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Last updated: October 9, 2024

Direct Auto Car Insurance Pricing 2024

The average minimum coverage policy from this high-risk provider is $1,686 annually.

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If you are a high-risk driver struggling to find coverage that won’t break the bank, Direct Auto offers reasonable rates and plenty of discounts regardless of your driving record. On this page, you can explore average premiums and our favorite features from Direct Auto to see if this company suits your insurance needs.

Editor’s note (last updated July 14, 2024): We updated this page to reflect the latest pricing data, coverages, and discounts available to Direct Auto customers.

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Car Insurance Rates for Direct Auto Insurance Coverage

The average annual cost for auto insurance with Direct Auto is $2,850. Direct Auto’s rates run slightly higher than the national average because it is a nonstandard insurance company. Nonstandard insurers offer coverage to high-risk drivers, including those with at-fault accidents or DUIs on their driving record. You may be labeled high risk because of a bad driving record, poor credit history, gaps in insurance, or your age. Your auto insurance premium depends on your driver’s profile, which is why nonstandard insurance companies like Direct Auto cost more.

Category Average Direct Auto Premium
Minimum coverage $1,686
Full coverage $3,204
Teen drivers $5,868
Speeding ticket $3,720
Accident $4,542
DUI $4,788

Car Insurance Discounts With Direct Auto

Direct Auto offers multiple discounts you can mix and match up to 25 percent off your annual premium.

Discount type Discount qualification Discount savings
Military If you’re an active service member and can provide valid documentation (your current orders or other acceptable documents) 25%
Safe driver If you’ve been accident-free for 36 months 10%
Good student If you’re unmarried and a full-time student in high school, college, or vocational or technical school, and have a “B” average or better (or rank in the top 20 percent of the class) 10%
Senior citizen If you’re 55 or older and complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course 5%
DynamicDrive If you join the DynamicDrive program and maintain good driving behavior while using the app 10%
Driver education If you have completed an accident prevention course or a driver on your policy under the age of 21 has completed a state-approved driver education course 10%
Multi-car If you have more than one vehicle on your policy 25%
Vehicle Equipment If your car is new or equipped with anti-theft safety features 10%
Multi-product If you add roadside assistance, term life insurance, or an emergency protection plan to your policy 5%
Prior coverage If you’ve been with another insurer for at least 6 months before switching to Direct Auto 25%
Homeowner If you or your partner own a home, townhome, or condominium where you keep your car 15%
Welcome back If you’ve had a policy with Direct Auto, but not within the last 6 months 6%
Affinity If you’re a member of one of Direct Auto’s partner organizations; call 1-877-463-4732 for a full list of affinity partners 5%
Payment If you set up automatic payments, pay in full, or go paperless 9%
Multi-policy If you purchase two or more policies from Direct Auto 10%

Why We Like Direct Auto Insurance Coverage

Simple Mobile App

Direct Auto offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app’s Google Play rating is 3.7 and its App Store rating is 2.3, so we’re inclined to believe it works slightly better for Android devices. Either way, you can do the following with the Direct Auto mobile app:

  • Make a payment with a credit or debit card
  • Access your digital ID card
  • View your policy documents, including your drivers and vehicles, coverages, and payment history
  • Sign new policy documents
  • Reinstate or renew your policy
  • File a claim
  • Get roadside assistance
  • Find a local agent

SR-22 Coverage

An SR-22 certifies that you meet minimum insurance requirements. Your insurance company will provide the state verification that you purchased the legal minimum liability insurance required. This service is inexpensive, around $30, but will vary by state. Direct Auto will file an SR-22 on your behalf if the state requires you to get a certification due to any of the following circumstances:

  • A DUI conviction
  • A suspended driver’s license
  • No insurance coverage
  • Serious traffic violations, such as an at-fault accident

You can add an SR-22 to your Direct Auto policy in two ways:

  • In-person: Speak with an agent at one of Direct Auto’s local locations.
  • Over the phone: Call 877-463-4732 to speak with a representative over the phone.

FYI:

If you already have an SR-22 filed but are moving to a new state, the SR-22 requirement usually follows you. Fees and additional requirements may vary by state, so maintain your SR-22 in whichever state you reside.

