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Progressive vs Direct Auto car insurance

Progressive vs Direct Auto: Who has better car insurance?

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A fairly newcomer on the scene, Direct Auto Insurance was founded in 1991, while Progressive has been around since 1937. Both offer low rates by providing discounts, but there are few other similarities.

Direct Auto only services 13 states and gets a dreadful F from the Better Business Bureau. However, they do offer coverage to “high-risk” drivers, and even help them file an SR-22, if necessary. At the other end of the spectrum, Progressive gets an excellent A+ from the BBB and provides auto insurance in all 50 states.

Progressive is a standard provider available everywhere, and you’ll probably find the best rates from this provider unless you’re a high risk driver.

Progressive

Direct

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW
About the provider
About the brand Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims. Qualify for car insurance stacked with multiple discounts, whether or not you have a spotty driving record.
States served
States served All 50 states & DC 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 No No
Accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness Yes No
Rideshare coverage
Rideshare coverage Yes 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
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 Yes Yes, up to 15%
Military discount
Military discount Yes Yes, up to 25%
Multi car discount
Multi car discount Yes, up to 10% 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 No
Learn more
Learn more


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

Bottom line

The clear winner here is Progressive. The provider offers more discounts and has a much better reputation for customer service. But if you are a high-risk driver and can’t get coverage through Progressive, Direct Auto might be your only option. If neither one’s right for you, compare car insurance options to find the best policy for you.

Compare alternatives to Progressive and Direct Auto

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Written by

Writer

Julia Cameron is a freelance journalist and editor, specializing in personal finance, mergers and acquisitions and immigration law. Her writing and analysis has been featured in TechRadar, MSN, Harper's Bazaar, Time and other top media. She holds a BA in English literature from the University of Central Florida. See full bio

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