Nationwide vs. Direct Auto: Compare rates and discounts
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Nationwide vs. Direct Auto: Compare rates and discounts

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Nationwide vs. Direct Auto

One of the top 10 providers in the country, Nationwide has been insuring drivers since 1926. Unlike Nationwide, Direct Auto is fairly new to the auto insurance industry. They also only provide insurance in 13 states.

If you look closer, you’ll find even more differences between Direct Auto and Nationwide. Nationwide gets an A in user satisfaction from the Better Business Bureau, while Direct Auto gets consistently poor reviews from consumers and an F from the BBB.

In light of all of these negatives, you might be wondering why you should even consider Direct Auto. The company’s saving grace might be that it provides coverage for high-risk drivers. If you find yourself in this situation, Direct Auto might be an option.

Take a look at our detailed comparison below to find out which provider is right for you.

  • A.M. Best A+ Superior rating
  • On Your Side Auto Repair Network
  • Plenti rewards program

Our top pick: Nationwide

Nationwide is among the nation’s top ten car insurance providers, offering the full range of service and a promise to be “on your side” with stellar service.

  • A.M. Best A+ Superior rating
  • On Your Side Auto Repair Network
  • Plenti rewards program
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Promoted
Nationwide

Nationwide

 Direct Auto

Direct Auto
About the provider Nationwide is not just an auto insurance company, it is also one of the largest financial services companies in America. Its flexible options and member resources are among a few of the reasons people have chosen Nationwide since 1926. 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.
Price Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Nationwide for a quote based on your specific needs. Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Direct Auto for a quote based on your specific needs.
States served 46 13
User satisfaction* A F
J.D. Power ratings** 3/5 on overall claims satisfaction 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

Nationwide

Nationwide

 Direct Auto

Direct Auto
Good student Varies (full-time student, B average or higher, 16 to 24) Up to 10% (unmarried, full-time student, B average or better)
Defensive driver
Good driver Up to 10% (no at-fault accidents and free of major violations for at least 5 years) 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 Multi policy discount – Up to 20%

SmartRide discount – 5-40% (usage based discount using plug-in device)

USAA Family Plan – Up to 25%

Easy-Pay sign-up discount

Affinity car insurance discounts – For members of partner business or organization

Paperless documents discount – Varies

 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

Nationwide

Nationwide

 Direct Auto

Direct Auto
Anti-theft device Varies (factory-installed deterrents) N/A
Anti-lock brake N/A
Passive restraints N/A N/A
Air bag N/A
Other discounts

Bottom line

Nationwide’s solid reputation makes it the better choice, but if you don’t qualify for coverage through Nationwide, you might want to consider Direct Auto. Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.

Compare alternatives to Nationwide and Direct Auto

Name Product Roadside assistance New car protection Accident forgiveness Available states
Progressive
Progressive
Optional
All 50 states
Save up to 31% with safe driver discounts and bundling all your rides in one convenient policy.
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Metromile
Metromile
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AZ, CA, IL, NJ, OR, PA, VA, WA
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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Geico
Geico
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Drivers in these states can apply: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, MA, MD, ME, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY
As the nation’s second largest auto insurance company, Geico streamlines the process of purchasing car insurance. Drivers in these states can apply: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, MA, MD, ME, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA and WY.
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Allstate
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Enjoy having your own dedicated agent to help you get the best discounts and coverage.
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Liberty Mutual
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Car insurance through Liberty Mutual will give coverage options for almost any situation.
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Root
Root
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
Esurance
All states except AK, DE, HI, MT, NH, VT, WY
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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All 50 states
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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