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By Renata Balasco
Updated December 7, 2021

Direct Auto at a glance

For drivers in the southeast United States looking for basic auto insurance, Direct Auto may be a great choice. While it offers several types of auto insurance policies such as commercial, personal, motorcycle and roadside assistance, it lacks many other insurance products, so bundling options are limited. Read on to find out more about Direct Auto insurance, including coverage options, discounts, and other benefits.

Pros and Cons of Direct Auto car insurance

Good for:
 Bad for:
  • Flexible payment schedules
  • Drivers with a sporadic insurance history
  • Extended coverage options
  • Homeowners – this carrier does not offer homeowners insurance
  • Digital-first customers

Table of contents:

  1. Direct auto car insurance review
  2. Direct Auto bundling options
  3. How to cancel

Direct Auto car insurance review

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3.0 Rating from The Zebra

Direct Auto is considered a non-standard insurance carrier, specializing in providing coverage for high-risk driversor those who may struggle to find car insurance. Non-standard carriers aren’t known for providing a wide array of perks. However, they often serve as a solid option for those looking to meet state-mandated liability coverage minimums. 

Direct Auto earns mixed reviews from third-party organizations. In assessments of Direct Auto's customer satisfaction and financial standing, this carrier is in great shape financially but unfortunately logs more complaints than average from customers. 

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  • JD Power Rating – Not rated: JD Power has not yet rated Direct Auto insurance. 
  • Financial Strength – Excellent: Direct Auto insurance has been given a financial rating of “excellent,” by A.M. best, meaning that the company’s finances are strong and they are well within their ability to pay claims.
  • NAIC rating – Poor: According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Direct Auto insurance receives more complaints than average.
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Where is Direct Auto insurance available? 

Carrier States Available
Direct Auto AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA

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Direct Auto car insurance coverage options

Direct Auto insurance provides the standard coverages that you would find from most car insurance companies like liability, comprehensive and collision, uninsured motorist, and more. In addition to these basic coverages, drivers may enjoy the following extended coverage options if they so choose: 

Rental reimbursement
Rental reimbursement

This coverage helps take care of costs associated with renting a car when your vehicle is being fixed after a covered loss. This coverage is optional, but in order to qualify for this addition, you must have comprehensive and collision coverage. 

Towing & Labor
Towing & Labor

If your car breaks down or is undrivable after an accident, this coverage helps you get reimbursed for any towing expenses. You need comprehensive and collision coverage to add this, but if you’re interested in roadside assistance and do not have full coverage, Direct Auto offers a program with 24-hour towing services. 

Accidental death
Accidental death

For drivers who die in a covered loss, accidental death coverage pays $5,000 to beneficiaries. This is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto policy. 

Customizable payments
Customizable payments

For many customers, Direct Auto insurance allows you some flexibility in how you make your payments. This includes setting the date of your payments, choosing to pay in full or with an installment plan, putting money down upfront to lower your monthly payment, and flexible payment options that include online payments, pay-by-text message, and even cash payments to a local agent or partner location. 

Direct Auto insurance discounts

There are a number of discounts of which eligible drivers can take advantage. They are divided into different categories that are specific to the driver, vehicle, or policy type.  

Discounts based on driver or vehicle

  • Military: Active duty military can save up to 25%.
  • Safe Driver: Drivers with three years free of accidents can save up to 10%.
  • Good Student:Unmarried, full-time students can save up to 10%.
  • Senior Citizen: Drivers 55 years and older can save up to 5%.
  • Multi-car: Insure multiple cars under the same policy for up to 25% savings.
  • Mileage: Low-mileage drivers can save up to 5%.

Discounts based on your policy

  • Multi-product: Bundle your car insurance with another product for up to 5% savings.
  • Prior coverage: If you have been continuously insured for at least 6 months and have not had more than a 90 day lapse in coverage, you can save up to 25% on your policy.
  • Homeowner: Homeowners can save up to 15%.
  • Renewal: Save up to 20% by renewing your policy.
  • Welcome back: Coming back to Direct Auto insurance can save you 6%.
  • Affinity: Active members or any organization partnering with Direct can save up to 5%.

Direct Auto bundling options

In order to qualify for the multi-policy discount, you must bundle your auto policy with one or more of Direct Auto’s other insurance products. While they don’t currently offer homeowners insurance, you may select from a list of additional lines of insurance if you have assets that could benefit from protection. 

Auto
Property
 Other

How to cancel your Direct Auto policy

There are a few different ways Direct Auto allows you to cancel your coverage. You can go into a local agency and sign a cancellation request or handwrite a statement. A handwritten statement must include your full name, signature, policy number, address, date of birth, and the date the policy should be canceled. You can also fax a statement with this information included to 877-622-7338.

Can I cancel my Direct Auto policy online?

With Direct Auto, you may cancel your policy online by sending a message to customer service through the website. Your message should include your full name, policy number, address, date of birth, explanation for your request, and the date the policy should be terminated. 

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Renata Balasco
Renata BalascoAssociate Content Strategist

Renata is a licensed insurance professional and content strategist responsible for creating home and auto insurance guides for The Zebra.

Renata's background in technical writing and her experience working in the insurance industry informs her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Renata's work has been cited by Car and Driver. 

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.

  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.

  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.