General Car Insurance 2025: Weighing the Pros, Cons, and Top Alternatives
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The General is widely recognized thanks to its prominent advertising collaborator, Shaquille O'Neal, and the iconic military-themed cartoon character seen across their site. However, many people may not realize that this company focuses on offering automobile insurance specifically designed for challenging-to-cover motorists. Whether your low credit score or status as a high-risk driver—due to factors like being young, having a DUI conviction, letting your coverage lapse, or driving uninsured—has made finding insurance difficult elsewhere, The General could provide a suitable solution with one of their policies.
Business Insider compared The General car insurance to the best car insurance companies And discovered it to be an unimpressive option for typical drivers due to limited discounts and complaints about subpar customer service. Nonetheless, it provides insurance coverage for high-risk drivers who struggle to obtain policies from other companies.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing General Car Insurance
The General Auto Insurance Experts
- Low-cost options for drivers with high risks or poor credit ratings.
- Solid financial health boasting an A rating from AM Best
The General Auto Insurance Considerations
- Available in only 46 states plus Washington, D.C., with limited reach elsewhere.
- The customer satisfaction scores vary.
- Relatively few discount opportunities
- Limited additional coverage
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The Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance
The General is a prominent car insurance company that has been serving customers since 1963. It offers its policies across 46 states as well as Washington, D.C., providing ease of use through its online quotation service.
In technical terms, The General acts as a car insurance provider instead of being a direct insurer because its policies are issued by the Permanent General Assurance Corporation, the Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio, and The General Automobile Insurance Company, Inc. These three entities all boast robust A ratings for their fiscal stability according to AM Best, while The General enjoys an exceptional A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Although The General has higher premiums compared to typical car insurers, it distinguishes itself by providing coverage options for risky drivers. The General offers these policies. SR-22 insurance , which can help you return to driving after a DUI, a suspended license, or too many traffic violations. Even if you do not own your car, you can still obtain one. non-owner car insurance policy from the company.
You can similarly handle your policy with The General via their mobile application, boasting a 4.7-star rating on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Therefore, The General could be a good choice for assistance with obtaining insurance when dealing with a poor credit score or being classified as a high-risk driver. However, it receives numerous customer complaints and may not offer the best options if your driving history is spotless. You might want to explore other alternatives for more favorable coverage under those circumstances.
The Broad Overview of Standard Auto Insurance Policies and Their Inclusions
The General offers comprehensive auto insurance plans tailored to your needs. Their car insurance policies are accessible across 46 states plus Washington, D.C.
Liability: Most states require liability car insurance since it protects you if you're at fault for an accident, damages, or injuries. You could face fines or license suspension if you do not have adequate liability coverage.
Collision: If your vehicle crashes into an object or structure, collision coverage Will provide coverage irrespective of which party is deemed responsible.
Comprehensive: Comprehensive car insurance closes the gaps in your collision and liability insurance. This provides protection against various scenarios that other policies may exclude, such as theft or damages from storms.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers: In case of an accident where another driver is at fault but lacks sufficient coverage to cover your claims, coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers will cover the costs.
Additional Coverage Options (Riders)
General car insurance provides only a few extra coverage choices. You could potentially include endorsements for services like roadside help and using a rental vehicle during the repair period following a claim. However, beyond these possibilities, gap car insurance coverage It is among the few additional coverage options you can choose.
If your vehicle is declared a total loss, gap insurance will cover the discrepancy between the car’s present value and the amount you still owe on it. Usually, you want the amount owed to be equal to or less than the car's worth. However, if you're dealing with a recently purchased car where your outstanding loan exceeds the vehicle’s current valuation, opting for gap insurance would be wise.
Imagine your car has a value of $20,000, yet you still owe $25,000 on your loan. The gap insurance would cover the difference of $5,000. Typically, your vehicle needs to be less than five years old to be eligible for this type of coverage.
