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Direct Auto Insurance review 2025

Updated Apr 15, 2025
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At a glance

Bankrate's take

Policyholders who have trouble finding a company that will offer them a policy due to driving activity, insurance history or credit tier might consider Direct Auto Insurance as their company of choice. Direct Auto has a long list of discount options compared to many other high-risk carriers.

  • Direct Auto is part of the reputable Allstate family, signaling strong backing and industry expertise.
  • Caters to high-risk drivers with tailored car insurance options, as well as providing life insurance solutions.
  • There have been notable instances of customer complaints, reflecting concerns about the company’s service quality.
  • Its term life insurance policies offer a maximum coverage limit of $25,000, which may not meet the needs of all customers.

Direct Auto Insurance car insurance review

Direct Auto car insurance may be an option for drivers who do not qualify for standard car insurance due to their driving record, insurance history or another car insurance rating factor. Compared to other carriers, Direct Auto’s coverage options are pretty basic. However, you may be able to purchase optional accidental death coverage, which would pay $5,000 to your spouse or other beneficiary if you passed away due to a covered accident while in your car.

Pros and cons of Direct Auto car insurance

It’s essential to look at the big picture when you’re requesting car insurance quotes, and an easy way to do so is by considering a company’s pros and cons.

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • Specializes in non-standard auto policies
  • Flexible payment plans and due dates
  • Long list of discounts could help you save
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • Mobile app is not highly rated
  • Coverage not available nationwide
  • High number of customer complaints with the NAIC
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Direct Auto car insurance cost

According to Bankrate's research, Direct Auto policies average $3,928 per year for full coverage and $1,038 per year for minimum coverage.

For comparison, the national average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is approximately $2,685 per year for full coverage, while minimum coverage averages around $800 annually. Direct Auto specializes in policies for high-risk drivers, which is one explanation for its rates running significantly higher than average.

How much is Direct Auto car insurance?

The cost of car insurance can vary substantially based on individual circumstances, including factors like driving record, credit history, vehicle type, ZIP code and coverage selections, among other things. 

Good driver, good credit
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$3,928
National full coverage premium
$2,685
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$4,327
National full coverage premium
$4,712
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$4,425
National full coverage premium
$3,293
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$5,370
National full coverage premium
$3,884
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$4,909
National full coverage premium
$5,225
*All rates displayed are average annual rates.

Direct Auto car insurance quotes by age

Teen drivers typically pay more for auto coverage due to their inexperience on the road; as drivers age, rates typically go down. Teen driver rates below reflect the cost of a policy for a married couple who adds a teenage driver to their policy. Keep in mind that Direct Auto caters to high-risk drivers with marks on their records, hence its elevated average premiums compared to the nationwide averages. 

Direct Auto full coverage premium
$8,970
National full coverage premium
$5,768
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$8,134
National full coverage premium
$4,968
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$8,629
National full coverage premium
$5,464
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$5,296
National full coverage premium
$3,320
Direct Auto full coverage premium
$4,517
National full coverage premium
$2,877
*All rates displayed are average annual rates. Rates are based on our good driver profile, with 16- and 18-year-old drivers added to their parents’ policy.

Compare Direct Auto car insurance rates

Every auto insurance company calculates the cost of car insurance differently, which means that each carrier has different average rates. The best way to determine which insurer can offer you the coverage you need for the cheapest premium is to gather quotes from several insurers to compare.

$3,928
$1,038
$2,910
$943
$2,347
$733
$2,165
$574
$3,303
$942
*All rates displayed are average annual rates.
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Direct Auto life insurance review

Direct Auto Insurance life insurance is not as robust as some of its competitors, but it could be a good choice for shoppers looking for a term life policy with no medical exam. Direct Auto’s term life coverage ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, and once approved, the company provides a two-year renewal guarantee with no change in rate.

People who need a whole life policy will need to look elsewhere, as Direct Auto only offers term life. However, the company advertises cheap rates and an easy application process with little wait time between application and approval.

Pros and cons of Direct Auto life insurance

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a life insurance policy. This list of pros and cons may help you make an educated decision:

Green circle with a checkmark inside

Pros

  • No medical exam
  • May earn a discount that could save up to five percent on your Direct Auto policy when term life is purchased
  • Inexpensive premiums are advertised
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • No online quotes
  • Only term life is available
  • No riders

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See which provider is right for you.

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Compare Direct Auto with other insurers

If after studying this Direct Auto Insurance insurance review, you’re still not sure if this company is right for you, you may want to consider these alternatives.

Direct Auto Insurance vs. Bristol West

Bristol West is a member of the Farmers Insurance Group and could be ideal for high-risk drivers, as it specializes in non-standard car insurance. The company also offers an online portal and mobile app accessibility. However, unlike Direct Auto, it does not offer life insurance.

Learn more: Bristol West Insurance review

Direct Auto Insurance vs. Encompass

Backed by Allstate, Encompass sells auto insurance through local independent agents and provides a wide range of coverage options and discounts to help build the right policy for your needs. This company does not sell life insurance, but it does offer homeowners insurance, whereas Direct Auto does not.

Learn more: Encompass Insurance review

Direct Auto Insurance vs. Geico

Tech-savvy drivers who prefer to manage their policy via mobile app or online customer portal may consider Geico, as its digital tools are highly rated. Geico also offers a long list of car insurance discounts to help make premiums affordable. It also sells term, whole and universal life insurance through partnerships with other companies.

Learn more: Geico insurance review

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Why you can trust Bankrate

The insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers the information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for a policy.

