Purchasing car insurance can be confusing with so many options and factors to weigh. This guide will walk through how Direct Auto Insurance provides affordable coverage for drivers in Meridian, MS and surrounding areas. We’ll outline:
- Overview of Mississippi minimum insurance requirements
- What coverages Direct Auto provides
- Discount programs to lower your rates
- How to get a car insurance quote with Direct Auto
- Tips for choosing the right policy and savings options
- Direct Auto’s customer service, claims process and financial strength
- Additional resources for car insurance shopping in Meridian
Follow these tips to secure the ideal car insurance for your needs and budget.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Mississippi
All drivers in Mississippi must carry at minimum these liability insurance limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
This coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others when an accident is your fault. It does NOT cover any damage to your own vehicle or medical bills for you or passengers.
Drivers without minimum liability coverage face fines up to $500 and license/registration suspension. At-fault drivers can also be sued personally by accident victims for damages exceeding their liability limits.
Experts strongly recommend carrying more than just minimum liability coverage for proper protection. Direct Auto offers affordable policies that meet state minimums while also providing key additional coverages.
Overview of Coverages from Direct Auto
Direct Auto offers these main types of car insurance:
Liability Insurance
- Bodily Injury Liability – covers injuries to others when you’re at fault
- Property Damage Liability – covers damage to others’ property when you’re at fault
Collision
- Covers damage to your vehicle from colliding with an object like another car or guardrail
Comprehensive
- Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, floods, fire, hail, etc.
Uninsured Motorist
- Covers injuries to you and your passengers if hit by an uninsured driver
Personal Injury Protection
- Covers medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault
Direct Auto also offers add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and rideshare coverage.
Bundling auto with renters or homeowners insurance provides discounts up to 20%.
Discounts to Lower Your Direct Auto Premium
Taking advantage of discounts can significantly reduce Direct Auto premiums. Available discounts include:
- Safe driver discount for accident-free driving
- Good student discount for B average or better
- Multi-car discount for insuring multiple vehicles
- Multi-policy discount for bundling renters/home insurance
- Paid-in-full discount for annual premium payment
- Paperless discount for electronic documents
- Prompt payment discount for on-time payments
- Defensive driving course discounts
- Usage based “pay-per-mile” discounts
Discuss all possible discounts upfront with your agent to maximize savings. Discounts can reduce your bill by hundreds of dollars per year.
How to Get a Direct Auto Insurance Quote in Meridian, MS
Follow these steps to get a car insurance quote through Direct Auto:
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Visit the Direct Auto website and enter your zip code to begin a quote.
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Enter details about yourself, your vehicle, driving history and requested coverage. Be thorough for the most accurate quote.
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Select desired discounts like multi-vehicle, safe driver, etc. Ask the agent to apply all available savings.
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Confirm quote details like coverage types, limits and deductibles meet your needs and state minimum requirements. Ask about add-ons.
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Compare quotes from Direct Auto and 3-4 other carriers to find the best rate. Quotes are non-binding so get prices from multiple insurers.
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Contact Direct Auto with any questions and to discuss fine-tuning coverage or discounts if needed.
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Purchase the policy online or through a local agent once you’ve confirmed Direct Auto has the best price and coverage.
Getting quotes from several insurers ensures you find the lowest available premium for your situation.
Tips for Choosing the Right Direct Auto Policy
Follow these tips when selecting an affordable Direct Auto policy:
- Compare quotes from Direct Auto and other insurers before choosing
- Pick highest liability limits you can afford to protect assets
- Get uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage in case others lack sufficient insurance
- Carefully weigh the need for collision/comprehensive based on your vehicle’s value
- Optimize deductibles to balance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Inquire about bundling discounts for additional Direct Auto policies
- Ask about all applicable discounts to lower your premium
- Consider pay-per-mile insurance if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles/year
- Select a highly rated insurer that pays claims fairly
Finding the “cheapest” policy that lacks adequate coverage or has poor service risks leaving you in the lurch after an accident. Weigh pricing, coverage, and provider reputation when picking the right car insurance in Meridian.
Direct Auto’s Customer Service and Claims Process
Direct Auto aims to provide reliable service and claims assistance. Key highlights include:
- Extended customer service hours 7 days a week
- Mobile app and online account access
- Local agents in Meridian to provide personalized assistance
- Eclaims reporting to start the claims process quickly online
- Claims adjusters focused on resolving claims fairly and promptly
- Policy discounts for going paperless and signing up for automatic EFT payments
- Free gap insurance for total loss claims on vehicles under 5 years old
Check Direct Auto’s rating and online reviews to confirm they deliver on customer service promises and claims payments.
Direct Auto’s Financial Strength
Direct Auto Insurance is provided by Progressive Commercial Insurance Company, part of the Progressive group of insurance companies. Important financial ratings for Progressive include:
- A.M. Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
- S&P Rating: AA- (Very Strong)
These ratings mean Progressive has a strong ability to pay out claims. Direct Auto customers can rely on the financial backing of the large Progressive insurance group.
Useful Resources for Meridian, MS Car Insurance Shoppers
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Mississippi DOI Guide to Auto Insurance – Overview of state requirements
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NAIC Insurance Guide – Detailed explanations of different types of car insurance coverages
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NerdWallet Car Insurance Rate Estimator – Average car insurance costs by state
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AM Best Insurer Ratings – Research AM Best ratings for insurers
Shopping around, comparing quotes, and researching insurers will help Meridian drivers find the ideal car insurance at the optimal price. Direct Auto provides competitive rates and coverage to protect MS drivers. Get a free quote today to start saving.
Prime Meridian Direct Car Insurance – How Our Unique Comprehensive Car Insurance Works
FAQ
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
Does Allstate own direct insurance?
Is Direct Auto and Direct General the same company?