Acceptance auto insurance review: Limited coverage for high-risk drivers

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Editors’ take: Acceptance auto insurance seems to target high-risk drivers and may help someone who may need help filing an SR-22 certificate. The insurer offers basic auto insurance coverage options in 15 states and few discount opportunities. Its online quote process can be confusing as it often sends potential customers to third-party sites for quotes. Other high-risk insurers exist and may be better options, so shop around.


Acceptance auto insurance at a glance

AvailabilityAvailable in 15 states
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratingsNot listed
How to get an insurance quoteOnline, via phone or in person
How to submit a claimOnline followed by a phone call, or via phone

Pros

  • Offers SR-22 certificates
  • Offers TicketProof program that reimburses you after a qualifying ticket

Cons

  • Few discount opportunities
  • Online quote system may redirect to a third-party insurance marketplace
  • Limited coverage options

What you need to know about Acceptance auto insurance

Acceptance is an insurance company that offers auto, motorcycle and RV insurance policies. It also offers commercial, home, life and pet insurance. The company seems to target high-risk drivers who are typically expensive to insure — yet it advertises low rates on car insurance. This is something to watch out for, and a great reason to comparison shop.

Offers SR-22 certificates

Acceptance lists SR-22 documentation among its product offerings. The company also says it sells non-owner insurance, which a person who doesn’t currently own a car might be required to get when applying to reinstate a suspended license. Many insurers don’t highlight these options, so consumers who need an SR-22 or a non-owner policy might be happy to find a company that advertises them.

High number of customer complaints

Data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners shows that in 2022, Acceptance was the subject of many more customer complaints than expected for a company of its size in the market. We recommend shopping around to see if you can find an insurer that can meet your needs, but with a better complaint record.

Online quotes not always available

Acceptance’s website has an online quote feature, but it doesn’t always give you a quote directly from the company. If you aren’t located in one of the 15 states where Acceptance sells insurance, inputting your ZIP code will redirect you to a third-party insurance marketplace that Acceptance says offers similar products.

Sometimes, even entering a ZIP code from a state where Acceptance operates sends you to the third-party broker instead of generating a quote.

Auto coverage offered by Acceptance

On its web pages for the states where it sells insurance, Acceptance lists its modest coverage choices.

  • Basic liability coverage
  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Uninsured motorist coverage

The FAQ section also lists medical payments coverage and personal injury protection, although this is not available in all states where Acceptance operates. And the company offers the option to buy rental car reimbursement coverage in some states.

The company’s educational materials discuss additional types of coverage, such as gap coverage and new car replacement coverage, but it’s unclear whether Acceptance offers these options or which policies might be eligible.

Auto insurance discounts offered by Acceptance

Compared to major car insurers, Acceptance provides little information about discounts. The few that are apparent from the Acceptance online quote generator and website are …

  • Discount for paying in full
  • Paperless discount
  • Multi-policy bundling discounts

FAQs about Acceptance car insurance

Is Acceptance good at paying claims?

As of 2022, Acceptance has only a C++ rating from A.M. Best, which indicates a “marginal ability” to pay claims based on the company’s finances. And the company has many more customer complaints than usual for an insurer with its market share, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Is Acceptance a real insurance company?

Yes, Acceptance is a real insurance company owned by First Acceptance Corp.

Is Acceptance good for high-risk drivers?

Acceptance advertises insurance for people who have credit issues, are high-risk drivers or need a non-standard policy. The company also highlights that SR-22 certificates are available.

But Acceptance is probably not the way to go if you can find coverage from another insurer with a better complaint record and a stronger financial rating.

Not sure if Acceptance auto insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

  • Geico: With this company you can get online quotes in any of the 50 states and submit claims online or via an app.
  • Travelers: This insurance company might be a good choice if you want a wide range of coverage types to consider, like loan/lease gap coverage, umbrella coverage and new car replacement coverage.

About the author: Sarah Brodsky is a freelance writer covering personal finance and economics. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from The University of Chicago. Sarah has written for companies such as Hcareers, Impactivate and K… Read more.