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years of industry experience

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licensed staff

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

120

carriers reviewed

Is Direct Auto Insurance a good insurance company?

Since it offers non-standard auto insurance, drivers with less-than-ideal driving records or credit history may find it worth their time to request a quote with Direct Auto. Direct Auto Insurance life insurance could also be an excellent choice for shoppers who want quick approval for a low-cost basic term life policy with no medical exam. However, Direct Auto’s customer service might be lacking when measured by complaints lodged with the NAIC. If you prioritize customer service, then you may want to do further research before finalizing your policy.

What are real-life customers saying about Direct Auto Insurance?

To gain a comprehensive perspective on Direct Auto's customer experience, we explored feedback from real users. Insights were drawn from Reddit and Trustpilot. These platforms provide a nuanced view of Direct Auto, highlighting aspects like customer service and claims handling.

Reddit

Reddit users have shared mixed experiences with Direct Auto, specifically when it came to pricing.

Reddit user 1*
Jun 24, 2024
Direct Auto was cheaper than most other insurers
Surprisingly, when I shopped around Direct Auto was cheaper than most other insurers for the same coverage, however, Progressive beat them by $25 a month so I went with Progressive.
Reddit user 2*
Jul 9, 2024
Direct Auto wanted a ridiculous amount more for their premium
I just want to say that I had the same issue that everyone else is having. Direct Auto wanted a ridiculous amount more for their premium than what I was paying with esurance. My quote was I believe a 125% to 150% increase. I initially accepted not having properly read the full premium information. Once I realized about the increase, I called Direct Auto to see if they could do anything to reduce my premium, but they could not. I immediately shopped around and landed on Geico because they offered me a premium that was actually about 5% to 10% LOWER than my esurance premium was. I then canceled the Direct Auto policy.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot reviews are also mixed. One account criticizes unexpected price increases, while another mentions good customer service.

Trustpilot user 1*
Sep 25, 2024
A frustrating experience
I had a very disappointing experience with Direct Auto Insurance. Initially, they provided me with a reasonable quote, but within two weeks of making the payment, my premium was doubled without any notice or explanation. This sudden increase in costs was both shocking and frustrating… This was by far the worst insurance experience I’ve ever had. The lack of transparency, unjustified price increases, and hidden fees made it a terrible choice. I would not recommend Direct Auto Insurance to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy coverage.
Trustpilot user 2*
Dec 13, 2024
Thank you to my agent
I will say that I have had a few mishaps with this insurance company. Being I never requested to be taken off of Autopay and I was so that made me late for my payment in November. Once I was able to get that fixed I shortly later on received a letter stating that my insurance was going up a little over $100 the letter never indicated as to why, so I called. They then tell me it's because my car was switched to another vehicle which I never did. However, with all the mishaps that I have had with this company every situation has been resolved especially this last one. the lady who helped me with this issue was Gace. She was more then, helpful and very friendly. every question i asked she found an answer for me. I do want to give a big thanks to her and the staff for resolving this issue.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Direct Auto Insurance company details

For those interested in Direct Auto Insurance or current policyholders seeking assistance, here are the essential contact details:

State availability

Direct Auto Insurance offers auto insurance policies in 16 states. You can apply for a policy in AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, LA, MI, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX and VA.

Direct Auto tools and benefits

In addition to personal auto and term life insurance, Direct Auto offers a few more perks and policy types that could meet your needs:

  • Mobile app: Although it isn’t highly rated, Direct Auto offers a mobile app that policyholders can use to make payments and manage their policies. Not all smaller carriers include this feature.
  • Motorcycle insurance: A personal auto insurance policy will not cover a motorcycle, as this is considered a different type of vehicle. If you own a motorcycle, you will need to purchase a separate motorcycle insurance policy.
  • Commercial auto insurance: When you use a vehicle for business, it will often need specialized coverage. Direct Auto offers commercial auto insurance for individual cars and fleets, including up to 20 vehicles.
  • Renters insurance: Renters may not need to insure the structure of the home they live in, but a renters insurance policy could provide coverage for their belongings and liability.
  • Accident medical expense insurance: Direct Auto’s accident medical expense insurance can help with out-of-pocket expenses that your health insurance may leave after an accident or injury. Unlike medical expense coverage on an auto policy, this coverage can apply to many accidents, even those that don’t involve a vehicle.
  • Mexico car insurance: Direct Auto offers international coverage through its affiliate MXGA Inc. Many standard auto policies don’t provide coverage outside the United States or its territories. Tourists traveling to Mexico may find peace of mind by purchasing a Mexico auto policy through Direct Auto that keeps them protected when they travel across the border.
  • Emergency protection plan: This optional add-on can help cover accident-related expenses such as ambulance reimbursement, cash for hospital stays and reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles.

Frequently asked questions about Direct Auto

Methodology

Rates

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and full coverage limits with bundling and paperless billing discounts applied: 

User Icon
40 year old
Single male and female driver
Logo for Brand name
2023 Toyota Camry
Primary vehicle
Credit Good Icon
Good credit score
Auto Insurance Guide Icon
Clean driving record
Briefcase Icon
Commutes 5 days

Bodily injury liability

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Property damage liability

$50,000 per accident

Personal injury protection

$100,000 per accident

Uninsured motorist bodily injury

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Collision deductible

$500

Comprehensive deductible

$500

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.

If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:

Other profiles

Written by
Ashlyn Brooks
Writer II, Insurance
Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
Edited by Editor, Insurance