Kemper Auto Insurance: What You Need to Know in 2024

Kemper Auto provides car insurance primarily for drivers who might struggle to find coverage elsewhere, often due to past accidents or specific vehicle types. It focuses on non-standard policies, making it a viable option for those considered high-risk.

Key takeaways:

• Kemper Auto specializes in non-standard insurance for high-risk drivers.
• They offer essential coverages like liability, collision, and comprehensive.
• Discounts are available, including multi-car and good driver discounts.
• Rates are generally higher than standard insurance due to the risk profile.

What is Kemper Auto insurance?

Kemper Auto is a segment of Kemper Corporation that specifically targets the non-standard auto insurance market. This means they cater to drivers who might have a less-than-perfect driving record, perhaps due to multiple accidents, traffic violations, or a lapse in previous coverage. While many insurers shy away from these "high-risk" individuals, Kemper Auto steps in to provide essential coverage. Their policies are designed to meet state minimum requirements, ensuring drivers can legally operate their vehicles.

Who is Kemper Auto insurance for?

Kemper Auto insurance is best suited for drivers categorized as "non-standard." This includes individuals with a history of DUIs, multiple speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents. It's also a common choice for drivers who have had a gap in their insurance history, or those with unique vehicle types that other insurers might hesitate to cover. If you've been turned down by major insurance carriers or quoted extremely high rates, Kemper Auto could be a practical solution. For example, a driver with two at-fault accidents in the last three years would likely find more favorable rates with Kemper Auto than a preferred carrier.

What types of coverage does Kemper Auto offer?

Kemper Auto offers a range of standard auto insurance coverages, designed to get you on the road legally and with some protection. You can typically find:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for others if you're at fault in an accident. State minimums often start around $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage you cause to another person's property, like their car or fence. Minimums might be $10,000 or $25,000.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your car from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Protects you if you're hit by a driver without enough insurance. This is mandatory in some states.
• Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. This is required in no-fault states.

They also offer some add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, though these might vary by state and policy.

How much does Kemper Auto insurance cost?

The cost of Kemper Auto insurance varies significantly, but it generally falls into the higher end of the spectrum compared to standard insurance carriers. This is because they take on higher-risk drivers. Your specific premium will depend on several factors:

• Driving Record: The more accidents or violations, the higher the premium. A single DUI could increase your rates by hundreds of dollars per year.
• Location: Urban areas typically have higher rates due to increased traffic and theft risks.
• Vehicle Type: Newer, more expensive cars cost more to insure.
• Coverage Limits: Opting for higher liability limits or adding collision/comprehensive will increase your premium.
• Deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 instead of $500) can lower your premium.
• Age and Gender: Younger drivers, especially males under 25, often face higher rates.
• Credit Score (in some states): A lower credit score can sometimes lead to higher premiums.

For example, a 30-year-old driver with a single speeding ticket might pay $150-$200 per month, while a 20-year-old with an at-fault accident could pay $300+ monthly for similar coverage.

What discounts does Kemper Auto offer?

Even as a non-standard insurer, Kemper Auto provides several discounts that can help reduce your premium. These can be crucial for making the policy more affordable. Common discounts include:

• Multi-Car Discount: Insuring more than one vehicle on the same policy.
• Good Driver Discount: For drivers who maintain a clean record for a specified period, often three to five years.
• Defensive Driver Course Discount: Completing an approved defensive driving course.
• Multi-Policy Discount: Bundling auto insurance with another Kemper product, though Kemper Auto primarily focuses on auto.
• Paid-in-Full Discount: Paying your entire premium upfront instead of monthly installments.
• E-Sign/Paperless Discount: Opting for electronic documents and communication.

It's always worth asking about all available discounts when getting a quote, as they can sometimes shave 5% to 15% off your total.

How does Kemper Auto compare to standard insurance companies?

Kemper Auto operates in a different niche than standard insurance companies like Geico or Progressive. The primary difference lies in their target audience and pricing structure.

The honest drawback is that while Kemper Auto offers a solution for high-risk drivers, their premiums will almost always be higher than what a driver with a clean record would pay at a standard insurer for similar coverage. This is the cost of insuring a higher risk.

Is Kemper Auto a good option for you?

Kemper Auto is a good option if you fall into the non-standard driver category and have limited choices for affordable car insurance. If you have a clean driving record, good credit, and no major violations, you'll likely find better rates and more extensive coverage options with standard insurance providers.

However, if you've recently had an at-fault accident, received a DUI, or have multiple tickets, Kemper Auto can be a lifeline. It allows you to maintain legal coverage, potentially improve your driving record over time, and then seek more competitive rates from standard carriers in the future. Their focus on the high-risk market means they understand the unique challenges these drivers face and are equipped to offer specific solutions. Always get multiple quotes to compare, but keep Kemper Auto in mind if other insurers are quoting prohibitive prices.