The General Auto Insurance Review for 2025

The General auto insurance offers minimum coverage starting at $77 monthly for high-risk drivers, including those needing SR-22 filings. The General auto insurance review highlights coverages like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and SR-22 support for drivers with gaps or violations.

UPDATED: Jul 24, 2025Fact Checked

Melanie Musson

Published Insurance Expert

Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...

Published Insurance Expert

Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Jul 24, 2025

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

UPDATED: Jul 24, 2025Fact Checked
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The General Auto Insurance

Monthly Rate

$77

A.M. Best:

A

Complaint Level:

Med

Pros

  • Provides fast policy approvals through an online system
  • Available in many states with licensed underwriters
  • Gives discounts for lump sum and multi-car policies

Cons

  • No accident forgiveness program is currently offered
  • Vanishing deductible options are not available here

Discover how The General auto insurance review shows essential coverage for high-risk drivers who must file SR-22s and get approvals quickly after lapses or violations.

The General Auto Insurance Rating
Rating CriteriaThe General TablePress Logo
Overall Score Rating3.4
Business Reviews3.5
Claim Processing2.5
Company Reputation3.5
Coverage Availability4.5
Coverage Value3.2
Customer Satisfaction1.8
Digital Experience3.5
Discounts Available4.0
Insurance Cost3.5
Plan Personalization3.5
Policy Options3.1
Savings Potential3.7
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Founded in 1963 as Permanent General Agency, The General has operated under several affiliates, including Permanent General Assurance Corporation (PGAC).

Now a licensed agency under The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc., it functions as a subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corp., an affiliate of Sentry Insurance.

Quick Overview

  • The General car insurance review focuses on SR-22 drivers
  • Offers liability, collision, and medical payments coverage
  • Features discounts for lump sum, multi-car, and driver limits

The company provides online auto insurance through multiple underwriters, including its Ohio affiliate, Permanent General Assurance Corp., The General Automobile Insurance Co., Inc., and Old American County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Get started with The General online quote by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.

The General Auto Insurance Monthly Rates

You will notice how The General auto insurance prices change depending on age. Teenagers have the highest expenses, with 16-year-old males paying the most of all groups.

The General Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level
Age & GenderMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
16-Year-Old Female$471$1,207
16-Year-Old Male$526$1,289
18-Year-Old Female$383$890
18-Year-Old Male$451$1,048
25-Year-Old Female$149$393
25-Year-Old Male$155$409
30-Year-Old Female$135$357
30-Year-Old Male$141$372
45-Year-Old Female$127$333
45-Year-Old Male$77$331
60-Year-Old Female$122$310
60-Year-Old Male$124$316
65-Year-Old Female$122$318
65-Year-Old Male$121$317
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Prices decrease when you reach age 25 and decrease even more by age 45, especially for men. For a 45-year-old man, the cost of minimum coverage can be as low as $77. This shows how much experience can lower monthly insurance payments.

The General Homepage: The General Auto Insurance Review

These monthly costs from The General auto insurance comparison indicate how different providers compare based on coverage type.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level
Insurance CompanyMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
Allstate Tablepress Logo$61$160
Farmers TablePress Logo$58$155
Geico TablePress Logo$35$120
Liberty Mutual TablePress Logo$60$170
Nationwide TablePress Logo$42$135
Progressive TablePress Logo$47$140
State Farm TablePress Logo$39$130
$72$185
Travelers TablePress Logo$44$138
USAA TablePress Logo$31$115
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USAA provides the most affordable rates overall, whereas Liberty Mutual charges the highest for full coverage at $170. Geico and State Farm stay competitive at both levels. Many companies show at least a $70 increase from the minimum to full coverage.

The general monthly full coverage costs can vary depending on a person’s driving history. If someone has no violations, their rates stay lower. However, if they get even one DUI, the costs increase to $607.