The Average Price of General Auto Insurance
Based on information from Policygenius, the typical annual price for full coverage with The General auto insurance amounts to $3,131. This figure indicates that it is pricier compared to the nationwide average for full coverage policies, which is approximately $1,638 yearly.
A person’s automobile insurance premium hinges on several individual elements such as their age, place of residence, credit score, and past driving record. Therefore, one should not presume that auto insurance from The General will necessarily come at a high cost. Generally, it's advisable to get a quote directly from an automotive insurer to find out precisely which price they propose.
The General is notable for providing coverage to individuals who have previously been convicted of DUIs or have had at-fault accidents. Therefore, should you find yourself in this group, The General auto insurance might offer reasonably priced options for your needs.
The Comprehensive Auto Insurance Savings
General Car Insurance is recognized for offering affordable protection to drivers who are considered high risk. Their rates are particularly competitive, especially if your driving history is spotless. They provide several discount options as well:
- Discount for fully paying upfront for policies or opting for quarterly payments
- Multi-car discount
- Discount for homeowners
- Scholarship benefit for students enrolled full time
- Discount available for vehicles equipped with factory-installed passive safety systems.
- Discount upon successful completion of a defensive driving course
- Safe driver discount
Nevertheless, discounted insurance coverage typically remains costly for high-risk motorists.
If you fall into the category of a high-risk driver due to a traffic violation, DUI, or operating a vehicle without insurance, you may face higher premiums compared to those deemed low-risk. This also applies to individuals required to submit an SR-22 or FR-44 insurance document.
The price differs from one driver to another and hinges on your location, age, driving history, vehicle type, and additional variables. However, some restricted discounts may be accessible, potentially reducing the total expense relative to what other insurers might charge. It’s advisable to explore various options and obtain quotations from at least two or three insurance firms prior to making up your mind.
How to Buy and Handle a Car Insurance Policy with The General
To purchase an auto insurance policy from The General, begin by seeking a quote online. Visit their official site, input your ZIP code, and click “Get a Free Quote.”
Starting from there, you can obtain an immediate estimate within just a few minutes by sharing data related to your car and driving background. After receiving this preliminary quote, additional specifics will be required along with confirmation of your chosen coverage options prior to finalizing the transaction.
Policyholders have the option to modify their coverage or submit claims directly from The General’s website. Simply visit the site, select “Login,” and input your email address or policy number along with your password. You'll then be directed to the My Policy portal, allowing you to settle invoices, retrieve your identification card, and oversee your insurance plans. For added convenience, this data is accessible using The General's user-friendly mobile application.
How to Submit an Insurance Claim with General Car Insurance
You have the option to submit a claim with The General auto insurance through their website, mobile application, or via telephone. Representatives for claims are accessible around the clock, every day of the week.
In the app: Install the General Insurance application and submit a claim directly from your smartphone. After initiating a claim, you can monitor its status within the app.
Over the phone: You may submit a claim by calling 1-800-280-1466. To be directed to an operator, press 5. Claim agents are readily accessible.
On the website: Should you possess an ongoing insurance policy, you may sign in and submit your claim via the internet.
General Car Insurance Customer Support and Evaluations
General auto insurance stands out for accumulating more unfavorable reviews compared to similar insurers. Its complaint index rated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is notably high at 5.35, which signifies that it receives over five times the average number of complaints within the U.S. automobile insurance sector.
Although certain clients express dissatisfaction regarding the claim submission process, many others laud their interactions with the firm. The General has garnered an average rating of 4.7 stars on Trustpilot and 3.37 stars at the Better Business Bureau. Users commend the swift application procedure as well as the ease with which one can secure reliable insurance irrespective of their credit history or past driving incidents.
As stated by a Trustpilot reviewer, "The process was quick and simple. I do not have the luxury of time to deal with representatives who inform me that my credit score does not meet their company’s requirements."
