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Direct Auto vs. The General: Which provider is better?

Direct Auto vs. The General

Our top pick: The General

The General logo
  • Qualify even as a high-risk driver
  • Get instant access to proof of insurance
  • Take advantage of 10 discount opportunities
  • File a claim conveniently by app
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Roslyn McKenna
Updated
Fact checked

Both Direct Auto and Then General provide car insurance for high-risk drivers. If you fall into this category, you might be trying to decide between the two. So we’ve gathered the info you need on both providers so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Direct Auto serves only 13 states and has a reputation for poor customer service, receiving an F from the Better Business Bureau. The General, on the other hand, earns an A+ from the BBB. Neither offer many discounts, if any at all. But if you have driving violations or a poor credit history, you might be left with no other options.

Check out our side-by-side comparison below so you can choose the provider that best suits your needs.

Direct

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The General

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OVERVIEW

 OVERVIEW
About the provider
About the brand Qualify for car insurance stacked with multiple discounts, whether or not you have a spotty driving record. Snag affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, a marketing claim backed by our rate analysis which showed premiums less than $80 a month.
States served
States served AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA All states except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey

COVERAGE

 COVERAGE
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance Optional Optional
New car protection
New car protection No No
Accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness No No
Rideshare coverage
Rideshare coverage No No
SR-22 insurance
SR-22 insurance Yes
 Yes
Claims methods
Claims methods phone
 Phone
App
Payment schedule
Payment schedule monthly
custom
 12 months
monthly

DISCOUNTS

 DISCOUNTS
Anti-theft device discount
Anti theft device discount Yes, up to 10% Yes
Bundling discount
Bundling discount Yes, up to 10% Yes
Home owner discount
Home owner discount Yes, up to 15% Yes
Military discount
Military discount Yes, up to 25% Yes
Multi car discount
Multi car discount Yes Yes
Paid in full discount
Paid in full discount Yes Yes
Safety device discount
Safety device discount Yes Yes
Safe driver discount
Safe driver discount Yes, up to 10% No
Special employment discount
Special employment discount No No
Student discount
Student discount Yes, up to 10% Yes
Usage based discount
Usage based discount No No
Learn more
Learn more
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Bottom line

The General’s superior customer service makes it the clear winner in this comparison. It only provides a pay-in-full discount, but you can have peace of mind knowing the support is there when you need it. Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.

Compare alternatives to Direct Auto and The General

Name Product Roadside assistance New car protection Accident forgiveness Safe driver discount Available states
Progressive
Progressive
Optional
30%
All 50 states
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
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The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
Optional
Yes
All 50 states
Enjoy low rates for mature drivers, plus perks like new car replacement and lifetime repair guarantees. Only for drivers over age 50.
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USAA
USAA
Optional
Yes
All 50 states
Affordable car insurance with highly rated customer service. Only available to military members and veterans and their family.
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Savvy
Savvy
Optional
Optional
Yes
All states & DC
Enter your current policy and get quotes in 30-seconds from 100+ companies, then get help to switch insurers for free. Requires online login to your existing insurance.
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Root
Root
52%
Available in 30 states
Track your driving to receive a low rate that reflects your driving skills, and enjoy a fully app-based policy experience.
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Gabi
Gabi
Optional
Optional
Yes
All 50 states
Upload your current policy info and get quotes from 40+ companies. Switch and save an average of $961 a year.
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