Auto Insurance Full Monthly Rates by Driving Record
Insurance CompanyClean RecordOne TicketOne AccidentOne DUI
Allstate Tablepress Logo$160$190$250$270
Farmers TablePress Logo$155$180$240$265
Geico TablePress Logo$120$145$200$210
Liberty Mutual TablePress Logo$170$200$260$290
Nationwide TablePress Logo$135$160$210$230
Progressive TablePress Logo$140$170$220$250
State Farm TablePress Logo$130$160$190$200
$331$396$467$607
Travelers TablePress Logo$138$165$215$235
USAA TablePress Logo$115$140$180$200
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Geico and USAA give the cheapest rates for all types of drivers. But Liberty Mutual and Allstate show big price jumps if you have any violations on your record. This makes having a clean driving history very important for keeping costs low with them.

Read more: Top 7 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Your Car

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Coverage Options From The General Auto Insurance

Here is what The General auto insurance offers to cover. Liability, collision, and MedPay are basic for most drivers. Extras such as roadside assistance and rental auto reimbursement make things easier after a claim.

The General Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Coverage Type
Liability CoverageCovers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident.
Collision CoveragePays for damage to your car resulting from a collision, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive CoverageProtects against non-collision events like theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Uninsured/Underinsured MotoristHelps pay for damages if you're hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance.
Medical Payments (MedPay)Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)Pays for medical bills, lost wages, and related costs after an accident.
Rental ReimbursementHelps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.
Roadside AssistanceOffers services like towing, battery jumpstarts, flat tire changes, and lockout help.
SR-22 FilingCertification proving you carry required liability insurance—often for high-risk drivers.
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SR-22 filing helps drivers who are considered high-risk, whereas PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and uninsured motorist coverage give important protection in more difficult circumstances.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Definition Card: The General Auto Insurance Review

Learn how to compare auto insurance companies to better understand coverage types, identify policy differences, and choose a plan that meets both your needs and your budget.

The General Auto Insurance Discounts

General auto discounts give an idea of how drivers can pay less. If you have more than one car insured or drive safely, you get the most significant savings—25% for insuring multiple vehicles and 20% for being a safe driver.

The General Auto Insurance Discounts by Savings Potential
Discount
Auto-Pay5%
Defensive Driving 10%
Electronic Document 5%
Good Student15%
Homeowner10%
Military15%
Multi-Car25%
Paid-in-Full10%
Safe Driver20%
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Students with good grades and those in the military can get up to 15% off. Even small things, like paying bills automatically or selecting paperless billing, can also help make monthly payments smaller. Apply these 17 tips to pay less for car insurance, and compare your options with confidence.

Customer Reviews and Ratings: The General Auto Insurance

Here is how The General auto insurance does on leading review platforms. It has an A from A.M. Best for financial strength and an A+ for business practices. J.D. Discover how to buy auto insurance quickly and avoid common pitfalls along the way.

The General Auto Insurance Ratings & Consumer Reviews
AgencyThe General TablePress Logo
J.D. Power TablePress LogoScore: 835 / 1,000
Avg. Satisfaction
Score: A+
Excellent Business Practices
Consumer Reports TablePress LogoScore: 68/100
Avg. Customer Feedback
Score: 1.15
Avg. Complaints
A.M. BestScore: A
Excellent Financial Strength
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Power gives it a score of 835 out of 1,000, but Consumer Reports shows satisfaction is lower at 68. Complaint levels are high, with an average of 1.15, indicating a mix of customer experiences.

Comment
byu/zenlifey from discussion
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A Reddit user gave strong praise to The General, saying they provide very dependable service and support. This person talked about how simple it is to deal with The General and urged others to make the switch. They ended their comment by confidently recommending that drivers won’t regret choosing The General for their insurance needs.

