GAINSCO Auto Insurance Review: Is It Right for You?

GAINSCO specializes in insuring high-risk drivers with less-than-perfect records, but it won’t be the best fit for everyone.

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Compare.com Rating ?
3.00

Pros

  • Affordable liability-only rates
  • Offers SR-22 filing
  • 24/7 claims filing

Cons

  • Higher-than-average full-coverage rates
  • Limited customer service hours
  • Fewer-than-average discount opportunities

Bottom Line

GAINSCO is an affordable option for many high-risk drivers, and it'll even file SR-22 forms if your state requires you to have one. But high complaint rates and limited customer service options mean service-focused drivers may find a better fit elsewhere.

Is GAINSCO a Good Choice for Car Insurance?

Category Score
Cost 2.7/5
Customer satisfaction 2/5
Ease of use 3.6/5
Availability 2.7/5
Industry reputation 2.7/5
Overall Score* 3.00/5
*Company ratings for each category are determined using our proprietary, objective rating formula. You can find more information on our unique scoring methodology at the bottom of this article.

Headquartered in Dallas, GAINSCO Auto Insurance specializes in minimum-limits personal auto insurance and non-standard policies. GAINSCO sells policies through a network of independent agents and car insurance comparison platforms, such as Compare.com. It also offers bilingual customer service to better communicate with Spanish-speaking customers.

Car insurance operations are conducted through MGA Insurance Company, Inc. They also deal in automotive sales and service, auto racing, and investments.

So, is GAINSCO the right choice for you? Let’s find out.

GAINSCO Coverage Options

GAINSCO offers a variety of insurance policies that are flexible and customizable to your needs. Those policies include standard coverage that meets your state’s minimum insurance requirements and more. 

  • Collision Coverage: Collision coverage can help pay for repair expenses resulting from an accident. This coverage is effective no matter who is at fault.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage helps pay for expenses like repairing or replacing your vehicle. It covers damage caused by vandalism, theft, fire, weather, or other incidents. 
  • Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage helps to pay medical bills and vehicle repair costs resulting from an accident where the other driver didn’t have insurance. It can also protect you during a hit-and-run incident. Underinsured motorist coverage makes up the difference between the maximum amount the other driver’s insurance will pay and the remaining balance on your expenses resulting from an accident. Both coverage options can help ensure you’re not left financially responsible for costs caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault. 
  • Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury protection coverage helps pay for expenses related to injuries, death, or property damage caused by an accident you were at fault for. It helps prevent you from being responsible for paying these expenses, which can quickly amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Additional Coverage Benefits

GAINSCO offers several perks along with its coverage. Roadside assistance is available, which can save you time and money if your vehicle ever breaks down. The roadside assistance services are limited to towing; the coverage ranges from $55 to $100 per incident. You may still have to pay for the remaining towing balance if your vehicle needs to travel a longer distance. 

You can also opt for rental reimbursement insurance, which can save you money if you rent a car because your vehicle incurs damages in an accident. The reimbursement amounts range from just $25 to $45 per day, so while the reimbursement won’t cover the total cost of your rental, it can help to minimize how much you have to pay out of pocket. 

Immediate coverage is also available, meaning you can quickly insure your car on the same day. This can be a significant convenience and means there’s no waiting period, perfect for those last-minute insurance needs. 

GAINSCO also offers online ID cards. You can access your card anytime, ensuring you always have it with you while driving.

GAINSCO Auto Insurance Customer Service

If you need help with a general question or an insurance claim, you can connect with a GAINSCO insurance agent via phone, online, and the mobile app. 

Report and manage a claim 24/7, offering convenience and reassurance that GAINSCO is available when you need help. Representatives and adjusters are available to guide you through the claims process. You can use your online account to track your claim process. 

Customer service is also available via phone by calling (866) 424-6726. You can reach customer service Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Central. Bilingual assistance is also available for Spanish speakers.

Though GAINSCO’s customer service sounds comprehensive, it has a one- out of five-star rating on the Better Business Bureau. Many customer reviews and complaints refer to frustrating experiences with GAINSCO’s customer service. Customers also complain of repeatedly emailing the company and leaving voicemails that go unreturned.

GAINSCO Reviews

Review Platform

Ratings

Clearsurance 2.3/5 – 56 reviews
BBB A+
Birdeye 4.9/5 – 1,208 reviews
Glassdoor 4/5 – 76 reviews

What do actual customers say about GAINSCO? At first, they seem average in customer satisfaction, with a 2.3/5 score on Clearsurance, a top site for insurance-related user reviews. Take time to read a few of these reviews, however, and you realize the original score may be a little harsh. Many longtime customers praise their low prices for high-risk drivers and fast claims processing. A few customers criticize the company’s customer service and website, which they claim lacks functionality.

