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Nationwide vs. Direct Auto: Compare rates and discounts

Nationwide vs. Direct Auto

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Julia Cameron
Updated
Fact checked

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.

Nationwide

Read review

Direct

Read review

OVERVIEW

 OVERVIEW
About the provider
About the brand 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. Qualify for car insurance stacked with multiple discounts, whether or not you have a spotty driving record.
States served
States served All states except AK, HI, LA, MA AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA

COVERAGE

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

DISCOUNTS

 DISCOUNTS
Anti-theft device discount
Anti theft device discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Bundling discount
Bundling discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Home owner discount
Home owner discount No Yes, up to 15%
Military discount
Military discount No Yes, up to 25%
Multi car discount
Multi car discount No 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 Yes, up to 10%
Special employment discount
Special employment discount No No
Student discount
Student discount Yes Yes, up to 10%
Usage based discount
Usage based discount Yes, 5-40% No
Learn more
Learn more
Read review
Read review

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 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.
Get quotes
More Info
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.
Get quotes
More Info
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.
Get quotes
More Info
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.
Get quotes
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.
Get quotes
More Info
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.
Get quotes
More Info
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