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The General Auto Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros

  • SR-22 Filing Support: The General offers quick and dependable SR-22 insurance processing, which is particularly beneficial for high-risk drivers who need to reinstate their licenses.
  • Specialized Discounts: The General offers special savings, such as doubling the deductible and specific driver restrictions, to help lower premiums for high-risk drivers.
  • Broad Coverage Access: The General gives liability, collision, and medical payments coverage even to drivers with lapses or bad credit histories.

Cons

  • Limited Claims Access: The General does not allow claims to be filed online, so all claims must be made by phone.
  • No Forgiveness Options: The General does not offer accident forgiveness, so if you cause an accident, your rates can increase significantly after just one incident (Refer to our “Buckling Up Behaviors: Exploring Americans’ Seatbelt Habits” to learn more).

How to File an Insurance Claim With The General

If you are involved in an accident and need to file an insurance claim with the general, call 1-800-280-1466 and select option three. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind in the moments following an accident.

First, before reporting the accident, take a moment to ensure everyone involved is safe and that there is no immediate danger. Call the police first, no matter how minor the accident; even fender benders are required by law to be reported.

Discover more by reading our guide: How to File an Auto Insurance Claim & Win It Each Time

Get the other driver’s information, including the make and model of their car, their license plate number, and a description of the damage.

If you have a camera handy, it’s a good idea to take photos of both vehicles and the surrounding area. Only after you have done all of this should you contact the insurance company. This way, you will have all the necessary information to start the claims process.

Finding the Right Fit With The General Auto Insurance

The General makes it easy for nearly anyone to obtain auto insurance. However, it isn’t the best overall company. The General is better suited for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining insurance from other institutions. Don’t risk losing coverage, understand what to do if you can’t afford your auto insurance.

For example, this could include someone who has been involved in multiple accidents and is considered high-risk, someone with poor credit, or someone who has had their policy lapse multiple times. If you’re looking for complete protection against potential threats and damage to your vehicle, other companies can provide it at a lower cost than the General.

The General often accepts drivers turned away by other insurers. In particular, those with gaps in coverage or limited experience may still qualify.

Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent

If you’re a new driver or someone who doesn’t have the proper credit or financial backing to obtain traditional auto insurance, then the General can be a solid option. It might not be the best company, but it certainly isn’t the worst.

Be aware of customer complaints and potential problems you may encounter, and make your decisions accordingly, based on your research and individual needs. Find The General insurance deals by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The General insurance good for your needs?

You might find The General insurance a good option if you need an SR-22 filing or have a poor driving record, but you may pay higher monthly rates compared to standard insurers. Learn how comprehensive auto insurance helps cover more than liability for SR-22 drivers.

Can you trust The General quotes to reflect your final rate?

You can use The General insurance quotes to estimate your monthly rate, but your actual premium may change based on your driving history, coverage type, and location.

What should you know about The General reviews complaints?

You’ll see that most complaints in The General reviews focus on higher rates after claims and delays in customer service, especially for high-risk drivers.

Why is The General insurance so cheap for some drivers?

You may qualify for lower monthly rates with The General if you’re considered high-risk, but need only basic liability or state-minimum coverage. Start saving big by exploring options for cheap auto insurance for multiple vehicles.

Can you trust The General insurance reviews on BBB?

You can use The General insurance reviews on BBB to assess reliability, where users often highlight affordable SR-22 options but report mixed customer service.

Are The General insurance reviews on Yelp helpful?

You’ll find The General car insurance reviews on Yelp vary widely, with praise for accessibility and criticism for billing issues and slow claim response.

How accurate is The General insurance quote online?

You can expect The General quote tool to give you a ballpark figure, but your final monthly rate will depend on your driving history and state. See how your clean or risky driving history influences collision auto insurance in your state today.

What is The General insurance phone number for claims or support?

You can call The General car insurance phone number at 1-800-280-1466, available 24/7 for claims and general support. Compare The General auto insurance to top providers using our free quote comparison tool.

Melanie Musson

Published Insurance Expert

Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...

Published Insurance Expert

Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

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

Free Insurance Quote Comparison

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.

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