Auto Insurance Comparison
Metromile vs Direct Auto
Side-by-side comparison of Metromile vs Direct Auto auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Metromile comes out clearly ahead Direct Auto in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Metromile | Direct Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.65 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.15 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Metromile's pay-per-mile model is genuinely interesting for low-mileage drivers — work-from-home professionals, retirees, urban drivers — where the per-mile pricing can produce dramatically lower premiums | Direct Auto operates in 13 mostly-Southern states with a retail-store distribution model that's unusual for the auto insurance business |
| Read full review | Metromile review → | Direct Auto review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Metromile | Direct Auto |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.40 | 3.00 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.30 | 2.90 |
| Affordability | 4.20 | 3.60 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Metromile
Full review →Pros
- Low-mileage drivers
- Drivers looking for lower rates
- Drivers who value technology-focused insurance
Cons
- High-mileage drivers
- Those who want to bundle insurance types
- Drivers who want a robust set of coverage options
Direct Auto
Full review →Pros
- Retail storefronts make in-person service accessible — useful for drivers who prefer it
- Flexible payment plans including monthly cash payments without credit checks
- Accepts non-standard risk that mainstream carriers reject
- Backed by National General / Allstate financial strength
Cons
- Options for enhanced coverage
- Homeowners — this carrier does not provide homeowners insurance.
- Clients that are digital-first.
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Metromile
Direct Auto
The bottom line
Metromile
Metromile (now Lemonade's auto product) is a genuinely good fit for low-mileage drivers. For typical commuters, the per-mile pricing makes it more expensive than mainstream alternatives.
Read the full Metromile reviewDirect Auto
Direct Auto fits a specific niche — non-standard risk + cash-paying preference + retail-store access. Outside that profile, you'll typically find better rates and service at mainstream carriers.
Read the full Direct Auto reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.