Direct Auto

The Car Insurance Guide

Overall Personalized Rating: 4.2/5 (Very Good)

Summary

Direct Auto Insurance was founded with the belief that everyone should be able to get the affordable coverage they need, regardless of their past driving history or lack of insurance. They sell car insurance and other types of products, directly serving consumers without a middleman. You can buy a policy online, by phone, or at one of their over 400 in-person locations in 16 states.

Key Benefits

Known to cover a wide variety of drivers, including those currently without insurance or who have less-than-perfect driving records
Competitive pricing with many discounts available
Convenient payment options online, by phone or in-store; they even accept cash payments in store
Can customize payment date, schedule, and down payment amount

Ratings Summary

Ratings Highlights

Overall Rating

Direct Auto Insurance was previously known as Direct General and is nearly 30 years old. It has a large following in the Southeastern U.S. With the backing of their parent company, National General Insurance Corporation, they are expanding quickly into new states and markets.

Pricing

Direct Auto offers very competitive rates, particularly when it comes to consumers that other insurance companies regard as risky, e.g., young drivers or drivers with accidents or tickets.

Handling Claims

Handling claims has not been Direct Auto's strong suit historically, but this is slowly improving over time. If you have options and are especially concerned with how claims are handled, you may want to explore other auto insurance companies.

Uninsured Drivers

Direct Auto is a top choice for uninsured drivers, as this is actually a driver group they specifically aim to insure. They typically have great rates for this driver category.

Young Drivers

Young drivers would do well by getting a quote from them, as Direct Auto does a great job of offering this driver group affordable rates.

Bundling Auto with Other Insurance Types

Direct Auto does not offer bundling.

Drivers with Tickets/Accidents

If you have a challenged driving record, Direct Auto may be a great company to work with. They consistently provide low rates and fairly good coverage to this driver type, which is something that cant't be said about most other carriers.

Premium Driver

This is likely not the right company for you if you have a strong driving record. There are other carriers that can provide more tailored coverage and rates to suit your needs.

Company Background

Founded in 1991, Direct Auto Insurance sells car insurance and other types of coverage and products online, over the phone, and at retail store locations. Direct Auto is owned by National General Holdings Corp., a specialty personal lines insurance holding company that traces its roots to 1939.

The Car Insurance Guide's Reviews Methodology

The Car Insurance Guide uses a proprietary algorithm to evaluate the car insurance options presented. Factors reviewed and rated include pricing, handling of claims, age of driver, bundling, and driver type. These factors are evaluated and scored to provide an overall score for the carrier as well as being individually assessed to provide a detailed review of the fit of the carrier to the driver. The data comes from research The Car Insurance Guide conducts as an invite-only annual survey and from interviews with car insurance agents. Insights from experts, those whose job it is to understand and recommend the best insurance companies for their clients, is invaluable. Use of The Car Insurance Guide's 2025 reviews by third parties without the express written consent of The Car Insurance Guide is strictly prohibited.