The General Car Insurance Review
The General has served high-risk and non-standard drivers for over six decades, building a reputation as a go-to option for customers who struggle to find affordable coverage elsewhere. Following the 2013 acquisition by American Family Insurance, The General combines specialized non-standard expertise with the financial backing of a major mutual insurer. Understanding what The General actually delivers helps high-risk drivers decide whether the company fits their situation.
This review examines The General’s coverage options, pricing, claims handling, digital tools, and the distinctive features that serve its target market of drivers with tickets, accidents, SR-22 requirements, and coverage challenges. By understanding the strengths and limitations, you can determine whether The General offers the right coverage for your needs.
The General Overview
The General specializes in non-standard auto insurance, focusing on drivers that standard insurers often decline or price prohibitively. The company writes coverage for drivers with recent tickets, at-fault accidents, DUI convictions, coverage lapses, SR-22 requirements, and limited driving experience. This specialization fills an important market need for drivers who must maintain insurance but face limited options.
The company operates primarily through direct channels including online quoting, a mobile app, and phone-based service. The General emphasizes fast quotes, low down payments, and flexibility designed to help budget-constrained high-risk drivers obtain coverage quickly. American Family’s ownership provides financial stability backing the company’s claims-paying ability.
Coverage Components
| Coverage Type | Purpose | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | Injuries you cause to others | Standard |
| Property damage liability | Property damage you cause | Standard |
| Collision coverage | Repairs your car after accident | Optional |
| Comprehensive coverage | Theft, weather, vandalism | Optional |
| Uninsured motorist | Protection from uninsured drivers | Available |
| Medical payments | Medical costs regardless of fault | Available |
| Personal injury protection | Required in no-fault states | State-specific |
| SR-22 filing | Proof of financial responsibility | Specialty |
Distinctive The General Features
SR-22 Filing Specialty
The General specializes in SR-22 filings for drivers requiring proof of financial responsibility after serious violations. The company handles the filing process efficiently, submitting the required certificate to the state and maintaining it throughout the required period (typically 3 years). This specialty makes The General a practical option for drivers navigating SR-22 requirements after DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple violations.
Fast Online Quotes
The General emphasizes quick online quoting, allowing drivers to obtain quotes and purchase coverage rapidly. This speed matters particularly for drivers who need coverage immediately to meet legal requirements, reinstate a license, or replace canceled coverage.
Low Down Payment Options
The General offers low down payment options that help budget-constrained drivers obtain coverage without large upfront costs. This accessibility serves the company’s target market of drivers who may face financial challenges alongside their driving record issues.
Acceptance of High-Risk Drivers
The General accepts drivers that standard insurers routinely decline. For drivers who have been turned down elsewhere, The General provides a path to required coverage despite tickets, accidents, or other complicating factors.
Mobile App Management
The General’s mobile app allows policy management including viewing coverage details, making payments, accessing digital insurance cards, and filing claims. The digital tools provide convenient self-service for routine insurance tasks.
The General Pricing
The General car insurance averages $2,400 annually for full coverage, reflecting its specialization in higher-risk drivers. Pricing varies significantly based on driving record, SR-22 requirements, location, vehicle, and age.
| Driver Scenario | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean record, liability only | $1,100 |
| Single ticket, full coverage | $2,100 |
| At-fault accident, full coverage | $2,850 |
| DUI with SR-22 | $3,650 |
| Young driver, full coverage | $3,400 |
| Coverage lapse, full coverage | $2,750 |
Use our car insurance calculator to estimate your specific rate. For a detailed pricing breakdown, see our guide on how much The General car insurance costs.
The General Claims Process
Filing a Claim
The General offers claims filing through phone, mobile app, and online portal. The company operates claims service backed by American Family’s infrastructure, providing access to claims handling resources of a major insurer. Drivers file claims by reporting the incident, providing documentation, and working with an assigned adjuster.
Claims Timeline
Claim resolution timelines vary by complexity. Minor claims typically resolve within 14 to 30 days, while complex claims involving injuries or disputed fault take longer. As a non-standard insurer, The General handles claims efficiently for its market, though some customers report the claims experience reflects the budget-focused nature of non-standard coverage.
Claims Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction with The General claims falls within the range typical for non-standard insurers. The company focuses on functional claims handling rather than premium service, consistent with its budget-focused positioning. Drivers prioritizing premium claims service may find standard insurers score higher, though those carriers may decline high-risk drivers entirely.
