Gainsco
Owned by State Farm, Gainsco sells policies to high-risk drivers and can provide an SR-22 if you need one.- Provides coverage for high-risk drivers who may not be able to get sufficient insurance elsewhere.
- Can provide an SR-22 form if needed.
- Online quote available.
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators for auto insurance.
- Website gives no coverage details.
Gainsco earned 1.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
Headquartered in Dallas, Gainsco specializes in nonstandard auto insurance for high-risk drivers. It sells policies through comparison websites and a network of independent agents in the states it services.
Gainsco was acquired by State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the country, in late 2020. Although Gainsco operates separately, State Farm will eventually offer combined products.
» MORE: Best car insurance companies
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
Compare to other insurers
NerdWallet rating 1.5/5 |  NerdWallet rating 1.5/5 |  NerdWallet rating 2.5/5 |
Discounts Very few discounts | Discounts Great set of discounts | Discounts Great set of discounts |
Ease of use Below average | Ease of use Above average | Ease of use Above average |
NAIC complaints Far more than expected | NAIC complaints Far more than expected | NAIC complaints Far more than expected |
Bottom line Owned by State Farm, Gainsco sells policies to high-risk drivers and can provide an SR-22 if you need one. | Bottom line Acceptance provides coverage for high-risk drivers and can file an SR-22 form if needed. However, it sells policies in only 13 states. | Bottom line Infinity caters to high-risk drivers, although availability is unclear. |
Gainsco auto insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Gainsco focuses on offering the minimum car insurance required by state. It also offers the following options:
SR-22 forms: Many states require that your insurer file an SR-22 form to prove you have the minimum amount of car insurance after a DUI or other serious offense. Similarly, Florida and Virginia require an FR-44 form to prove you have sufficient coverage.
Gainsco can file an SR-22 form on its customers’ behalf but no longer files FR-44 forms.
Non-owner insurance: This gives you liability insurance if you don’t own a car. A non-owner policy can prevent you from being labeled as a high-risk driver due to a lapse in coverage if you're without a vehicle. Drivers who need an SR-22 form may also need this type of policy to get a driver’s license reinstated.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
Depending on where you live, you may be able to save money on your Gainsco car insurance by:
Setting up automatic payments.
Paying your auto policy in full.
Owning a home, condo, townhouse or mobile home.
Having had continuous coverage for at least four months, with no lapses in coverage of more than 60 days, before purchasing a Gainsco policy.
Buying a policy at least three days before it goes into effect.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
Complaints
Gainsco had far more than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
More about Gainsco auto insurance
Website: While Gainsco’s site has minimal coverage details, it does have a handy FAQ section and a glossary of insurance terms. As a policyholder, you can log in to make payments and report a claim. However, if you need to make changes to your policy — such as adding drivers or cars — you’ll need to contact your agent.
App: Gainsco has a “quick estimate” app for Apple and Android users to help with claims.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a car insurance quote from Gainsco?
How do I get a car insurance quote from Gainsco?
To get a quote, head to Gainsco's website or call 866-424-6726 to be connected to a local agent.
In what states does Gainsco sell auto policies?
In what states does Gainsco sell auto policies?
Gainsco sells car insurance in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
How can I file an insurance claim with Gainsco?
How can I file an insurance claim with Gainsco?
You can file a claim by logging into your Gainsco account or by calling the claims department at 866-424-6726. You’ll be asked for your policy number as well as the name of the agent who sold you the policy.
What are my payment options with Gainsco?
What are my payment options with Gainsco?
Gainsco lets you pay your premium online or over the phone, with a check, credit or debit card. You can also pay using cash, check, credit or debit card by visiting your local agent’s office.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
