The General is a specialty auto insurer known for covering drivers who struggle to get insurance elsewhere. Founded in 1963, it has nearly 60 years of experience insuring drivers with imperfect records. Headquartered in Nashville, The General was long part of American Family Insurance’s lineup but was acquired by Sentry Insurance in 2025 for $1.7 billion. It advertises fast, flexible service – for example, online quotes in about 2 minutes – and accepts drivers with DUIs, accidents, or lapses that most insurers reject. In short, The General car insurance is a lifeline for high-risk drivers, though its premiums and service differ from standard carriers.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Specialty: Focuses on non-standard/high-risk auto insurance (accepts DUIs, violations, SR-22 filings).
- Coverage Area: Licensed in 46 states + Washington, D.C.; not available in DE, HI, ND, SD, AK.
- AM Best: A+/A (Excellent) financial strength (3rd highest tier).
- Years in Business: ~60 years (established 1963).
- Customers: Over 1 million drivers insured.
- Parent Company: Formerly part of American Family’s insurance group; acquired by Sentry Insurance in 2025.
- Coverage Types: Standard auto policies (liability, collision, comp) with optional riders (PIP, UM/UIM, roadside, rental).
- Insurance Lines: Only auto insurance (including SR-22 and non-owner); no renter’s, homeowner’s or life products.
- Quote Speed: Online/app quotes in ~2 minutes.
- Pricing: Generally higher than average for clean drivers, lower than average for high-risk drivers.
- Complaints: NAIC complaint index ~5.59 (far above the 1.0 benchmark); WalletHub editor rating 2.8/5.
- BBB Rating: A+ (Accredited).
- Verdict: A good choice for high-risk drivers who need coverage (they “say yes” when others say no), but less competitive for low-risk drivers.
Coverage and Policy Options
The General provides all the standard auto coverages. Liability insurance (BI/PD) is included at the required state minimum; you can add full coverage (collision and comprehensive) if needed (for example, when financing your car). It also offers uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) where required by law. Beyond the basics, The General offers useful add-ons:
- Rental Reimbursement: Pays for a rental car while your car is repaired after a covered accident.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides towing, winching, fuel delivery, flat-tire service, lockout help, etc.
- Gap Insurance: Covers the “gap” between your car’s value and loan balance if totaled (available only with comp/collision).
- Custom Equipment Coverage: Insures after-market parts (stereo, lift kit, etc.) on your vehicle (with comp/collision).
- Medical/Income Benefits: Optional riders that pay medical costs, income loss, or funeral expenses after an accident.
The policy can be tailored to your needs. For example, full-coverage policies (required by lenders) include collision and comprehensive, and The General can bundle in UM and PIP as required by your state. They also let you choose your deductible. One unique deal is the Double Deductible Discount: for the first 45 days of a new policy, your deductible is doubled in exchange for a lower premium. After 45 days, the deductible returns to normal. This can lower your initial cost, but it’s only a temporary discount.
![The General Car Insurance coverage concept illustration]
The image above illustrates the concept of insurance coverage. It symbolizes that The General’s policies combine essential auto coverages (like liability, collision, comprehensive) with extra benefits (shown as icons for roadside help, rental car, etc.). In practice, The General’s online policy builder shows each coverage option and price, so you can see how adding something like rental reimbursement raises the premium. (For details on coverage types, see Bankrate’s coverage guide.) Overall, The General’s auto coverage is fully compliant with state laws, and includes the usual full-coverage options if you need them.
The General Car Insurance Quotes & Rates
One of The General’s main selling points is how easy it is to get a quote. Enter your ZIP code on the website or app and basic info, and you’ll get rates “in 2 minutes or less”. You can adjust coverages and discounts interactively and see the price update. Licensed agents are also available by phone if you need help. You can even bind the policy online and print or download proof of insurance immediately.
However, the actual premium you pay depends heavily on your profile. The General’s drivers typically have past violations or credit issues. Bankrate’s data illustrate this well: the average annual full-coverage premium at The General is $2,538 (slightly below the $2,697 national average). But that number masks a wide range. For liability-only coverage, The General’s average is $1,297/year, which is 58% higher than the $820 national average – reflecting that many of its customers have had claims or suspensions.
Bankrate breaks down example quotes for a 40-year-old driver (with one car) by driving history and credit:
- Clean driving, good credit: The General $2,538 (vs $2,697 national avg).
- Clean driving, poor credit: The General $4,766 (vs $4,745). This shows how bad credit nearly doubles the premium.
- One speeding ticket: The General $3,282 (vs $3,299).
- One at-fault accident: The General $3,817 (vs $3,862).
