The General Auto Insurance Review (2023)
High-risk drivers can turn to The General for car insurance, but drivers with clean records will find better insurance elsewhere.
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UPDATED: Dec 23, 2022
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 23, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
The General
Average monthly rate for good drivers:
N/AA.M. Best rating:
A-Complaint level:
HighPros
- Affordable coverage for high-risk drivers
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Files SR-22 forms
- Plenty of discount opportunities
Cons
- High number of complaints
- Penalty for canceling early
- Rates are higher than competitors
- Limited coverage options
High-risk drivers often struggle to find affordable insurance, especially with DUI infractions. Since many companies refuse to cover drivers with bad driving histories, finding cheap, high-risk auto insurance can be challenging.
The General can probably meet your insurance needs if you’re a high-risk driver. From your state’s minimum insurance requirements to full coverage, The General sells everything you need to protect your car.
However, The General doesn’t offer as many options as other companies. Rates with The General also tend to be higher than competitors due to a large number of high-risk customers, and people with clean driving records will probably find better coverage elsewhere.
Read on to explore what The General can provide you, then compare rates with other companies to ensure you get the best price possible.
Is The General Auto Insurance a Good Choice?
The General is a reputable car insurance company you can trust to provide solid coverage for your vehicle. However, while it’s a good company, The General auto insurance isn’t the best choice for every driver.
The General is one of the best insurance companies for high-risk auto insurance, though drivers with clean driving records will probably find cheaper rates elsewhere.
While The General offers affordable insurance to high-risk drivers, it lags behind competitors in key areas. For example, The General only sells car insurance — it doesn’t provide homeowners insurance or other popular policies.
However, you can use The General Labs to find provider options for various insurance products. The General won’t write the policies, but it can point you toward homeowners, motorcycle, and even pet insurance providers.
Auto insurance from The General is available in all states except Alaska, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Michigan. The General redirects you to Progressive if you enter a ZIP code from one of these states into the online quote form.
You have several options for filing claims with The General. The most popular choice is to use the mobile app, but you can also log into the website. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the 24/7 claims hotline and speak with a representative.
The General Customer Service
Unfortunately, The General doesn’t have a good reputation for its customer service.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) ranks insurance companies by how many complaints it receives compared to its size. The national average for complaints is 1.0 — anything higher means it receives higher complaints than similarly sized companies.
The General’s NAIC rating for 2021 is 3.28, meaning it receives more than three times as many complaints as other companies. While that number is high, it’s an improvement — The General’s rating in 2020 was 5.63.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates companies’ ability to resolve customer complaints. The General has a rating of A+, but the BBB website lists hundreds of complaints.
Many customers complain that insurance representatives are rude, unknowledgeable, and unhelpful. A complaint commonly appearing in The General’s reviews is that representatives don’t return calls or follow up on inquiries.
The General’s Financial Strength
A company’s financial strength represents its ability to pay claims — you want to shop from a company with a solid strength rating.
The General auto insurance review from A.M. Best is an A-, signifying the company is financially healthy. It also received an A+ for its long-term issuer rating, which indicates that The General is in excellent shape to meet its financial obligations.
The General Auto Insurance Rates
Most insurance companies charge drivers with bad records, low credit scores, or coverage lapses more because they’re at higher risk. When an insurance company considers you high risk, your rates will be much higher, and you might get denied coverage altogether.
The General provides affordable coverage to drivers that other companies hesitate to insure. However, The General’s insurance quotes are much higher than its competitors because it insures many high-risk drivers.
Drivers with clean records and good credit scores should probably avoid The General because they’ll likely find more extensive coverage at a better price than other companies.
While The General is a solid choice for high-risk insurance, you should compare quotes with multiple companies if you’re a high-risk driver.
Average Car Insurance Rates by State
ZIP codes are one of the most significant factors insurance companies use to determine rates. Take a look below to see the average General insurance quote in your state.
Remember that these numbers are averages, and you might see higher or lower rates. Also, insurance companies keep track of claims filed by ZIP code, so some areas cost more than others.
Another factor that influences rates is the level of coverage you carry. Here's a look at how The General's average annual rates for full coverage compare to minimum coverage.
Now let's look at some specific factors that can affect your auto insurance rates.
The General Rates by Age
Another significant factor affecting insurance rates is your age. Finding cheap rates for teen drivers can be tricky since young drivers are statistically more likely to cause accidents and engage in reckless behavior. Older adults also tend to pay more for insurance due to an increased likelihood of driving problems.
Check the rates below to see how The General charges drivers by age.
