This kemper insurance review examines a specialty auto insurer that serves drivers other companies often turn away. Kemper holds roughly 0.6% of the U.S. auto insurance market. However, its reach extends far beyond that number in the non-standard segment. The company specializes in high-risk drivers, SR-22 filings, and minimum-coverage policies. For example, drivers with DUIs, lapses, or poor credit frequently find Kemper accessible. This kemper insurance review will explore coverage, pricing, ratings, and real-world value. As a result, readers can decide whether Kemper fits their situation. Kemper operates primarily through independent agents in select states, making quotes less digital than GEICO or Progressive.
Kemper Coverage Options
Kemper offers standard auto coverage types required across most states. Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage at state-minimum limits or higher. Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive handles theft, hail, vandalism, and animal strikes. In most cases, Kemper also sells uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
The company leans heavily into specialty products. For example, Kemper writes SR-22 and FR-44 filings for drivers needing court-ordered proof of insurance. Non-owner policies are available for drivers without a vehicle. Typically, these products cost more but fill a critical gap. Kemper also offers rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and towing add-ons.
However, Kemper lacks some perks found at larger carriers. There is no accident forgiveness program on most policies. Gap insurance and new-car replacement are generally not offered. As a result, drivers wanting premium features may prefer competitors.
Kemper Discounts Available
Kemper provides several discount opportunities, though fewer than national brands. Multi-car discounts apply when insuring two or more vehicles. Homeowners can stack a property discount even without bundling. For example, paying the full six-month premium upfront earns a paid-in-full discount, often 5% to 10%.
Advance quote discounts reward shopping before your current policy expires. Typically, quoting seven days ahead saves around 5%. Kemper also offers good driver discounts for clean records over three years. Electronic funds transfer and paperless billing shave additional dollars off monthly premiums. In most cases, anti-theft devices and passive restraint systems qualify for small credits.
However, Kemper does not offer a telematics-based discount program comparable to Progressive Snapshot or State Farm Drive Safe & Save. Good student and driver training discounts exist but vary by state. As a result, total discount stacking tends to be modest compared with larger insurers.
Kemper Customer Ratings and This Kemper Insurance Review
This kemper insurance review weighs third-party ratings carefully. AM Best assigns Kemper’s auto subsidiaries an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating. That score signals solid ability to pay claims. However, the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study did not rank Kemper among top performers in most regions. In segments where it was measured, Kemper scored below the industry average of 643.
The NAIC complaint index tells a harder story. Kemper’s auto complaint ratio has hovered well above 1.00 in recent years, meaning more complaints than expected for its size. For example, some Kemper subsidiaries posted ratios above 2.00 in 2024 NAIC data. Trustpilot reviews skew negative, averaging around 1.3 out of 5 stars. The Better Business Bureau lists Kemper with a B rating and hundreds of closed complaints.
As a result, this kemper insurance review notes a clear gap between financial stability and customer experience. Claims delays and billing disputes are the most common grievances. Typically, buyers should expect a more bare-bones service model than with top-tier carriers.
Kemper Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accepts high-risk drivers, DUIs, SR-22 filings, and coverage lapses that major carriers reject
- A- (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating confirms claims-paying ability
- Minimum-limit and non-owner policies available at competitive entry prices
Cons:
- NAIC complaint index well above the 1.00 national baseline, indicating elevated complaint volume
- Limited digital tools and no robust telematics discount program
- Not available in all states and lacks accident forgiveness or new-car replacement
Who Should Choose Kemper?
This kemper insurance review is most useful for non-standard drivers. For example, drivers with a recent DUI or multiple at-fault accidents often struggle to find coverage. Kemper frequently accepts these risks when GEICO, Progressive, or State Farm decline. Drivers needing an SR-22 or FR-44 filing may find Kemper cheaper than mainstream carriers.
Budget-focused drivers seeking state-minimum liability can also benefit. Typically, Kemper’s entry-level premiums run lower than major competitors for high-risk profiles. However, drivers with clean records and good credit will likely find better rates elsewhere. In most cases, USAA, GEICO, or Travelers beat Kemper on standard-risk pricing.
As a result, this kemper insurance review recommends Kemper primarily as a fallback option. Readers should still compare at least three quotes. This kemper insurance review emphasizes shopping non-standard specialists like Dairyland and The General alongside Kemper. That kemper insurance review approach ensures you get the lowest available rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kemper a legitimate insurance company?
Yes, Kemper Corporation is a publicly traded company on the NYSE. It has operated for over a century. AM Best rates its auto subsidiaries A- (Excellent) for financial strength.
Why does this kemper insurance review rank complaints so high?
The NAIC complaint index for Kemper auto has exceeded 1.00 for several years. Some subsidiaries posted ratios above 2.00 in 2024. This kemper insurance review flags that as the most consistent weakness.
Does Kemper offer SR-22 insurance?
Yes, Kemper files SR-22 and FR-44 forms in states where it operates. Processing is typically handled through its independent agents. However, availability depends on your state and driving history.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance companies and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov
- AM Best — Insurer Financial Strength: ambest.com
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.