The General Pros and Cons
Pros
Specialization in high-risk and non-standard drivers who struggle elsewhere. SR-22 filing expertise for drivers requiring proof of financial responsibility. Fast online quotes with quick policy issuance. Low down payment options for budget-constrained drivers. Acceptance of drivers other insurers decline. Mobile app for convenient policy management. Financial backing from American Family Insurance. Flexible payment plans.
Cons
Higher pricing than standard insurers (reflecting higher-risk market). Fewer discounts than standard carriers offer. Claims service reflects budget-focused positioning. Limited coverage options beyond core auto insurance. Customer satisfaction ratings typical for non-standard market. Not ideal for drivers who could qualify for standard coverage.
How The General Compares to Competitors
| Feature | The General | Progressive | GEICO | Dairyland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high-risk premium | $2,400 | $2,250 | $2,100 | $2,450 |
| Non-standard specialty | Yes | Partial | Limited | Yes |
| SR-22 filing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accepts declined drivers | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Low down payment | Yes | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Path to standard rates | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Financial backing | American Family | Independent | Berkshire | Sentry |
The General competes well within the non-standard market. Progressive offers an advantage for some drivers by providing a path to better rates as records improve while still accepting many high-risk drivers. Review our Progressive review and GEICO review to compare.
Who Should Choose The General
The General works well for drivers with recent tickets, accidents, or violations that complicate standard insurance. Drivers requiring SR-22 filings after serious violations. Customers who have been declined by standard insurers. Drivers with coverage lapses needing to reestablish insurance. Budget-constrained drivers needing low down payment options. Young or inexperienced drivers facing high standard-market pricing.
Less ideal fits include drivers who could qualify for standard coverage at lower rates. Customers prioritizing premium claims service and extensive discounts. Drivers wanting comprehensive coverage options beyond core auto insurance. Customers with clean records who would pay less at standard insurers like GEICO or State Farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The General a good insurance company?
The General is a legitimate, established insurance company specializing in non-standard auto coverage. It works well for high-risk drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere, offering competitive non-standard pricing, SR-22 filing, and acceptance of drivers other insurers decline. It’s less ideal for drivers who could qualify for standard coverage.
Who owns The General insurance?
American Family Insurance acquired The General in 2013. The General operates as a specialized non-standard auto brand within American Family Insurance Group, maintaining its focus on high-risk drivers while benefiting from American Family’s financial backing.
Does The General really offer cheap insurance?
The General offers competitive pricing within the non-standard market for high-risk drivers, but its rates run higher than standard insurers. For drivers with clean records who qualify for standard coverage, companies like GEICO offer lower pricing. The General’s value applies specifically to high-risk drivers.
Can I get SR-22 insurance from The General?
Yes, The General specializes in SR-22 filings for drivers requiring proof of financial responsibility. The company handles the filing process and maintains the certificate throughout the required period, making it a practical option for drivers navigating SR-22 requirements.
Does The General accept drivers with a DUI?
Yes, The General accepts drivers with DUI convictions, including those requiring SR-22 filings. Premiums run higher reflecting the serious violation, but The General provides coverage when many standard insurers decline DUI drivers.
How fast can I get coverage from The General?
The General emphasizes fast online quotes and quick policy issuance, often allowing drivers to obtain coverage the same day. This speed helps drivers who need immediate coverage to meet legal requirements or replace canceled policies.
Does The General have a mobile app?
Yes, The General offers a mobile app for policy management including viewing coverage, making payments, accessing digital insurance cards, and filing claims. The app provides convenient self-service for routine insurance tasks.
Should I switch from The General as my record improves?
Yes, as your driving record improves and violations age off, you may qualify for lower rates at standard insurers. Drivers should periodically compare standard-market rates after maintaining a clean record for 3 years and completing any SR-22 requirements.
The Bottom Line
The General provides valuable coverage for high-risk and non-standard drivers who struggle to find affordable insurance elsewhere. The company’s specialization in SR-22 filings, acceptance of declined drivers, fast quotes, and low down payment options serve an important market need for drivers who must maintain coverage despite challenging records.
Average premiums of $2,400 for full coverage run higher than standard insurers because The General serves higher-risk drivers. The relevant comparison is other non-standard carriers, against which The General prices competitively while offering the financial backing of American Family Insurance.
The General works best for drivers with recent violations, SR-22 requirements, coverage lapses, or other factors that complicate standard insurance. As your record improves, periodically comparing standard-market rates becomes worthwhile, as the transition to standard coverage can produce substantial savings for drivers who rehabilitate their records.
Ready to evaluate The General for your situation? Visit Matrix Insurance to compare options across multiple carriers. Use our car insurance calculator to estimate your premium, or contact our team for personalized guidance on finding coverage despite a challenging record.
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