Kemper Insurance is not trying to be all things to all drivers, and that is the point. After exiting the preferred home and auto market in 2023, the company now zeroes in on two things: specialty auto coverage for harder-to-insure drivers and life insurance.
That focus makes Kemper insurance a different kind of shopping decision. Here is what the company offers today and who it serves best in 2026.
Kemper Insurance at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Specialty auto, life |
| States | Multiple states nationwide |
| AM Best | A- (Excellent) |
| Contact | 866-860-9348 (service) |
Kemper Corporation is a publicly traded holding company founded in 1912 by James S. Kemper. It reports roughly $13 billion in assets and operates through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands. All facts here are current as of July 2026.
What Kemper Insurance Covers
Kemper's lineup looks different than it did a few years ago. In 2023 the company announced it was leaving the preferred home and auto business to concentrate on its core strengths.
Today the main personal offering is specialty auto insurance, often called non-standard auto. This coverage is aimed at drivers who may struggle to get a policy elsewhere, such as those with gaps in coverage, blemishes on their record, or poor credit who are hunting for the best car insurance for bad credit.
Kemper also sells life insurance, including smaller policies and supplemental products through Kemper Life. If you are looking for a preferred homeowners policy from Kemper, that option is no longer available.
How Kemper Insurance Prices Coverage
Specialty auto pricing works differently than standard car insurance. Because Kemper insures higher-risk drivers, premiums can run higher than a preferred carrier would charge a spotless driver, but the trade-off is access to coverage.
Your rate depends on your state, driving history, vehicle, coverage limits, and in most states your credit-based insurance score. Kemper offers flexible payment options, including monthly plans, which can help drivers on tight budgets. Rates and terms vary, so a personalized quote is the only accurate figure.
Because non-standard rates vary widely, comparing carriers is smart. Insurify helps by comparing 120+ providers in minutes, with potential savings of up to 50% on auto, home, and renters coverage. Even if you expect higher premiums, a comparison shows whether Kemper is competitive for your situation next to standard carriers like Country Financial.
Insurify
Insurify
Finding the best insurance shouldn't feel overwhelming. Insurify compares personalized quotes from 120+ top-rated providers in minutes — so you can save up to 50% on auto, home, renters, and pet insurance without the hassle.
Standout feature
Compare 120+ insurance carriers instantly. Save up to 50% on premiums.
Fees
Free
Pros
Compares 120+ carriers in real-time. Save up to 50% on premiums. BBB A+ rated.
Cons
Some users report unwanted communications from third-party providers.
Financial Strength and Ratings
AM Best assigns Kemper's property and casualty group and its life group an A- (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating. That points to a solid ability to meet claims, which matters even for specialty coverage.
As a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Kemper also reports its results openly each quarter. Keep in mind that specialty auto is a competitive, price-sensitive segment, so service experiences can vary. Treat any single rating as one input, not the full picture.
If you want standard or preferred coverage that Kemper no longer sells, or you prefer a digital experience, Lemonade is worth considering. This AI-driven insurer covers renters, home, pet, life, and car, with fast claims handled through an app.
Lemonade
Lemonade
Insurance that's fast, affordable, and actually feels good. Lemonade uses AI to process claims in seconds and donates leftover premiums to causes you care about. Get renters, home, pet, life, or car insurance — all from one app.
Standout feature
AI claims in seconds. Giveback program donates unused premiums. 2.9M+ customers.
Fees
Varies by policy (renters insurance from ~$5/mo)
Pros
Lightning-fast AI claims processing. Social impact through Giveback program. Beautiful, easy-to-use app (4.9★ App Store).
Cons
Limited home insurance availability (28 states + DC only).
Pros and Cons of Kemper Insurance
Here is a balanced view.
Pros
- Coverage for non-standard drivers who face rejection elsewhere
- A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best
- Flexible, budget-friendly payment options
- Life insurance available alongside auto
- Long history dating to 1912
Cons
- No longer offers preferred home or standard auto
- Specialty auto premiums can be higher
- Product range is narrower than full-line carriers
- Customer service reviews are mixed
Who Kemper Insurance Is Best For
Kemper is best for drivers who have trouble getting coverage from standard carriers. If you have a lapse in coverage, a spotty record, or other risk factors, its specialty auto product may be one of your better options.
It also fits people shopping for straightforward life insurance to pair with an auto policy. Rates and terms vary, so compare Kemper against other non-standard insurers like Mercury Insurance before you decide.
Kemper is not the right pick if you want a preferred homeowners policy or a bundled full-line experience. Those needs are better served by broader carriers like Auto-Owners Insurance.
What Customers Commonly Report
Drivers often value that Kemper offers coverage when other insurers say no, along with flexible payment plans. Some report higher premiums, which often reflect risk factors like how credit affects car insurance, and mixed service experiences, which is common in the specialty market. Results vary by state and situation, so your experience may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kemper Insurance still in business?
Yes. Kemper is very much in business, but it changed its focus in 2023 by exiting preferred home and auto coverage. The company now concentrates on specialty auto insurance and life insurance through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands.
What kind of car insurance does Kemper offer?
Kemper specializes in non-standard, or specialty, auto insurance. This coverage is built for drivers who may not qualify with standard carriers, such as those with lapses or driving record issues. It provides the required liability coverage plus optional protections.
How do I contact Kemper Insurance?
You can reach Kemper customer service at 866-860-9348 and report claims at 800-353-6737, which offers 24-hour claim reporting. Kemper Specialty auto customers can also make payments by phone. Have your policy number ready when you call.
Does Kemper sell life insurance?
Yes. Kemper Life offers life insurance, including smaller and supplemental policies. This is one of the company's two core businesses alongside specialty auto. Availability and products can vary by state.
