Is Direct Auto Good for Car Insurance?
Last Updated on January 6, 2026
Direct Auto Insurance is a Nashville-based nonstandard auto insurer and agency that’s often a good fit for drivers who need SR-22 insurance or who have a spotty insurance history. It can make it easier to get back on the road with state-minimum coverage, but it’s not always the best choice for drivers shopping for low-cost full coverage.
If you’ve had at-fault accidents, tickets, or a prior lapse in coverage, you may find Direct Auto more willing to write a policy than many standard insurers.
Our Rating of Direct Auto Insurance Auto Insurance
2.9
out of 5
★★★☆☆
Summary
Bottom line: Direct Auto can work well for drivers who need an SR-22 or basic liability coverage, but the overall experience can vary by state and underwriting company.
Direct Auto Insurance is a Nashville-based nonstandard auto insurer and agency that’s often a good fit for drivers who need SR-22 insurance or who have a spotty insurance history. It can make it easier to get back on the road with state-minimum coverage, but it’s not always the best choice for drivers shopping for low-cost full coverage. If you’ve had at-fault accidents, tickets, or a prior lapse in coverage, you may find Direct Auto more willing to write a policy than many standard insurers.
Best for
- Drivers who need an SR-22 filing to meet state requirements
- People rebuilding insurance history after cancellations or lapses
- Drivers mainly seeking state-minimum liability to stay legal
Not ideal for
- Drivers shopping for the lowest-cost, robust full coverage
- Households that want extensive bundling options
- Drivers prioritizing top-tier claims satisfaction and service awards
- Our Rating of Direct Auto Insurance Auto Insurance
- Who Direct Auto Insurance Is Best For
- About Direct Auto Insurance
- Direct Auto Coverage Options
- Direct Auto Discounts
- Customer Experience, Complaints, and Financial Strength
- How To Get a Quote or Contact Direct Auto
- Final Word – Direct Auto Insurance Review
- FAQs on Direct Auto Insurance
Who Direct Auto Insurance Is Best For
| Good Fit For | May Not Be Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Drivers who need an SR-22 filing to meet state requirements | Drivers who want the lowest possible price on robust full coverage |
| Drivers rebuilding insurance history after cancellations or lapses | Households that want lots of bundling options (homeowners, etc.) |
| Drivers who mainly need basic liability insurance to drive legally | Drivers who prioritize top-tier claims satisfaction and service awards |
Quick tip: An SR-22 is a state filing, not a separate policy. When you shop, confirm the insurer will file the SR-22 and keep it active for the full state-required period. Learn more about finding cheap SR-22 insurance.
About Direct Auto Insurance
Direct Auto Insurance began in Nashville in the early 1990s and today operates as part of the Allstate family through National General. (If you’ve seen “National General” referenced alongside Direct Auto, that’s why.) For a deeper look at the parent brand, see our National General auto insurance review.
Direct Auto is also commonly confused with The General, another nonstandard insurer. Despite similar naming, they are separate companies with different underwriting and pricing.
Direct Auto Coverage Options
Direct Auto commonly sells policies built around minimum limits, but availability and options vary by state. Here’s what you’ll typically see:
| Coverage / Service | What It Does | Who It Helps Most |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 filing support | Files proof of financial responsibility with your state (when required) | Drivers with suspensions, DUI-related requirements, or serious violations |
| Bodily injury liability | Pays for injuries you cause to others (up to your limits) | Anyone buying required liability; see bodily injury liability coverage explained |
| Property damage liability | Pays for damage you cause to other vehicles/property (up to your limits) | Drivers who want to understand property damage liability basics |
| Minimum coverage policies | Meets state liability requirements with fewer add-ons | Drivers focused on legality and price; see minimum coverage auto insurance |
| Full coverage (optional) | Usually means liability + comp + collision (often required by lenders) | Financed vehicles; learn about buying full coverage |
| Comprehensive | Covers non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, storms (minus deductible) | Drivers comparing comprehensive coverage |
| Collision | Covers crash damage to your car (minus deductible) | Drivers deciding if collision coverage is worth it |
| Roadside assistance | Optional add-on for towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and more | Drivers who want details on Direct Auto roadside assistance |
Because Direct Auto focuses on nonstandard drivers, full coverage can be significantly more expensive than minimum limits—especially when combined with SR-22 requirements, recent claims, or poor prior insurance history.
Direct Auto Discounts
Discount availability varies by state and underwriting company. If you qualify, discounts can meaningfully reduce a nonstandard premium, but the list is usually shorter than what you’ll see with standard carriers.
| Discount Type | Typical Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military | Active duty and often veterans | Usually requires documentation |
| Safe driver | Several years of clean driving history | Often tied to “good driver” rules; see good driver discount details |
| Senior / defensive driving | Typically age 55+ with a qualifying course | More on senior auto insurance discounts |
| Multi-vehicle | Two or more vehicles on one policy | How multi-car discounts commonly work |
| Low mileage | Driving well below the average American’s annual mileage | See how low mileage discounts are typically applied |
| Multi-policy | Eligible customers who bundle policies | Availability varies; confirm what can be bundled in your state |
| Continuous coverage | Prior insurance with limited/no lapse (rules vary) | Learn about the continuous coverage discount |
| Returning customer | Previously insured with the carrier, then returned later | Often called a loyalty or “welcome back” discount; see customer loyalty discounts |
Customer Experience, Complaints, and Financial Strength
Direct Auto is a nonstandard carrier, and it’s common for nonstandard insurers to receive more complaints than mainstream brands. When comparing Direct Auto to other options, it helps to look beyond price and check a few objective indicators:
- Claims and service studies: Some carriers don’t appear in major national rankings due to methodology and eligibility. Here’s how J.D. Power auto insurance rankings work.
- Financial strength: A stronger insurer is generally better positioned to pay claims promptly. Learn what A.M. Best ratings mean and verify the underwriting company listed on your declarations page.
- Complaint tracking: Consider checking the NAIC complaint database and your state department of insurance for licensing and complaint trends.
For quick third-party context, you can also review the company’s BBB profile and the NAIC consumer information tools (numbers and ratings change over time, so focus on patterns and recent feedback).
View the BBB profile for Direct Auto Insurance.
How To Get a Quote or Contact Direct Auto
Direct Auto sells auto insurance in select states (availability changes over time). For the most accurate pricing, request a quote using the exact limits and deductibles you want to compare.
- Get a quote: Start a Direct Auto quote online
- Find a local office: Use the Direct Auto agent locator
- Customer service: Direct Auto contact page (lists current phone hours and numbers)
- Claims: Contact Direct Auto claims
Final Word – Direct Auto Insurance Review
Direct Auto Insurance is designed for drivers who need coverage others may decline—especially SR-22 filings and basic liability policies. If you qualify for standard insurance elsewhere, it’s still worth comparing quotes, but Direct Auto can be a workable solution for getting legal coverage quickly while you rebuild your driving and insurance history.
