Kemper auto insurance

Overview

Kemper Corporation (NYSE: KMPR) is a Chicago-based insurer whose property/casualty business is concentrated in nonstandard personal auto. It ranked #17 among U.S. private passenger auto insurers by 2025 direct premiums written according to NAIC market share data, with $2.98 billion in auto premiums and a 0.80% national share. Its consumer auto brands are Kemper Auto and Infinity, a Kemper company.

Kemper Auto is sold through independent agents in 10 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas. Infinity Insurance Agency sells personal and commercial auto through Spanish-bilingual agents. Kemper describes itself as a specialized insurer with about $12 billion in assets, more than 4.4 million policies across its auto and life businesses, and roughly 24,100 agents and brokers. California is its largest and most difficult market, according to AM Best.

History

Kemper Corporation began in 1990 as Unitrin, Inc., spun off from the Teledyne conglomerate. Unitrin acquired the renewal rights to Kemper Insurance's personal auto and home business in 2002, bought the rights to the Kemper name in 2010 and began operating as Kemper Corporation in 2011. The Kemper name comes from Kemper Insurance, a separate company whose personal lines business Unitrin took over.

Acquisitions turned Kemper into a nonstandard auto specialist:

• 2015: Alliance United Insurance Company.
• 2018: Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation, for about $1.6 billion in cash and stock (valued at closing on July 2, 2018), bringing Infinity's nonstandard auto business; Kemper now sells that business under the Kemper Auto brand, while its Infinity Insurance Agency sells policies from several carriers through Spanish-bilingual agents.
• 2021: American Access Casualty Company, for $370 million.

Leadership has turned over recently. After an interim period under C. Thomas Evans Jr., Kemper named Stephen J. McAnena, previously chief operating officer of Horace Mann, president and CEO effective June 1, 2026. Kemper sold its Kemper Financial Indemnity Company subsidiary on September 1, 2026, and its Newins distribution operation earlier in 2026.

Auto insurance coverage

Kemper Auto offers liability-only policies where a state allows them, as well as "full coverage" with collision and comprehensive. Other coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments or personal injury protection where required, and roadside assistance. It files SR-22 certificates for drivers with suspended, revoked or canceled licenses.

Kemper Auto can insure drivers who lack a U.S. license, accepting a Matrícula Consular, a foreign or international license or a passport depending on the state (see getting car insurance with a foreign or new license). Kemper and Infinity also sell commercial auto policies for small fleets and one-person operations.

Discounts and programs

Kemper Auto lists these discounts, which vary by state and underwriting company:

• Kemper Co-Pilot, a discount for new customers in select states who share driving data through a mobile app.
• Advance quote, for buying a policy before its effective date.
• Proof of prior insurance with any company.
• Paid in full.
• Multi-car.
• Defensive driving course.
• Good student, for full-time students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Homeowner, when a homeowners policy shares the auto policy's address.

Claims

Kemper Auto and Infinity claims are reported at 800-353-6737 (800-3KEMPER), and roadside assistance for both brands is at 877-512-6964. Kemper's site also offers online claim reporting and a repair shop locator. Kemper customer service is at 800-782-1020; Infinity policyholders use the same number, option 3.

Kemper is not ranked in the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

Ratings and reputation

On September 11, 2026, AM Best affirmed Kemper's property/casualty companies at A- (Excellent) but revised the outlook to negative. AM Best cited earnings deterioration through late 2025 and early 2026, heavy concentration in California auto and the state's regulatory environment. California's 2025 increase in minimum liability limits, which doubled bodily injury minimums and tripled property damage minimums, hit Kemper hard because most of its customers carry minimum limits; the result was higher claim severity and more attorney involvement. Underwriting results improved through the first half of 2026 but remained unprofitable, and Kemper took a non-cash goodwill impairment in the second quarter. California approved rate increases of 6.9% (effective April 2026) and 3.0% (effective June 2026).

In the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Kemper scored 541 in California, tied for 14th of 16 and well below the regional average of 633.

Who it suits

Kemper suits drivers in its 10 states who need affordable liability coverage, an SR-22 filing, or a policy without a U.S. driver's license, and Spanish-speaking customers who want a bilingual agent through Infinity. Drivers with clean records and standard needs generally have more choice elsewhere, and the company's financial outlook is under pressure.

• Strengths: Accepts foreign licenses and Matrícula Consular in some states; SR-22 filings and liability-only policies; Spanish-bilingual service through Infinity; Co-Pilot telematics discount in select states.
• Weaknesses: Sold in only 10 states; AM Best outlook negative as of September 2026; low J.D. Power satisfaction in California (541 vs. a 633 average); heavy dependence on California, where rate approvals lag rising claim costs.

How to contact Kemper