Is Alliance United Auto Insurance Good?

Last Updated on October 16, 2026

By James Shaffer Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 16, 2026 How we fact-check

Alliance United is a retired brand name. Kemper bought the company in 2015 and folded the name away: Alliance United does not appear on Kemper’s own list of underwriting companies in use, and the California Department of Insurance has its license down as withdrawn. Nobody can sell you an Alliance United policy today, and none are being renewed under that name.

If Alliance United is the name on paperwork in front of you, your coverage is a Kemper matter and Kemper is still very much in business. Kemper is a publicly traded insurance group, the Alliance United company is still listed as one of its subsidiaries in its latest annual report, and Kemper’s own service and claims lines are the ones to call. The name on the policy changed. The company standing behind it did not disappear.

If you are shopping rather than holding, the brand to look at is Kemper Auto, which is where Kemper’s California nonstandard business lives now. It is worth comparing against other non-standard car insurance companies before you buy.

Alliance United was marketed through brokers in the Los Angeles area and nearby communities, which is why the name still comes up when people search for cheap car insurance in Los Angeles. It was a big book for a single-state insurer: the California Department of Insurance recorded $861.16 million of direct premium on private passenger auto in 2018, all of it written in California, because California was the only state the company was ever licensed in.

The rest of this page covers what happened to the brand, what an Alliance United policy looked like, and the thing that matters most if you are shopping for nonstandard coverage in California now, which is that fees and claims communication are where these policies usually go wrong rather than the base premium.

Alliance United at a Glance

Alliance United was Kemper’s broker-sold nonstandard auto brand in Southern California. Kemper retired the name, and California lists the company’s license as withdrawn, so nobody can buy it.

Quick facts

Status: brand retired; no new or renewed policies

California license: withdrawn

Owner: Kemper, since 2015

Where Kemper writes this business now: Kemper Auto

If you hold a policy: call Kemper for service or a claim

Summary

Bottom line: Alliance United is not available to buy. If it is the name on your paperwork, Kemper is the company behind it and your claim goes to Kemper; if you are shopping, look at Kemper Auto and price it against other California nonstandard carriers.

Kemper acquired Alliance United in 2015 and announced a brand refresh on October 25, 2018 that moved its businesses to Kemper Auto, Kemper Personal Insurance, Kemper Life and Kemper Health over the following 15 months. Alliance United is not among the 29 property and casualty names on Kemper’s current list of underwriting companies that may be in use, and the California Department of Insurance lists Alliance United Insurance Company (NAIC 10920) with a license status of withdrawn. The legal entity still exists, and is named as a Kemper subsidiary in the FY2025 Form 10-K, yet it is not writing business. The book it used to write was nonstandard California auto sold through brokers, where the all-in cost after policy fees, broker fees and installment charges was the usual complaint, and claims communication was the other one.

Best for

Anyone holding Alliance United paperwork who needs to know who to call
Drivers researching the brand’s history or a past claim
High-risk California drivers who want to know where Kemper writes this business now

Not ideal for

Anyone trying to buy a new Alliance United policy — that is not possible
Shoppers comparing optional coverages or apps, since there is no Alliance United policy to buy
Anyone looking for a current carrier’s claims service, since Alliance United no longer writes policies

Table Of Contents

Alliance United at a Glance
Bottom line: Is Alliance United auto insurance good?
Is Alliance United still selling new policies?
About Alliance United and Kemper
What coverages can you typically get?
California nonstandard rates: what to expect
Fees: the most common “gotcha” with non-standard policies
Claims and customer service: what to know
Financial strength
Pros and cons of Alliance United
Alternatives to compare before you choose
FAQs on Alliance United Auto Insurance
Final word
Sources

Bottom line: Is Alliance United auto insurance good?

The question has an easier answer than it used to: you cannot buy it. So the useful version of the question is what to do instead. If you hold the policy, nothing about your coverage changed when the brand did, and Kemper is the company to contact. If you are shopping, Kemper Auto is where this business sits now, and it is worth a quote alongside two or three other nonstandard carriers.

If you hold an Alliance United policy: keep paying it as normal, call Kemper for service or a claim, and check your renewal notice for the underwriting company now shown on it.
If you are shopping: ask the broker for the name of the underwriting company on the application, get the full policy-term price with every fee itemized, and compare at least two other nonstandard carriers before you sign.

Is Alliance United still selling new policies?

No, and two separate records say so. The California Department of Insurance company profile for Alliance United Insurance Company, NAIC 10920, California domicile, NAIC group 0215 (Kemper Corp Grp), gives its license status as withdrawn, checked October 5, 2026. And Kemper publishes a list of the underwriting companies that may currently be in use, 29 property and casualty names in all, and Alliance United is not on it.

