Full Review
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 will continue to operate separately, State Farm will eventually offer combined products.
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Current Product
NerdWallet rating 1.5/5 | NerdWallet rating 1.5/5 | NerdWallet rating 2.5/5 |
Complaints to NAIC Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Far more than expected |
Ease of use Average | Ease of use Average | Ease of use Average |
Discounts Very few discounts | Discounts Great set of discounts | Discounts 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 15 states. | Bottom line Infinity caters to high-risk drivers, although availability is unclear. |
Compare Quotes | Compare Quotes | Compare Quotes |
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 and FR-44 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 will no longer file 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.
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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.
Insuring more than one vehicle.
Having an auto insurance policy for at least six months, with no more than a 30-day lapse.
Being a returning Gainsco customer.
Nerdy tip: 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.
» MORE: Car insurance discounts: Your guide to getting the best price
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: You can request a quote, make payments and file claims with Gainsco’s Android app. For Apple users, Gainsco has a “quick estimate” app to help with claims.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. 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 endorsem*nt 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.
