Is Alliance United Auto Insurance Good?
Last Updated on January 6, 2026
If you’re considered a high-risk driver (for example, you need an SR-22 or you’ve had recent tickets/accidents), you may end up shopping with non-standard car insurance companies that specialize in higher-risk policies. In Southern California, one name you might run into is Alliance United (often shown as “Kemper Auto | Alliance United” on portals and paperwork).
Alliance United has historically been marketed through brokers in the Los Angeles area (and nearby communities), so it’s a brand that comes up when people search for cheap car insurance in Los Angeles—especially for drivers who are having trouble getting approved elsewhere.
Before you buy, it’s important to understand how the company is structured, what coverage you can realistically expect, and why many complaints about non-standard insurers come down to fees and claims communication—not just the base premium.
Our Rating of Alliance United Auto Insurance
2.7
out of 5
★★★☆☆
Summary
Bottom line: Alliance United can work for some high-risk California drivers who need basic coverage fast, but you should be cautious about total costs and set realistic expectations for claims communication.
Alliance United is best known for non-standard (high-risk) auto insurance in Southern California and has historically been marketed through brokers, which means the shopping experience often depends on the broker and the specific underwriting company on your paperwork. Coverage is typically focused on essentials like liability, with optional comprehensive/collision and uninsured motorist coverage varying by policy and driver profile, and the biggest “gotcha” for many shoppers is the all-in cost once policy fees, broker fees, and installment/payment charges are added. The article also notes that the California Department of Insurance profile lists Alliance United Insurance Company’s license status as withdrawn, so it’s especially important to confirm the legal underwriting insurer name on the application and declarations page before buying.
Best for
- High-risk drivers in Southern California who need basic coverage quickly
- Drivers comfortable buying through a broker and reviewing all fees upfront
- People who need SR-22-friendly options (when available through the underwriting insurer)
Not ideal for
- Drivers who want lots of optional coverages and a polished app experience
- Shoppers who want white-glove claims support and frequent proactive updates
- Anyone who wants to deal directly with a carrier instead of a broker model
- Our Rating of Alliance United Auto Insurance
- 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?
- Alliance United rates: what to expect in California
- 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
Bottom line: Is Alliance United auto insurance good?
Alliance United can be “good” for the right driver—usually someone who needs basic coverage fast, is comfortable buying through a broker, and understands the total cost (premium plus fees). However, it’s not typically the best fit for drivers who want lots of optional coverages, a sleek app experience, or white-glove claims support.
- Good fit if: you need non-standard/high-risk coverage, you’re comparing multiple quotes, and you’re reviewing all fees upfront.
- Be cautious if: you’re price-shopping only on the monthly payment, you’ve had prior claim delays with other insurers, or you strongly prefer dealing directly with a carrier (instead of a broker model).
Is Alliance United still selling new policies?
This is a key “check before you assume” point. The California Department of Insurance company profile for Alliance United Insurance Company lists the carrier’s license status as withdrawn. You can verify the current status here: Alliance United Insurance Company (CA DOI profile).
What this means for shoppers: depending on your location and situation, you may not be able to start a new policy with Alliance United Insurance Company specifically—even if you still see “Alliance United” branding used by brokers or online portals. If you’re being offered an “Alliance United” quote, ask your agent/broker to confirm the underwriting company name on the application (the legal insurer that will appear on your declarations page) and whether it’s currently writing new business in your area.
About Alliance United and Kemper
Alliance United is associated with Kemper’s insurance group, and Kemper acquired Alliance United Group in 2015. If you’re comparing carriers, it can also help to read a broader overview of Kemper auto insurance to see how the larger parent brand tends to be perceived for pricing, servicing, and claims.
What coverages can you typically get?
Coverage availability depends on the underwriting company, your driving record, and your vehicle. But a typical non-standard policy menu includes the basics plus a few common add-ons.
- 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.
Alliance United rates: what to expect in California
Non-standard insurers can sometimes look cheaper up front for certain high-risk drivers because they’re designed for drivers who don’t 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 compares example pricing scenarios. Treat it as directional—not a promise of what you’ll pay—because real quotes vary widely by driver and underwriting company.
| 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: here’s a look at fee types that may apply (your quote may differ):
| 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 non-standard insurers receive criticism—especially around responsiveness during claims. Alliance United has also faced public scrutiny related to claim-handling timelines, including a 2023 settlement with Southern California district attorneys over allegations tied to claims response delays (Alliance did not admit wrongdoing): Claims Journal coverage.
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
If you’re evaluating an insurer, it’s reasonable to look at the broader group’s financial strength. Kemper publicly lists its financial strength ratings for its Property & Casualty business here: Kemper Financial Strength Ratings.
Pros and cons of Alliance United
Pros
- Designed for non-standard/high-risk drivers who may struggle to qualify with standard carriers
- Broker model can help some drivers find coverage quickly (especially with SR-22 needs)
- Typically offers the core coverages most drivers need to stay legal and protected
Cons
- Total cost can be higher than expected once policy fees, broker fees, and installment charges are added
- Customer service and claims responsiveness have been common pain points in public reporting
- Availability can be confusing—some drivers may not be able to start a new policy with the withdrawn carrier, depending on underwriting company and location
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
Final word
Alliance United has long been a recognizable name in Southern California’s non-standard auto market. For some drivers, it can be a practical way to get insured quickly—especially when standard insurers say no. Just make sure you’re comparing the all-in cost (premium plus every fee), confirming the underwriting company on the paperwork, and setting expectations for claims communication.
