SafeAuto Car Insurance Review (2025)
Direct Auto, an insurance company specializing in high-risk drivers, absorbed SafeAuto in August 2023.
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Written byLindsay VanSomeren
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8 years in insurance and personal finance writing
Former data scientist for U.S. Geological Survey
Lindsay is a freelance personal finance writer currently pursuing her Series 65 license. She enjoys helping readers learn money management skills that improve their lives.
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Edited byChris Schafer
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15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
Table of contents
SafeAuto used to offer car insurance policies for drivers who couldn’t buy coverage from traditional insurers, including those with driving infractions on their record. But Allstate — the fourth-largest insurer in the country — purchased the company in June 2021.[1]
SafeAuto continued to operate under its original name until Allstate reshuffled things in August 2023 and combined it with Direct Auto, another of its subsidiary companies.[2] Today, the SafeAuto insurance company no longer exists. Instead, Direct Auto sells and services non-standard policies.
SafeAuto Update
Allstate purchased SafeAuto in 2021 and absorbed it into its subsidiary company, Direct Auto, in 2023. Allstate purchased the company as a strategic business move to grow its size and increase its business income.
Alternatives to SafeAuto insurance
Since SafeAuto insurance is no longer available, you might be looking for other car insurance companies that offer flexible payment options, a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (SR-22), and other types of non-standard auto insurance that SafeAuto was known for.
Here, you’ll find the best car insurance companies that offer similar services to SafeAuto, including the new company it’s operating under, Direct Auto.
And remember, it’s a good idea to get car insurance quotes from several companies to make sure you’re actually getting the lowest rates possible, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve switched companies.
Here’s a look at each of the applicable companies.
Direct Auto: Best for high-risk drivers
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $95/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $163/mo |
How drivers feel about Direct Auto
Drivers appreciate the insurer’s helpful customer service and easy-to-use website. But they dislike the frequent and significant rate increases, especially for those with clean driving records. Some also report difficulties with roadside assistance.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
How drivers feel about Direct Auto
Drivers appreciate the insurer’s helpful customer service and easy-to-use website. But they dislike the frequent and significant rate increases, especially for those with clean driving records. Some also report difficulties with roadside assistance.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
Reviews (403)
Michael
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in Montana on November 2025
It was simple and good value.
Gregory
Verified Review
Raised my payment every month
Reviewed in Arkansas on November 2025
Their grace period isn't very generous, and they just keep raising my monthly payment.
Summerlee
Verified Review
Car Insurance
Reviewed in Tennessee on November 2025
Good service.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NRA.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
All current SafeAuto customers now work with Direct Auto, which handles and renews their policies, so this is the default switch. If you’re interested in taking out a new policy, it’s important to know that Direct Auto also works with people who don’t have a spotless driving record, making it a good choice if you have an at-fault car accident or another type of infraction in your past.
In addition, Direct Auto offers a wider range of insurance products, such as life insurance, roadside assistance, commercial vehicle insurance, and more.
Pros
Customers can bundle car insurance with other auto-related products
Offers up to 25% discount for active military members
Has 24-hour roadside assistance coverage option
Cons
Not available in all states
Bad 1.7 Trustpilot score
Rates are higher than average
Auto-Owners: Best for cheap minimum coverage
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $78/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 259 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Reviews (131)
Eugene
Verified Review
Insurance Company Issues
Reviewed in Iowa on November 2025
Cannot get information from the company. You go through an agent, and they don't get back to you. If you ask for a change on the policy, they start a new policy, which increases the cost you have to pay.
Chick
Verified Review
Disappointed! Would rather have TALKED to an actual person!
Reviewed in Wisconsin on November 2025
It has been excellent! I just wanted to compare prices, but unfortunately, I insure 6 vehicles and your website doesn’t allow me to include them all!
Ron
Verified Review
For now, USAA is too far away
Reviewed in Georgia on November 2025
My current insurance is through a broker in the next town, and although they are higher than USAA, I like that I can go into their office, sit, ask questions, and look at the person giving me the answers. I'm not comfortable dealing online with a company far away. I haven't made my final decision, but if USAA was significantly cheaper, I would consider them, even though my current insurance is higher. I like that I can go into their office and talk face-to-face, so I need to make my decision quickly. I'm leaning towards staying with my current insurance so I have more time to research and see if I can get comfortable with USAA, which is miles away and requires doing everything online. Even if they have offices, like in Atlanta, it's 2.5 hours away, and Nashville is 4.5 or 5 hours away. My insurance broker is currently 9 miles from my house.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners may be a good option if you’re looking for a lower rate on a state-minimum policy. It’s the third-cheapest option for liability coverage, according to Insurify data, and it’s available in roughly half of U.S. states.
Auto-Owners has a reputation for poor customer satisfaction, with numerous negative reviews, but it does have the strongest possible AM Best financial strength rating and also offers home and renters insurance.
Pros
High customer satisfaction
Multiple discounts
Employs more than 48,000 agents
Cons
Only available in 26 states
Poor 2.1 Trustpilot score
Doesn’t offer online quoting
USAA: Best for military members and families
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $99/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,433 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,320)
Dennon
Verified Review
Top Notch Company
Reviewed in Florida on December 2025
Excellent in all respects. I've been with USAA for over 5 years and haven't had a single issue.
