Insurance is supposed to protect everyone. But if you have ever had a lapse in coverage, a ticket on your record, or a less-than-perfect driving history, you know that "everyone" does not always include you — at least not at a price you can afford. That is exactly why we partner with GAINSCO Auto Insurance, and it is why they have become one of our most important carrier relationships at Better Choice Insurance Group.
GAINSCO has been specializing in non-standard auto insurance since 1978. They do not treat high-risk drivers as an afterthought or a profit center for sky-high premiums. They treat them as their core customer — and that difference in philosophy shows up in everything from their pricing to their claims service. Here is why we love them.
1. They Specialize in the Drivers Other Carriers Turn Away
Let us be honest about what "non-standard auto insurance" means. It means drivers who do not fit the neat little boxes that standard carriers prefer. Maybe you had a DUI three years ago. Maybe you let your coverage lapse while you were between jobs. Maybe you are a new driver with no insurance history at all. Maybe you have a few speeding tickets stacked up.
Standard carriers either will not quote these drivers at all or will come back with premiums so high they might as well have said no. GAINSCO approaches these situations differently. They have spent over 45 years building underwriting models specifically for non-standard risks, which means they can price these policies more accurately — and more fairly — than carriers who only dabble in the space.
For us as agents, this is invaluable. When a client comes to us worried they cannot afford to drive legally, GAINSCO is often the carrier that makes it possible. And "making it possible" is not just a nice feeling — it keeps uninsured drivers off the road, which is better for everyone.
2. Flexible Payments That Meet People Where They Are
If someone is in a tough financial spot — which is often the case for drivers who have had coverage lapses — a $1,200 down payment is not going to work. GAINSCO understands this and offers some of the most flexible payment structures we have seen from any carrier.
They offer low down payment options that get clients covered immediately, multiple payment plan choices to fit different budgets, the ability to pay online 24/7 via checking account, credit card, or debit card, and phone payment options at 1-866-GAINSCO (866-424-6726) for customers who prefer to speak with someone. This flexibility is not just a convenience — it is the difference between a driver getting insured and a driver staying uninsured. We have seen clients who were ready to give up on finding affordable coverage light up when they see GAINSCO's payment options. That is the kind of moment that reminds us why we do this work.
3. State Farm Financial Backing
One of the most significant developments in GAINSCO's history happened in 2020, when State Farm acquired the company for approximately $400 million. It was the first acquisition in State Farm's then-98-year history — and they chose GAINSCO because of its expertise in a market segment State Farm wanted to serve.
What does this mean for GAINSCO policyholders? Financial strength. GAINSCO's insurance subsidiary, MGA Insurance Company, Inc., now carries an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, upgraded following the State Farm acquisition. When our clients buy a GAINSCO policy, they are getting the specialized pricing and underwriting of a non-standard specialist backed by the balance sheet of the nation's largest auto insurer. That combination is rare, and it gives us a lot of confidence when recommending GAINSCO.
4. A Digital Experience That Keeps Getting Better
GAINSCO has invested heavily in its digital tools over the past few years. The customer portal at myaccount.gainsco.com allows policyholders to make instant payments online around the clock, report and manage claims 24/7, view policy details and documents, and manage their account settings.
They also have a mobile app available for both iOS and Android that lets customers make payments, file claims, request quotes, and contact GAINSCO directly. For drivers who need to file a quick claim from the scene of an accident or make a last-minute payment to keep their policy active, having these tools on their phone is a game-changer.
GAINSCO even offers a separate Quick Estimate app that lets claimants upload photos of vehicle damage and receive a repair estimate quickly, streamlining the early stages of the claims process. It is clear that GAINSCO is not resting on its 45-year legacy — they are actively building for the future.
5. Decades of Agent Partnership
GAINSCO has worked exclusively through independent agents since 1978. They do not sell direct. They do not compete with their agents online. They believe — as we do — that the agent relationship is essential to serving this market well.
Non-standard auto insurance is not a commodity purchase. Drivers in this segment often have questions, concerns, and unique circumstances that require human guidance. GAINSCO respects that by channeling all of their business through agents like us who can sit down with the client, explain the options, and help them find the right coverage at the right price.
Their agent portal at portal.gainscoconnect.com gives us fast, efficient tools to quote and bind policies. And their support team is responsive and knowledgeable when we need to escalate a question or work through a tricky underwriting situation. After working with hundreds of carriers over the years, we can tell you that this level of agent partnership is not common — and we do not take it for granted.
A Real Client Story
A few months ago, a man in his mid-thirties walked into our office looking defeated. He had gotten a DUI two years prior, had his license reinstated, and was now trying to get back on his feet. He needed auto insurance to get to work, but every quote he had received was astronomical — one carrier quoted him over $4,000 for a six-month policy on a 10-year-old sedan.
We ran his information through our carrier panel. Most standard carriers declined outright. A couple of non-standard carriers came back with high but not outrageous quotes. And then GAINSCO came back at $1,680 for six months — with a low down payment that he could manage immediately.
He was visibly relieved. He told us that he had been borrowing rides to work and that getting his own insurance meant he could finally start rebuilding his independence. Six months later, he renewed his policy at an even lower rate because he had maintained continuous coverage. That is the GAINSCO story we see play out over and over: meet people where they are, give them a fair price, and help them move forward.
Get a Quote From GAINSCO (And 22+ Other Carriers)
Whether you have a perfect driving record or a few bumps in the road, Better Choice Insurance Group is here to find you the best auto insurance rate available. GAINSCO is one of the carriers we turn to most for clients who need affordable coverage without sacrificing service — but they are just one of the 22+ carriers we compare for every quote.
Ready to see what GAINSCO — and the rest of our panel — can do for you? Get a free quote from Better Choice Insurance Group. It takes less than five minutes, there is zero obligation, and you might be surprised at how affordable your coverage can be. You can also call us directly at (847) 908-5665.