Kemper ranks 14th overall nationally, placing it among the moderately strong best car insurance companies for most drivers. It has good affordability and coverage options. But this only represents a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations and the company's ranking for you will depend on your profile and coverage needs.
Kemper Car Insurance Review
Updated: May 22, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Kemper ranks ninth for full coverage affordability and seventh for minimum liability coverage with average rates of $133 and $64 monthly, respectively.
Kemper ranks 16th nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, falling behind competitors despite decent agent service and mixed forum reviews.
Interested in real customer feedback beyond our ratings? We collected opinions from policyholders who've dealt with claims and service. Read More.
Kemper Car Insurance Ratings
| Overall Score | 3.65 | 14 |
| Customer Experience | 3.33 | 16 |
| Coverage | 2.5 | 9 |
| Affordability | 4 | 7 |
Kemper Car Insurance Reviews from MoneyGeek Users and Policyholders
Kemper's ranking reflects our review of cost data, policy options and complaint ratios as described in our analytical methodology. Feedback from actual policyholders points to real operational issues worth knowing before you buy.
Drivers with difficult histories value Kemper for accepting applications that standard carriers turn down, offering initial premiums below market rates for high-risk profiles and making the policy purchase process straightforward. But, a consistent pattern of complaints covers adjusters who go weeks or months without returning calls during active claims, disputed liability decisions, even when police reports clearly establish fault and aggressive rate increases at renewal that can double premiums within two years despite a clean record.
Here's what real MoneyGeek users say about their experience with Kemper:
★★★★ (4 stars) | Posted by SecondChanceSeeker "After my DUI nobody else would touch me or they wanted crazy amounts. Kemper gave me a quote I could actually afford at $220 a month. Been with them for two years now without issues. Customer service has been decent when I've called. Glad they gave me a chance." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by BudgetDriver "Kemper beat everyone else's quote by like $400 a year. Sign up was super easy, did everything online in 15 minutes. Haven't had to file a claim yet but for the price I'm paying I can't complain. Perfect for someone on a tight budget." |
★★★★ (4 stars) | Posted by LegacyCustomer "I have an older policy with Kemper and honestly they've been great. Paying about $1,100 a year for two cars with full coverage and high limits. Never had problems with them and they've been very good to me over the years." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by HighRiskAccepted "Kemper insured me when bigger companies wouldn't. Had a DUI and multiple tickets but they gave me coverage at a rate I could afford. Been with them two years rebuilding my record." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by LowInitialRate "Started with Kemper at $98 a month which was way cheaper than quotes from other companies. Finally found insurance that fits my budget. Service has been responsive when I've called." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by QuickSignup "Needed insurance immediately to register my car and Kemper got me covered same day. The online application was straightforward and I had proof of insurance within an hour." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by NonStandardOption "Had some issues on my record and needed non-standard insurance. Kemper specializes in this and didn't make me feel judged. Agent was professional and got me what I needed." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by PaymentPlanReasonable "Kemper worked with my budget and set up a payment plan I could manage. Down payment was affordable and monthly payments are reasonable considering my driving history." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by SR22FilingEasy "Needed SR-22 filing and Kemper handled it efficiently. They submitted everything to the DMV and I got confirmation quickly. Made a stressful situation less complicated." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by BasicCoverageWorks "Just needed basic liability coverage and Kemper provided it at a good price. Not fancy but gets the job done. Haven't had to file claims so can't speak to that yet." |
★ (1 star) | Posted by ClaimsNightmare "Been trying to get my claim settled for two months. My adjuster never returns calls or emails. They keep saying they're investigating but won't tell me anything. The other driver admitted fault at the scene but Kemper is dragging this out forever. Worst experience ever." |
★★ (2 stars) | Posted by RateHikeVictim "Started at $187 a month, which was fine. Then it went to $287. Now they want $345 and I haven't had any tickets or claims. This is insane. Calling other companies because I can't afford this anymore. Feel like they lure you in with low rates then jack them up." |
★ (1 star) | Posted by TotalLossDisaster "Kemper totaled my car and offered me $7,000 less than it was worth. They falsified the mileage on their appraisal. They lied about the condition. Won't return my calls now. Had to get BBB involved. This company is a scam, avoid at all costs." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by RateIncreaseSteep "My rate doubled from $110 to $220 monthly after a year. No new violations or accidents. Kemper gets you in cheap, but then jacks up the price. Classic bait and switch." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by AdjusterNoResponse "Filed a claim three weeks ago and my adjuster won't return calls or emails. Left seven messages with no callback. How am I supposed to get my car fixed if nobody will talk to me?" |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by LiabilityDisputed "Another driver rear-ended me and Kemper is trying to say I share the blame. The police report clearly shows otherwise but they keep fighting it. Extremely frustrating. |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by ClaimDeniedBogus "Kemper denied my legitimate claim with some bogus excuse about a policy exclusion. The damage was clearly from the accident but they refused to pay. Hired a lawyer to fight them." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by CustomerServiceLoop "Called Kemper five times about my claim and keep getting bounced around to different people. Nobody knows what's going on. Every person I reach gives me a different answer." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by PolicyLapsedFast "I paid three days late, and Kemper immediately canceled my policy. No grace period, no courtesy call. Now I have a cancellation on my record, making insurance harder to get." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by EveryRenewalJump "My rate has gone up every time I renewed for three years in a row. Started at $95 and now I'm paying at $205 per month. My record has gotten better, but my rate keeps climbing. Done with Kemper." |
Kemper Car Insurance Reddit and Forum Customer Satisfaction
Kemper customers on Reddit and online forums point to budget-friendly rates and straightforward coverage as the main draws, particularly the direct-to-consumer model that keeps costs down.
