In a world where major car insurance providers dominate television ads, online banners, and sports stadium sponsorships, smaller or alternative insurers often go unnoticed. One such company is CURE Auto Insurance — short for Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange — a provider that has quietly but consistently served a unique segment of the American driving public.
CURE takes a different approach to auto insurance. It doesn’t use credit scores or education level to determine your rates, setting it apart in a highly standardized industry. That’s why many drivers — especially those unfairly penalized by traditional pricing models — wonder whether this lesser-known insurer is the right choice.
In this guide, we explore what CURE offers, who it serves best, how its policies compare to more traditional options, and what you can expect when working with them.
The Philosophy Behind CURE Insurance
Founded in the late 1990s, CURE was built around the idea that drivers should be judged by their behavior behind the wheel — not their background. That means:
- No credit scoring
- No assessment of your education level
- No job title-based pricing
- No gender or marital status discrimination in rate setting
Instead, CURE focuses almost exclusively on your driving record. Speeding tickets, DUIs, at-fault accidents, and license suspensions are the key factors that determine your premium.
For many drivers, this approach is refreshing. If you’re a safe driver with a low income or little credit history, CURE could potentially offer much fairer pricing than national brands that consider financial markers unrelated to driving.
Where CURE Operates
CURE is not yet a national provider. As of 2025, it operates in:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
Because of its reciprocal exchange model and regulatory limits, CURE hasn’t expanded into every state. If you don’t live in one of these regions, you won’t be able to get a quote — at least not yet.
However, in the states it does serve, CURE has developed a reputation for providing coverage to drivers who often feel overlooked or overcharged by traditional insurers.
Coverage Options Offered by CURE
While CURE has a more limited market presence, it offers the core auto insurance options most drivers expect. These include:
Liability Insurance
This covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you’re at fault in an accident. CURE offers state minimums as well as higher limits, depending on your needs and budget.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Required in no-fault states like New Jersey and Michigan, PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance, this coverage helps protect your medical costs and car repairs.
Collision Coverage
This optional add-on pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re involved in an at-fault accident, no matter who was driving the other car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your car not related to a collision — such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, or weather events.
CURE also allows policyholders to choose deductibles, adjust coverage limits, and add or remove optional protections based on their needs. That said, it’s primarily a value-driven company — it offers what’s necessary but doesn’t overload you with extra bells and whistles.
How CURE Determines Your Rate
CURE’s biggest differentiator is what it doesn’t factor into your premium. Unlike most large insurers, it doesn’t use:
- Your credit score
- Your education level
- Your occupation
- Your zip code (to a much lesser extent)
Instead, CURE’s rating model is based on:
- Your driving history (tickets, claims, accidents)
- How many miles you drive annually
- The make and model of your vehicle
- How long you’ve been licensed
This system can benefit drivers who might otherwise face higher premiums through no fault of their own. For example, a college student with no credit but a spotless driving record might pay less with CURE than with a major national insurer using traditional risk profiling.
Understanding CURE’s Pricing Structure
Because CURE doesn’t use credit scores or education as part of its rate calculation, its pricing tends to be more stable for people with thin credit files, financial challenges, or unconventional job histories. That said, the insurer still takes risk seriously — especially when it comes to your driving behavior.
Rates can vary significantly depending on:
- Your accident history
- Any history of major violations (DUIs, reckless driving)
- The age and value of your vehicle
- Your driving experience (especially if you’ve held a license for less than 3 years)
In customer reviews and third-party surveys, many drivers have found CURE’s pricing competitive — particularly those who were quoted higher rates elsewhere due to non-driving-related factors.
It’s worth noting that CURE may not always be the cheapest for every driver. If you have excellent credit and a professional job title (which many other insurers reward), traditional companies may still offer better rates. But for drivers judged harshly by traditional criteria, CURE often becomes the more affordable and fair option.
What to Expect from Customer Service
CURE doesn’t operate on the massive scale of a company like State Farm or GEICO, which means customer service can feel more personal — but it also means fewer local offices and less flashy tech.
How you interact with CURE:
- Online: You can get quotes, manage your policy, and make payments via their website. It’s functional, if not flashy.
- Phone Support: CURE has dedicated claims and customer service lines that are open during standard business hours. Hold times are typically short.
- Agents: CURE works through licensed agents in its coverage regions, though many customers interact directly with the company.
Most policyholders report a decent experience when it comes to basic account management and billing inquiries. The company scores reasonably well in satisfaction surveys, especially among younger drivers and those buying insurance for the first time.