Their employees generally like working there. The company has 4 out of 5 stars on Glassdoor.

All in all, GAINSCO has a good reputation, especially for an insurer that specializes in non-standard policies.

How much does GAINSCO cost?

So, if price is the #1 reason many people choose GAINSCO, you naturally want to know, How much does it cost? That’s tough to answer because auto insurance rates vary dramatically depending on critical factors, such as your driving record, coverage levels, and personal demographics.

However, Compare.com’s data can give you a rough idea of how much people in different states pay, on average, for GAINSCO insurance.

State Single Car Multi Car
AL $48 $86
AZ $77 $114
FL $138 $220
GA $119 $188
NM $68 $111
OK $92 $119
SC $106 $184
TN $60 $109
TX $83 $134
UT $89 $147
VA $84 $126

Try a free quote comparison to find out if you’ll pay more or less than average. See how GAINSCO compares to more than 60 of the country’s top carriers: enter your ZIP code to start seeing competitive rates.


Find out if GAINSCO is right for you


How Much Can I Save at GAINSCO?

They don’t really advertise their discounts, but there are several available to customers looking to save money.

Discount

Savings

Homeowner Discount  Save money if you own a home, mobile home, condo, or townhome.
Advance Purchase Discount Sign up for a new policy three or more days before your current one expires, and you’ll get an extra discount.
Prior Coverage Discount Save when you show proof of insurance
Prior GAINSCO Coverage Returning customer? You can save on your premium.
Renewal Discount Are you renewing your policy? They’ll reward you by shaving a bit off your policy price. 
Multi-Car Discount Insure multiple vehicles and save.
Auto-Pay Discount Get a discount by enrolling in automatic payments.
Pay-in-Full Discount  You can secure additional discounts by paying your policy in full instead of in monthly installments
Length of Ownership

Where Does GAINSCO Offer Coverage?

GAINSCO operates in 11 primarily southern states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. It maintains two offices: its Dallas headquarters and a satellite office in Florida.

Is GAINSCO Right For Me?

Now that we’ve covered the basics — their average rates, reviews, and discounts — you may wonder, “Is it the right carrier for me?”

That depends on a few factors. You should consider GAINSCO insurance if you:

If none of these situations reflect your life, you may want to look elsewhere for car insurance. Luckily, Compare.com makes it easy! Find the best and most affordable auto insurer by comparing quotes from more than 60 of the country’s top providers. Start now by entering your ZIP code.


Compare GAINSCO against over 60 of the nation’s top carriers


GAINSCO FAQs

What is non-standard auto insurance?

Non-standard insurance is designed for high-risk drivers. You might have trouble getting insured elsewhere because of a history of risky driving behavior, a DUI, credit issues, multiple car accidents, and more. This insurance tends to be more flexible than you would elsewhere, giving you the option to secure the insurance you need, even with your risk factors or unique situation. 

How do I file a claim with GAINSCO?

Call 1-866-GAINSCO to file a claim in English or Spanish. Have your policy number handy, as well as the name of your agent.

How do I change or cancel my GAINSCO policy?

To change, renew or cancel your policy or reinstate policies that have lapsed, you’ll need to speak with your local agent.

Can I get an SR-22 from GAINSCO?

Yes, you can get an SR-22 form from GAINSCO. GAINSCO also accepts out-of-state licenses and insures non-vehicle owners, making it more flexible than your typical car insurance company. 

Why does GAINSCO sell policies through independent agents?

They say their independent agents serve as trusted advisors. Your local agent is an expert who can provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family. First, however, you should get a quote through Compare.com.

Does GAINSCO have a mobile app?

GAINSCO has a free app that allows you to make payments and file a claim, but reviews are mixed regarding the app’s functionality.

Does GAINSCO offer bilingual customer service?

Yes! That’s one of the company’s strong points; they tout their superior customer support for Spanish-speaking customer service and claims agents.

You may know them from…

GAINSCO Racing

The Dallas-based carrier may be best known for its long partnership with Bob Stallings Racing. It had a 12-year history of racing the No. 99 Red Dragon sportscar in Grand Am, IMSA, and the Pirelli World Challenge.

The Red Dragon also traveled the southern United States as a show car until 2019.

“The race car provides a symbol of excellence and performance that reflects our company’s commitment to those same ideals,” company SVP Andy Jordan said.

It even sports the company’s slogan, “Are You Driven?”

GAINSCO on Social Media

You’ll find GAINSCO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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