Kemper auto insurance review: Coverage for high-risk drivers

Written by: Sarah Sidlow
• Updated •3 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
A man with a focused expression grasps the steering wheel while sitting in the driver's seat of his car.Image: A man with a focused expression grasps the steering wheel while sitting in the driver's seat of his car.
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Editors’ take: Kemper auto insurance could be a good option for customers who have a tough time finding insurance options. The insurance company could be a last resort option for those who need insurance to drive legally. Kemper can be expensive, and it won’t be a good option for people who have good driving records.

Kemper auto insurance at a glance

AvailabilityAvailable in 34 states
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratingsLower than average
How to get an insurance quoteOnline in some states or over the phone
How to submit a claimOnline or over the phone

Pros

  • Free roadside assistance with DriverClub
  • SR-22 coverage
  • Mobile app

Cons

  • Low claims satisfaction score
  • Not available in all states

What you need to know about Kemper auto insurance

Headquartered in Chicago, Kemper is home to several subsidiaries, including Kemper Auto, Kemper Personal Insurance, Kemper Life and Infinity. The company provides auto insurance for drivers deemed high-risk or who have had difficulty getting or maintaining coverage in the past.

SR-22 coverage

Kemper offers policy options, like SR-22 coverage, for drivers who have had their licenses suspended, revoked or canceled. An SR-22 certificate is a document that proves you have the necessary car insurance to comply with state law.

You may need to provide an SR-22 form if you have any convictions, like for a DUI or reckless driving, not having insurance, failure to pay damages for an at-fault accident or underage drinking.

Mobile app

You can use Kemper’s mobile app, available for iPhones and Androids, to manage your auto insurance policy. With the app, you can make payments, display ID cards, find repair shops and submit claims information.

But take note: The ratings for the app on both the Apple App store Google Play store are relatively low.

Low customer satisfaction ratings

Kemper was the lowest-rated auto insurer in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Survey.

Auto coverage offered by Kemper

Kemper provides specialized auto insurance for drivers who may have difficulty obtaining coverage. It offers policy options for people who don’t have a driver’s license, and SR-22 coverage for drivers whose licenses have been canceled, suspended or revoked.

This specialized (otherwise known as nonstandard) car insurance is designed for people with less-than-stellar driving records. Nonstandard insurance is often more expensive than standard car insurance and may offer fewer coverage choices.

Kemper auto insurance is not available in all states, so you’ll need to check with a local agent to learn about the options available where you live. Here are some of the coverage options Kemper provides.

  • Roadside assistance — This 24/7 service includes towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockout service and tire changes. Members of Kemper’s DriverClub program get this benefit for free.
  • Kemper Total — With this coverage option, Kemper pays the amount necessary to repair or replace a totaled vehicle.
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Auto loan/lease coverage — This is also called gap insurance.
  • Liability and full coverage on reconditioned vehicles

Kemper offers a Kemper Prime Auto Enhanced insurance package that combines additional coverages like trip interruption coverage, diminishing deductible, personal property protection, key replacement, accident forgiveness and a deductible waiver when an insured car is parked.

Auto insurance discounts offered by Kemper

Kemper offers a wide range of discount options. Check with a local agent to see what you might be eligible for.

  • Advance quote discount — You may be eligible if you receive a quote and choose to start your coverage before the date on the quote.
  • Proof of prior insurance discount
  • Paid-in-full discount
  • Multi-car discount
  • Defensive driving course discount
  • Good student discount
  • Military discount
  • Homeowner discount

FAQs about Kemper auto insurance

Is Kemper the same as Infinity Insurance?

Kemper acquired Infinity Property and Casualty in 2018.

How do I file a claim with Kemper?

You can file an auto or glass insurance claim online or over the phone. To file a claim, you’ll need to have the policyholder’s name, policy number and a description of the accident, damages and injuries, as well as the date and time of the incident.

Not sure if Kemper auto insurance is right for you? Consider this alternative.

Good2Go: Good2Go offers nonstandard coverage.

About the author: Sarah Sidlow is a freelance writer and editor based near Detroit. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Sarah’s work has appeared in Luxembourg’s national newspaper, Washington City Paper… Read more.