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

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Direct Auto vs. The General

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.

  • Affordable coverage
  • Instant online access
  • SR-22 support

Our top pick: The General

The General offers affordable coverage for nearly any driver who needs car insurance.

  • Affordable coverage
  • High risk drivers okay
  • Instant online access
  • Prepayment discounts
  • SR-22 filing assistance
  • Available in 46 states
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Promoted
Direct Auto

Direct Auto

 The General

The General
About the provider Founded in 1991, Direct Auto Insurance offers low-cost insurance policies to “nonstandard” drivers — also known as high-risk drivers — who might have a hard time finding coverage elsewhere. But beware, the company gets very poor reviews and only services 13 states. The General specializes in budget-friendly insurance plans for drivers who may be deemed “risky” elsewhere. Conveniently selling directly to customers online, insurance can be approved and put a driver on the road in no time.
Price Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Direct Auto for a quote based on your specific needs. Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit The General for a quote based on your specific needs.
States served 13 46
User satisfaction* F A+
J.D. Power ratings** N/A N/A
Driver discounts View driver discounts View driver discounts
Vehicle discounts View vehicle discounts View vehicle discounts


* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating
** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

Driver discounts

Direct Auto

Direct Auto

 The General

The General
Good student Up to 10% (unmarried, full-time student, B average or better)
Defensive driver
Good driver Up to 10% (violation and accident-free for 36 months)
Pay in full discount
Multicar Up to 25%
Military Up to 25% (active service member)
Homeowner Up to 15%
Other discounts Senior citizen – Up to 5% (55+, completed a motor vehicle prevention course)

Prior coverage discount – Up to 25% (at another insurance company for 6 months, no more than 90 day lapse between coverage)

Renewal discount – Up to 20% (no policy lapse in prior 12 months, renew 7-10 days prior to expiration)

Welcome back discount – Up to 6%

Vehicle discounts

Direct Auto

Direct Auto

 The General

The General
Anti-theft device N/A
Anti-lock brake N/A
Passive restraints N/A
Air bag N/A
Other discounts

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 Available states
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Allstate
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Metromile
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Drive less than 30 miles a day? Save on the coverage you need with pay-per-mile insurance from Metromile. Get a low monthly rate then pay just a few cents per mile. Available in AZ, CA, IL, NJ, OR, PA, VA and WA.
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Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual
Optional
Yes, 5 years accident free or bought
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Car insurance through Liberty Mutual will give coverage options for almost any situation.
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Root
Root
Yes, history based
AZ, AR, CO, DE, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NE, NM, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT
Root offers simple, affordable insurance that’s ideal for good drivers. Try the Root app for 2 weeks and see how much you could save. Available in 24 states.
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Esurance
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Esurance offers a modern online and mobile experience that helps you take your insurance on the go. Available in 42 states.
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Farmers
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Backed by nearly 100 years in the business, Farmers Insurance aims to offer options and support to help you find the coverage you need.
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The General
The General
Optional
All states except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey
The General offers affordable coverage for nearly any driver who needs car insurance.
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Compare up to 4 providers

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