What this means for shoppers: if a broker or a portal still shows you “Alliance United” branding, the policy you would actually be issued is written by some other company. Ask for the underwriting company name on the application — the legal insurer that will appear on your declarations page — and check that it is writing new business in your ZIP code before you pay anything.

What this means if you already have the policy: a withdrawn license means the company has given up its authority to transact in California, so the policy will not be renewed under that name. That is a paperwork event, not a company failure. Kemper is a going concern and the Alliance United entity is still listed among its subsidiaries. Call Kemper Auto customer service on 800-782-1020, or claims on 800-3KEMPER (800-353-6737), and have your policy number ready. The one thing worth doing today is reading your most recent renewal or cancellation notice to see which Kemper company your coverage sits with now, and confirming the policy is in force.

About Alliance United and Kemper

Kemper acquired Alliance United in 2015. A California Department of Insurance examination of the company, covering 2016 through 2018, names Kemper Corporation as the ultimate controlling entity and records that Alliance United was licensed to write its lines “solely in California.”

The brand went away as part of a tidy-up rather than a collapse. On October 25, 2018 Kemper announced a brand refresh under which, over the following 15 months, its businesses would “transition to four sub-brands” — Kemper Auto, Kemper Personal Insurance, Kemper Life and Kemper Health. The announcement never mapped the legacy names onto the new sub-brands, though the result is visible on Kemper’s own pages: Kemper Auto is the consumer brand, and Alliance United is gone from the underwriting list while sibling companies such as American Access Casualty and the Infinity companies are still on it.

The company itself was never dissolved. Kemper’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 still lists “Alliance United Insurance Company (California)” among its subsidiaries. That is the distinction worth holding on to: the entity exists, the license is withdrawn, and the brand is retired. If you are comparing carriers, our overview of Kemper auto insurance is the more useful page now.

What coverages can you typically get?

Alliance United policies were built like most nonstandard California policies, and the menu below is still what you should expect to be offered by whichever company quotes you. Coverage availability depends on the underwriting company, your driving record and your vehicle.

Liability coverage (required): pays for injuries/property damage you cause to others.
Collision coverage (optional): helps repair/replace your car after a crash, regardless of fault (minus your deductible).
Comprehensive coverage (optional): helps pay for non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, weather, or animal strikes (minus your deductible).
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (often recommended): helps if you’re hit by someone with no insurance (or not enough).
Medical Payments (MedPay) or similar medical coverage (varies by policy).
SR-22 filings (when required) for drivers seeking high-risk auto insurance.

If you need an SR-22, confirm the filing fee (if any) and how long you’re expected to keep it. In many cases, the SR-22 requirement lasts for years—here’s a deeper guide on how long an SR-22 lasts.

Want more customization? Many drivers add things like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, custom equipment coverage, or other endorsements—but availability varies. Here’s a breakdown of common auto insurance add-ons to ask about while you’re comparing quotes.

California nonstandard rates: what to expect

Alliance United is not quoting, so there is no Alliance United price to report. What you can anchor on is the California market. Insure.com’s state-by-state study, last updated September 25, 2026, puts California full coverage at $3,444 a year and state-minimum coverage at $897 a year, against a national full-coverage average of $2,578. Those figures price a 40-year-old driving a Honda Accord LX with a clean record and a good insurance score, using 100/300/100 limits and $500 deductibles for full coverage, so a nonstandard quote will land above them.

Nonstandard insurers can look cheaper up front for certain high-risk drivers because they are designed for drivers who do not fit standard underwriting. But the final all-in cost depends heavily on your driving history, ZIP code, vehicle, coverage limits, deductibles and payment plan.

Also, California auto insurance has been volatile in recent years, with many drivers seeing significant increases across the market. If you’re shocked by your quotes, this explainer on why car insurance is so expensive in California can help you understand what’s driving prices.

Sample rate comparison: the table below is an illustration of how a California nonstandard quote moves with your record. The ranges are not Alliance United quotes and are not drawn from rate filings, so treat them as directional only.

