Kemper Auto Insurance: Legit Or A Scam?

Kemper is a legitimate insurance company that offers auto, property, life insurance, and more. The company is a good option for high-risk drivers who may struggle to get a policy elsewhere due to a poor credit score or a history of accidents or violations. Kemper's auto insurance premiums are higher than the national average, with full coverage costing an average of $2,258 annually, and minimum coverage costing an average of $963 annually. The company has generally poor reviews from customers, with common complaints including poor communication, the claims process, and customer service. Kemper has an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating that it has the financial resources necessary to pay out claims.

Kemper's customer service

On WalletHub, Kemper has received an average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars from users. Many negative reviews mention poor customer service and delays in claims payments. One customer wrote, "I have a "legacy" policy from Kemper. [...] Never had a problem with them, and they've been very, very good to me." However, another customer said, "I would not recommend this insurance company to my worst enemy. My adjuster, Misty Freeman, has been rude and rather unresponsive throughout the process."

Similarly, on ConsumerAffairs, Kemper has received a rating of 60% based on 230 reviews and ratings. One five-star review says, "They are way cheaper than most and they have great customer service." On the other hand, a one-star review states, "This is the worst insurance company you could ever get. Good luck getting them to do anything!! They don't answer their emails. They don't care about you or your car and they charge extremely crazy prices."

In terms of financial strength, Kemper has received an excellent rating from A.M. Best, indicating its ability to meet payout demands. However, when it comes to digital tools and technology, Kemper's mobile app has received poor ratings from customers on the iPhone App Store, with a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars.

Kemper's mobile app

While Kemper is a popular choice and the 12th biggest insurer in the country, the company has received a significant number of complaints. The Kemper mobile app is rated poorly by consumers.

Kemper's pros and cons

Kemper Pros

• Kemper offers low-cost car insurance, non-standard policies and various discounts in 26 states.
• Kemper provides pet protection and accident forgiveness options.
• Kemper offers discounts for multi-policy coverage, referrals, paperless billing and safe driving.
• Kemper offers non-standard coverage for drivers with international licenses, state IDs and Matricula Consular identification cards from Mexico.
• Kemper offers a telematics program that tracks your driving habits, with a 10% discount for enrolling.
• Kemper offers flexible payment plans.
• Kemper offers a roadside assistance option.
• Kemper offers SR-22 filing.
• Kemper offers guaranteed issue life insurance, which doesn't require a medical exam.

Kemper Cons

• Kemper has far more complaints than similar-sized companies.
• Kemper's mobile app is rated poorly by consumers.
• Kemper's policies are not available in all states.
• Kemper's specialty coverage is only available in California.
• Kemper's average auto insurance rates are generally higher than the national average.
• Kemper's customer service has been described as "atrocious", "unresponsive" and "unprofessional".
• Kemper has been described as "dishonest and underhanded", with some customers reporting that the company failed to respond to them for 30 days.

Kemper's car insurance cost

Kemper's auto insurance costs vary depending on the type of coverage and the driver's profile. For full coverage, Kemper's premiums are around $2,258 annually, which is 15% more than the national average. The national average for full coverage is $2,329 per year. On the other hand, Kemper's annual average for minimum coverage is $963, which is over $400 more than the national average of $633. It's important to note that Kemper specializes in providing insurance for high-risk drivers, which contributes to their higher-than-average premiums.

When it comes to specific driver profiles, Kemper's rates vary. For a good driver with good credit, the average annual premium for full coverage is $2,329, while a good driver with poor credit can expect to pay $3,165. If the driver has a speeding ticket with good credit, the average annual premium is $2,551. For a driver with an at-fault accident and good credit, the premium increases to $3,165.

Additionally, Kemper offers several discounts that can help reduce the cost of their auto insurance. These include the Kemper Co-Pilot telematics program, which offers a 10% discount for enrolling and tracking your driving habits. Other discounts include the defensive driving course discount, multi-car discount, good student discount, paid-in-full discount, and military discount.

While Kemper's rates are generally higher than the national average, they provide a valuable service for high-risk drivers who may have difficulty obtaining insurance elsewhere. Their annual policies also provide the benefit of locking in rates for the entire year, offering some stability in an ever-changing market.

Kemper's customer satisfaction

Kemper has also received a below-average rating in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey in California and a high number of complaints on the NAIC index, indicating that customers are less satisfied with their insurance than customers of other insurance brands.

On the other hand, Kemper has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an excellent financial strength rating from A.M. Best, indicating an ability to meet payout demands due to a strong balance sheet, good credit ratings, and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

Customer reviews of Kemper are mixed, with some praising the company for its affordable rates and great customer service, while others complain about issues with claims handling, poor customer service, and unexpected rate increases.

Frequently asked questions