The General Car Insurance: Is It Right for You?

When it comes to affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, few companies are as recognized as The General Car Insurance. With quirky commercials and endorsements from Shaquille O’Neal, The General has carved out a niche by catering to drivers who might be overlooked by mainstream insurers.

But how does it actually perform in terms of coverage, pricing, and customer satisfaction?

Let’s break it down.

🔍 What Is The General Car Insurance?

Founded in 1963 and now owned by American Family Insurance, The General is a provider of non-standard auto insurance — which means it primarily serves high-risk drivers. This includes people with:

• Poor credit history
• Past accidents or traffic violations
• Need for SR-22 insurance

The General operates in most U.S. states and offers coverage options that align with local insurance laws. To understand how insurance regulations vary by state, refer to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for in-depth guidance.

👥 Who Is The General Best Suited For?

While many insurers avoid high-risk profiles, The General actively markets to them. It’s ideal for:

• Drivers who need to file an SR-22 form
• Individuals with a DUI or multiple traffic infractions
• Those struggling to find insurance due to credit or history
• Drivers looking for quick, no-frills policies

If you’re unsure how car insurance functions in complex risk scenarios, the Insurance Information Institute explains what high-risk drivers should expect when shopping for coverage.

🛡️ Coverage Options Offered by The General

The General provides all the standard forms of auto insurance coverage, including some optional protections. Here’s what’s available:

• Liability Insurance (Bodily Injury & Property Damage)
• Collision Coverage (for damage to your own vehicle)
• Comprehensive Insurance (for theft, fire, vandalism, etc.)
• Medical Payments (MedPay)
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
• Roadside Assistance
• Rental Reimbursement
• Custom Equipment Coverage (for after-market parts)

All policies meet minimum state requirements, but higher limits are available.

📄 What Is SR-22 Insurance and Why Does It Matter?

The General is known for simplifying the SR-22 filing process. If your state requires proof of financial responsibility due to:

• A DUI or DWI
• License suspension
• Multiple at-fault accidents

…The General can electronically file the SR-22 with your DMV.

This makes it one of the go-to choices for drivers needing fast legal compliance.

💵 Pricing and Premiums: Is The General Expensive?

The General’s rates can be higher than average — but that’s because they insure higher-risk customers. Your premium depends on:

• Driving history
• Age and location
• Vehicle type
• Credit score
• Coverage limits

While it’s not the cheapest in every state, The General is often more affordable than other high-risk insurers. A quick quote online can show you the price range within minutes.

💸 Discounts and How to Save

To offset higher premiums, The General offers several discounts:

• Multi-car discount
• Military service discount
• Safe driver discount
• Auto-pay or paperless billing
• Full payment discount
• Proof of prior insurance

Combining discounts can significantly lower your monthly rate — especially for drivers under 25 or over 65.

🧾 How to File a Claim

Filing a claim with The General is relatively straightforward. Here’s how it works:

• Submit online, via app, or call 1-800-280-1466
• Upload photos of the damage
• Receive claim number and adjuster contact
• Claims typically processed within 5–7 business days

The 24/7 claims support is helpful, but customers have reported inconsistent response times.

📱 Mobile App and Digital Tools

The General’s mobile app offers:

• Instant policy access
• Digital ID cards
• Payment options
• Quote requests
• Claims submission

While it covers basic needs, it lacks some of the advanced features seen in apps from GEICO or State Farm.

App Ratings:

• Google Play: 3.8/5
• Apple App Store: 4.2/5

✅ Pros and ❌ Cons

✅ Pros:

• Accepts high-risk drivers
• Offers SR-22 filings
• Instant quotes available online
• Multiple discount options

❌ Cons:

• Higher-than-average premiums
• Mixed customer service reviews
• Limited coverage add-ons
• Few advanced app features

🧑‍💼 What Are Customers Saying?

On sites like Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB, the feedback is mixed:

• Positive: Fast quotes, helped drivers get legal quickly
• Negative: Long hold times, billing issues, claims delays
• BBB Rating: A+ (not accredited, however)

Most negative reviews come from users with claim disputes or billing confusion.

🆚 Comparing The General to Other Providers

Feature	The General	GEICO	Progressive
SR-22 Support	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	✅ Yes
High-Risk Focus	✅ Primary audience	❌ Avoids high-risk	⚠️ Some acceptance
App Functionality	Moderate	High	High
Discount Availability	Basic	Extensive	Extensive

Choose The General if you’re struggling to find coverage elsewhere. Otherwise, compare with other insurers for more options.

❓ FAQs: What People Also Ask

🔹 Is The General car insurance legit?

Yes. It’s owned by American Family Insurance and has operated for over 60 years.

🔹 Does The General offer full coverage?

Yes, including liability, comprehensive, and collision.

🔹 Is The General good for SR-22?

Absolutely. They specialize in this type of insurance and offer electronic filing.

🔹 Why is The General insurance so expensive?

Because they focus on high-risk drivers, premiums are often higher.

🔹 Can I get a quote online?

Yes — and it takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

🔹 How fast is the claims process?

Average turnaround is 5–7 business days, but it can vary.

🏁 Final Verdict: Should You Choose The General?

The General Car Insurance is an excellent option if:

• You’re a high-risk driver
• You need SR-22 documentation
• You want a quick online quote
• You prefer basic coverage options

However, if you have a clean driving record, better rates and customer experiences might be found with other insurers.