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

Our The General car insurance review found that it's a good fit for high-risk drivers struggling to find coverage. However, with The General car insurance rates starting at $54/month for minimum coverage and a high customer complaint ratio, good drivers should shop elsewhere for more affordable car insurance.

UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024Fact Checked

Rachel Bodine

Insurance 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...

Insurance Feature Writer

Tim Bain

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs.  His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada. 

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.

Our insurance industry 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 car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.

UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.

Our insurance industry 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.

UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024Fact Checked
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The General

Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers

$54

A.M. Best Rating:

A

Complaint Level:

High

Pros

  • Insures high-risk drivers
  • Files SR-22 insurance forms
  • Numerous discount options
  • Strong financial stability

Cons

  • Rates are more expensive
  • Limited coverage choices
  • Early cancellation fee

Our The General car insurance review found that The General is ideal for high-risk drivers who can’t find auto insurance elsewhere, but good drivers should shop with another company.

The General Car Insurance Review

While the company is suitable for high-risk drivers, we gave The General an overall 3.4 insurance rating, which we’ve broken down in the table below.

The General Car Insurance Rating

Rating CriteriaThe General: Car Insurance Rating
Overall Score3.4
Business Reviews3.5
Claim Processing2.5
Company Reputation3.5
Coverage Availability4.5
Coverage Value3.1
Customer Satisfaction3.6
Digital Experience3.5
Discounts Available4
Insurance Cost3.3
Plan Personalization3.5
Policy Options3.1
Savings Potential3.5

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The General is not one of the cheapest car insurance companies available, but it may be the right choice for you if you need SR-22 insurance. Read on to learn more about the company.

If you want to find affordable car insurance today, enter your ZIP in our free quote tool to find cheap quotes from companies in your area.

Just the Basics

  • The General has an A- financial rating from A.M. Best
  • The General is best for high-risk customers
  • The General car insurance scored a 3.4/5 for poor claims service

The General Car Insurance Rates

We’ve summarized average car insurance rates based on coverage, gender, and age at The General below.

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$250
Age: 45 Female$89$233
Age: 45 Male$54$232
Age: 60 Female$85$218
Age: 60 Male$87$222
Age: 65 Female$85$223
Age: 65 Male$86$222

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What you’ll pay for The General car insurance policies will depend on several factors that affect the price of car insurance, such as what coverage level you choose and how old you are.

The General Car Insurance Review: Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates Card

A huge factor that will affect how much you’ll pay for The General auto insurance is your driving record. While The General insures higher-risk drivers, this doesn’t mean coverage will come cheap.

 

Rates at The General are highest for drivers with a DUI. Generally, this is because DUI drivers need to purchase high-risk insurance, which is more expensive. DUI drivers are also seen as higher risk than drivers with an accident or ticket, as impaired driving is one of the riskiest driving behaviors to partake in.

The General Car Insurance Rates vs. the Competition

Now that you know how much The General charges for car insurance, let’s compare the company’s rates to those of its competitors. First, let’s see how rates vary among companies based on age and gender.

The General Car Insurance Monthly Rates vs. Top Competitors by Age & Gender

Insurance CompanyAge: 45 FemaleAge: 45 Male
Allstate: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$162$160
American Family: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$115$117
Farmers: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$139$139
Geico: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$80$80
Liberty Mutual: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$171$174
Nationwide: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$113$115
Progressive: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$112$105
State Farm: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$86$86
The General: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$233$232
Travelers: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$98$99
USAA: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$59$59

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As you can see, The General auto insurance is the most expensive company on the list for both male and female drivers. It is also the most expensive among companies for drivers with different driving records.

The General Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Driving Record

Insurance CompanyClean RecordOne DUIOne AccidentOne Ticket
Allstate: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$160$270$225$188
American Family: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$117$194$176$136
Farmers: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$139$193$198$173
Geico: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$80$216$132$106
Liberty Mutual: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$174$313$234$212
Nationwide: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$115$237$161$137
Progressive: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$105$140$186$140
State Farm: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$86$112$102$96
The General: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$232$426$327$277
Travelers: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$99$206$139$134
USAA: Nationwide Car Insurance Review$59$108$78$67

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If you can find auto insurance at a different company, it will likely be cheaper than The General’s car insurance rates.

The General is more expensive because it insures drivers who have issues finding coverage elsewhere due to poor driving records, so customers should ask for discounts on coverage.

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How long your rates will stay high will depend on how long the company looks back on your driving record. At most companies, incidents will affect your rates for at least three years (Learn More: Cheap Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back 3 Years).

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The General Car Insurance Coverage Options

So what coverages can you buy from The General? The company offers the following different types of car insurance coverage to customers:

The General Car Insurance Coverage Options

Coverage TypeWhat it Covers
Liability CoverageCovers injury and damage to others if you're at fault
Collision CoveragePays for vehicle damage from a collision
Comprehensive CoverageCovers non-collision damage like theft or weather
Uninsured/Underinsured MotoristProtects against drivers with no or insufficient insurance
Medical Payments (MedPay)Covers medical expenses for you and passengers
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)Covers medical costs and lost wages after an accident
Rental ReimbursementPays for a rental car during repairs after an accident
Roadside AssistanceProvides towing, battery jumps, and tire changes
Custom Equipment CoverageCovers aftermarket parts and customizations
SR-22 InsuranceProof of insurance for high-risk drivers

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The General sells all the basic coverages that drivers need to meet their state requirements. It also sells add-ons like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement coverage.

