Acceptance Insurance is a regional auto insurer that specializes in drivers with past accidents, violations, or lapses in coverage

Acceptance Insurance operates in about 15 states, mostly in the South and Midwest, and focuses on drivers who have been turned down or charged heavily by standard insurers. They offer the same basic coverage types as any auto insurer—liability, collision, comprehensive—but they're built to work with driving records that include accidents, DUIs, speeding tickets, or gaps in insurance history. Their rates reflect that risk, which means you'll typically pay more than a driver with a clean record would at a mainstream company, but potentially less than you'd pay at other high-risk specialists.

The company is owned by Homeowners Choice, Inc., a publicly traded holding company, and has been operating since 1971. They handle their own claims and don't use a network of independent agents—you buy direct through their website, phone, or a local office in states where they operate. Understanding what they actually cover, what they don't, and how their underwriting works helps you decide whether they're the right fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Acceptance Insurance specializes in high-risk drivers but offers standard coverage types: liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection.
  • Your rate depends on your driving record, the vehicle you're insuring, and your location; they use their own underwriting rather than following industry-standard formulas.
  • You can get a quote online, by phone, or in person at a local office, and coverage can start as soon as the same day in some states.
  • Acceptance does not offer roadside information, accident forgiveness, or vanishing deductible programs that some mainstream insurers include.
  • If you're denied or quoted a very high rate, comparing quotes from other high-risk specialists and regional insurers often reveals lower options.

What coverage Acceptance Insurance actually sells

Acceptance offers liability coverage, which pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. You choose your limits—typically $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, though you can raise these. These are the state minimums in most places where Acceptance operates, and they're often too low if you have significant assets; raising limits to $100,000/$300,000 or higher costs relatively little and protects you from a lawsuit that could follow an accident.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage covers theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes. Both are optional if your car is paid off, but required by lenders if you're financing or leasing. Acceptance lets you choose deductibles of $250, $500, $750, or $1,000; a higher deductible lowers your premium but means you pay more out of pocket when you file a claim.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you're hit by someone without insurance or without enough insurance to cover your damages. This is required in some states and optional in others, but it's worth carrying because uninsured drivers are common. Acceptance also offers medical payments coverage (sometimes called MedPay), which covers medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident.

Acceptance does not offer accident forgiveness, which waives a rate increase after your first accident, or vanishing deductible programs that lower your deductible for claim-free years. These are perks some mainstream insurers include; if they matter to you, you'll need to compare other companies.

How Acceptance Insurance decides your rate

Acceptance pulls your driving record from the state and runs a motor vehicle report (MVR) that shows accidents, violations, and insurance history. They also check your credit score—not to deny you, but to adjust your rate. A lower credit score typically means a higher premium, even if your driving record is clean. This practice is legal in most states but varies by state law, so ask Acceptance directly whether credit affects your quote in your location.

Your vehicle's make, model, year, and safety features all factor in. A newer car with high safety ratings and anti-theft systems costs less to insure than an older one. The vehicle's repair costs matter too—a car that's expensive to fix will have higher collision and comprehensive premiums. Acceptance also considers your age, gender, marital status, and how far you drive annually. Bundling home and auto insurance with them can lower your auto rate, though Acceptance's home insurance availability varies by state.

Unlike some insurers, Acceptance doesn't publish their exact rating formula, so two drivers with similar records in the same state might receive different quotes. This is why getting quotes from multiple insurers—including other high-risk specialists like SR-22 specialists or regional carriers—is essential. Your rate can also change when you renew; if your record stays clean for a year or two, you may may have access to for lower rates or be able to move to a standard insurer.

Getting a quote and starting coverage

You can get a quote online at acceptanceinsurance.com, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a local office in states where they operate. Online quotes typically take 10 to 15 minutes and require your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current insurance information if you have it. The quote is valid for a set period—usually 30 to 60 days—so you have time to compare before committing.

When you're ready to buy, you'll need to provide proof of identity, your vehicle's registration, and details about any accidents or violations from the past three to five years. If you're financing the vehicle, you'll also need to name the lender as the lienholder. Acceptance can issue a policy the same day in many states, and coverage can begin when ready or on a date you choose. If you need proof of insurance right away—for example, to reinstate a suspended license—they can email you a declarations page within hours.

Payment options include monthly installments, quarterly payments, or paying in full. If you pay monthly, Acceptance typically charges a small fee (usually $3 to $5 per month) for the convenience. Paying in full or quarterly avoids this fee and can sometimes may have access to you for a small discount.

When Acceptance Insurance makes sense and when it doesn't

Acceptance is a reasonable choice if you've been denied by other insurers, have a recent DUI or multiple violations, or have been without insurance for a while. They're also worth considering if you're in one of their operating states and other high-risk insurers have quoted you higher. Their direct sales model means no agent commission, which can keep rates slightly lower than some competitors.

Acceptance is not the best fit if you have a clean driving record and can may have access to for standard insurers. Mainstream companies like State Farm, Geico, or regional carriers will almost always charge you less. Even if you've had one accident or ticket, get quotes from standard insurers before assuming you need a high-risk specialist—many will still cover you at reasonable rates.

If Acceptance quotes you a rate that feels high, don't assume that's the market rate for your situation. Compare quotes from other high-risk specialists (like Bristol West, National General, or Infinity), regional insurers in your state, and any standard insurers willing to quote you. Rates vary widely, and a quote that's expensive at one company might be competitive at another.

What to know about claims and customer service

Acceptance handles claims directly—you don't go through an agent or a third-party administrator. You can report a claim online, by phone, or through their mobile app. They assign an adjuster who contacts you within one business day in most cases. The claims process itself is standard: the adjuster inspects the damage, gets repair estimates, and either approves repairs or issues a payment for the actual cash value of the vehicle if it's totaled.

Response times and claim satisfaction vary. Acceptance's customer service ratings are mixed; some customers report smooth claims experiences, while others cite slow communication or disputes over repair costs. Before you buy, read recent reviews on independent sites like J.D. Power or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint database to see how they're performing in your state.

If you have a complaint about how Acceptance handled your claim or your rate, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. This is free and doesn't require a lawyer. The commissioner's office investigates and can order the company to refund money or change a practice if they find a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Acceptance Insurance insure me if I have a suspended license?

Acceptance will not issue a policy while your license is suspended, but they can issue one once it's reinstated. If you need proof of insurance to reinstate your license, you'll need to handle that through your state's DMV or licensing authority first, then explore to Acceptance afterward.

Can I get a policy with Acceptance if I've been denied by other insurers?

Yes. Acceptance specializes in drivers other insurers have turned down. However, being denied by one company doesn't mean all companies will deny you—get quotes from at least two or three other insurers, including other high-risk specialists, before assuming Acceptance is your only option.

Does Acceptance offer discounts for good driving?

Acceptance offers some discounts, such as bundling home and auto, paying in full, or completing a defensive driving course. The discounts available vary by state. Ask about all available discounts when you get your quote, and ask whether your rate will drop after a year or two of clean driving.

What happens if I don't pay my premium on time?

If you miss a payment, Acceptance will typically send a notice and give you a grace period (usually 10 days) to pay before they cancel your policy. Once cancelled, you'll need to reapply and may face a higher rate. Set up automatic payments to avoid this.

Can I switch to a standard insurer after a year with Acceptance?

Yes. After a year or two of clean driving with Acceptance, you become more attractive to standard insurers. Get quotes from mainstream companies annually—your rate may drop significantly once you've proven you're a lower risk.