockton, part of Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 Series. His other books include I Will Say This Exactly One Time and Crush. His first chapbook, Catch & Release, won the 2012 Robin Becker Prize from S...

Professor & Published Author

Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Jun 18, 2024

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It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.

Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

UPDATED: Jun 18, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.

Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Jun 18, 2024Fact Checked
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Direct Auto Insurance Company

Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers

$134

A.M. Best Rating:

A+

Complaint Level:

Low

Pros

  • SR-22 form filing
  • Car and life insurance bundle options
  • Flexible payment options
  • Helpful for high-risk drivers
  • Discount options
  • Locations throughout the U.S.
  • Simple processes for receiving quotes and filing claims

Cons

  • A high number of customer complaints when compared to other companies
  • No add-on coverage options
  • A lack of timeliness in response to customer needs or concerns
  • Few ratings in industry studies
  • Limited availability
You may find it difficult to purchase car insurance coverage if you're a high-risk driver. Many companies refuse to offer coverage to high-risk or non-standard drivers because of the risk they carry for filing a claim. Fortunately, some car insurance companies are designed to provide minimum coverage car insurance that allows high-risk drivers to drive legally in their state. Direct Auto offers car insurance to high-risk drivers throughout the U.S. If you have a bad driving record, you may want to consider Direct Auto for your car insurance needs. The company offers SR-22 car insurance filings if you need one in your state, and you may be eligible for discounts to save money on coverage. Unfortunately, Direct Auto charges higher-than-average rates for car insurance, and you may be able to find more affordable rates with a different company. Still, people who have a hard time finding coverage may be happy to pay more for coverage with Direct Auto. Before you decide on your car insurance company, find and compare quotes from several companies to see which might work best for you. By comparing quotes, you can learn more about the coverage you know you need and find the best car insurance companies in your area.

Direct Auto offers high-risk car insurance coverage in 16 U.S. states. Direct Auto insurance rates may be more expensive than coverage with other companies, but if you have a DUI, accident, or traffic tickets on your record, Direct Auto may be a good option.

The company offers several options for car insurance discounts, but Direct Auto does not allow its policyholders many opportunities to customize their car insurance coverage through add-on options. 

Before you choose a car insurance company, compare your Direct Auto insurance quote with quotes from several companies. Doing so will help you determine which companies offer the car insurance coverage you’re looking for at a price that works with your budget. 

What You Should Know About Direct Auto Insurance

Direct Auto may be a good insurance option for people with infractions on their driving records, but certain aspects of the company are not desirable.

For example, the Direct Auto customer service department needs adjustments. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Direct Auto has a complaint index of 2.49, meaning it more than doubles the expected number of customer complaints for a company of its size. In addition, Direct Auto insurance reviews from customers suggest the company needs to be more timely and more effective with its customer service. 

Direct Auto also placed low on the J.D. Power evaluation of car insurance companies in the southeast. Direct Auto ranked 14th out of 18 companies in the study.

Fortunately, Direct Auto does boast an A+ (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best. In addition, Direct Auto has a stable outlook for future endeavors, which may make you feel more comfortable purchasing a policy with the company.

 

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Direct Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Direct Auto offers the standard auto insurance coverage options you would expect from any insurance company. These coverage options include:

  • Property damage liability. Property damage liability protects you if you’re in an accident and cause damage to another person’s car or other property.
  • Bodily injury liability. Bodily injury liability protects you if you’re in an accident and injure someone else.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP). PIP coverage helps with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with injuries from a covered accident.
  • Medical payments (MedPay). MedPay covers medical bills, doctor visits, and other medical necessities associated with a covered accident.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps if someone else hits your car but does not carry proper auto insurance. Direct Auto waives any deductible associated with this coverage.
  • Collision insurance. Collision coverage helps if you are at fault in an accident and your vehicle is damaged.
  • Comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance helps if your car is damaged by something other than an accident, like inclement weather, wild animals, or vandalism.

If you are looking for robust add-on options to help customize your policy, Direct Auto may be disappointing. The company only offers the following four options for add-on coverage:

  • Rental reimbursement. If you need to rent a car because yours is in a shop following a covered event, Direct Auto will reimburse you for the cost of renting a car up to a specific dollar amount.
  • Towing and labor. With this coverage, your vehicle will be towed if you’re ever stranded. You must carry a full coverage policy with collision and comprehensive insurance to purchase towing and labor.
  • Accidental death. If you die in a covered accident, Direct Auto will pay $5,000 to your beneficiaries.
  • Customizable payments. Direct Auto allows you to customize how you pay for your insurance.

