The General auto insurance evaluation 2026: Rated 2.9 stars out of 5

The General Car Insurance Review: Overall Score

Overall Rating: 2.9/5 stars

The General is a car insurance provider that primarily serves drivers considered high-risk, such as those with a history of accidents, traffic violations, or even a suspended license. While its coverage options are fairly standard, The General will handle SR-22 filings if your state requires them. Pricing for both full and minimum coverage is slightly above the industry average.

Advantages and Disadvantages of The General Auto Insurance

Benefits

• Rideshare coverage is available
• Gap insurance offered in certain states
• Provides policies to drivers needing an SR-22

Drawbacks

• No accident forgiveness option
• No decreasing deductible for safe driving
• Premiums and complaint rates are higher than average

Key Details About The General Auto Insurance

The General is known for serving drivers who require high-risk auto insurance. The company operates in 46 states plus Washington, D.C., and its pricing is generally in the mid-range compared to competitors.

Pricing and Customer Feedback

• Typical monthly premium for full coverage: $197
• J.D. Power satisfaction (by region): Below average in Florida; not rated in other regions
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Not included in the survey

Customer Service Experience

When contacting The General for information, a representative answered promptly (within two minutes) and provided thorough responses to all inquiries.

Coverage Options

• Number of coverage types: 6

Discount Opportunities

• Total available discounts: 8

Coverage Types Provided by The General

The General focuses on four main types of auto insurance, with limited additional options:

• Liability insurance
• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive insurance
• Gap insurance
• Custom parts coverage
• New car replacement coverage

Accident Forgiveness Policy

The General does not provide accident forgiveness. Any accident, regardless of who is at fault, may result in higher premiums.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

The General offers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, which includes services such as towing (up to 15 miles), lockout help, and fuel delivery. However, this service is not available in California, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New Mexico, or Oklahoma.

Pricing: How Much Does The General Cost?

On average, The General charges $197 per month for full coverage and $117 per month for liability-only insurance, both of which are slightly above the national average. Full coverage is recommended for most drivers, as it includes liability, comprehensive, and collision protection.

Average Cost for Full Coverage

The General’s full coverage policy averages $197 per month, which is $7 higher than the national average. However, its rates are generally lower than those from major insurers like Nationwide, GEICO, and Progressive.

Average Cost for Liability-Only Coverage

Liability-only coverage with The General averages $117 per month, which is $4 above the national average, but still less expensive than similar policies from Nationwide, GEICO, and Progressive for most drivers.

Discounts Available Through The General

While not all discounts are publicly listed, The General highlights several savings opportunities on its website:

• Paid-in-full: Save by paying your premium upfront (for either six- or 12-month policies); some states also offer discounts for quarterly payments.
• Multi-car: Insure multiple vehicles to qualify for a reduced rate.
• Homeowner: Owning a home, even if insured elsewhere, may make you eligible for a discount.
• Safe driver: Drivers with three to five years of accident- and violation-free driving may receive a discount.
• Academic achievement: Full-time students with good grades can qualify for lower premiums.
• Passive restraint: Vehicles equipped with airbags and other factory-installed safety features may be eligible for savings.
• Defensive driving: Completing an approved defensive driving course can reduce your premium.
• Double deductible: In some states, agreeing to double your deductible for the first 45 days can earn you a temporary discount.

Discount availability varies by state, and documentation may be required for certain offers.

How to Submit a Claim with The General

If you need to file a claim after an accident, The General provides 24/7 support. Here’s what to do:

1. Ensure safety: Make sure everyone is safe, call emergency services if needed, and exchange information with other parties involved.
2. Gather details: Collect information such as the accident’s date, time, location, other driver’s details, and a police report if available.
3. Initiate your claim: The fastest way is to upload photos via the mobile app, but you can also call customer service.
4. Wait for an adjuster: A claims adjuster will contact you within a few days to review your case, inspect your vehicle, and explain the next steps.
5. Submit documents: Provide any additional paperwork requested by the adjuster promptly to avoid delays.

Claim Submission Deadlines

The General does not specify a strict deadline for filing claims, but it’s best to report an incident as soon as everyone is safe.

Claim Processing Time

The General aims to resolve most claims within 30 days. Simple cases, such as property damage, may be settled in about a week, while more complex claims, especially those involving injuries, could take longer.

The General’s Mobile App

The General’s mobile application allows you to manage your policy conveniently from your smartphone. Features include:

• Requesting a quote for a new policy
• Paying bills or setting up payment schedules
• Accessing and downloading insurance ID cards
• Filing and tracking claims
• Contacting customer service or scheduling a call

Mobile App Ratings

• Apple App Store: 4.7/5 stars
• Google Play Store: 4.7/5 stars

Frequently Asked Questions About The General Auto Insurance

Is The General less expensive than Progressive?

According to our research, The General’s average monthly rates are about $5 lower than Progressive for minimum coverage and $8 less for full coverage. However, your actual rate will depend on factors such as age, location, driving record, and credit score. Comparing personalized quotes is the best way to determine which insurer is more affordable for you.

Which is better: GEICO or The General?

The answer depends on your needs. GEICO offers more customization options, perks like usage-based insurance, accident forgiveness, and a wider range of discounts, along with a lower complaint rate. However, GEICO’s premiums are typically higher and it may not be as accommodating to high-risk drivers. If you have trouble getting insured elsewhere, The General may be a better fit.

How does The General handle claims?

The General has received a D- rating from CRASH Network for claims handling, and its three-year average complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is 2.910, which is higher than the industry average of just over 1.0. This indicates a higher-than-average number of complaints from policyholders.

What is The General’s deductible?

Deductible amounts vary by policy and state, but you typically select your deductible when purchasing a policy, usually between $500 and $2,500. In some states, The General offers a “Double Deductible” discount, temporarily doubling your deductible for the first 45 days in exchange for a lower premium.

How We Reviewed: Methodology

Auto Insurance Ratings Criteria

Our evaluation included a review of 20 different auto insurance plans, with each insurer scored based on several weighted categories to identify the top providers. The factors considered were:

• Coverage options (20%): Assessed for features such as new car replacement, GAP insurance, accident forgiveness, and diminishing deductible.
• Average cost (40%): Calculated using Savvy Insurance Solutions’ proprietary models, analyzing over 3 million data points from more than 20 major insurers. The “average policyholder” is defined as a 48-year-old with a 13-year-old car in an average-income ZIP code, seeking full coverage.
• Customer satisfaction (20%): Based on NAIC complaint data (10%) and CRASH Network repair and service quality scores (10%).
• Discounts (10%): Points awarded for each discount type offered.
• App ratings (10%): Average ratings from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at the time of publication.

Auto Insurance Pricing Data

Unless otherwise noted, pricing estimates are provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions, which operates a nationwide insurance marketplace and agency. Estimates are generated from in-house machine learning models using over 3 million data points, including more than 15 major insurers and data from over 2 million insurance accounts linked via Trellis Connect. Factors considered in pricing models include:

• Policyholder age
• Number of vehicles
• ZIP code
• Vehicle age
• Insurance provider
• And additional variables

Savvy’s models allow for highly personalized estimates, adjusting for scenarios such as teen drivers in specific states or with new vehicles, to deliver tailored pricing predictions.

Definitions Used in Rate Estimates

• Full coverage car insurance: Includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.
• Average policyholder: A 48-year-old driver with a 13-year-old car in an average-income area.
• Senior driver: A 70-year-old policyholder with full coverage.
• Good driver: No tickets, accidents, or DUIs across all coverage and vehicle types.