Direct Auto Car Insurance
Direct Auto Insurance is an insurance company that specializes in providing affordable car insurance policies directly to drivers. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Direct Auto Insurance aims to make buying car insurance easy and hassle-free for customers.
The company focuses on offering basic liability coverage and state minimum coverage options for drivers who want inexpensive policies. Direct Auto targets high-risk drivers in particular, including young drivers, drivers with poor credit, and those needing an SR-22 filing.
In addition to auto insurance, Direct Auto also provides other products like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement coverage, and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for vehicle repairs. They distribute policies online and through local agents in over a dozen states across the South and Midwest regions. The Direct Auto Insurance group of companies includes Direct General, Sterling Insurance, and Atlantic Specialty Insurance.
Types of Car Insurance Offered
Direct Auto Insurance offers several standard types of car insurance coverage to meet the needs of drivers.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required in most states and pays for injury or damage that you cause to others in an accident when you’re at fault. Direct Auto offers basic liability limits starting at $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Higher limits are available if you want more protection.
Collision Insurance
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault. Direct Auto offers standard collision insurance with your choice of deductible, typically $500, $1,000 or $2,500. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents like fire, theft, vandalism, hail, flood and more. Like collision, you choose a deductible amount. Many lenders require this coverage if you have an auto loan or lease.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient to pay for your damages. Direct Auto bundles these together for added protection.
Other Options
Direct Auto also offers add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and accident forgiveness to customize your policy. Speak with an agent about your specific needs to get the right coverages.
Discounts Available
Direct Auto offers several discounts that can help reduce your auto insurance premiums. Here are some of the main discounts to ask about:
Good Driver Discount
Direct Auto provides a good driver discount for drivers with a clean driving record free of accidents, traffic violations, or claims. The longer you maintain a clean driving history, the larger your discount. This incentive rewards safe driving habits.
Multi-Policy Discount
You can receive a bundling discount of up to 10% when you purchase both auto and home insurance from Direct Auto. Combining multiple policies with the same provider is a simple way to save money.
Safe Vehicle Discount
Cars with advanced safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices qualify for discounts with Direct Auto. Driving a vehicle with modern safety mechanisms shows you take precautions and are at lower risk for accidents.
Defensive Driver Discount
Completing an approved defensive driver safety course can earn you a discount. Defensive driving teaches accident avoidance skills and attentive driving habits. Direct Auto rewards drivers who invest time in improving their skills.
Good Student Discount
Full-time high school or college students who maintain a B average or higher can receive the good student discount from Direct Auto. Doing well in school demonstrates responsibility that carries over to the roads.
Taking advantage of discounts like these from Direct Auto is a great way to lower your car insurance costs while rewarding safe habits. Be sure to ask your agent what discounts you may qualify for. Maintaining good driving habits can really pay off with lower insurance rates.
Getting a Quote
Getting an auto insurance quote from Direct Auto is easy and can be done in just a few minutes online or over the phone.
To get a quote online, simply visit the Direct Auto website and click on “Get a Quote.” You’ll need to enter some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, such as your name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, vehicle year/make/model, and estimated annual mileage. Direct Auto’s website will walk you through the quick quote process step-by-step.
Once you’ve entered the required information, Direct Auto will provide you with a real-time quote for the coverage options you selected. You can adjust the coverage amounts and limits to see how premiums change. When you’re satisfied with a policy quote, you can purchase it directly online and print your proof of insurance card.
To get a quote over the phone, call Direct Auto’s toll-free number and speak with a licensed agent. The agent will gather the same information needed for an online quote and discuss coverage options with you. This is useful if you have questions or want guidance on the right coverages and limits for your situation. The agent can provide a quote tailored to your needs and help you complete the application process.