Unfortunately, Direct Auto does not offer new car replacement, gap insurance, or rideshare coverage. However, Direct Auto may be a great option if you are looking for a simple car insurance policy that meets your state’s minimum coverage requirements.

Direct Auto Insurance Rates Breakdown

Car insurance rates fluctuate for several reasons. When you shop for car insurance, it’s important to find and compare quotes from multiple companies to see which offers the coverage you want at the lowest price. Insurance companies consider different factors when determining your car insurance rates. Some of the most important factors include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Location
  • Driving history
  • Credit score
  • Car make and model
  • Coverage type

Though all companies consider roughly the same factors, they vary in how they weigh these factors. For example, if you have bad credit, a company that pays less attention to your credit score and more attention to your driving record may offer you cheaper coverage.

Comparing car insurance quotes is important to ensure you aren’t overpaying for your coverage. Unfortunately, Direct Auto offers rates that are often higher than the national average and many other insurance companies in the industry.

How much is Direct Auto car insurance for teen drivers?

Teen drivers pay more for car insurance than any other demographic on average. Most insurance companies see teen and young adult drivers as a risk because they lack experience behind the wheel. So if you’re a teen driver, or if you have a teen driver living in your home, you can expect to pay more for car insurance. Here’s how to compare car insurance rates for teens:

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates for Teenage Drivers by Coverage Type

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
16-year-old male with a clean record$229.22$564.46
16-year-old female with a clean record$209.26539.16
18-year-old male with a clean record$196.48458.95
18-year-old female with a clean record$170.24$397.52

Compare RatesStart Now →

Auto insurance rates with Direct Auto are often higher than rates with other well-known companies. For example, Direct Auto car insurance is 35% higher than the national average for women and 27% higher for men. So if you purchase car insurance for your teenager through Direct Auto, you’ll pay more than you would for coverage with companies like USAA, Geico, and Allstate.

How much is Direct Auto car insurance for young adults?

You should get cheaper rates for car insurance coverage once you are 25 years old or older. Still, car insurance rates for young adults can fluctuate based on your gender, location, coverage, and more.

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates for Young Adults by Coverage Type

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
25-year-old male with a clean record$54.18$144.25
25-year-old female with a clean record$52.15$138.63

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Young adult women pay 5% more for car insurance coverage with Direct Auto, and young adult men pay 6% more compared to the national average. In addition, car insurance rates with Direct Auto are around $1,000 more annually than with some other popular insurance companies.

How much do adults pay for Direct Auto car insurance coverage?

In many cases, adults pay the least for car insurance. If you have a clean driving record and good credit, you may receive lower car insurance rates because you’re reliable and considered less of a risk to insure. Find out what a good credit discount is.

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates for Adult Drivers by Coverage Type

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
30-year-old male with a clean record$50.39$134.15
30-year-old female with a clean record$48.50$128.92
45-year-old male with a clean record$43.63$115.17
45-year-old female with a clean record$44.49$117.35
55-year-old male with a clean record$41.17$109.23
55-year-old female with a clean record$41.98$111.30

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Adult women pay around 5% more than the national average for car insurance with Direct Auto. Adult men pay nearly 7% more than the national average for coverage. Many insurance companies charge lower rates for coverage than Direct Auto. It’s a good idea to find and compare quotes from several insurance companies before buying a policy with Direct Auto. Doing so will help you learn which insurance company in your area offers the best rates.

Do seniors pay more for car insurance with Direct Auto?

Senior drivers may pay more for car insurance because some companies see them as more of a risk for filing a car insurance claim. If you are 65 or older, you may pay more for senior car insurance with Direct Auto because of your age, but this is true for many major auto insurance companies.

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates for Senior Drivers by Coverage Type

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
60-year-old male with a clean record$41.64$106.74
60-year-old female with a clean record$40.70$104.35
65-year-old male with a clean record$42.95$112.73
65-year-old female with a clean record$43.79$114.86

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Seniors might pay up to 9% more than the national average for car insurance with Direct Auto. Unfortunately, senior car insurance with Direct Auto costs around $600 more annually than car insurance coverage with Geico.

How much does Direct Auto charge for car insurance after a speeding ticket?

You can expect to pay higher rates for car insurance if you have one or more speeding tickets on your driving record. Speeding tickets can raise your rates significantly, as insurance companies assume you are more likely to file a car insurance claim due to reckless behavior.

If you have a speeding ticket on your driving record, Direct Auto charges nearly $500 more annually than the national average for car insurance. In many cases, Direct Auto charges over $1,000 more annually than State Farm for car insurance coverage. Learn how a speeding ticket affects your car insurance rates.

