Kemper Insurance has carved a niche for itself by catering to high-risk drivers. This review delves into the specifics of Kemper’s offerings, analyzing customer feedback, coverage options, pricing, and more. This comprehensive examination aims to provide a clear picture of what potential customers can expect from Kemper Insurance.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is a critical measure of an insurance company’s performance. According to data from J.D. Power, Kemper’s customer satisfaction score in the California region is 736 out of 1000, significantly below the industry average of 873 . The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also reports that Kemper receives far more than the expected number of complaints for a company of its size.

This low satisfaction rating is primarily attributed to issues with the claims process and customer service. Customers often report delays in claim resolution, poor communication from the company, and dissatisfaction with the handling of claims.

Pricing

Kemper’s insurance policies are typically more expensive than those offered by competitors. This is particularly evident for high-risk drivers, who often face higher premiums. Below is a comparison of average annual premiums for full coverage policies:

Full Coverage Premiums:

Kemper’s average annual premium for full coverage is $2,258, which is higher than the national average of $1,924 . For minimum coverage, Kemper’s $963 annual average is over $400 more than the national average .

The higher costs are primarily due to the company’s focus on high-risk drivers. These drivers typically face higher premiums across the industry, but Kemper’s rates are especially steep compared to its competitors.

Claims Handling

The claims process is a crucial aspect of any insurance service. According to the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Kemper ranked last among 24 companies. Customers often cite delays and difficulties in the claims process as significant pain points. The study indicates that Kemper’s claims handling score is significantly below the industry average, which can be a major concern for policyholders who prioritize quick and efficient claims resolution.

Discounts and Savings

Kemper offers several discounts aimed at reducing premiums for eligible drivers. Some of these include:

• Advance Quote Discount: Savings for getting a quote and starting the policy before the effective date.
• Proof of Prior Insurance Discount: Reduced rates for drivers who can show evidence of continuous coverage.
• Paid-in-Full Discount: Discounts for paying the full premium upfront rather than in installments.
• Multi-Car Discount: Savings for insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy.
• Defensive Driving Course Discount: Discounts for completing approved defensive driving courses.
• Good Student Discount: Discounts for students maintaining good grades.
• Military Discount: Discounts for active-duty military and National Guard members.
• Homeowner Discount: Savings for bundling home and auto insurance policies.

Coverage Options

Kemper provides a range of coverage options, including:

• Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage for which the policyholder is legally responsible.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to the policyholder’s vehicle resulting from a collision.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damages to the policyholder’s vehicle not caused by a collision, such as theft or natural disasters.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects against damages caused by drivers who lack sufficient insurance.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical expenses for the policyholder and passengers after an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs regardless of who is at fault in an accident .

Additionally, Kemper offers specialized coverage options like:

• Kemper Total: Includes new car replacement, enhanced rental car coverage, and other benefits.
• Parked Auto Protection: Waives the collision deductible if the car is damaged while parked.Auto Loan/Lease Coverage: Also known as GAP insurance, this covers the difference between the car's actual cash value and the outstanding loan/lease balance.

Real Customer Reviews

To provide a more in-depth perspective, here are some real customer reviews highlighting both positive and negative experiences with Kemper:

Positive Reviews:

• "My wife and I were looking for an insurance carrier due to the fact she had minor traffic infractions. Most companies wanted to charge us outrageous fees, but Kemper took us at a great rate and great coverage." - John Blackwood
• "Kemper has been a great company. I really love their customer service. They always help me get the best price when I change cars or trucks. I would highly recommend them." - Kim .

Negative Reviews:

• "I am set up for auto pay and have been for over 8 years with the company. This year they sent me my renewal, and when I went online, it stated I was set up for auto pay, but my policy was not renewed. I lost my continuous coverage discount, and my new policy price doubled. Not a happy customer and will be canceling." - Crystal
• "You cannot count on them for the service they claim to provide." - Delilah .

Additional Services

Beyond standard and specialized auto insurance policies, Kemper offers a range of additional services and products, including:

• Home Insurance: Although Kemper has stopped offering new home insurance policies under its preferred line, existing policyholders can still receive coverage until their policies expire.
• Life Insurance: Kemper provides various life insurance options, including term life, whole life, and guaranteed issue policies.
• Business Insurance: Coverage options for small to medium-sized businesses, including general liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto insurance.

Conclusion

Kemper Insurance can be a viable option for high-risk drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere. However, its high premiums and customer service issues may make it less appealing to those with clean driving records or those who prioritize seamless claims processing. Potential customers should weigh the pros and cons and consider their specific needs when deciding if Kemper is the right choice for them.

In summary, Kemper offers comprehensive coverage options and several discounts, making it attractive for certain high-risk profiles. However, its high costs and below-average customer satisfaction scores are significant drawbacks. Prospective policyholders are encouraged to shop around and compare multiple insurance providers to ensure they get the best value for their specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of insurance does Kemper offer?

Kemper provides a variety of insurance products, including auto, home, RV, motorcycle, and commercial auto insurance. Additionally, they offer specialized coverage options like Kemper Total, Parked Auto Protection, and Auto Loan/Lease Coverage (GAP insurance).

How does Kemper cater to high-risk drivers?

Kemper is known for insuring high-risk drivers, including those with poor driving records or needing SR-22 forms. They offer specialized policies and services like SR-22 filing and the DynamicDrive telematics program to help high-risk drivers save on premiums.

What are the customer satisfaction ratings for Kemper?

According to J.D. Power, Kemper's customer satisfaction score in the California region is 736 out of 1000, below the industry average of 873. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also reports that Kemper receives more complaints than expected for its size, indicating issues with customer satisfaction and claims handling.

What discounts does Kemper offer to help reduce premiums?

Kemper offers several discounts, including Advance Quote Discount, Proof of Prior Insurance Discount, Paid-in-Full Discount, Multi-Car Discount, Defensive Driving Course Discount, Good Student Discount, Military Discount, and Homeowner Discount. These discounts aim to help eligible drivers lower their premiums.

How can I file a claim with Kemper, and what is the process like?

Claims can be filed with Kemper online, via phone, or through the MyNatGenPolicy portal. Kemper offers 24/7 claims service and a Virtual Estimating Service called MyClaimPics for photo submission of damages. However, customers often report delays and difficulties in the claims process, which is a significant concern for policyholders prioritizing quick and efficient claims resolution.