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.
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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.
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.
$100/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.
$179/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 (355)
Erik
July 5, 2025
Verified Review
High Premiums and Short Grace Period
I have a flawless driving record, and the vehicle I drive is loaded with features. Paying $600 a month feels excessive. After 6 months, I only received a 10-day grace period, which I find disappointing.
Rochelle
July 3, 2025
Verified Purchase
Okay
Some customer service representatives are rude and don’t know how to deal with people, but the insurance is good.
Tawnia
July 2, 2025
Verified Purchase
Uncertain About Keeping My Policy
Well, I don’t know how to answer this but to say the following: I got a policy from them and paid my bill late (not my fault), but now that my new bill is due, I received a letter from them stating that on July 7, 2025, they are canceling my insurance due to not showing proof of address. This was dated early June, but I just got it on July 1. So I’m not sure if I should pay my next payment or not. This just makes me feel uncomfortable about them now. But I’m calling them tomorrow morning to see what they say. Either way, my insurance is almost $180.00 a month. I’ve never had any accidents and no tickets, plus I’m almost 60 years old. Very clean driving record!
…
JD Power
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.
NR
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
Offers up to 25% discount for active military members
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.
$37/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.
$70/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 204 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 (120)
Thomas
July 4, 2025
Verified Review
Fair Insurance, One Bad Agent
I had a bad agent, but the prices are kind of high, yet they are the lowest among the big four insurance companies.
Roy
June 5, 2025
Verified Review
I don't have anything to add
Good company, but I didn't care for their premiums going up this year just for liability and roadside service.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
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.
9.1 /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.
$49/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 2,105 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 (1,194)
Errin
July 9, 2025
Verified Review
They Could Do Better!
Average, but not a real discount rate, and rates go up yearly and worsen after even a small claim.
Herbert
July 5, 2025
Verified Review
Personally beneficial
Very easy to work with.
John
June 17, 2025
Verified Review
USAA Critique
High exposure in the South and East leads to higher premiums. They do have a SafePilot program, which I use. They also have a cashback program, which I use.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
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.
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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 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 $179 for full coverage and $100 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.
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