General Auto Insurance Alternatives
General Car Insurance versus Progressive Auto Insurance
Similar to The General car insurance, Progressive Auto Insurance is recognized for offering insurance solutions tailored specifically for high-risk motorists. These firms excel at handling the submission of SR-22 and FR-44 paperwork. They can guide you through the procedure should you require these documents as a result of reckless driving offenses or similar infractions.
If you're dedicated to building a clean driving history and aiming to minimize your premium as effectively as possible, Progressive could be more suitable for you. They provide the Snapshot application, which monitors your driving behavior and sends the collected information back to them.
You can lower your rate by downloading the app and maintaining a clean driving record over several months. Progressive provides various discount options along with a Name Your Price feature that simplifies the process of comparing different plans.
Read our Progressive car insurance review .
General Car Insurance versus GEICO Auto Insurance
GEICO Auto Insurance Another insurer that caters to high-risk drivers is also one that files SR-22 and FR-44 documents for you, similar to The General. However, GEICO may offer more competitive pricing. Both insurers boast reliable services, uncomplicated claim procedures, and easy application processes. Yet, you could potentially secure better deals through GEICO.
If you're looking for insurance coverage for a teenage or student driver, GEICO might be a reliable option. They offer competitive rates specifically tailored for younger drivers, who typically fall into a higher risk category based on their age. While The General does provide similar coverage for youthful motorists, their prices may end up being more expensive.
Read our GEICO auto insurance review .
General Car Insurance versus State Farm Auto Insurance
Like The General, State Farm Auto Insurance It caters to those who drive under higher risk conditions. However, State Farm provides comprehensive coverage choices, extra endorsements, and multiple discount opportunities. Additionally, you have the option to enroll in the Drive Safe & Save initiative, where your driving behavior is monitored and rewards come in the form of discounts for maintaining safe driving practices.
On the contrary, The General provides straightforward coverage. Although the choices are restricted and discounts are few, you could find a more affordable option. Both companies offer reliable insurance and the chance to collaborate with an agent.
Nevertheless, State Farm’s agents exclusively promote insurance products from their company. In contrast, The General collaborates with independent agents who act as insurance brokers. Both companies serve as excellent choices for high-risk drivers; your choice may ultimately depend on which one provides you with the most favorable rates.
Read our Review of State Farm car insurance .
Why You Can Rely On Us: Our Evaluation of General Car Insurance
For our The General car insurance review, Business Insider took into account several crucial elements. Factors such as customer service scores, ease of access, pricing, usability, and more contribute to how well an automobile insurer performs. Additionally, we examined external evaluations, including J.D. Power’s customer contentment studies and AM Best’s assessments of financial strength.
Our evaluation constitutes just part of our reviews; we dissect both the advantages and disadvantages to assist customers in making well-informed choices. Regardless of what you require, we advise obtaining at least three car insurance quotations to evaluate different firms and discover the most cost-effective solution for yourself.
You can find out more information about this topic by reading further. How Business Insider evaluates car insurance .
FAQs
Are General Car Insurance and Progressive the same company?
No, The General and Progressive are separate insurance firms; however, The General may direct you to Progressive if they do not provide coverage in your region.
Does General Car Insurance provide bundle discounts?
Although The General provides discounted rates for insuring multiple cars together, it does not specifically advertise a combined home and auto discount since it does not provide its own homeowner's insurance policy.
What elements influence The General car insurance premiums?
General Car Insurance employs the same criteria as other leading companies to calculate auto insurance premiums, taking into account elements such as age, area of residence, make and model of the vehicle, credit score, and past driving behavior.
Is General car insurance reliable?
Indeed, The General auto insurance stands out as a solid choice due to its wide array of discount options, comparatively affordable rates for those who have poor credit scores, and strong financial stability ratings.
Is General Car Insurance Coverage Available for Individuals with Poor Credit Scores?
Indeed, The General car insurance specializes in providing coverage for individuals with poor credit scores and other high-risk drivers, including those who require SR-22 auto insurance.
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