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Gainsco Auto Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Drew Gula is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. He previously worked as the senior content editor at Soundstripe and as the senior writer in Liberty University's marketing department. Drew is also a published author. He is based in Nashville, Tenn.
Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Gainsco
1.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators for auto insurance.
- Website gives no coverage details.
Gainsco
1.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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
Current Product
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NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 1.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 1.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 2.5 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Below average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Very few discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
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.
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.
To get a quote, head to Gainsco's website or call 866-424-6726 to be connected to a local agent.
Gainsco sells car insurance in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
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.
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.
To get a quote, head to Gainsco's website or call 866-424-6726 to be connected to a local agent.
Gainsco sells car insurance in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
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.
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.
In this review . . .
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