Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Do only people with bad driving records qualify for Direct Auto?

I’ve got a clean record and a decent car, but Direct Auto shows up as an option. I’ve heard they focus on high-risk drivers. Can anybody get it?

Nov 26, 2025 Tampa, FL

Answer
Author profile picture
Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Direct Auto is known for helping high-risk or nonstandard drivers (people with accidents, lapses, or SR-22 filings). That’s their main market, but they’ll also insure good drivers; it’s just that the pricing and perks aren’t always as competitive for low-risk customers.

Here’s a few points to think about:
✅ If you’ve had a lapse or need an SR-22, Direct Auto can help when other companies won’t.
✅ If you’ve got a clean record, you’ll probably find better long-term rates elsewhere (Direct Auto’s discounts and rewards programs are more limited than what big national companies offer).
✅ Their policies are usually shorter-term or monthly, which gives flexibility but doesn’t build much loyalty pricing over time.

It’s not that Direct Auto is bad for good drivers, it’s just not really built for them. If your record is clean, you can usually save more with companies that reward longevity and good driving history, like Travelers, Auto-Owners, or State Farm.

My best advice when you're shopping around is to compare Direct Auto to other companies (line by line on coverage, not just the price) so you can see if staying “nonstandard” still makes sense for your wallet.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Westfield penalties compared to other companies

For most drivers, Westfield’s pricing for minor mistakes like a speeding ticket or small accident tends to land right around the national average, sometimes even a bit lower. Where things really jump is after a major violation, like a DUI. In that case, their rates can climb well above what you’d s…
Mar 26, 2026 Mankato, MN

Can I pro-rate a car if I add it to an existing policy?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! Adding multiple vehicles and changing policies can be a little confusing, so we're happy to help. The answer is yes, the insurer will pro-rate the change to the plan and add the new vehicle to the existing term. Usually, adding another car just takes a simple p…
Aug 13, 2024 Orlando, FL

How can I find the trim designation and VIN number on a car?

Great question!Trim and VIN locations can be hard to find with the wide variety of cars and trucks we have today. Even when you find it, it's not always easy to interpret. Typically if you look at the back of the vehicle it should list the trim; usually on the trunk. For example, if you were to loo…

At-fault wants to pay for damage he caused out of pocket

This can be a tricky situation. Usually, someone will try to avoid insurance companies for two reasons: they either don't have any insurance or they want to avoid their rates going up. If the damage is small, this is generally encouraged. You can simply go to a mechanic you trust and get the estima…
Apr 20, 2023 Orlando, FL