Flexible Payment Options

Direct Auto lets you choose your preferred payment method. It’s convenient payment options include the following:

  • Recurring payments with a credit or debit card, or taken directly from your bank account
  • One-time payments with cash or a credit or debit card at a Direct Auto location
  • Over the phone at 877-463-4732
  • Logging in to an online account
  • Online quick pay via credit card, debit card, or e-check (doesn’t require logging in)
  • Using the Direct Auto mobile app

Motorcycle Insurance

If you’re looking to insure your bike, Direct Auto has cheap motorcycle coverage to protect you and your passenger while on the road. You can save extra when coupling your motorcycle and auto insurance.

Direct Auto’s motorcycle coverage options include the following:

  • Bodily injury liability
  • Guest passenger liability
  • Property damage
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Medical payments
  • Personal injury protection
  • Uninsured motorist
  • Custom parts and equipment or accessories, such as saddlebags, backrests, levers, CB radios, and chrome pieces (not available in North Carolina)
  • Towing

Where Is Direct Auto Available?

Direct Auto has over 450 locations across 16 states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington

You can find the office closest to you by searching your city and state or ZIP code at local.directauto.com.

Cancellation Policy

The easiest way to cancel your Direct Auto policy is by calling its customer service line at 877-463-4732. If a refund is due, you will receive it within 30 days of your cancellation.

You can also request to cancel your policy via mail. You can find the best mailing address on your insurance policy or premium bill. If you can’t find this address, you can use Direct Auto’s general mailing address:

  • Direct General Insurance Agency
  • 1281 Murfreesboro Rd.
  • Nashville, TN 37217

If you are looking to reinstate your policy with Direct Auto, you may be eligible if:

  • It has been less than 30 days since you canceled your policy
  • You didn’t have an accident after canceling your policy
  • You can pay any money you owe by the day you request reinstatement

Company Background

In 1991, Direct Auto was founded as a nonstandard automobile insurance company. The company is currently headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

In three decades since it was founded, this company has:

  • Added new coverages like renters insurance and emergency auto protection
  • Expanded from its in-person-only service to include service over the phone and online
  • Offered credits to policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Direct Auto Contact Information

You can reach Direct Auto by phone, online, or in person at one of its local offices.

  • For customer service: Call 877-463-4732 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, or fill out the email form at www.directauto.com/emailus 24/7.
  • For claims: Call 800-403-1077 24/7, fax 800-924-0273, or send mail to:
    • Direct Auto Insurance Claims Department
    • P.O. Box 1623
    • Winston Salem, NC 27102

If you want to reach a claims office by fax or mail, include your name, policy number, and claim number in your letter.

If you are looking to get in touch over social media, you can find Direct Auto by visiting:

  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/DirectAutoIns/
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/directautoins
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/directautoins/
  • TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@directautoins
  • Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/directautoins/
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/DirectAutoIns
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/direct-auto

NOTE

Having your policy number, date of birth, name of the primary insured, and the address associated with the account ready can speed up getting your questions answered.

Conclusion

While its average rates run higher than most, Direct Auto provides a simple mobile app and flexible payment options for high-risk drivers. This small, regional insurer is a contender for nonstandard coverage if you reside in one of the 16 states it operates in. Check out our full Direct Auto review to learn even more about Direct Auto’s offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a claim with Direct Auto?

You can file a claim with Direct Auto online, via mobile app, or over the phone. To file a claim over the phone call 800-403-1077.

Which additional optional coverage does Direct Auto not offer?

Direct Auto does not offer gap or rideshare insurance as additional coverage options. Bristol West offers rideshare insurance for high-risk drivers.

Does Direct Auto have a grace period?

Yes, Direct Auto has a grace period. The grace period is at least 11 days, but this period varies by state. You will receive a notice detailing the specific grace period if your payment is past due. You can also contact a local agent or customer service to determine the length of your grade period.

Ella Erwin
Written by:Ella Erwin
Staff Writer
Ella Erwin is a writer at AutoInsurance.com. Their most recent professional experience was designing and co-facilitating courses in policy advocacy with the Center for New York City Affairs. They are currently pursuing a Master of Science in design and urban ecologies and creative community development at Parsons School of Design. Ella also has a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and sustainability from Pepperdine University.