How much does Direct Auto cost after an accident?

You will pay more for insurance if you have an at-fault car accident on your driving record, sometimes a lot more. 

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Type with an Accident

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
45-year-old male with an accident$65.38$172.48
45-year-old female with an accident$66.80$176.13

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If you have one or more at-fault accidents on your record, you will pay nearly $1,200 more for coverage with Direct Auto than with State Farm. Rates with Direct Auto are around 28% higher than the national average if you have one or more accidents on your driving record. Find out how your car insurance will be affected by a single accident.

Fortunately, car accidents and other infractions will not remain on your driving record permanently. Remember to drive safely and avoid additional blemishes on your record so your car insurance rates can decrease and make your monthly or annual payments more affordable. Find out how long a car accident will stay on your insurance record

Is Direct Auto expensive with a DUI?

Car insurance companies take a DUI conviction very seriously. As a result, you may find that some car insurance companies will not offer you coverage at all if you have a DUI or DWI on your record. Fortunately, Direct Auto provides car insurance coverage even if you have a DUI.

Average Monthly Direct Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Type with a DUI

Driver's age and genderMinimum coverage ratesFull coverage rates
45-year-old male with a DUI$76.32$122.21
45-year-old female with a DUI$77.76$125.20

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When you buy Direct Auto car insurance coverage with a DUI on your record, you will pay around 2% more than the national average for car insurance. However, Direct Auto car insurance for someone with a DUI still costs around $950 more annually than it does with a company like State Farm. On the other hand, Direct Auto coverage costs less than coverage with companies like Geico, Nationwide, Allstate, and AAA. Find the best car insurance for drivers with a DUI.

Does poor credit affect Direct Auto car insurance costs?

Believe it or not, you may pay more for car insurance coverage if you have a bad credit score. Studies show a correlation between low credit and an increase in car insurance claims. Because of this, many insurance companies charge more for coverage if you have bad credit or no credit.

Car insurance rates with Direct Auto are around 7% higher than the national average. In addition, you will pay around $1,100 more annually for car insurance with Direct Auto than with Geico if you have bad credit. On the other hand, Direct Auto offers cheaper rates than Allstate, State Farm, and AAA. Find the best car insurance companies for drivers with bad credit.

How much is a liability-only policy with Direct Auto?

A liability-only car insurance policy is the cheapest option for car insurance. With minimum coverage car insurance, you’re protected with liability insurance if you cause damage to a vehicle or injure another person. However, minimum coverage will not offer protection or assistance if your vehicle is damaged in a car accident.

You’ll pay around 22% more for minimum coverage with Direct Auto than the national average. Minimum coverage with Direct Auto is also nearly $700 more per year than coverage with Geico. 

It’s important to learn the pros and cons of basic car insurance before you buy a liability-only policy. Minimum coverage may result in cheaper monthly rates, but you’ll be on the hook for more significant out-of-pocket expenses if you’re ever in an accident. Consider purchasing full coverage car insurance if possible, as it offers more protection.

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How much is full coverage with Direct Auto?

Full coverage car insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision protects your vehicle if you are at fault in an accident and your car is damaged. Comprehensive insurance helps if your car is damaged by inclement weather, wild animals, vandalism, or another incident outside of a car accident.

Full coverage with Direct Auto costs around 27% more than the national average. Additionally, full coverage rates with Geico cost $800 less per year than coverage with Direct Auto. However, Direct Auto charges less for full coverage than companies like Allstate and AAA.

Direct Auto Insurance Discounts Available

Direct Auto offers discount options to its policyholders. Some of the car insurance discounts Direct Auto offers include:

  • Military discount. Receive a discount if you are an active member of the U.S. military.
  • Safe driver discount. Receive a discount if you drive safely and avoid quick braking and distracted driving.
  • Good student discount. Receive a discount if you maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Senior citizen discount. Receive a discount if you are over 55 and have a clean driving record.
  • Multi-vehicle discount. Receive a discount if you insure more than one vehicle with Direct Auto.
  • Bundling discount. Receive a discount if you bundle more than one insurance policy with Direct Auto.
  • Policy renewal discount. Receive a discount when you renew your car insurance early with Direct Auto.
  • Homeowner discount. Receive a discount if you are a homeowner.
  • Affinity discount. Receive a discount for being a member of certain organizations.

Discounts with Direct Auto can help you save up to 25% on your car insurance costs. If you qualify for a discount, speak with a Direct Auto representative to see how much you could save on your monthly or annual rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a quote with Direct Auto?