Whether getting a quote online or by phone, having the following information ready makes the process faster:
- Driver’s license number
- VIN number and mileage of each vehicle
- Current insurance ID cards if transferring a policy
- Years of driving experience
- Desired coverage types and limits
- Information about any accidents or violations in the past 5 years
With just a few minutes and basic details, getting a competitive Direct Auto insurance quote is simple and straightforward. Their website and agents make it easy to compare personalized rates.
Filing a Claim with Direct Auto Insurance
Filing an insurance claim with Direct Auto Insurance is straightforward. Here are the steps to take:
Report the Claim
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Call Direct Auto Insurance at 1-800-745-7751 as soon as possible after an accident or incident. This number is available 24/7.
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Provide details about what happened, including the time, date, location, and parties involved.
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If the incident involves another driver, exchange insurance and contact information with them.
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Take photos of any property damage or injuries.
Provide Documentation
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The claims adjuster will let you know what documentation is needed, but common items include:
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Police report
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Photos of damage, injuries, accident scene
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Contact info for other parties involved
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Estimates for repairs
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Receipts for medical treatment, car rental, etc.
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Provide documentation as soon as possible to help process your claim faster.
Communicate with the Adjuster
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A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will investigate the claim, determine fault if applicable, and approve any payments.
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Keep in touch with your adjuster and provide any additional information they request.
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Negotiate a settlement if needed. Reach out with any questions or concerns.
Receive Your Claim Payment
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Once your claim is approved, Direct Auto Insurance will issue payment according to your policy limits and deductible.
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Payments may be issued directly to you or auto repair shops.
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Typically claims are resolved within 30-60 days, but can vary depending on circumstances.
Filing an insurance claim can be stressful, but Direct Auto aims to make the process as smooth as possible. Communicating promptly with your claims adjuster is key.
Customer Service
Direct Auto Insurance offers several ways for customers to get in touch with customer service representatives. Customers can call the customer service line, which is available 24/7. There are also options to start a live chat on the website during business hours or send an email which will be responded to within 1 business day typically.
Many customers report having positive experiences with Direct Auto’s customer service. The representatives are known to be friendly, knowledgeable, and able to resolve issues quickly. They can help with questions about policies, quotes, billing, and claims. The 24/7 phone availability is convenient for customers who need assistance outside regular business hours.
Direct Auto customer service has a reputation for being responsive and efficient. They aim to make the process smooth for customers, whether it’s getting a quote, making changes to a policy, or filing a claim. Their customer satisfaction scores are above average for the insurance industry. With multiple contact options and extended hours, Direct Auto makes it easy for customers to get the support they need.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to car insurance rates, Direct Auto is competitive with other major insurance providers like Geico, Progressive, and Allstate. Direct Auto offers a range of policies at different price points, so drivers can find a policy that fits their budget.
Direct Auto’s base liability coverage tends to be priced very affordably, making it a great option for drivers looking for the minimum required insurance. For state minimum coverage, Direct Auto’s rates are frequently lower than competitors.
For more robust policies like full coverage, Direct Auto remains competitively priced but is not necessarily the cheapest. Direct Auto full coverage rates are comparable to companies like Geico and Progressive. However, Direct Auto may be more affordable than options like Allstate and State Farm for full coverage.
Compared specifically to top competitors Geico and Progressive, Direct Auto is usually a bit more affordable for basic liability coverage. However, for full coverage, Geico and Progressive sometimes offer lower rates than Direct Auto, depending on factors like location and driving history.
Direct Auto also competes well on price with lesser known insurance providers and local companies. Their national presence gives them an advantage in leveraging discounts like multi-policy and multi-car. Overall, Direct Auto delivers competitive pricing across all policy types.
Drivers should always compare quotes across multiple providers when shopping for car insurance. But Direct Auto is absolutely a competitive option worth considering if you want an affordable rate. For budget-conscious drivers, they offer a great value proposition.
Final Verdict
Overall, Direct Auto Insurance provides solid coverage options at affordable rates for drivers who qualify. They specialize in non-standard auto insurance, meaning they provide policies for higher-risk drivers who may face challenges getting coverage elsewhere. Their policies offer liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured motorist, and other standard protections.
