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.
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
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.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
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.
Save up to $1,025† by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies
Excellent
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
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.
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.
7.3 /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.
$97/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.
$183/mo
How drivers feel about Direct Auto
Drivers appreciate the initial low rates and the roadside assistance but dislike the significant rate increases and poor customer service.
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 initial low rates and the roadside assistance but dislike the significant rate increases and poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
Reviews (287)
Debra
January 16, 2025
Verified Review
Too Expensive
Their rates are extremely high for a person of 60 years with no tickets or accidents.
Sandy
January 15, 2025
Verified Review
Not Very Nice in Person
Their rates are not bad.
Dana
January 9, 2025
Verified Review
Dissatisfied
The customer service is horrible and the people I have come into contact with are unable to provide me with the explanations I request.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.02
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
Why 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
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.
8.5 /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.
$33/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.
$72/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 153 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
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
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Reviews (94)
Tammy
January 13, 2025
Verified Review
Affordable Insurance in Michigan
The insurance is affordable.
Allen
January 12, 2025
Verified Review
Excellent
Absolutely no problems.
Michael
January 6, 2025
Verified Review
Pleased
I have had a positive experience with Auto-Owners company and personnel.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
837
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.5
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++
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.
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.
9.4 /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.
$46/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 1,675 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
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
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (961)
William
January 18, 2025
Verified Review
Trouble Remembering PIN with USAA
USAA is great, but I do have trouble remembering my PIN number. That's a problem.
William
January 13, 2025
Verified Review
I love USAA
I love USAA. However, I don't know my PIN, and that has caused me some inconvenience.
Thomas
January 13, 2025
Verified Review
Too Personal
They penalize me for using my phone as a passenger in someone else's car. Even though I have a Bluetooth hands-free phone, they still want to deduct points. I guess next they'll penalize me if I talk to my wife while I'm driving.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
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++
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:
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.
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.
Save on Your Next Car Insurance Policy
Compare rates from leading insurers
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus 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 $183 for full coverage and $97 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.
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.
Edited byChris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
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.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
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.
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)