Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) is a Chicago-based specialty insurer focused on the non-standard auto market — drivers who are often high-risk, urban, or underserved by big national carriers. It expanded that focus by acquiring Infinity Insurance in 2018 and now sells mainly through independent agents. Here is an independent look at Kemper auto insurance, its estimated rates, and how it compares in 2026.
Kemper Corporation is a publicly traded (NYSE: KMPR) specialty insurer headquartered in Chicago, focused on non-standard personal auto for drivers who are harder to place in the standard market. Its 2018 acquisition of Infinity Insurance, one of the largest non-standard auto insurers, deepened that footprint, which is concentrated in California, Florida, and Texas but spans roughly 39 states, sold mainly through independent agents. Its main auto units carry an A- (Excellent) AM Best rating, affirmed in August 2025. The trade-offs are typical of the specialty segment: NAIC data shows more complaints than expected for its size, its rates run above the national average, and it is not ranked in the major J.D. Power auto studies. Kemper has also been restructuring, exiting standard home and preferred auto lines to concentrate on specialty auto.
Independent market estimates based on NAIC rate filings and state insurance department data. Not provided by or endorsed by Kemper. Actual rates vary by state, ZIP, and individual profile.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. market avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$1,880/yr | Above avg. | Specialty auto pricing |
| Single accident (3 yrs) | ~$2,540/yr | Above avg. | Serves high-risk drivers |
| DUI on record | ~$3,300/yr | Above avg. | SR-22 filings available |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$3,200/yr | Above avg. | Low-down-payment plans |
| Senior driver (65+) | ~$1,860/yr | Near avg. | Varies by state |
| Lower credit tier | ~$2,700/yr | Above avg. | Non-standard market where credit applies |
ⓘ Source: NAIC filings and state regulatory data. Not quotes from Kemper. Verify pricing directly with the carrier or a licensed agent.
Kemper's role is to insure drivers the standard market makes cautious, and it is built for that. Its main auto units carry an A- (Excellent) AM Best rating affirmed in 2025, its 2018 Infinity acquisition gave it deep reach in California, Florida, and Texas across roughly 39 states, and it offers the tools that matter in the non-standard segment — SR-22 filings, minimum-coverage policies, low-down-payment plans, bilingual service, and the Kemper Co-Pilot telematics discount. The trade-offs are the segment's usual ones, and they are real. NAIC data shows Kemper draws more complaints than expected for its size, its rates run above the national average, and it does not appear in the major J.D. Power auto studies, so there is limited third-party satisfaction data. It has also been restructuring, exiting standard home and preferred auto lines to refocus on specialty auto. For high-risk drivers it is a legitimate, financially sound option, but the pricing and complaint picture make comparison important.
Kemper is a solid specialty choice for high-risk or non-standard drivers who need coverage, an SR-22, or flexible payments and want an A- rated insurer behind them. Weigh that against its above-average rates and higher-than-expected complaint volume. Comparing Kemper against other carriers — including other specialty insurers — in your area is the fastest way to see whether it wins for your profile.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service and is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Kemper. All carrier names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners used solely for informational and comparison purposes. Rate figures are independent market estimates from publicly available NAIC and state regulatory data — not quotes from Kemper. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with the carrier or a licensed agent before purchasing.