The General Car Insurance Review for 2024 (See Rates & Discounts Here)

Our The General car insurance review found it excels for high-risk drivers. Although rates tend to be high, starting at $54/mo, it offers coverage for those struggling to secure insurance elsewhere. This article examines The General's offerings, customer service, and how to maximize savings.

UPDATED: Oct 29, 2024Fact Checked

Rachel Bodine

Feature Writer

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...

Feature Writer

Eric Stauffer

Licensed Insurance Agent

Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Oct 29, 2024

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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.

UPDATED: Oct 29, 2024Fact Checked
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The General

Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers

$54

A.M. Best Rating:

A

Complaint Level:

Med

Pros

  • Insures high-risk customers
  • Available in most states
  • Bundling discount for home and auto

Cons

  • Multiple customer complaints
  • Early cancellation fee

This The General car insurance review highlights its essential coverage for high-risk drivers and a user-friendly mobile app.

The General Car Insurance Review

The General excels in providing insurance for those with poor driving records, making it a viable option for individuals facing challenges securing coverage elsewhere. However, its rates tend to be higher than those of its competitors, especially for those with clean records buying car insurance.

The General Car Insurance Rating
Rating CriteriaThe General: The General car insurance review
Overall Score3.4
Business Reviews3.5
Claim Processing2.5
Company Reputation3.5
Coverage Availability4.5
Coverage Value3.1
Customer Satisfaction4.0
Digital Experience3.5
Discounts Available4.0
Insurance Cost3.3
Plan Personalization3.5
Policy Options3.1
Savings Potential3.5
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Customer service reviews are also mixed, with numerous complaints about responsiveness. High-risk drivers may find The General beneficial, but comparing multiple quotes is crucial to ensure the best rates and coverage options tailored to your needs. Shop for affordable insurance today with our free quote finder.

Overview

  • The General specializes in providing insurance for high-risk drivers
  • Customers can benefit from discounts, such as a good student discount
  • The General features a user-friendly mobile app for customers

Cost of The General Car Insurance

If you’re looking for reliable car insurance, you might have heard of The General. They’re a well-respected provider with a solid reputation for offering great coverage. But before you jump in and sign up, it’s worth considering whether they’re the right choice for you.

The General’s auto insurance rates can vary wildly depending on a range of factors, from your age and gender to your driving record.

The General Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level, Age, & Gender
Age & GenderMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
Age: 16 Female$330$846
Age: 16 Male$369$903
Age: 18 Female$269$624
Age: 18 Male$316$734
Age: 25 Female$104$276
Age: 25 Male$109$287
Age: 30 Female$95$250
Age: 30 Male$99$261
Age: 45 Female$89$233
Age: 45 Male$54$232
Age: 60 Female$85$218
Age: 60 Male$87$222
Age: 65 Female$86$223
Age: 65 Male$85$222
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The General car insurance is particularly great for drivers who are considered high-risk, such as those with a history of accidents or traffic violations.

High-Risk Driver Definition Card: The General Car Insurance Review

However, if you have a clean driving record, you may be able to find more affordable car insurance rates elsewhere at another company.

The General’s rates are high, but if you have a long history of violations, such a DUI, and are having trouble finding insurance, you might be able to get coverage through the company.

The downside is that you’ll likely pay higher than the national average for your policy, especially if you add more high-risk drivers to your policy (Read More: How do I add or remove drivers from my The General Insurance car insurance policy?).

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The General Auto Insurance Rates vs. the Competition

For many drivers, finding affordable insurance can be a challenge – especially if they have a less-than-perfect driving record.

The General specializes in providing high-risk car insurance to drivers who may have a hard time finding coverage with other providers. The downside is that The General’s auto insurance rates are higher than those of its competitors, as you can see below.

The General Car Insurance Monthly Rates vs. Top Competitors by Age & Gender
Insurance CompanyAge: 45 FemaleAge: 45 Male
Allstate: The General car insurance review$162$160
American Family: The General car insurance review$115$117
Farmers: The General car insurance review$139$139
Geico: The General car insurance review$80$80
Liberty Mutual: The General car insurance review$171$174
Nationwide: The General car insurance review$113$115
Progressive: The General car insurance review$112$105
State Farm: The General car insurance review$86$86
The General: The General car insurance review$54$232
Travelers: The General car insurance review$98$99
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Drivers with clean driving records may want to shop elsewhere. Likewise, if you have a poor driving record and can get coverage at another company, it will likely be cheaper than signing up with The General.