The recurring complaints center on inconsistent customer service and slow claims processing. Support quality varies widely depending on the situation and who handles the case.
Here's what real customers say about their experience with Kemper on forums:
Pricing and Value
Initial pricing feedback is consistently positive, with customers praising Kemper's competitive rates for standard coverage. Some forum users report renewal increases that affect long-term value, particularly for drivers with claims history.
"Started with Kemper because they beat everyone else's quote by $400 per year. Three years in and rates have crept up, but still reasonable compared to the big names."
Claims Processing
Claims experiences with Kemper show mixed results, with processing times varying based on claim complexity and local adjuster availability. Customers report generally fair settlements but note that response times can be slower than larger insurers.
"Filed a claim with Kemper after a parking lot fender-bender. Took about 10 days to get an adjuster out, but they covered everything without hassle once they looked at it."
Customer Service
Phone support quality varies considerably, with customers reporting helpful representatives during some interactions and difficulty reaching knowledgeable agents during others. The smaller company structure means fewer local offices but often more personalized service when available.
"Called Kemper about adding my teenage daughter to the policy. The first rep couldn't answer basic questions, but when I called back the next day, got someone who knew exactly what I needed."
Digital Experience
Kemper's online platform receives moderate reviews with a rating of 3.2 out of 5.0 on app stores, though mobile functionality remains limited compared to larger insurers. While customers can access basic policy information and make payments online, the digital experience lacks some advanced features.
"Kemper's website works fine for checking your policy and paying bills, but don't expect all the bells and whistles you get with the bigger companies."
Trust and Reputation
As a smaller regional insurer, Kemper generates less online discussion than major carriers, but the company's straightforward approach appeals to budget-conscious drivers seeking basic coverage without premium features.
"Kemper doesn't have the name recognition of Kemper, but they've handled my claims fairly and my rates haven't jumped around like with other companies."
Coverage Options
Customers appreciate Kemper's focus on essential coverage without overwhelming add-on options, though there is limited customization compared to larger insurers. The company's streamlined approach works well for drivers seeking standard protection at competitive rates.
"Kemper keeps it simple - you won't find dozens of coverage options, but they cover the basics well and the price is right."
REVIEWS ON FORUMS AREN’T A PERFECT GAUGE
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Who Is Kemper Car Insurance Best and Worst For?
Kemper works best for budget-conscious drivers, especially those with bad credit, low income, accident history or DUI convictions seeking cheap rates. The company also serves adult and senior drivers looking for affordable coverage. Young drivers should skip Kemper since they'll face much higher premiums than other age groups.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
Below Fair
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Overall Score | 3.97 | 12 |
Kemper Car Insurance Ratings by State
Kemper doesn't rank within the top five insurance companies in any of the 51 states and territories we analyzed. The company also doesn't hold the number one position in any state for overall provider performance.
| Connecticut | 0.19 | 7 |
| Missouri | 0.17 | 12 |
| Montana | 0.17 | 8 |
| New Mexico | 0.19 | 9 |
| New York | 0.21 | 7 |
| North Carolina | 0.16 | 12 |
| Utah | 0.17 | 11 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
How Much Does Kemper Car Insurance Cost?
Your Kemper car insurance costs could range from $56 to $1,194 monthly, depending on your specific profile and coverage choices. We've analyzed national costs across age groups, gender, coverage levels, credit scores and driving records to help you estimate your potential rates.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
Below Fair
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
| $250 | $3,006 | -28% | 5 |
Kemper Car Insurance Rates by Driver Category
Drivers with bad credit will find Kemper among the cheapest car insurance companies available. Young drivers, however, face much higher premiums with this insurer. Review Kemper's affordability for your specific driving profile below.
| Adult Drivers | $63 | $130 | 4% | 7 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $116 | $219 | 3% | 8 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $88 | $183 | 1% | 8 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $84 | $168 | 10% | 8 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $100 | $205 | -33% | 3 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $77 | $159 | -13% | 5 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $78 | $167 | 13% | 9 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $54 | $111 | -1% | 7 |
| Senior Drivers | $83 | $154 | 3% | 9 |
| Young Drivers | $191 | $361 | 23% | 12 |
Kemper's monthly rates vary significantly by location, though specific pricing data isn't available for comparison. The company doesn't rank among the top five most affordable insurers in any state or territory we analyzed. Below you can review Kemper's affordability and pricing for your area.
