Kemper Corporation Divests Newins Insurance Agency to Confie
Kemper Corporation has completed the sale of its Newins captive agent and storefront distribution operation to Confie, although the financial specifics have not been disclosed. The sale includes Newins Insurance Agency Holdings, which operates under brands including Illinois Vehicle, A-Abana, and Access Auto Insurance in select states.
Newins, previously acquired by Kemper during its 2021 purchase of American Access Casualty Company, specializes in nonstandard auto insurance through its physical locations and captive agents. Confie’s acquisition adds 72 retail property and casualty locations in Illinois, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Indiana. Employees from Newins have joined Confie as part of this transition.
According to interim CEO C. Thomas Evans Jr., the divestment is strategic for Kemper to concentrate on its core operations. Evans stated, "This transaction is consistent with our focus on improving performance in our core operations," emphasizing a shift towards the independent agent distribution channel for specialty auto, where they see potential for significant long-term value. Kemper maintains a strong business relationship with Confie, which is anticipated to support the growth of the Newins operations.
Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Profitability
The sale is part of a larger strategy by Kemper to streamline operations and enhance profitability in its personal lines offerings. In 2023, the company announced its exit from the preferred home and auto segments under the Kemper Personal Insurance brand, transitioning that business into run-off, while continuing with Kemper Auto specialty operations and Kemper Life segment. This restructuring includes planned cost reductions through workforce and real estate optimization measures.
Kemper reported a net loss of $8 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, a significant departure from a net income of $97.4 million in the previous year. The results were impacted by increased bodily injury severity and reduced personal auto volumes. Management has cited rate adjustments and strategic exits from noncore operations as essential to achieving desired financial returns.
Expanding Nonstandard Auto Distribution
For Confie, this acquisition enhances its strategy of expanding its nonstandard auto distribution. The company, based in Huntington Beach, operates a variety of brands like Freeway Insurance and InsureOne, offering services to higher-risk, cost-sensitive drivers through physical locations, call centers, and online platforms. The Newins acquisition aligns with Confie’s focus on serving nonstandard auto customers and increases their presence in markets with significant Hispanic and multicultural communities.
Confie has been actively acquiring retail auto agencies, including the 2023 acquisition of Acceptance Insurance's retail division, which expanded its nonstandard segment reach with approximately 80 new locations. The integration of Newins further bolsters Confie's capacity in a market where many clients favor in-person interactions and traditional payment methods.