Driver profile (California example)	Liability-only (6-month)	Full coverage (6-month)	Notes
Clean record, age 30, 2016 sedan, good credit	$520–$900	$1,150–$2,050	Non-standard carriers may not win on clean drivers; compare against standard insurers too.
One speeding ticket (last 3 years), age 30, 2016 sedan	$650–$1,100	$1,350–$2,450	Ticket surcharges vary widely by insurer and county/ZIP.
At-fault accident (last 3 years), age 30, 2016 sedan	$850–$1,500	$1,700–$3,100	Expect higher rates plus possible underwriting restrictions.
DUI (last 5 years) + SR-22 required, age 30, 2016 sedan	$1,250–$2,400	$2,400–$4,600	Pricing depends heavily on conviction timing, prior incidents, and continuous coverage.
Young driver, age 19, clean record, 2016 sedan	$1,050–$1,900	$2,200–$4,200	Young-driver pricing is highly volatile; adding to a parent policy can be cheaper.
Multiple violations (2+), age 30, 2016 sedan	$1,400–$2,700	$2,800–$5,400	May trigger non-standard placement; shop brokers and assigned-risk alternatives.

How to use this table: Compare the “full-term” (6-month) cost across quotes. If an agent gives you only a monthly number, ask for the policy-term total plus every fee.

Fees: the most common “gotcha” with non-standard policies

When drivers complain that a policy “wasn’t as cheap as advertised,” the reason is often fees—especially on broker-sold, non-standard policies. These charges can vary by broker, payment plan, and underwriting company.

When reviewing your quote, ask for the total amount due today, the full 6-month (or 12-month) premium, and an itemized list of every fee. Examples of fees that sometimes appear include installment fees, processing fees for certain payment methods, policy fees, broker fees, and SR-22 filing fees.

Fee examples: the ranges below are illustrations of fees that turn up on broker-sold nonstandard policies. They are not Alliance United’s fees and are not taken from a filed schedule, so treat them as directional and ask your broker for the real numbers in writing.

Fee type	Typical range	When you might see it	How to avoid / reduce it
Policy fee / issuance fee	$10–$75	Charged at new business and sometimes renewal	Ask if it’s waived for pay-in-full or certain payment methods.
Broker fee	$25–$200+	When purchasing through an independent broker/agency	Ask for an itemized breakdown; compare quotes from other brokers.
Installment (monthly payment) fee	$2–$15 per payment	When you choose a monthly/recurring plan	Pay in full or choose fewer installments (if available).
Payment processing / convenience fee (online, phone, card)	$2–$10 per transaction	Paying by phone, debit/credit card, or certain online methods	Use ACH/bank draft if offered; avoid paying by phone unless necessary.
SR-22 filing fee	$0–$50	If you must file an SR-22 with the DMV	Confirm upfront; keep the policy active to avoid re-filing costs.
SR-22 reinstatement / re-file fee	$10–$50	If the SR-22 is cancelled due to lapse/nonpayment and must be re-filed	Avoid lapses—set autopay and pay before the due date.
Cancellation / reinstatement fee	$0–$50	When a policy cancels for nonpayment and you request reinstatement	Autopay + payment reminders; ask about grace periods.
Late fee	$5–$25	When payment is received after the due date	Pay early; schedule payments; confirm due dates at purchase and renewal.
Endorsement / change fee	$0–$50	When making mid-term changes (address, vehicle, drivers)	Bundle changes together; ask if certain changes are free.
Paper billing / mailing fee	$0–$5 per bill	If you choose paper statements instead of e-billing	Go paperless if possible.

Tip: Ask for an “all-in” worksheet showing (1) premium for the full term, (2) every fee, and (3) the total amount you’ll actually pay over 6 months. That’s the only reliable way to compare quotes.

Finally, don’t forget the basics: higher deductibles, right-sized coverage, and stacking eligible discounts can matter just as much as which insurer you choose. For a checklist of common ways people lower premiums, see these auto insurance discounts to ask about (even some non-standard carriers offer a few).

Claims and customer service: what to know

Customer experience is where many nonstandard insurers get criticized, and claims responsiveness is usually the specific complaint. Alliance United drew its own scrutiny on that point: a 2023 settlement with Southern California district attorneys over allegations tied to claims response delays, which the company settled without admitting wrongdoing.

Practical tip: the best way to protect yourself is to be organized and proactive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the proper way to file an insurance claim after an accident, plus a breakdown of why claims can take so long (and what you can do when things stall).

Financial strength

For a policyholder, this is the reassuring part. The question that matters is whether the group standing behind the paper can pay a claim, and Kemper publishes its own financial strength ratings for its property and casualty business on its investor relations site. Kemper is a publicly traded group filing annual reports with the SEC, which is a different situation entirely from an insurer in liquidation.