Kemper Car Insurance Rates by State
Kemper's monthly rates range from $34 to $171 across different states. The insurer ranks among the top 5 most affordable options in 4 states nationwide. Below you can review Kemper's affordability and pricing for your area.
| Connecticut | $65 | $117 | -21% | 3 |
| Missouri | $66 | $163 | 23% | 8 |
| Montana | $58 | $125 | 17% | 5 |
| New Mexico | $45 | $108 | -8% | 5 |
| New York | $34 | $69 | -44% | 3 |
| North Carolina | $101 | $171 | 74% | 12 |
| Utah | $72 | $156 | 17% | 9 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Kemper Car Insurance Discounts
Kemper offers nine discount opportunities to help reduce car insurance costs, with savings that vary based on your driving profile, eligibility and location. The company's telematics program, Kemper Co-Pilot, provides the most substantial discount at 10% off your premium just for sharing your driving habits through their mobile app. Below we've summarized their offerings:
Kemper Co-Pilot | 10% | Download mobile app and share driving data for minimum 91 days | Available in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Texas only |
Multi-Car | Variable | 2+ vehicles on policy at same address | Available nationwide |
Good Student | Variable | Full-time student with 3.0 GPA or higher | Available nationwide |
Homeowner | Variable | Homeowner's insurance policy address matches auto policy address | Available nationwide |
Military | Variable | Active duty military or National Guard members | Available nationwide |
Paid-in-Full | Variable | Pay premium in full upfront instead of monthly payments | Available nationwide |
Proof of Prior Insurance | Variable | Previously had auto insurance coverage | Available nationwide |
Advance Quote | Variable | Accept quote before effective date | Available nationwide |
Defensive Driving Course | Variable | Complete approved defensive driving or accident prevention course | Available nationwide |
Kemper Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Reputation
Kemper earned a middle-tier ranking in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Based on customer feedback across review platforms, the company receives positive marks for agent responsiveness and personalized service, though digital tools and online account management draw mixed reviews. Claims processing generates the most customer complaints, with policyholders frequently citing delays and communication issues during the claims experience. Below, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on our research.
Buying Process Experience
Kemper's quote process is less streamlined than competitors, often requiring phone contact with agents rather than instant online quotes. We analyzed the buying experience and found that customers frequently get redirected to call an agent after entering basic information online.
Kemper specializes in coverage for high-risk drivers who may have difficulty obtaining insurance elsewhere. It offers flexible policies even for those with only state IDs or international licenses. Much of Kemper's business is conducted through independent agents, though some customers can purchase directly through its online portal.
Policy Management
Kemper offers online policy management with features including digital ID cards, paperless billing, payment processing, and agent contact information access. The mobile app has issues, with a 1.4-star rating on the iPhone App Store across 304 reviews.
Common customer complaints include app crashes, login problems and being redirected to web portals that don't function properly.
Claims Experience
Kemper assigns a dedicated claims representative to handle each claim. Customers receive a claim number for tracking and a toll-free claims department at 1-800-353-6737. The claims process includes damage inspection options ranging from photo uploads to in-person appraisals, with repair services available through Kemper's trusted repair network.
While some customers appreciate the straightforward claims-filing process, others report significant delays. Kemper ranked last in J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Claims Satisfaction study and received a C- grade from CRASH Network's 2024 Insurer Report Card, ranking 72nd out of 88 insurers. Customer reviews cite poor communication, lengthy processing times and disputes over claim valuations.
Kemper Car Insurance Industry Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Kemper's industry ratings are mixed, with pretty strong financial strength ratings and below average ratings from studies like J.D. Power.