Rates through Direct Auto are quite competitive for their target market. They provide an array of discounts to help keep costs low, including multi-car, safe driver, anti-theft device, and good student discounts. Their website and mobile app make getting a free quote fast and easy without having to talk to an agent. Claims can be started online or over the phone.
Direct Auto Car Insurance
Customer service reviews are mixed. While some customers report a smooth experience, others have complained about slow claims processing or lack of responsiveness. Direct Auto Insurance scores just below average in industry customer satisfaction surveys.
For non-standard drivers needing basic liability and state minimum coverage, Direct Auto Insurance delivers affordable options. However, drivers wanting more robust protections or add-ons may find better value with other insurers. Overall, Direct Auto is a decent choice for high-risk motorists needing basic coverage at a reasonable rate. Drivers should compare quotes to find the best balance of price and coverage for their situation.
Alternatives to Consider
When shopping for car insurance, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple providers before deciding. Here are some top alternatives to consider besides Direct Auto:
Geico
- One of the largest auto insurers in the U.S.
- Known for creative marketing and mascot gecko
- Offers standard coverage plus mechanical breakdown insurance
- Mobile app and online services for managing your policy
Allstate
- Large national insurer with local agent support
- Offers standard coverage plus accident forgiveness
- Rewards safe driving with Drive wise program
- Mobile app lets you manage your policy
State Farm
- Largest auto insurer in the U.S.
- Network of local agents across the country
- Offers standard coverage plus rideshare insurance
- Discounts for safe driving and bundling policies
- Mobile app and online tools for managing your policy
Progressive
- National insurer with online and agent options
- Offers standard coverage plus custom parts coverage
- Snapshot program rewards safe driving with discounts
- Mobile app and online tools make managing your policy easy
Checking quotes from the top competitors is wise to find the best rate and coverage for your needs. But be sure to compare policy details, not just premium prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of auto insurance does Direct Auto offer?
Direct Auto offers a range of standard auto insurance policies like liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments coverage. They also offer some additional options like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance.
How do I get a car insurance quote from Direct Auto?
You can get a free online quote directly through the Direct Auto website by entering some basic information like your age, vehicle details, driving history, and address. You can also call their toll-free number or visit a local agent to discuss options and get a personalized quote.
How do I pay for my Direct Auto insurance policy?
Direct Auto offers various payment options including paying in full upfront, setting up a monthly recurring auto-payment from your bank account, or splitting up your premiums into installment plans. Installment fees may apply for spreading out payments.
Does Direct Auto have any discounts available?
Yes, Direct Auto offers a number of common auto insurance discounts that can help lower your rates. These include multi-policy, safe driver, good student, anti-theft device, and paid-in-full discounts. Discounts and eligibility will vary by state.
How do I file a claim with Direct Auto insurance?
To start the claims process, call Direct Auto’s 24/7 claims hotline. You’ll need to provide details about what happened, get your claim number, and receive instructions on next steps. This may include taking your car to an approved repair shop, getting estimate approvals, and coordinating payments.
Direct Auto Car Insurance
No, Direct Auto insurance operates in about 20 states across the South, Midwest, and Eastern US. Check their website to see if Direct Auto provides coverage in your state. If not, they may be able to refer you to an affiliate insurer.
How is Direct Auto rated for customer satisfaction?
Direct Auto tends to get mixed customer service reviews, averaging around 2-3 stars out of 5 on most review sites.
What is Direct Auto’s Better Driver Promise?
This is their policy of not raising your rates after your first accident if you go 5 years accident-free before and after the incident. This promise rewards long-term safe driving customers. Limitations apply, so check with a Direct Auto agent for details.
Direct Auto Car Insurance
Yes, Direct Auto offers mobile apps for iPhone and Android to access your insurance card, pay your bill, file claims, request roadside assistance and more. The apps receive average reviews, with users reporting some technical glitches.