Pros and cons of Alliance United

Pros

Backed by Kemper, a publicly traded group that is still writing auto insurance under its own name
The broker model it used can still help some drivers find coverage quickly, especially with SR-22 needs
Offered the core coverages most drivers need to stay legal and protected

Cons

Total cost ran higher than expected once policy fees, broker fees and installment charges were added
Claims responsiveness was a recurring complaint, and a 2023 district attorney settlement touched on it
You cannot buy it. The brand is retired and the California license is withdrawn, so any “Alliance United” quote is really some other company’s policy

Alternatives to compare before you choose

If you’re shopping because your record is holding you back, don’t stop at one quote. Use a broker (or multiple quote sources) and compare at least a few insurers that actively write non-standard business in your area. This guide to car insurance quotes for drivers with bad driving records can help you build a smarter shopping list.

If you truly can’t find coverage, you may need to look into your state’s assigned risk option. Here’s how that works and how to keep costs as low as possible: assigned risk auto insurance.

FAQs on Alliance United Auto Insurance

Is Alliance United the same company as Kemper?

Alliance United Insurance Company is a Kemper subsidiary — it is named as one in Kemper’s Form 10-K for 2025 — but it is not the company you deal with any more. Kemper retired the Alliance United brand and California lists the company’s license as withdrawn. If you see “Kemper Auto | Alliance United” on an old portal or an old declarations page, Kemper is who to call. For anything you are buying today, the name that matters is the underwriting company printed on the application.

Can I still buy a new Alliance United policy in California?

No. California has Alliance United Insurance Company down with a withdrawn license, and Kemper does not list it among the underwriting companies that may currently be in use. Brokers and portals sometimes still show the name, so if you are quoted “Alliance United,” ask which company is actually on the application and whether it is accepting new business in your ZIP code. Kemper Auto is where Kemper writes this business now.

Does Alliance United offer SR-22 insurance?

Policies sold under the Alliance United name were often used by drivers who needed SR-22 filings, and California nonstandard carriers generally still handle them. Since Alliance United is not writing, the answer depends entirely on whichever company quotes you. Before you bind, confirm the SR-22 filing fee if there is one, the timeline for filing, and what happens if you miss a payment while the SR-22 is on file.

What coverages can I expect from a non-standard Alliance United-style policy?

Most non-standard policies focus on the essentials: liability (required by law) plus optional comprehensive and collision. Many drivers also add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Add-ons like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement may be available, but it varies—always review the quote and declarations page to confirm what you’re actually purchasing.

Why do people complain about fees with non-standard insurers?

A common issue isn’t the base premium—it’s the total cost after fees. Depending on the broker and pay plan, you may see policy fees, installment fees, payment processing fees, and sometimes separate SR-22 fees. The safest move is to request an itemized breakdown of every fee and ask for the full policy-term cost (not just the monthly payment).

How can I reduce the chance of claim delays?

Be proactive from day one: report the claim promptly, save photos and documents, write down the claim number, and keep a log of dates/times for calls and emails. If you aren’t getting updates, follow up in writing and ask for a clear next-step timeline (for example, when liability will be decided and when payment is expected).

What should I ask my broker before I sign?

Ask (1) Who is the underwriting company on the policy? (2) What is the total cost for the full term, including every fee? (3) What is due today and what are the installment amounts? (4) Is there a fee for SR-22 filing or re-filing? (5) What happens if I pay late or miss a payment? (6) What coverages, limits, deductibles, and exclusions are included—exactly as shown on the declarations page?

I have an Alliance United policy. Is my coverage still good?

Your coverage runs on the terms printed on your declarations page for the policy period shown there, and Kemper is the group behind it. A withdrawn license stops a company writing and renewing business; it is not an insolvency and it does not cancel anything mid-term. Two things are worth doing: read your most recent renewal or non-renewal notice to see which company your coverage sits with now, and call Kemper Auto on 800-782-1020 to confirm the policy is in force. For a claim, Kemper publishes 800-3KEMPER (800-353-6737).

Final word

Alliance United was a recognizable name in Southern California’s nonstandard auto market for years, and it is now a piece of Kemper’s history rather than a company you can buy from. For a policyholder that is a name change and a phone number to update. For a shopper it means looking at Kemper Auto and at the other nonstandard carriers writing in your ZIP code, comparing the all-in cost rather than the monthly payment, and confirming the underwriting company on the paperwork before you sign.

My advice: if an old Alliance United policy is the one in your glovebox, do not wait for a renewal notice to tell you what happened. Call the number on the declarations page, get the name of the company carrying you now in writing, and keep the old declarations page. When a brand gets retired, the gaps show up months later in proof-of-insurance requests and claim paperwork, and the people who kept the old page are the ones who sort it out in one call.

Sources

Checked October 5, 2026

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