Richard
Verified Review
Really good
Reviewed in Kansas on December 2025
The cheapest insurance I can find. Others are over 100 bucks a month more.
Marcus
Verified Review
Expanded Customer Base Affected Rates
Reviewed in Florida on December 2025
Average. Ever since they expanded to all military members, the rates have increased from $100 per month for my three cars to $400 a month.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you’re looking for top-notch customer service and the best rates — and if you’re a current or former military member, contractor, or the relative of one — USAA is one of Insurify’s all-around top recommendations for best car insurance. USAA is also a full-service bank, perfect for drivers looking to keep all their financial products under one roof.
USAA can also underwrite SR-22 policies.
Pros
High customer satisfaction
Low premiums
SafePilot program rewards good driving with up to 30% discount
Cons
Only available to active-duty military, veterans, military spouses, or children of service members or veterans
No 24/7 customer phone support
Customer reviews are mixed for service and claims processing
How Direct Auto insurance works
Like other insurance companies, Direct Auto Insurance collects insurance premiums from policyholders in exchange for insurance coverage. But Direct Auto offers flexible payment options, a unique selling point.
For example, you don’t need a checking account or credit card to obtain Direct Auto insurance and can make premium payments in cash at a physical location. You also have the option to select your payment due date to ensure it works for your budget.
Direct Auto insurance coverage
Direct Auto provides various car insurance coverage options to protect you, your car, and other drivers on the road. Find an outline of each coverage option below:
Liability coverage
Liability insurance pays for bodily injury and property damage to other drivers if you cause an accident.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance pays for damage to your car following an accident with another car or object.
Comprehensive coverage
If your car incurs damages due to an event other than an accident, like vandalism or a hailstorm, comprehensive coverage pays for damages.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for damage to your car if someone with insufficient insurance coverage causes an accident. It also applies when you’re the victim of a hit-and-run.
Personal injury protection coverage
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers your and your passengers’ medical costs and funeral expenses, regardless of fault.
Towing coverage
Towing coverage reimburses you for towing costs, up to a coverage limit.
Rental reimbursement coverage
Rental reimbursement coverage reimburses you for rental car costs if you need one temporarily following damage from a covered event.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage pays for your and your passengers’ medical costs in a car accident, no matter who’s at fault. This may also cover medical costs if you incur injury while walking, riding in someone else’s car, or taking public transportation.
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Direct Auto car insurance cost by state
Each state sets its own minimum requirements for the insurance you need to carry while driving, and prices for insurance also vary by state. Find the average rates for full-coverage and liability-only car insurance with Direct Auto for 15 states below.
State | Direct Auto Average Quote | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $56 | $65 |
| Arkansas | $84 | $82 |
| Delaware | $189 | $157 |
| Florida | $148 | $155 |
| Georgia | $170 | $159 |
| Louisiana | $117 | $104 |
| Michigan | $140 | $137 |
| Mississippi | $70 | $66 |
| North Carolina | $64 | $64 |
| Ohio | $81 | $69 |
| Pennsylvania | $96 | $91 |
| South Carolina | $167 | $162 |
| Tennessee | $54 | $66 |
| Texas | $145 | $120 |
| Virginia | $112 | $110 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
SafeAuto insurance FAQs
These are confusing times for drivers with SafeAuto auto insurance policies, but you don’t need to worry. Insurers are continually changing, and that can create new opportunities. Included here are answers to some common SafeAuto questions to help you out.
Does Direct Auto own SafeAuto?
Technically, yes. Direct Auto’s parent company, Allstate, purchased SafeAuto in 2021. In 2023, Allstate merged SafeAuto into Direct Auto, with everything now operating under the Direct Auto umbrella.
When did SafeAuto stop writing car insurance policies?
SafeAuto had stopped writing new policies for customers by August 2023, when another insurer, Direct Auto, absorbed the company.
What is the average cost of Direct Auto insurance?
The national average cost of a Direct Auto car insurance policy is $163 for full coverage and $95 for liability coverage. Direct Auto is unique in that it offers to work with you on your monthly payment. You can choose from several payment plans, with several different payment options available, including paying in cash.
Is Direct Auto good at paying claims?
Direct Auto has an A financial stability rating from AM Best, which shows that it’s generally able to pay claims, although it could still improve in this area. Independent reviews aren’t available about how good its claims process is, but Direct Auto does have a higher-than-average number of complaints lodged with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How do you cancel your SafeAuto car insurance policy?
You can cancel your SafeAuto car insurance policy by contacting your insurance agent or the customer support team at 1 (800) 723-3288.
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Sources
- PR News Wire. "SafeAuto Insurance agrees to join Allstate."
- LinkedIn. "SafeAuto’s Post."
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Lindsay VanSomeren
Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance personal finance writer living in Suquamish, WA. Her work has appeared with FICO, Credit Karma, The Balance, and more. She enjoys helping people learn how to manage their money better so they can live the life they want.
Lindsay has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
Featured in
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.