- One DUI: The General $3,533 (vs $5,287).
Notice that for clean drivers with good credit, The General’s rate ($2,538) is just below the national average. But if your credit is bad, the rate jumps dramatically – in this example from $2,538 to $4,766. In fact, credit history makes a huge difference. Even a single speeding ticket raises rates, but a poor credit score raises them much more.
Here’s a quick comparison (monthly, full coverage) from ValuePenguin:
- Clean record: Progressive ~$141, GEICO ~$215, The General ~$245.
- One accident: Progressive ~$234, GEICO ~$349, The General ~$361.
- One DUI: Progressive ~$173, GEICO ~$340, The General ~$275.
These examples illustrate a key point: low-risk drivers will usually find cheaper rates elsewhere. Progressive and GEICO often have the lowest quotes for clean profiles. The General tends to sit in the middle – more expensive than Progressive for clean drivers, but often cheaper for high-risk drivers (since others might refuse to insure them at all). For example, the above data show Progressive quoted $173/month for a DUI driver versus $275 at The General, whereas many insurers refuse DUIs. Conversely, Progressive quoted $141/month for a clean driver, vs $245 at The General.
Compare quotes carefully. If you’re on the high-risk side, The General’s quotes may be among the only ones you can get. For instance, a 40-year-old with a DUI paid $3,533/year at The General vs $5,287 national average. On the other hand, a clean driver with good credit might pay $2,076/year at Progressive vs $2,538 at The General. In either case, use The General’s quick online quote tool and then shop around – if you have a clean record, don’t assume The General is the cheapest.
Discounts and Savings
The General offers many of the usual discounts, though not as many as some large insurers. Common discounts include:
- Multi-Car: Insure 2+ vehicles on one policy.
- Homeowner: Own a home or condo (some states).
- Paid-in-Full: Pay the annual premium upfront.
- Paperless Billing: Opt in for electronic statements.
- Good Student: Student meets grade requirements.
- Safe Driver: No violations in recent years (state rules vary).
- Recent Insurance: Continuous prior coverage (1–3 years) gives a break.
- Anti-Theft/Safety Features: Cars with airbags, ABS, alarms, etc..
- Defensive Driving: Completed an approved course.
- Automatic Payments: Some states: auto-debit from account.
The Double Deductible Discount (mentioned above) is unique. It effectively halves your premium for the first 45 days (because your deductible is double during that time). Analysts note this is only a short-term deal.
In practice, studies find The General’s discount menu is smaller than for major carriers. Not all discounts apply in all states. When getting a quote, be sure to review which discounts appear – every little bit helps lower your rate. Many of the discounts The General offers (multi-car, good student, safety devices) simply reward responsible behavior in standard ways.
Customer Service and Claims Experience
Reviews of The General’s customer service are mixed. On one hand, many customers praise the convenience of its digital tools. The General has a functional website and mobile app – you can get quotes, pay bills, file simple claims (like glass repairs), and chat online. Routine tasks are reported as quick and user-friendly. In fact, The Zebra’s survey found 90% of policyholders would recommend The General, suggesting most routine experiences are positive.
On the other hand, complex issues tend to get criticized. Independent analyses note that while The General excels at fast, simple interactions, it struggles with complicated claims and billing errors. For example, a small window-glass claim might be settled promptly via the app, but a major accident claim or a disputed liability case could drag on. The company’s NAIC complaint index of ~5.6 confirms a higher volume of grievances than normal. Many complaints involve slow claim payments or denials, and policyholders sometimes report billing mistakes or difficulty reaching knowledgeable adjusters.
Pros: 24/7 online/app account management; multiple payment plans/due dates; generally fast processing of minor claims; A-rated financially (AM Best A+); large national footprint for high-risk lines.
Cons: Higher-than-average complaint rates; no J.D. Power customer service ratings available; reports of slow claim resolution on complicated cases; limited call center support for major issues; and the promotional “double deductible” discount ends after 45 days.
WalletHub’s review echoes these points: it gave The General a 2.8/5 rating, noting that while rates are often affordable for high-risk drivers, customers wanted improvements to the website and claims process. Likewise, The General’s own Q&A mentions it can cancel a policy within the first 60 days as a “trial” period (this is legal in many states). That’s typical for non-standard insurers but underscores the need to read your policy carefully.
The General and High-Risk Drivers
High-risk drivers are exactly The General’s target market. As industry guides say, “The General specializes in car insurance for high-risk drivers”. This means if you’ve had a DUI, at-fault accidents, a suspended license (now reinstated), or long lapses, The General is likely to cover you when others won’t. They actively embrace this niche and will often approve coverage that big insurers deny. The General also offers SR-22 insurance (the filing needed by states after serious violations) and non-owner SR-22 policies for those who drive but don’t own a car. For context, an SR-22 is not a type of insurance but a state-required certificate of financial responsibility. If you need one, The General can handle the filing nationwide. And if you don’t own a car, they can issue a named non-owner policy with the SR-22 endorsement.
