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.

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

Auto-Owners: Best for cheap minimum coverage

USAA: Best for military members and families

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:

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.

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 $169 for full coverage and $98 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
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.