Where CURE shines is in simplicity. Its billing structure is easy to understand, and there are fewer surprise fees or hard-to-follow endorsements compared to some of the larger players.
Claims Handling with CURE: What You Should Know
One of the most important tests for any insurance company is how it handles claims — from auto accidents to theft or weather damage. Here’s how CURE stacks up:
Filing a Claim:
You can file claims by phone or online. The claims reporting system is straightforward, and you’ll typically be contacted by an adjuster within 24–48 hours after submitting your report.
Claim Reviews:
CURE assigns licensed adjusters to review each case. They’ll contact you for any necessary photos, police reports, or repair shop estimates. If your car is in a repairable condition, you may be able to use your preferred mechanic or one recommended by CURE.
Repair and Payment:
Once the claim is approved, CURE either pays the shop directly or reimburses you, depending on the agreement. Most claims are closed within 10–14 days if documentation is in order and damage isn’t extensive.
Customer Experiences:
Online reviews are mixed but fair. Some customers appreciate the fast turnaround and clear communication, while others note that CURE can be strict when interpreting coverage terms. As with any insurance company, having proper documentation and knowing what your policy includes is essential.
Discounts and Savings Opportunities
Though CURE positions itself as a low-frills insurer, it does offer a few standard discounts to help reduce your premium:
- Safe Driving Discounts – For policyholders with no accidents or violations in recent years.
- Multi-Car Discount – If you insure more than one vehicle with CURE.
- Pay-in-Full Discount – Available to those who pay their policy in one lump sum rather than monthly.
- Low Mileage Discount – If you drive fewer miles annually than average, you may qualify for a reduced rate.
Unlike major insurers, CURE does not offer bundling discounts (for example, auto + home), as it focuses solely on auto coverage.
Who Is CURE Best Suited For?
CURE’s underwriting model and simplified approach aren’t designed for everyone. The company is a solid fit for specific groups of drivers — particularly those who don’t benefit from the traditional rating methods used by national insurers.
CURE is best for:
- Drivers with limited or poor credit histories – Since CURE does not use credit scores at all, applicants aren’t penalized for financial challenges unrelated to driving safety.
- Students, freelancers, or part-time workers – Job title and education level won’t affect your premium.
- Urban drivers in high-premium ZIP codes – CURE places less weight on geographic factors, which can be beneficial in areas where location inflates traditional insurance quotes.
- Safe drivers with a clean MVR – CURE’s pricing rewards those who avoid accidents and moving violations, regardless of income level or employment background.
- People looking for straightforward coverage – If you want basic protection without bundled packages, endorsements, or upsells, CURE’s structure makes policy management easy.
However, if you live in a state where CURE isn’t available or you rely on bundling home, renters, or umbrella policies for discounts, you may need to look elsewhere for a more integrated experience.
What Do Real Customers Say?
Understanding what other policyholders have experienced can give potential customers a realistic picture. CURE doesn’t have as many reviews as national giants, but it does have a strong digital presence in its active markets.
Tasha – Trenton, NJ
“I’m a full-time nursing student and was getting outrageous quotes because I didn’t have a long credit history. CURE gave me a quote that was over $80 cheaper than the next option, and I haven’t had any issues. They made the process really easy.”
Marcus – Detroit, MI
“I filed a claim after a minor rear-end accident. My adjuster called the next morning, approved repairs, and the body shop was paid directly. It was my first claim ever and went pretty smooth.”
Rey – Philadelphia, PA
“The rates are fair, especially if you’ve been penalized for things that don’t relate to driving. Just be sure to read your coverage terms — I didn’t add comprehensive at first and had to update my policy after a windshield issue.”
In many of these real-world examples, customers highlight CURE’s transparency and predictable pricing structure. While some users wished for more digital features or mobile app capabilities, the overall consensus points to fairness, speed, and simplicity.
Additional Notes for Drivers Considering CURE
Because CURE is a reciprocal exchange, policyholders are technically members — not just customers. This means that premiums are pooled and used to cover member claims. The model allows for more stable pricing in theory, though it also limits CURE’s scope to a few states and restricts the ability to offer broader product bundles like home or renters insurance.
If you’re switching to CURE from a major insurer, here are a few smart steps to take:
- Review your current declarations page and match coverages closely when comparing.
- Ask about coverage limits and exclusions — especially if you’re switching mid-policy.
- Keep track of your payment schedule, as CURE often rewards full-pay options with small discounts.
- Check local requirements — especially in states like Michigan, where auto insurance laws and PIP rules are complex.
And most importantly, if you have a clean driving history but feel penalized by traditional pricing methods, CURE may be one of the few insurers designed with your situation in mind.