Because they cater to high-risk profiles, The General’s underwriting guidelines are broader. They will insure valid licensed drivers with recent DUIs, multiple speeding tickets, or chronic medical issues that cause claim spikes. They even allow younger/inexperienced drivers under one parent’s policy if needed. This inclusiveness comes at a price: as mentioned, premiums tend to be higher. Analysts strongly advise clean drivers to avoid The General if they have other options. In fact, ValuePenguin bluntly says it: “Low-risk drivers should avoid The General… it costs 73% more than the cheapest company, Progressive”.
In practice, The General is often a bridge for drivers. Someone might get insured with The General after a lapse or accident, then shop around for a better deal once their record improves. As one comparison notes, once your record is clean, The General’s prices become non-competitive. Still, for a truly high-risk driver, The General may be one of the few viable options. It allows these drivers to stay legal on the road with enough coverage to satisfy state minimums (and sometimes much more) when no one else will say “yes.”
Buying Online & The General App
The General emphasizes digital convenience. You can get The General car insurance quotes instantly online or via their mobile app. The app (Android/iOS) lets you complete the quote process, purchase a policy, and carry your insurance ID card digitally. According to The General, most quotes are returned in “2 minutes or less”. After you finalize the quote, you can pay the first deposit online and immediately print or save your proof of insurance. This means you can often be legally insured on the same day you start the quote.
Once you have a policy, you can manage almost everything from your computer or phone. The app allows bill payments, policy changes, claim filing, and chat support. The General’s website also highlights 24/7 account access and customer chat. Payment flexibility is a plus: you can choose a payment date and pay as often as you want (monthly, semi-annual, etc.), and even make special one-time payments without fees. If you prefer human help, The General has phone agents available too. But for quick needs, many drivers appreciate not having to visit an office at all.
The General Car Insurance Reviews
What are people saying online? Customer reviews are mixed but informative. The General often advertises high Trustpilot ratings. In fact, their Trustpilot page shows around 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 128,000 reviews, suggesting many customers are satisfied. Positive reviews commonly mention that The General was there for them when no one else would insure them, and that agents were helpful in setting up the policy. Endorsements (even from a few celebrities) highlight friendly service and reasonable rates given the circumstances.
Critiques, however, focus on a few themes. Many negative reviews cite slow or frustrating claims handling, unexpected rate hikes, and billing problems. Some customers report needing to follow up repeatedly to get claim checks or policy corrections. The WalletHub analysis confirms a lot of these complaints. In short, while the financial strength (A+ AM Best) means The General will pay valid claims, the process can sometimes be slower or bumpier than with top-tier insurers.
Overall, the crowd seems split: most people who needed The General as a “safety net” seem to stick with it and even recommend it. Others who got coverage and then encountered a complex issue often felt frustration. The bottom line from reviews is: if you go in knowing The General is one of the few options for you, many users say it’s better than being uninsured. If you have multiple insurer choices, you might find better service or lower rates elsewhere.
Pros and Cons of The General Car Insurance
Pros:
- Insures high-risk drivers (DUIs, accidents, lapses) when many insurers won’t.
- Fast online quoting and immediate coverage binding.
- Flexible payment dates/plans and decent mobile app for account management.
- Standard coverages plus useful add-ons (roadside, rental reimbursement).
- Available almost nationwide (46 states + DC).
- SR-22 and non-owner policies easily handled.
- Strong financial ratings (AM Best A+, Moody’s A2) and A+ BBB.
Cons:
- Generally high premiums for clean drivers; may be far cheaper alternatives if you qualify elsewhere.
- Reports of limited customer service for complex claims; complaint index is well above average.
- No major multi-policy discount (no other lines to bundle).
- Fewer total discount options than major insurers.
- The 45-day double-deductible discount ends suddenly (watch out for rate jumps).
- Can cancel a new policy in first 60 days for any reason in many states.
These points mirror most expert reviews: The General is fair for its niche – excellent for high-risk drivers needing coverage, OK for straightforward claims, and less attractive for drivers who could get standard insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The General car insurance a good option for me? It depends on your situation. If you have a clean record and many insurer options, you’ll likely find cheaper and smoother options elsewhere. But if you’ve had accidents, DUIs, or long gaps in coverage, The General could be a lifeline – it may be the only company willing to insure you. The General specializes in covering those who have trouble qualifying, so it’s worth getting a quote in that case.
