GAINSCO Auto Insurance Review: Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

This auto insurer is a good fit for: Drivers who need SR-22 insurance coverage or who have an accident record that makes getting standard coverage difficult.

GAINSCO Car Insurance Snapshot

Pricing
GAINSCO is priced higher than many standard auto insurers for low-risk drivers, but it's competitive among companies in the non-standard insurance market.

Discounts

GAINSCO offers discounts for shopping for policies in advance of the time coverage is needed. Customers can also qualify for discounts for setting up autopay, paying premiums in full, having prior coverage, or owning a home. However, the insurer offers fewer discounts than many competitors.

Perks
GAINSCO offers coverage to many people who can't get policies with standard insurers. The company also offers access to a network of partner agents, so policyholders can get in-person support. It's also possible to get claims started online, which can be convenient for policyholders.

Customer service

GAINSCO has received substandard reviews, with many customers reporting challenges in getting compensation for covered losses. The insurer also has an above-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

GAINSCO auto insurance at a glance

Coverage options:

• Liability insurance (up to state minimums)
• Personal injury protection (in states where required by law)
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Towing
• Rental car reimbursement

Top perks

Offers coverage to drivers other insurers won't

GAINSCO specializes in non-standard auto insurance policies. This means the company covers drivers many insurers would turn down, including people with a history of drunk driving charges or accidents on their records.

Some drivers are required by their states to have a special form, called an SR-22 form, to provide proof they have minimum liability coverage. This includes drivers who:

• Have been convicted of driving without insurance
• Have received multiple traffic violations in a limited time
• Have at-fault accidents
• Have been convicted of impaired driving
• Have been convicted of driving without a license

Many insurers will not provide these forms, but GAINSCO will do so immediately at the point of sale for a nominal fee. This makes it easy to get back on the road after a traffic incident. And the price point for GAINSCO's non-standard coverage is competitive.

Has a large agent network

For drivers who need in-person help, GAINSCO makes it available through a network of independent agents. This is a big benefit to drivers who may have struggled to find insurance coverage and who may not be certain about the process of getting the protection they need.

Read more: Best Car Insurance

What could be improved

Customer service

The insurer has low ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While the insurer received an A- rating from the BBB, it got only 1 out of 5 stars among customer reviews on the BBB site. It also has a higher-than-average number of complaints with NAIC.

If you're considered a low-risk driver and you're looking for cheaper coverage: Geico is a good choice for affordable coverage for those not considered to be high-risk drivers. Drivers insured with Geico can bundle coverage to secure additional discounts.

When looking for an auto insurer who offers better customer service for SR-22 coverage: The General also offers SR-22 insurance but has much better ratings from customers than GAINSCO. However, The General's premiums may be higher than GAINSCO's for similar coverage.

Learn more: Best High-Risk Car Insurance

GAINSCO offers insurance only in the following states:

• Utah
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Indiana
• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Wisconsin
• Mississippi

Online quotes are available in a limited number of states, but prices are in line with what many competitors offer for high-risk coverage.

GAINSCO offers fewer auto insurance discounts than many competitors, but the company's savings options include:

• Advance shopping discount: Customers who get covered three to 30 days before their policy start date can qualify for reduced premiums.
• Pay-in-full discount: Drivers who pay their auto insurance premiums up front in full can save on their policy.
• Autopay discount: If customers set up autopay through the self-serve customer portal, they can get a premium reduction.
• Prior coverage discount: Showing proof of continuous prior coverage can result in a reduced price.
• Homeowner's discount: This savings is available to anyone who owns their home, including mobile homes and condos.

Policy types

• Auto Insurance

GAINSCO only offers auto insurance, so bundling coverage is not an option.

Coverage types

• Liability insurance (only up to state minimums)
• Personal injury protection (in states where required by law)
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Towing
• Rental car reimbursement

Learn more: 6 Types of Car Insurance Coverage

GAINSCO offers far fewer coverage options than many competitors. There's no opportunity to increase liability insurance above state minimums and no opportunities for common add-ons, such as accident forgiveness or new car replacement.

GAINSCO has received numerous complaints from customers, with many reporting difficulty contacting the insurer or getting claims paid. Although the company has received an A- rating with the BBB, actual customer reviews have led to a rating of 1 out of 5 stars. There's also an above-average number of NAIC complaints for GAINSCO.

GAINSCO is well suited for people who:

• Need SR-22 coverage
• Want to work with an agent in person
• Are OK with potentially poor customer service in exchange for lower premiums