Editors’ take: Gainsco auto insurance could be an excellent option for those in specific states interested in state-minimum coverage or who are deemed high-risk by insurers. Gainsco is available in less than half of U.S. states, and it might not be suitable for people looking for extensive bundling opportunities or robust discount options.
Gainsco auto insurance at a glance
| Availability | Available in 18 states |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings | Not listed |
| Number of complaints in 2021 (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) | Not listed |
| How to get an insurance quote | Online, over the phone, via the mobile app or with an agent |
| How to submit a claim | Over the phone |
Pros
- Specialty coverage for higher-risk drivers
- Six-month policy options
- Simple quote process
Cons
- Not available in every state
- Limited discounts
What you need to know about Gainsco auto insurance
Headquartered in Dallas, Gainsco auto insurance specializes in nonstandard and minimum-limits personal auto insurance. Gainsco is owned by State Farm and sells auto insurance via its subsidiary, MGA Insurance Company.
Gainsco primarily sells auto insurance through independent agents and offers service in both English and Spanish.
Specialty coverage for higher-risk drivers
Gainsco specializes in minimum-limits coverage. It can provide coverage for customers with suspended, expired or foreign licenses as well as older model cars, and can provide SR-22 insurance compliance.
Simple quote process
Getting a quote online through Gainsco is pretty straightforward. You’ll have to answer questions about the make and model of your car, where you live, your driving history, and whether or not you already have coverage through another insurer. You’ll also need to share whether you need SR-22 coverage. Gainsco may even offer less expensive coverage than other nonstandard insurers.
Gainsco accepts most government-issued IDs, including state IDs, resident cards, domestic passports, high school IDs, work permits and birth certificates, so you don’t need a driver’s license to apply for coverage.
Not available in every state
Gainsco sells insurance via independent agents in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Auto coverage offered by Gainsco
Gainsco specializes in state-minimum coverage, or the minimum amount of car insurance a driver must have to legally drive in that state. Minimum-required coverage varies by state but usually includes bodily injury and property damage liability.
Gainsco also offers full coverage options, including the following:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Towing
- Rental reimbursement
- Liability bodily injury
- Liability property damage
Auto insurance discounts offered by Gainsco
While discounts likely vary by state, Gainsco does offer some fairly standard auto insurance discounts, including …
- Proof of prior coverage discount
- Autopay discount
- Homeowner discount
- Student discount
- Pay-in-full discount
FAQ about Gainsco auto insurance
Gainsco claims to provide low-cost state-minimum car insurance and flexible payment options. J.D. Power doesn’t rate Gainsco, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners doesn’t list the number of customer complaints against the company. The company is also not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
State Farm bought Gainsco in 2020.
You can call Gainsco directly at 866-424-6726 or visit gainsco.com. Or you can work with one of Gainsco’s independent agents. You can also get a quote or pay your bill via the Gainsco mobile app, available in the Google Play store.
Not sure if Gainsco auto insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.
- State Farm: This auto insurance company has high customer satisfaction ratings for claims servicing.
- Progressive: Customers looking for a range of potential discounts may want to look into this insurance company.