The General Car Insurance Discounts

Because The General insurance rates are so high, it is important that customers apply for discounts to reduce rates. Discounts offered by The General include:

The General Car Insurance Discounts

Discount TypeSavings Potential
Multi-Vehicle Discount25%
Good Student Discount20%
Homeowner Discount10%
Defensive Driving Discount10%
Paid-in-Full Discount10%
Military Discount15%
Safe Driver Discount15%

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Where can I get cheap full coverage car insurance? A multi-vehicle discount can save drivers 25% on their car insurance policy. Applying for as many discounts as possible will help make The General Insurance more affordable, especially if you are shopping for full coverage

The General Customer Reviews

Reading about what other customers think of The General is a great way to get feedback on customer service, claims, and more. For example, look what a customer posted on Reddit about trying to contact The General customer service below.

Sites like Reddit are a great way to get a feel for how a company handles business and how customers feel about filing a car insurance claim after an accident with a company. For the most part, The General doesn’t stand out regarding customer service or claims handling, with negative feedback and complaints posted by customers.

While some negative feedback is normal for all insurance companies, The General’s overall ratings suggest subpar service.

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The General Business Insurance Ratings

Reviews from businesses are another important factor to look at when reviewing The General car insurance. Business ratings will give you a comprehensive look at the best car insurance companies based on customer feedback, business practices, and more.

Take a look at the most important reviews from reputable businesses below.

The General Insurance Business Ratings & Consumer Reviews

AgencyThe General: The General Car Insurance
J.D. Power TablePress LogoScore: 835 / 1,000
Avg. Satisfaction
Score: B+
Good Claims Handling
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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The General has good overall ratings from the BBB, J.D. Power, and Consumer Reports, as well as a strong financial stability rating from A.M. Best. However, the NAIC found that The General has a much higher customer complaint ratio than average. The normal complaint ratio is 1.0 for insurance companies, and The General Insurance has a much higher number recorded.

The General Pros and Cons

It can be difficult to choose an auto insurance company when buying car insurance, as you want to pick one that fits your needs and your budget. We found that some of the main pros of The General are:

  • Insures High-Risk Drivers: The General covers drivers who may have issues finding auto insurance at other companies.
  • Discount Options: The General has several discount options that can help customers lower auto insurance costs.
  • Financial Stability: The General has a strong financial stability rating from A.M. Best.

Of course, not everything about The General is great. The cons of The General that may deter potential customers include:

  • Customer Service: The General’s overall ratings from customers are just average.
  • Higher Rates: The General is one of the most expensive car insurance companies.

If The General is the right choice for you, then you can get quotes or sign up for insurance directly from The General’s website.

The General car insurance review: The General Homepage

However, if you aren’t sure that The General is the right fit, make sure to shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find a company that is right for you.

Deciding if The General is Right for You

Reading The General car insurance reviews and knowing how car insurance works at the company should help most customers decide whether the company is right for them. We found that while The General is a good option for drivers with poor driving records, it is not the best option for good drivers due to higher prices and fewer coverage options.

If you are ready to shop for affordable auto insurance coverage in your area, compare rates now with our free quote tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The General actually good?

The General is a good high-risk car insurance company, but it has more expensive rates and just average customer satisfaction ratings.

Why is General car insurance so cheap?

The General car insurance rates are actually higher than average. To find cheap car insurance in your area, enter your ZIP in our free comparison shopping tool.

How many states is General Insurance in?

The General sells insurance in 47 states. The General’s car insurance rates by state will vary depending on what state you live in.

Is The General cheaper than Geico?

The General is actually more expensive on average than Geico.

Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?

USAA typically has the cheapest car insurance, but it only sells insurance to military members, veterans, and their families.

Who owns the General Auto Insurance Company?

American Family Insurance owns the General, but it still operates as a separate company.

What insurance does The General have?

The General sells auto, boat, motorcycle, home, renters, life, health, and pet insurance. You can bundle home or renters insurance with auto insurance to lower your car insurance cost with a bundling discount.

Does Shaquille O’Neal own the General Insurance?

Yes, Shaquille O’Neal owns part of The General and also acts as a spokesperson for the company.

How can I cancel The General car insurance?

Contact your agent or The General customer service line to cancel your policy at The General. However, make sure you have a new policy lined up before canceling, as you need car insurance to meet state requirements and drive legally.

How can I pay for The General car insurance?

You can pay The General car insurance premiums online or over the phone with a debit or credit card.

Rachel Bodine

Insurance 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...

Insurance Feature Writer

Tim Bain

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs.  His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada. 

Licensed Insurance Agent

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