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Kemper Insurance Review 2024
![Isabel Contreras](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_0435-160x160.jpg)
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Isabel is a lead writer at NerdWallet covering auto insurance. She's also got a knack for finding stories buried in data. Previously, Isabel worked as a personal finance writer for Morning Brew’s Money Scoop and as a markets reporter at Forbes, where she covered everything from fintech and crypto to billionaires and IPOs. Isabel earned her bachelor’s degrees in journalism and economics from Boston University, where she fostered a passion for throwing intimidating jargon out the window to make financial topics accessible to all. She is originally from Mexico City and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.
![Ben Moore](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_7897-3-160x160.jpg)
Assistant Assigning Editor | Auto insurance
Ben Moore is an assistant assigning editor and spokesperson who joined NerdWallet as a writer in 2020. An auto insurance authority, his past work has been featured in The Associated Press, The Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. Ben has been quoted in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine, and he has appeared on local broadcast television. He is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
![insurance-product-card-logo](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn/insurance/logos/kemper.jpeg)
Kemper
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Can get an SR-22 if you need one.
- Life insurance is also available.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators
- Mobile app is rated poorly by consumers.
Kemper
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Can get an SR-22 if you need one.
- Life insurance is also available.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators
- Mobile app is rated poorly by consumers.
NerdWallet was not able to rate Kemper for overall performance because there is no financial strength rating information available for the company. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
If you’ve had trouble getting auto insurance elsewhere because of poor credit or your driving record, Kemper may be worth a look. The company is known for providing auto insurance for high-risk drivers, and its policies are available in most states through independent agents. You can also get life and business insurance through the company.
But while Kemper is a popular choice — it’s the 12th biggest insurer in the country, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
» MORE: The best car insurance companies
In our auto insurance reviews, our editorial team considers both the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Financial strength. We use A.M. Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.Discounts. We look at both the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Compare to other insurers
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 | ||
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Below average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Very few discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Kemper sells insurance to high-risk drivers, but has far more complaints than similar-sized companies. | Bottom line GoAuto offers a barebones option, but other companies have lower customer complaints and offer more discounts. | Bottom line Dairyland specializes in high-risk drivers, but with more complaints than expected, you may find better coverage elsewhere. |
Kemper auto insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Kemper auto insurance options vary by state. High-risk drivers buying nonstandard insurance from Kemper may have different coverage options than those buying standard policies.
For high-risk drivers, Kemper offers:
SR-22 availability. States often require an SR-22 form to prove you have insurance after a DUI or some other serious violation.
Insurance for salvaged vehicles. Kemper will insure most “salvage title” vehicles that were rebuilt after being totaled in an accident.
Auto insurance discounts
Kemper’s auto insurance discounts vary by state and type of policy. You may be able to save money by:
Insuring more than one car.
Owning a home.
Paying your full insurance premium upfront.
Having good grades, if you or someone insured on your policy is a student.
Completing a course in defensive driving or accident prevention.
Being covered with a previous insurer before switching to Kemper.
Getting a quote in advance of the policy’s effective date.
Being an active-duty member of the military or National Guard.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Complaints and customer satisfaction
Kemper had far more than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Kemper ranked last out of 24 companies in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study .
More about Kemper auto insurance
Website: Kemper’s website lets you search for an agent, manage your policy and make a payment. You can also report a claim and find a repair shop if your car has been damaged.
Mobile apps: Kemper has a general auto insurance policy management app that allows you to view ID cards, make payments, track claims and find agency contact info.
Life insurance from Kemper
Kemper offers whole life, term life and guaranteed issue life insurance. Not all types of policies are available in all states.
To get more details about coverage options and discounts, see our Kemper life insurance review.
Other insurance from Kemper
Besides auto, home and life insurance, Kemper offers the following policies:
Flood.
Business.
Supplemental health.
Kemper sells the following policies through third parties:
Motorcycle.
ATV.
RV.
Boat.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
In this review . . .
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