Katz Auto Insurance was a Baltimore Maryland area high risk auto insurance company that was closed down after an investigation found that it was participating in unethical and illegal business practices. The company was selling insurance through unlicensed brokers and an independent investigation found that money was being diverted into the personal accounts of the former owner, Hal Katz. Eventually he lost his license to sell insurance in the state of Maryland and the company was renamed to EZ Insurance. He owned three firms, and his licenses to conduct operations for those firms were revoked, with two of the firms (Interstate Auto and Insurance Payment Plan, Inc.) being liquidated.

Gary’s Insurance offers high risk and non-standard auto insurance options to customers in New Jersey and sells insurance from its Linden, NJ office. The company claims to have been in business since the 1980’s but there is relatively little information available about them online. The company sells auto insurance options to people who may have difficulties getting auto insurance such as those who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI or driving offenses resulting in a suspended license. Minimum liability and comprehensive coverage plans are available along with low down payment options.

Esurance provides auto insurance to customers in 34 states through the internet and phone sales and sells its auto insurance directly to customers, in a similar business model as Progressive, one of its main competitors. For the states where it does not sell insurance it offers comparison auto insurance shopping with competitors to find customers the best rate. Esurance also provides other insurance products through partners such as Safeco, Progressive and others. The company is known for its effective marketing techniques and for being a leader online insurance marketing techniques.

Cotton States Insurance was an auto, home and life insurance company that offered its insurance products in the Southeastern United States through its two main insurance brokerages. Cotton States was merged with Country Financial at the end of 2012 following a carefully planned 7 year transition period. At the moment Country Financial has all but phased out the Cotton States brand and only offers insurance under its own brand. Former Cotton States customers are still served by Country agents and support professionals, and these customers now can benefit from the large number of coverage options and discounts that Country has to offer. The merger did not change any of the policies that are still held by former Cotton States customers.

Encompass Insurance is a division of Allstate that sells insurance products in 42 states to both standard and high risk drivers. Encompass sells its insurance exclusively through its agents and offers several different coverage options for vehicles as well as unique home and auto bundled packages that are branded as “Encompass One” policies. Encompass offers many of the same discounts that Allstate does along with its own version of Allstate’s well known Accident Forgiveness program. Encompass has received a lower than average rating from J.D. Power in regard to its auto claims customer support and there are also some complaints regarding various support and claims issues posted online.

Eastwood Insurance, which is now sold through Titan Insurance, offered policies to non-standard drivers such as those who have had difficulty getting insurance from other companies due to a poor driving record, DUI convictions, multiple accidents or other issues. There are now a variety of discounts available for Eastwood Insurance through Titan, as well as some unique coverage options. Eastwood is now owned by a financially secure company and may be worthwhile to consider for those who need insurance and who have had trouble getting insured from other providers.

Estrella Insurance is a South Florida based auto insurance company that markets its insurance products to standard and non-standard drivers in South Florida who may have trouble qualifying for insurance from other providers. The company offers bilingual support for its customers as well as affordable low liability coverage options. There are not many reviews of Estrella from customers or independent review companies, so the quality of the company’s customer support and insurance products is not quite clear.

Westfield Insurance is a well-established auto, personal and business insurance provider that currently sells insurance in 21 states. It is known for its financial stability and for having a wide range of coverage options. The company is not ranked among the top 25 largest auto insurance providers in the U.S. and its smaller size has prevented it from receiving third party rankings. Westfield Insurance offers unique discounts through its Wespak home and auto insurance packages along with several vehicle coverage options. Interested customers cannot get a quote online and must contact one of the company’s insurance agents for a detailed quote.

Fred Loya offers auto insurance to non-standard or high risk drivers in its six state markets. Fred Loya Insurance originated in Texas and expanded its market to the following states: Illinois, Colorado, Nevada, California, and New Mexico. The company is known for picking agency locations that are near public shopping centers, office buildings, grocery stores and other areas with high levels of foot traffic. Drivers with poor credit, a limited driving history, and other drivers who may have difficulties getting insured are a part of the company’s target market. Fred Loya has been the subject of numerous complaints from current and former customers online, mostly regarding customer service and claims related problems.

Frankenmuth Insurance is a well-established insurance company that sells insurance in 15 states and offers some unique coverage options to its state markets. Frankenmuth is not a large enough company to have been reviewed by third party organizations like J.D. Power, but it has received positive reviews from A.M. Best for its financial outlook and stability. Frankenmuth has grown substantially from the time it was founded, and currently offers a wide range of insurance options. Although there have been some negative reviews of the company, it may serve as a good option for auto insurance seekers who live in one of its markets.