You can get a Direct Auto insurance quote online or by calling the company and speaking with a Direct Auto representative.

What states offer Direct Auto car insurance?

You can buy Direct Auto car insurance in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

How do I file a Direct Auto insurance claim?

You can file Direct Auto insurance claims by calling the company’s customer service number. You will need to have specific information ready, like your policy number, license plate number, and information about the accident.

Does Direct Auto offer SR-22 coverage?

Direct Auto offers SR-22 filings for people who need them. However, you may need to pay a small fee for the company to file an SR-22 on your behalf.

How do I cancel my Direct Auto car insurance policy?

You can visit a local Direct Auto office, mail a handwritten statement, or fax a statement to 877-622-7338 to cancel your Direct Auto car insurance.

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D. Gilson, PhD

Professor & Published Author

D. Gilson is a writer and author of essays, poetry, and scholarship that explore the relationship between popular culture, literature, sexuality, and memoir. His latest book is Jesus Freak, with Will Stockton, part of Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 Series. His other books include I Will Say This Exactly One Time and Crush. His first chapbook, Catch & Release, won the 2012 Robin Becker Prize from S...

Professor & Published Author

Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

Reviews
for Direct Auto Insurance

4.28 (25 reviews)
5
March 20, 2023

Lilzoyzom

[REDACTED NAME] helped quickly and efficiently! Very knowledgeable!

[REDACTED NAME] [REDACTED NAME] at Direct auto insurance Normandy blvd, Jacksonville Florida helped me to find a quote that worked for me quickly and efficiently! She was knowledgeable, easy to understand, and very friendly! Made the experience so much better than any of the other calls I made! Was extremely grateful for her help!
1
October 2, 2020

midsouthman

Direct Insuance -Check for add ons

Went into the Direct Insurance office on Elvis Presley in Memphis TN. Was in need of insurance and just the basics due to the cost and funds. I explained that all I wanted was the required amount and nothing else. The woman gave me a price. I accepted. 2 weeks later I get a email policy and start reading it. I then find out I am paying $32 a month for road side assistance that I was clear about I did not want. I went to another company and bought...
Went into the Direct Insurance office on Elvis Presley in Memphis TN. Was in need of insurance and just the basics due to the cost and funds. I explained that all I wanted was the required amount and nothing else. The woman gave me a price. I accepted. 2 weeks later I get a email policy and start reading it. I then find out I am paying $32 a month for road side assistance that I was clear about I did not want. I went to another company and bought a policy and cancelled the Direct policy. Now they bill me for $160! Not ever going to happen. Referred it to state commissioner office.
4
April 30, 2020

Flytalkin

Get that auto insurance

It was a pretty unexpected experience if I had to give my honest opinion. They were very kind and understanding to my lack of understanding concerning automotive insurance. That being said I’d highly recommend them to anyone.
5
April 27, 2020

blee85

Direct Auto

I absolutely love this company. They work with you to make sure you get the coverage you need and want. Prices are low
5
February 3, 2020

staffco09

Best Ins rates around

Direct is a great ins company, their rates are very cheap and much cheaper then other company, If your struggling to find inse at a great price check out direct ins,
3
January 11, 2020

Biazzzzoo

cheapest in town

not bad really, I thought they did the best to help out. was the cheapest in town. I think they couldve had a better place of business
4
December 20, 2019

rawdawg42034

So easy to work with and give a lot of leeway

Well, this is my second time to have auto insurance with Direct, the first being several years ago, and I have to say they are so drastically improved from them to now, it's unreal. I personally went to their local branch to inquire about pricing for insurance. I liked what I heard and I signed the agreement that day. And they are so easy to work with, if you can't get to the office you can just go online and make your payment and have a receipt...
Well, this is my second time to have auto insurance with Direct, the first being several years ago, and I have to say they are so drastically improved from them to now, it's unreal. I personally went to their local branch to inquire about pricing for insurance. I liked what I heard and I signed the agreement that day. And they are so easy to work with, if you can't get to the office you can just go online and make your payment and have a receipt emailed to you. I think they're awesome
5
December 18, 2019

tr_pe

What a surprise!

For the past 2 years, the monthly premium went down. Needless to say, we were all pleasantly surprised. Thank you, Direct!
2
September 10, 2019

sally32012

Bad Experience

Very bad experience. They are not responsible for anything nor are they cheap. I had an issue for roadside assistance which I paid for but not performed once I needed it.
5
September 9, 2019

arnoldjess1121

Great

Great company,great prices. Coverage is perfect. Treats you like family. Truly in it for the protect of you and your car,not the money. They also extend payments to prevent a lapse in insurance which is great.
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