Although The General is happy to offer insurance to young drivers, you’ll probably find cheaper rates for teens and young adults elsewhere.
Here's a look at The General's average annual auto insureance rates for teenagers.
The General Rates After an Accident
Many people looking for car insurance from The General have several accidents on their driving record. A single at-fault accident causes your rates to increase at any company, but insurers can mark you as a high-risk driver if you have several.
Driver Age and Gender | National Average | The General | Allstate | State Farm | Nationwide | Farmers | Progressive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
45 y/o male with a clean record | $1,431.27 | $2,784.07 | $1,919.05 | $1,031.63 | $1,375.74 | $1,662.68 | $1,260.81 |
45 y/o female with a clean record | $1,433.60 | $2,797.26 | $1,941.14 | $1,031.63 | $1,355.26 | $1,669.49 | $1,340.05 |
45 y/o male with an accident | $2,072.14 | $3,926.34 | $2,700.48 | $1,227.58 | $1,937.39 | $2,370.56 | $2,229.76 |
45 y/o female with an accident | $2,079.29 | $3,960.16 | $2,732.89 | $1,227.58 | $1,910.54 | $2,376.60 | $2,346.48 |
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As you can see, The General has higher rates than competitors even after an accident. You’ll probably find cheaper insurance with a different company if your application doesn't get denied.
The General Rates After a DUI
DUIs are one of the worst indicators of riskiness to insurance companies, and many providers will drop you after your first. Car insurance after a DUI will always be expensive, but you can check how much The General charges below.
Driver Age and Gender National Average The General Allstate State Farm Nationwide Farmers Progressive
45 y/o male with a clean record $1,431.27 $2,784.07 $1,919.05 $1,031.63 $1,375.74 $1,662.68 $1,260.81
45 y/o female with a clean record $1,433.60 $2,797.26 $1,941.14 $1,031.63 $1,355.26 $1,669.49 $1,340.05
45 y/o male with a DUI $2,507.31 $5,106.30 $3,236.91 $1,344.15 $2,840.09 $2,312.52 $1,680.24
45 y/o female with a DUI $2,513.28 $5,161.64 $3,269.89 $1,344.15 $2,812.55 $2,318.98 $1,772.90
While The General’s auto insurance quotes are usually high, people with a DUI can rest assured they can still get the coverage they need to keep driving.
The General Rates for Drivers With Poor Credit
Insurance companies use your credit score to evaluate how risky you are to insure. Not every U.S. state allows the practice — California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington prohibit credit checks for car insurance.
If you live in a state where companies can check your credit, you’ll pay more the lower your score is.
Rates vary significantly based on your credit score. However, if a low credit score impacts your rates, you’re not stuck with that price forever — raising your credit score is an excellent way to lower your rates.
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The General Auto Insurance Discounts Available
Taking advantage of discounts is one of the best ways to save on car insurance. Although some high-risk companies fail to deliver many opportunities for savings, The General does relatively well.
For example, consider the following auto insurance discounts offered by The General:
- Double deductible. If you choose this option when initiating a policy, your comprehensive and collision deductible doubles for the first 45 days of your policy. In exchange, you earn a discount.
- New customer. You can earn this discount if you’ve had auto insurance with another company for the last five years.
- Pay in full. You’ll pay a little less for your policy if you pay for six months upfront rather than splitting it into monthly payments.
- Good student. Full-time students who maintain good academic standing earn this discount.
- Military. Active duty military members can earn a discount on their car insurance, but only in Louisiana.
- Homeowners. You can earn this discount simply by owning your home. Your homeowners insurance doesn’t have to be with The General since it only sells auto insurance.
- Multi-car. If you have more than one car in your household, you can earn a discount by including them on a single policy.
- Driver education. Drivers who take an approved driving course could earn this discount if the class wasn’t court-ordered.
- Safe driver. The General will discount your insurance if you maintain a clean driving record. While the length of time isn’t specified, most companies require no accidents or infractions for three years.
- Passive restraint. You can earn a small discount if your vehicle has passive restraint, like air bags.
Before signing up for insurance, check with a representative. Not all discounts are available in every state — for example, only Louisiana drivers are eligible for a military discount.
The General Car Insurance Perks
The General insurance reviews paint a picture of a bare-bones company, but that’s not entirely fair. The General doesn’t offer many perks, but it has a few worth checking out.
The first is an optional safety equipment deductible. You can choose a $0 deductible for your car’s safety equipment, including your windshield and other glass.
The deductible waiver adds about 15% to your monthly payment, but it might be worth it to people who frequently see windshield damage. You must have comprehensive and collision insurance to select this option.