A.M. Best Financial Strength | A- (Excellent) | A++ to D | Excellent ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
A.M. Best Long-Term Credit Rating | a- | aaa to d | High credit quality with adequate protection |
A.M. Best Corporate Parent Rating | bbb- (Good) | aaa to d | Good credit quality but more susceptible to adverse changes |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Not Available | AAA to D | No current public rating available |
Moody's Financial Strength | Outlook: Stable | Aaa to C | Stable outlook indicates rating not likely to change |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study | 528/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average (last in California region in 2024) |
J.D. Power Digital Experience | Below Industry Average | 1,000-point scale | Below average for Shopping; not scored for Service |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Study | 820/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average industry performance |
NAIC Auto Insurance Complaints | Above 1.00 | 1.00 baseline | Significantly more complaints than expected for company size |
Kemper Car Insurance Coverage Options
Kemper provides standard coverages like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers additional add-ons such as:
Roadside Assistance | 24/7 towing, jump-start, fuel delivery, lockout, and tire change services | Assists when vehicle is disabled; helps get to repair shop or back on the road |
Gap Insurance (Auto Loan/Lease Coverage) | Difference between vehicle's actual cash value and loan/lease balance if totaled | Available for vehicles three years old or less; automatically included with Kemper Total |
New Car Replacement (Kemper Total) | Replacement value instead of actual cash value for brand-new vehicles | Only for new cars that are leased or purchased; covers repair or replacement, whichever costs less |
Enhanced Coverage Package | Accident forgiveness, deductible waiver, diminished deductible, personal property coverage, key/transmitter replacement | Comprehensive package of multiple add-ons bundled together |
Rental Car Reimbursement | Cost of rental car while vehicle is being repaired | Covers rental expenses during repair period; limits vary by policy |
Personal Property Coverage | Personal belongings inside the vehicle | Covers losses to personal property stored in your car |
Accident Forgiveness | Waives rate increase for first accident | Available after being with Kemper for three years accident-free; starting benefit on new policies |
Diminishing Deductible | Reduces deductible each year of safe driving | Lowers deductible for no extra charge based on claim-free years |
Deductible Waiver (Parked Auto) | Waives collision deductible if car damaged while parked | Applies when vehicle is damaged while parked and driver not at fault |
Trip Interruption Coverage | Reimbursement for trip interruption expenses | Covers additional costs when trip is interrupted due to covered incident |
Key/Transmitter Replacement | Replacement cost for keys or key fobs | Covers cost of replacing lost or damaged keys and electronic transmitters |
Towing and Labor Coverage | Towing expenses and roadside assistance | No deductible applies; includes reimbursement for towing costs |
Other Kemper Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
Below are insurance options besides auto to consider for bundles or standalone policies:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Directly Offered by Kemper | Auto insurance, Life insurance (term life and whole life coverage, including guaranteed-issue policies, Commercial auto insurance, Business owners policy, Commercial general liability (as endorsement), Fire/contents protection coverage, Accident and health coverage |
Offered by a Third Party Partner | Motorcycle, ATV, RV, and boat, Supplemental health |
Kemper Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
Kemper is a reliable and reasonably affordable insurance provider with extensive add-on coverage options. Due to this, it ranked 14th overall for full coverage and 15th for minimum coverage. To get the best deal, we recommend you compare quotes, do your own research and decide on coverage needs before buying.
Kemper Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Here are MoneyGeek’s expert answers to frequently asked questions about Kemper car insurance:
Does Kemper insurance have a good reputation?
Kemper is a legitimate car insurance provider that ranked 14th in MoneyGeek's car insurance study. It performs best on affordability, where it earns strong marks among national insurers.
How much does Kemper car insurance cost on average?
Adults pay $753 per year for minimum coverage and $1,558 per year for full coverage. Rates across all driver profiles range from $673 to $6,410 for minimum coverage and $1,372 to $11,261 for full coverage.
Is Kemper known for denying claims?
Some policyholders report disputes over coverage decisions, settlement amounts and delayed responses during the claims process. These reflect individual customer experiences
Is Kemper a good option for high-risk drivers?
Kemper offers competitive rates for some high-risk drivers. It ranks third for drivers with bad credit and fifth for low-income drivers, making it worth comparing for those profiles.
Does Kemper raise car insurance rates over time?
Kemper adjusts rates over time based on inflation, rising repair and medical costs, higher claim frequency from distracted driving and severe weather and increased vehicle technology costs. Personal factors like credit score changes and local risk assessments also affect renewals.
Is Kemper good for young drivers?
Kemper ranks 12th for affordability among young drivers, putting it on the more expensive end for that age group. Most young drivers will find better rates elsewhere.
How We Rated Kemper Car Insurance
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers across every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard driver profile used for analysis
All rate comparisons use a baseline driver profile with these characteristics:
- Age: 40 years old, male
- Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Driving history: Clean record
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Credit rating: Good
- License status: Valid and active
- Insurance history: Currently covered with no prior claims
We adjusted specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to identify which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Minimum coverage rates reflect policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company rating system
Our evaluation process weighted three factors:
- Cost (60%): We compared quotes across multiple driver profiles within each city to measure how competitively each insurer prices against local competitors.
- Customer satisfaction (30%): We reviewed customer feedback from Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings and AM Best scores to assess service quality and overall experience.
- Coverage variety (10%): We evaluated each provider's coverage options, including the range of available policies and any standout features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.