The General Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Driving Record
Insurance CompanyClean RecordOne TicketOne AccidentOne DUI
Allstate: The General car insurance review$160$188$225$270
American Family: The General car insurance review$117$136$176$194
Farmers: The General car insurance review$139$173$198$193
Geico: The General car insurance review$80$106$132$216
Liberty Mutual: The General car insurance review$174$212$234$313
Nationwide: The General car insurance review$115$137$161$237
Progressive: The General car insurance review$105$140$186$140
State Farm: The General car insurance review$86$96$102$112
The General: The General car insurance review$232$277$327$426
Travelers: The General car insurance review$99$134$139$206
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You can get quotes directly from the company’s website to determine how much you will pay for The General vehicle insurance.

The General Homepage: The General Car Insurance Review

You can also use a quote comparison tool to compare The General insurance rates to those of other companies.

The General Car Insurance Coverage Options

Now that you know how much car insurance policies cost at The General and how insurance companies calculate your car insurance rate, see what you can buy from the company for your policy.

The General Car Insurance Coverage Options
Coverage TypeDescription
CollisionPays for collision repairs
ComprehensiveCovers non-collision damage
Custom PartsProtects custom modifications
Liability InsuranceManage others' damages
Medical Payments (MedPay)Handles medical expenses
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)Covers injuries and wages
Rental Car ReimbursementRental during repairs
Roadside AssistanceTowing and roadside help
Uninsured/Underinsured MotoristProtection from uninsured drivers
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This insurance company offers somewhat limited coverage options, which could be problematic if you’re looking for specific types of coverage or want more customization in your policy. It’s also worth noting that The General doesn’t offer car insurance coverage in every state.

The General Car Insurance Discounts

The General’s car insurance discounts can help you get low-cost car insurance with driver discounts. For example, The General also has a good student discount. You’ll be eligible for this car insurance discount if you’re a full-time student with good grades.

The General Car Insurance Discounts by Savings Potential
Discount TypeThe General: The General car insurance review
Multi-Policy20%
Good Student15%
Low Mileage15%
Driver Training10%
Military10%
Safe Driver10%
Senior Driver10%
Anti-Theft Device5%
Homeowners5%
Paperless5%
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Do you have multiple cars in your household? The General also has a multi-car discount that allows you to insure them all on one policy and receive a discount. Other noteworthy discounts are the driver education discount for those who have taken an approved driving course and the safe driver discount for those with clean driving records.

If you’re an active duty military member, you can receive a discount on your car insurance, but unfortunately, only if you’re in Louisiana.

Before you hit the road, make sure to check with a representative to see which discounts are available in your state. Keep in mind that not all The General discounts are available in every state.

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The General Customer Reviews

When reviewing The General reviews and complaints, we found many customers have reported rude, unknowledgeable, and unhelpful representatives. One common complaint is that representatives fail to return calls or follow up on inquiries, leaving customers feeling frustrated and ignored.

To get a feel for what customers think of The General, check out The General car insurance reviews on Reddit and other similar sites.

The General car insurance reviews on Yelp, Reddit, and similar sites are mixed. All in all, The General’s customer service track record is less than stellar.

It's important to consider the potential frustration and hassle of dealing with a poor customer service team at your chosen auto insurance company.

Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer

If you’re looking for an auto insurance company with excellent customer service ratings, you can use our free quote tool at FreeAdvice.com to find a company with helpful customer service and affordable car insurance rates.

The General Business Reviews

When it comes to choosing an auto insurance provider, a crucial factor to consider is their financial strength. After all, you want to be sure that the company you choose will be able to pay out claims if needed.

So, how does The General measure up in this regard? According to A.M. Best, The General’s financial strength is strong. The company has an A rating, indicating that they are financially healthy and can meet their obligations.

With a solid financial rating like this, you can feel confident that The General will be able to provide the coverage you need and pay out claims when necessary. Take a look at other important business ratings below, such as The General car insurance reviews from Consumer Reports.

The General Insurance Business Ratings & Consumer Reviews
AgencyThe General: The General car insurance review
J.D. Power TablePress LogoScore: 835 / 1,000
Avg. Satisfaction
Score: B+
Good Business Practices
Consumer Reports TablePress LogoScore: 68/100
Avg. Customer Feedback
Score: 1.15
More Complaints Than Avg.
A.M. BestScore: A
Excellent Financial Strength
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While The General may offer affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, their customer service reputation leaves a lot to be desired. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), The General receives more complaints than similarly sized companies.

