Is Affirmative Insurance a Good Place to Buy Car Insurance?

Last Updated on January 7, 2026

2026 update: If you’re researching “Affirmative Insurance” for car insurance, it’s important to know that Affirmative Insurance Company was ordered into liquidation in March 2016 and is no longer writing new auto policies. This guide explains what that means for shoppers—and what to do if you had an older policy or an open claim.

The best way to find the right auto insurance is still to compare quotes from multiple companies and look at the total value—not just the monthly price. Start with well-known carriers and then compare options for your situation (including non-standard coverage if you need it). Our roundup of the best auto insurance companies in America can help you build a solid shortlist.

About Affirmative Insurance

Affirmative Insurance Company (often shortened to “Affirmative”) was a non-standard auto insurer that focused on higher-risk drivers—people with tickets, accidents, prior lapses in coverage, or required state filings. The company’s operations were based in Addison, Texas, but the insurer was placed into liquidation by an Illinois court in March 2016.

• Liquidation date: March 24, 2016
• What liquidation means: the insurer is insolvent (bankrupt) and its remaining assets are handled through a court-supervised process
• What happened to policies: policies were canceled shortly after liquidation unless replaced sooner (for example, Texas policy cancellations were no later than April 24, 2016)

If you want to read official guidance for Texas policyholders, the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association maintains an information page on the Affirmative liquidation and claims process here.

Can You Still Buy Affirmative Car Insurance?

In most cases, no. Because Affirmative Insurance Company is in liquidation, it generally isn’t available as an option for new car insurance policies.

If you see “Affirmative” referenced online, it may be an old claims portal, an insurance agency using a similar name, or a third-party site referencing historical information. Before you pay anything or sign a policy, confirm the underwriting insurance company listed on your quote or declarations page.

If you need help shopping (especially for non-standard coverage), working with an independent agent can still be the fastest way to compare multiple carriers at once—here’s our guide on whether auto insurance is cheaper through an agent.

What If You Have an Affirmative Policy or Open Claim?

If you had an Affirmative policy in the past (or you’re dealing with an older claim), the process is different from a normal insurer-to-insurer claim. Here are the most practical steps:

1. Replace coverage right away if you need to drive. Don’t assume an old policy is still active. Keeping valid insurance is part of maintaining proof of financial responsibility in your state.
2. Gather your paperwork. Save your declarations page, payment history, claim numbers, repair estimates, and any letters you received. If you need current proof of insurance from a new carrier, you can usually request a digital card immediately—see how to get a new insurance card if you lose yours.
3. Contact your state guaranty association. Covered claims for insolvent insurers are typically handled by state property & casualty guaranty associations (limits and rules vary). A good starting point is the NCIGF directory of state contacts here.
4. Expect the claim process to take longer than usual. Claims involving guaranty associations and receiverships can require extra review and file transfers. If you’re wondering why claims sometimes stall, read why it can take so long to process an insurance claim.
5. Know which office is administering the liquidation. Affirmative’s liquidation has been administered by the Illinois Office of the Special Deputy Receiver (OSD). You can find current contact details on the Illinois Department of Insurance site here.

What Coverage Did Affirmative Offer?

When Affirmative was actively writing business, it primarily focused on non-standard auto insurance. Availability and coverage details could vary by state and program, but policies typically included some mix of the following:

• Liability coverage: pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others (often the minimum coverage needed to drive legally)
• SR-22 filings: for drivers who legally needed an SR-22; learn how to find cheap SR-22 insurance
• Full coverage options: many drivers add collision and comprehensive coverage depending on the vehicle and lender requirements—see our overview of auto insurance types
• PIP or MedPay: optional medical coverage that can help pay injury-related bills after a crash; here’s when car insurance pays for medical bills after an accident
• Limited add-ons: some non-standard policies include (or allow you to add) basics like roadside assistance, towing, or rental reimbursement—compare common auto insurance add-ons before you buy

Discounts and Savings Opportunities

Because Affirmative Insurance Company is in liquidation and its historical programs varied by state, there isn’t a single “official” discount list that applies today. However, if you’re shopping for non-standard auto insurance through an agent or another carrier, you’ll often be asked about the same core savings opportunities. Here are common options to ask about (more examples in our guide to the best auto insurance discounts):

Customer Service and Claims Experience

Historically, Affirmative business was commonly sold and serviced through agents, which can be helpful if you prefer talking to a person to update your policy or understand coverage. That said, the most important customer-service takeaway today is that open Affirmative matters are handled through the liquidation process—typically involving the receiver and your state guaranty association rather than a normal insurer call center.

If you’re shopping for a replacement policy, prioritize insurers with a strong track record for customer service, clear claims handling, and reliable financial backing (not just the cheapest quote).

Is Affirmative Financially Reliable?

Affirmative Insurance Company was found insolvent and placed into liquidation in 2016, which is the strongest possible signal that the carrier wasn’t financially stable enough to meet its obligations. If you’re comparing active insurers today, it’s smart to look at financial-strength ratings and complaint data—our explainer on AM Best ratings covers how these grades work and what they do (and don’t) tell you.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re replacing an old Affirmative policy (or you simply need coverage now), focus on comparing multiple active insurers. Your rate will depend heavily on driving history, location, vehicle, and coverage levels. If you’ve had a recent crash, remember that an accident can stay on your insurance record for years and affect pricing during that time.

If your primary goal is meeting state minimums at the lowest possible price, start with our guide to the cheapest car insurance you can get—then consider increasing limits if you have assets to protect.

Finally, don’t ignore service quality. Before you buy, take a minute to understand how satisfaction rankings are built (and what they actually measure)—here’s how J.D. Power auto insurance rankings work.

FAQs About Affirmative Insurance

Final Word on Affirmative Insurance

Affirmative Insurance Company is no longer a practical option for most shoppers because it was placed into liquidation in 2016. If you had a past policy or you’re handling an older claim, start with your state guaranty association and the Illinois Office of the Special Deputy Receiver for next steps. If you’re simply shopping for coverage today, compare multiple active insurers and choose a policy that balances price, coverage, and claim reliability.