Q: What coverage does The General provide? The General offers full auto coverage: liability, comprehensive, and collision, plus optional UM/UIM and PIP where required. It also offers extras like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, gap, and more. If you finance or lease a car, full coverage with comp/collision is available. In short, yes – you can get all the coverages you’d normally get from another insurer, including full coverage and state-specific requirements.
Q: How do I get The General car insurance quotes? Go to thegeneral.com or use their mobile app. Enter your ZIP code and driver/car info – you’ll get a quote in roughly two minutes. The online tool lets you adjust deductibles and options to see real-time pricing. You can also call The General’s agents to get a quote if you prefer speaking to someone.
Q: What discounts does The General offer? The General does have discounts, including multi-car, paid-in-full, homeowner, good student, defensive driving, safety features, and more. The unusual “double deductible” offer gives a short-term premium break (see above). However, not all discounts apply in every state, and their list is smaller than some rivals. When you get your quote, check the breakdown – it will show which discounts you qualify for.
Q: Can I buy The General car insurance online? Absolutely. You can get a free quote and even purchase a policy completely online or via the mobile app. Once you pay the deposit, you can download or print your insurance ID card immediately. The General’s site makes it possible to “bind” coverage on the spot. If you prefer an agent, The General also works through independent agents in most states.
Q: Who owns The General? As of 2025, The General is a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance (through PGC Holdings). Sentry (best known for property/casualty) acquired The General from American Family Insurance in late 2024. Despite the ownership change, The General continues operating under its brand and focus on high-risk auto insurance.
Q: How do I file a claim with The General? You can file online, through the app, or by calling The General’s claims hotline (24/7). For minor claims (glass repair, parking dents), the digital process is usually fast. For major accidents, you’ll work with a claims adjuster – be prepared for more paperwork and possibly a longer timeline. Many customers say that following up and providing documentation promptly helps speed things along.
Q: How do I change or cancel my policy? You can make most changes (address, driver, coverage adjustments) online or by calling. If you need to cancel, ask your agent or the support line – they will prorate your refund. Note: The General’s blog confirms that if you miss a payment, they will give about a 60-day grace period before officially canceling the policy. After cancellation, you’ll be uninsured unless you immediately purchase a new policy.
Q: Where can I buy The General auto insurance near me? The General® writes policies in 46 states plus DC. To check availability, use their website: enter your ZIP code on thegeneral.com and see if they offer quotes in your state. Many drivers get instant online quotes at home. If you prefer in-person help, you can also find licensed agents in your area – The General works with independent agents. Just search online for “The General insurance agent” plus your city.
Q: Is The General car insurance reliable? Financially, yes – it’s A-rated for stability. Service-wise, “reliable” depends on expectations. The website and app are generally solid, and routine transactions go smoothly. Just know that more complex situations (like disputed claims) may require patience. Reviewing customer testimonials, the majority feel The General was reliable when others weren’t, but a significant minority cite trouble with claims. In short: reliable in paying valid claims, but keep records and follow up to ensure timely settlement.
Conclusion
The General Car Insurance is a niche insurer that serves a clear purpose: to insure drivers with spots on their record. It provides all the standard coverages of an auto policy (liability, collision, comprehensive) and includes useful add-ons like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. Its online quote system and app make buying and managing a policy relatively easy, and it even handles specialized filings like SR-22 nationwide. Most importantly, it says “yes” to drivers that many companies refuse.
On the flip side, The General’s premiums and discounts are geared to its target market. If your driving record is clean and you have decent credit, you’ll almost always find cheaper coverage elsewhere. Many experts caution clean drivers to compare carefully – often you can save hundreds per year with a competitor once your record improves. Customer service at The General is efficient for basic requests, but may lag behind the top insurers when issues get complicated.
Ultimately, The General’s value comes down to its willingness to insure. For drivers with DUIs, accidents, lapses, or other issues, it can be a lifesaver. If you fit that high-risk profile, The General offers a viable path to get back on the road legally, complete with all necessary coverages (you can even handle payment plans around your schedule). If you’re not high-risk, The General may be a good backup for quotes but likely won’t be the best choice price-wise.
Bottom line: The General Car Insurance is exactly what it advertises – a solid option for drivers who need auto insurance but have challenges. It combines standard auto coverage with quick online service and a willingness to insure high-risk profiles. If you fall into that category, The General is worth considering. Get a free quote on their website, compare it to other offers, and make sure the coverage (and cost) fits your needs.
For more information, visit The General’s official site or speak to a licensed agent. Have you used The General? Share your experience in the comments below or spread the word on social media to help other drivers.
