Is Workmen’s Auto Insurance Good?

Last Updated on January 7, 2026

Workmen’s Auto Insurance Co. (WAIC) is best known for offering nonstandard auto insurance options for California drivers, especially in Southern California. Today, Workmen’s Auto Insurance operates under the name Orion Indemnity Company (you’ll still see “WAIC” used on legacy customer portals and paperwork).

So, is Workmen’s Auto Insurance a good company? It can be a practical choice if you need a policy through an independent agent and you don’t fit “preferred” underwriting (or you need documentation like an SR-22 certificate). But it’s not the best fit for shoppers who want a fully digital, direct-to-consumer insurer with lots of bells and whistles.

What Is Workmen’s Auto Insurance (WAIC) Today?

Workmen’s Auto Insurance Company was founded in 1949 and built a long-standing presence in California’s auto insurance market. In 2021, the company changed its name to Orion Indemnity Company and positions itself as a California-focused auto insurer within the Mercury family of companies.

WAIC/Orion is typically associated with the nonstandard market—meaning it may be an option for drivers who are harder to place with the biggest “preferred” carriers, including some drivers with DUIs or multiple violations.

How to Get a Quote and Buy a Policy

Orion Indemnity (WAIC) policies are generally sold through independent agents (“producers”), not purchased instantly online like some national brands. In practice, that means you’ll usually:

• Work with an agent to shop eligibility and coverage options
• Finalize your premium, down payment, and payment schedule through the agent
• Use online account tools to view documents and make payments after the policy is issued

This agent-first approach can be helpful if you’re trying to find coverage in a competitive market like Los Angeles or you’ve been declined elsewhere.

Coverage Options You Can Expect

Workmen’s Auto Insurance (Orion Indemnity) is primarily an auto insurer. Coverage availability and limits depend on underwriting, vehicle type, and where you live in California, but most drivers will recognize the core coverages:

• Bodily injury liability and property damage liability (required to drive legally)
• Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage (often required if you finance or lease)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (important in many California markets)
• Optional add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement (availability varies by policy)

If you’re unsure what you have, check your declarations page. It will list each coverage, deductible, and limit in plain terms.

Workmen’s Auto Insurance Discounts

Discounts can make a meaningful difference, but the exact savings depend on your risk profile and the company’s filed rating rules. Along with many of the most common auto insurance discounts, Orion Indemnity commonly advertises discounts such as:

• Multi-car: Insuring more than one vehicle can reduce your overall cost, similar to how multi-car discounts work at other insurers.
• California good driver: Drivers with a clean driving record may qualify for California’s “good driver” pricing rules (eligibility is specific and can be affected by tickets, accidents, or DUI history).
• Student and driver training discounts: Some policies offer savings for good students or defensive driving.
• Vehicle-based discounts: Anti-theft features, newer vehicles, and safety equipment can sometimes lower premiums.

You may also be able to save by changing how you pay. Some insurers offer a discount for paying in full rather than monthly—ask your agent what applies to your specific policy and billing plan.

Unlike many national carriers, Orion Indemnity is designed to work with independent agents and may offer a multi-policy discount for qualifying customers who also have a Mercury homeowner’s policy. If you’re trying to bundle home and auto insurance, ask your agent what combinations are actually eligible in your situation.

What Makes WAIC/Orion Indemnity Different?

Most insurers sell similar core coverages. The differences usually come down to underwriting appetite, distribution (agents vs. direct), and claims/service experience. Here’s what typically stands out with WAIC/Orion:

• California-focused underwriting: The company markets itself around California drivers and California coverage needs.
• Independent-agent model: If you prefer guidance from a producer—especially with complex records or coverage needs—this structure can help.
• Nonstandard market option: Drivers who are shopping with bad driving records may find options here when preferred carriers are expensive or unwilling to write the risk.
• Flexible billing and access: Many nonstandard carriers offer customizable down payments and payment structures, which can be useful if you’re looking for low down payment options (when available and approved).

If you’re struggling to find coverage at all, your agent may also discuss alternatives like assigned risk auto insurance, depending on your eligibility and what’s available in your area.

SR-22 Filings and High-Risk Coverage

The WAIC customer portal and FAQs include guidance on SR-22 requirements, which are used by states to verify that a driver is maintaining liability coverage. If you’re required to file one, confirm with your agent:

• Whether your policy supports SR-22 filing in your state
• When the SR-22 gets submitted and how you’ll verify it was accepted
• How long you’re required to keep it (see: how long an SR-22 lasts)

Keep in mind: the SR-22 itself is not “extra insurance.” It’s a filing that confirms you carry the state-required coverage, and it typically comes up after serious violations, suspensions, or uninsured-driving cases.

Workmen’s Auto Insurance Reviews and Customer Reputation

Because Workmen’s Auto Insurance/Orion Indemnity is smaller than many national household names, it may not show up in every major ranking list of car insurance companies. That makes it even more important to shop carefully and set expectations about how nonstandard insurers typically operate.

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Workman’s Auto Insurance Co. is listed as not accredited and shows an A+ BBB rating, with the BBB complaints page currently showing 0 complaints. (BBB ratings are based on BBB’s internal criteria and are not the same as customer star ratings.)

On Yelp, the Santa Ana listing shows a 1.3-star average across 42 reviews. Many complaints on third-party review sites focus on claims communication and billing frustrations—topics that can vary widely by situation, adjuster, and local office/agent.

Final Word on Workmen’s Auto Insurance (WAIC)

Workmen’s Auto Insurance (WAIC), now operating as Orion Indemnity Company, is a California-rooted insurer that primarily sells coverage through independent agents. It can be a reasonable option for drivers who need nonstandard underwriting, want agent guidance, or need help staying compliant after a serious driving event—but it’s still smart to compare multiple quotes and read your policy details closely before committing.

FAQs on Workmen’s Auto Insurance (WAIC) / Orion Indemnity