Another perk is an optional roadside assistance plan with Nation Safe Drivers for about $10 a month. This membership is an upgrade to The General’s towing and labor option, covering battery changes, flat tires, and other mechanical problems.
The General Auto Insurance Coverage Options
The General Insurance company doesn’t offer as many products as competitors, so it can keep rates low. However, it provides everything you need to drive safely and legally.
The General’s car insurance options include the following:
- Liability. Liability insurance helps pay for damages or injuries you cause in an accident but doesn’t cover your vehicle. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists. Although most states require insurance, not all drivers follow the law. This coverage pays for damage to your car or yourself if a driver with inadequate insurance hits you.
- Collision. Collision insurance helps repair your car after an accident, regardless of fault. You’ll need collision insurance if you don’t own your vehicle outright.
- Comprehensive. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from weather, fire, theft, animal contact, and vandalism — you’ll need it if you don’t own your vehicle outright.
- Medical payments. Health care bills get expensive quickly, especially after a car accident. Medical payments coverage helps cover expenses for hospital stays, physical therapy, and lost wages.
- Custom equipment. You’ll need extra coverage if you have custom equipment like stereos, rims, or skirt kits because a standard plan won’t cover them. You need collision and comprehensive insurance to buy this add-on.
- Rental reimbursement. The General will reimburse you for a rental car if your vehicle gets stuck at the mechanic’s shop after an accident. Check your policy limits, so you don’t go over them.
- Towing and labor. Towing and labor — another add-on requiring comprehensive and collision insurance — tow your vehicle when you’re stuck on the side of the road.
- GAP coverage. If you get in an accident after buying a car, you might owe more on your loan than the car is worth. GAP coverage pays the difference but is only available in Washington and California.
While this list isn’t necessarily impressive, these coverages completely protect your vehicle.
Most states require liability insurance, and 14 require uninsured motorist coverage. If you own your car and can afford to replace it, getting your state’s minimum will help you save money.
You’ll probably need full coverage if you don’t own your car outright. Full coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments.
Whatever your situation, The General can ensure you have everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The General good insurance?
The General offers legitimate car insurance for high-risk drivers. While it has more complaints compared to other companies, it has an A- from A.M. Best and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau.
Who should get The General insurance?
The General’s car insurance is best suited for people with poor credit scores, a history of coverage lapses, or high-risk drivers.
Although high-risk drivers can find solid coverage, rates with The General tend to be much higher than competitors. Drivers with clean records will probably find better rates elsewhere.
Does The General have full coverage?
Yes, The General sells everything you need for full coverage, including collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, medical payments, and liability. You can also buy GAP coverage, custom equipment, and towing and labor, though availability varies by state.
How does The General compare to other companies?
While The General is a good choice for high-risk drivers, people with clean records will find better coverage at other companies. The General’s rates are higher than the national average. The General also lacks the variety other companies have as it only sells car insurance.
Who owns The General?
PGC Holdings, an affiliate of American Family Insurance, owns The General. The General sells insurance through various companies, including Permanent General Assurance Corporation, The General Automobile Insurance Company, Inc., and Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio.
How can I file a claim with The General?
You have several options to file a claim with The General. You can use the mobile app, log into the website, or call a representative.
How do I get a car insurance quote from The General?
You can obtain The General car insurance quotes on its website. Simply enter your ZIP code into the quote request form, and The General will guide you through the process. Alternatively, you can call The General, and an insurance representative will help you.
Where is The General car insurance available?
The General sells car insurance in every state except for Alaska, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New Jersey. It also doesn’t sell in Washington D.C. Some of The General’s products aren’t available in every state, so check with an insurance representative.
What is a high-risk driver?
High-risk drivers are people with multiple accidents or moving violations, including running red lights, speeding tickets, or reckless driving. Drivers with a DUI on their record are also high risk. Since high-risk drivers are more likely to file claims, they usually see higher insurance rates.
What are the payment options with The General?
You have several options to pay for your insurance. The General accepts credit, debit, and electronic checks in some states. You can also sign up for auto-pay and use the mobile app or website to pay your bill.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
Glarison
Great company I'm riding with shack
HWalla
Quick and thorough
Kasarah90
Quick and affordable would recommend
mcgowanjr60_henry_yahoo_com
The Lion of the Jungle
Bentot
Lower monthly rate
Junglezx_3
High Insurance
bwaryasz2012
You get what you buy!
goog39826_
Thank you for great service!
Jessbell19
Poor customer service
counterstrike1911
The general will generally treat you like crap and rip u off