Learn More: How to File a Complaint with Your State Department of Insurance

The good news is that while there are hundreds of complaints from dissatisfied customers, The General car insurance reviews from BBB resulted in a rating of B+ when it comes to resolving customer complaints.

The General Car Insurance Pros and Cons

Remember, finding the right car insurance policy can make all the difference when it comes to protecting yourself and your vehicle on the road, especially if you have a bad driving record.

However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making any final decisions. The pros that may make The General worthwhile for you include:

  • High-Risk Driver Coverage: While The General’s rates are typically higher than its competitors, it’s because the company often covers high-risk drivers, who are more likely to file claims and, therefore, pose a greater risk to insurers.
  • Mobile App: The company’s mobile app is designed to simplify the insurance process, making it easy for drivers to access policy information, track claims, and even file SR-22 car insurance forms. For those who don’t know, an SR-22 form is a certificate of financial responsibility that certain high-risk drivers must file with their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Quick Claim Filing: You have several options for filing The General claims, including using their mobile app, logging into their website, or speaking with a representative on their 24/7 hotline.

Overall, this insurance company could be a great option for high-risk drivers. With a user-friendly app, discount opportunities, and SR-22 filing options for DUIs, it’s worth considering (Read More: How a DUI affects Your Car Insurance Policy & SR-22 Insurance Forms).  However, like any product or service, there are some downsides.

  • Customer Complaints: One major concern is the high number of complaints lodged against this insurance company. While it’s not uncommon for an insurer to receive complaints, the volume of complaints for this particular company is noteworthy.
  • Early Cancellation Fee: Another potential drawback is the penalty for canceling early. If you need to switch providers mid-policy term, you may face a financial penalty. Additionally, while the rates may be affordable for high-risk drivers, they are still higher than some of the competition.

If you have a clean driving record and a good credit score, you may be able to find better rates and more comprehensive coverage from other insurance companies. On the other hand, if you’re a high-risk driver, The General may be a solid choice for affordable coverage.

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Deciding if The General is Best for Your Car Insurance Needs

Our The General car insurance review found that while the company provides valuable coverage for high-risk drivers, it also has higher rates compared to competitors.

With The General, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. The General is best as a last resort for customers with poor records, as it's not cost-effective for customers.

Daniel Walker Licensed Insurance Agent

With its user-friendly mobile app, discount opportunities, and SR-22 filing options, it’s definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides, such as the penalty for canceling early and the limited coverage options. You should also take the time to research your options and compare online car insurance quotes to save money.

By exploring different options, you can secure the coverage that fits your budget and driving history. Shop for affordable car insurance today with our free quote tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is The General insurance so cheap?

The General auto insurance is actually pricier than most companies, as its rates start at $54/mo. Rates are high because The General insures drivers who have trouble finding coverage elsewhere.

Is The General owned by Progressive?

No, Progressive does not own The General. Its parent company is American Family, as AmFam bought The General a while ago.

Who is cheaper, Geico or Progressive?

Geico is typically cheaper than Progressive for most customers (Learn More: Geico Insurance Reviews & Ratings). Geico’s full coverage rates for drivers start at $80/mo, whereas Progressive’s rates start at $105/mo.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Companies like Geico usually have the cheapest rates, with Geico full coverage rates starting at $80/mo for drivers with a clean record.

What states does The General not cover?

The General vehicle insurance is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, or Rhode Island.

What does general insurance cover?

A basic full coverage auto insurance plan covers damages to vehicles and injuries in a variety of different accident situations.

Is The General cheaper than Geico?

Typically, The General is not cheaper than Geico as The General’s clean driving rate starts at $232/mo compared to $80/mo at Geico. However, you can get a The General car insurance quote to see if it’s cheaper for your car insurance needs.

Is The General insurance high-risk?

Yes, The General specializes in high-risk auto insurance.

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

Auto insurance is generally the cheapest for drivers in their 40s (Read More: Average Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender).

Is The General a real insurance company?

Yes, The General is a real auto insurance company.

How can I avoid expensive insurance?

Keeping a clean driving record and shopping around for quotes will help you avoid expensive auto insurance rates. Start shopping now for cheap insurance by entering your ZIP in our free quote finder.

What two states don’t require car insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia don’t require residents to carry car insurance.

