Which of the following is an example of a direct loss?

A direct loss refers to a loss that arises directly from a damaging event, typically involving a physical loss or damage to property. In the context of this question, damage to a vehicle exemplifies a direct loss because it involves a tangible asset that has been physically harmed, resulting in a monetary loss that corresponds directly to the damage caused.

Other options illustrate different types of financial impacts that can be associated with the main loss event rather than the loss itself. For instance, loss of rental income is a consequence of a property being damaged but not the direct damage to the property itself. Increased repair costs relate to the expenses incurred for fixing the damage, while legal fees emerged from the necessity for legal representation do not pertain to physical damage but rather the costs of resolving insurance or legal disputes. Therefore, the focus on physical damage to the vehicle makes it the clear example of a direct loss.