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The General Car Insurance Review 2024

Reviews 98,964
The General
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The General
The General
Excellent
Reviews 98,964
Nadav Shemer
Nov. 01, 2024
3 min read
Nadav Shemer
The General Summary
The General is well known for its series of hilarious ads featuring Shaquille O’Neal and a cartoon military general, but did you know it’s been providing car insurance to American motorists for more than 50 years? The General is actually made up of a collection of companies including Permanent General Assurance Corporation that sell car insurance and other insurance products to residents of 47 states plus DC.

Pros

  • Accessibility for high-risk drivers
  • Unique discounts
  • Additional coverage options

Cons

  • High premiums for young drivers
  • No discount bundling

The General at a glance

7.6
Editorial score

Insurance Features

Offers essentials like liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, plus options for uninsured motorists and custom equipment.
8.0

Discounts Available

Add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement, but options are fewer than those of mainstream insurers​.
7.0

Customer Service

Customer support is accessible daily by phone, app, and web, though feedback shows some complaints about responsiveness.
7.0

Online Experience

The website and app allow easy policy management and claims. It’s useful but could improve in speed.
8.0

Direct Insurer?

As a direct insurer, The General offers quick, agent-free policy purchases and is ideal for high-risk drivers seeking accessible coverage options.
8.0

The General The General Visit Site

Types of Auto Insurance Offered by The General

The General provides core coverages, including:

  • Liability: Standard protection for bodily injury and property damage.
  • Collision and Comprehensive: Covers vehicle repairs from accidents, theft, and other non-collision events.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection: Optional coverage for accidents involving uninsured drivers.
  • Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical costs after an accident, depending on state availability.
  • Custom Equipment Coverage: Protects custom vehicle parts, like aftermarket wheels and performance enhancements, up to a $5,000 limit.

Additional Features

The General offers some notable extra features:

  • Roadside Assistance: Coverage for towing, fuel delivery, and jump-starts through an optional roadside assistance plan.
  • Rental Reimbursement: Covers rental car costs if your car is in the shop after a covered accident.
  • Mobile App for Claims and Payments: The General’s app allows users to file claims, view policies, and pay premiums directly on mobile devices.

Who It’s Best For

The General is ideal for:

  • High-Risk Drivers: Especially those needing SR-22 forms or facing difficulty obtaining standard insurance.
  • Drivers with Limited Insurance History: The General accommodates drivers with previous lapses in coverage.
  • Individuals Needing Essential Coverage: Those who prioritize basic, legally required coverage and aren’t seeking extensive discounts or premium features.

How to Apply

The General provides several ways to obtain a policy:

  1. Online Quote: Drivers can receive a quote through The General’s website in about five minutes.
  2. Mobile App: New customers can download the app to manage quotes, policy documents, and payments.
  3. Phone Application: Applicants can also call The General’s customer service for personalized assistance.

Filing a Claim

Claiming with The General is straightforward:

  1. Mobile App: Claims can be filed through the app by uploading photos and relevant accident information.
  2. Phone and Website: Alternatively, users can file claims on The General’s website or call customer service.
  3. Customer Service Hours: Representatives are available daily for claims and support, although the company does not provide a 24/7 claims service.

Common Questions About The General Insurance

  1. Is The General a good insurance option for high-risk drivers?
    Yes, The General specializes in non-standard car insurance for high-risk drivers, such as those with at-fault accidents, lapses in coverage, or DUI records. This focus makes it a popular choice among drivers who may have trouble securing coverage with traditional insurers.
  2. What types of coverage does The General offer?
    The General provides all basic coverages, including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments or PIP. Additional coverages, such as custom equipment protection, rental reimbursement, and optional roadside assistance, are also available.
  3. How do I get a quote from The General?
    You can get a quote from The General through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. The online quote process typically takes about five minutes
  4. How can I file a claim with The General?
    Claims can be filed through The General’s app, website, or phone. The app simplifies the process by allowing users to upload photos and details of the incident. Claims processing times vary, but customer reviews indicate that responses may be slower than some competitors
  5. Does The General offer discounts?
    The General offers several standard discounts, including safe driving, good student, and multi-car discounts. It also provides unique discounts, like homeowners and continuously insured discounts, although it lacks some standard discounts like anti-theft and paperless options.
  6. Is The General available in all states?
    The General is widely available across the United States, covering most states. However, it's always best to check availability in your specific area through their website or app
  7. How expensive is The General compared to other insurers?
    The General tends to be more expensive than many mainstream insurers, especially for young drivers and those with violations. This higher cost reflects its non-standard insurance focus, although it may still offer savings for drivers in high-risk categories who lack other options.
  8. How do I cancel my policy with The General?
    To cancel your policy, contact The General’s customer service at 1-800-280-1466. Be prepared to provide your policy details and discuss any applicable fees or refunds

Contact Details

For customer support, The General offers multiple contact methods:

  • Phone: 1-800-280-1466, available daily during business hours.
  • Website: thegeneral.com for quotes, claims, and policy management.
  • Mobile App: Allows for payment, claims, and policy access.

Customer Insights

Customer feedback on The General is mixed. Many high-risk drivers appreciate the company’s willingness to provide coverage despite previous accidents or gaps in insurance, but some find the premiums costly. Customer service receives varied reviews, with complaints often mentioning claim processing times and limited discount offerings. According to MoneyGeek, customer satisfaction is modest, but the Better Business Bureau rates The General favorably with an A+ for handling complaints.

Summary

The General is a solid choice for drivers with challenging insurance histories who need accessible coverage options. While its premiums are higher and customer support is limited, the company’s flexibility in policy issuance makes it a good fit for high-risk individuals. However, those with clean driving records may find better rates and options with mainstream insurers.

Methodology

This review was created using information from the General Insurance website, customer reviews on comparison sites, and direct interaction with the company’s customer service team. It was also written using AI.

Nadav Shemer
Written by
Nadav Shemer
Nadav Shemer specializes in business, tech, and energy, with a background in financial journalism, hi-tech and startups. He enjoys writing about the latest innovations in financial services and products. He writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.‎
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