Rachel Bodine

Feature Writer

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...

Feature Writer

Eric Stauffer

Licensed Insurance Agent

Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.

Reviews
for The General Auto Insurance

3.58 (823 reviews)
5
February 16, 2022

Glarison

Great company I'm riding with shack

Great customer service. Very helpful they explained everything in detail and had the best rate I would recommend them to anyone
5
December 30, 2021

HWalla

Quick and thorough

I did the entire process online and received my quote within minutes. The company was quick to respond and provided me with my policy documents immediately
5
October 8, 2021

Kasarah90

Quick and affordable would recommend

My car broke down on my way to work and I had just purchased another car but did not have insurance, tags, or taxes paid yet. The car the broke down was unfixable so while waiting on a tow truck I called the General to get a quote for the other car. The process was simple and I didn't have to wait to speak to a representative. I gave all the required information and had a reasonable quote from the representative in less than 20 minutes. I made th...
My car broke down on my way to work and I had just purchased another car but did not have insurance, tags, or taxes paid yet. The car the broke down was unfixable so while waiting on a tow truck I called the General to get a quote for the other car. The process was simple and I didn't have to wait to speak to a representative. I gave all the required information and had a reasonable quote from the representative in less than 20 minutes. I made the payment over the phone and bam the car was insured before the tow truck arrived. the quote was cheaper than I thought and the monthly payments were reasonable. When I turned down roadside assistance and life insurance the representative was not pushy. I would 100% recommend The General car insurance.
5
March 17, 2021

mcgowanjr60_henry_yahoo_com

The Lion of the Jungle

I’m just gonna be honest I don’t think there is a better company out there that can completely understand what you need and offer you simply a caring agent and just what need and nothing more except a perfect price to match only the General
5
February 26, 2021

Bentot

Lower monthly rate

This is the only insurance company can lower my monthly premium compare to all insurance company. Like others general easy to deal with.
1
January 17, 2021

Junglezx_3

High Insurance

Their price was very high. We shopped around for other insurance after a month and the price increased.
4
January 8, 2021

bwaryasz2012

You get what you buy!

This was a relatively easy purchase to make, I would really give them 4.8 stars however the review platform wouldn't let me do that so I was forced to go slightly lesser. Let's talk about the why? The big issue, I have multiple cars that I wanted to list on the policy and quote and it only accepted and applied for one of the vehicles. When I logged into the app it linked to my old policy only telling me that it couldn't link my new policy, whic...
This was a relatively easy purchase to make, I would really give them 4.8 stars however the review platform wouldn't let me do that so I was forced to go slightly lesser. Let's talk about the why? The big issue, I have multiple cars that I wanted to list on the policy and quote and it only accepted and applied for one of the vehicles. When I logged into the app it linked to my old policy only telling me that it couldn't link my new policy, which meant having to call in and have the entire profile reset and redoing the process all again. Mind you my insurance was still good. (loss of 1/5 star) Then when my app was fully set up and ready to go again I can't add the other vehicle to the policy as a means of simplifying the bill. When I attempted to contact the company the virtual assistant wouldn't transfer me to a real agent and didn't have the ability to understand my request. (loss of 1/5 star)
5
January 7, 2021

goog39826_

Thank you for great service!

I am very pleased with my Geico premium. Out of ALL the 12 quotes I received Geico was by far the best. I searched for several days and I could not find any better rate then Geico.. What I think is even better is that it was all done without talking to anyone on the phone. Thank you Geico
3
January 7, 2021

Jessbell19

Poor customer service

Poor customer service while reviewing terms and conditions of policy. Lack of knowledge of the policy changes and updates.
1
December 29, 2020

counterstrike1911

The general will generally treat you like crap and rip u off

The General had horrible customer service and treated me like crap after having to file 2 claims on 2 accidents one of which was not my fault and was a tiny paint scuff. And they then doubled my rates and continued to make paperwork for the claims take months it took me over 2 months to get my car back from the shop and the repair shop said they had spent months not being able to work on the car till they got the go ahead from the general. All in...
The General had horrible customer service and treated me like crap after having to file 2 claims on 2 accidents one of which was not my fault and was a tiny paint scuff. And they then doubled my rates and continued to make paperwork for the claims take months it took me over 2 months to get my car back from the shop and the repair shop said they had spent months not being able to work on the car till they got the go ahead from the general. All in all they were the worst insurance company ever!
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